Welcome to St.Gallen
Grüezi and welcome to the University of St.Gallen (HSG).
We are happy about your interest in studying at the University and spending some time living in St.Gallen. Studying at a different university in a new country will probably mean that things work differently than what you are used to. We want you to feel prepared upon your arrival for your guest stay in St.Gallen and have put together all the information you need before, during and after you guest stay at HSG. Please use the tabs below to navigate between the fields of Why St.Gallen, Incoming Programmes for Guest Students, Study at the University of St.Gallen and Living in St.Gallen.
For many students an exchange semester at another university is one of the most formative experiences of their university years. We strive to enable as many students as possible to benefit from an exchange and offer a variety of options for shaping the course of your studies. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your academic and personal development.
You will find an overview of all matters related to your academic studies at the University of St.Gallen below.
Structure
HSG runs seven schools: the School of Management, the School of Finance, the School of Economics and Political Science, the Law School, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Computer Science and the School of Medicine. These seven schools employ about 90 professors and more than 550 lecturers. Besides teaching, they also do research at the HSG’s 42 institutes and research centres. Well-known for high quality education and research as well as close links to national, international and private enterprises, the institutes prepare students for a career in management, economics, law and international law. The institutes provide opportunities for students to implement their knowledge on both the practical and research level, with over 100 spin-off companies attesting to the success of this concept. In addition, many are engaged in mandates with industry, public administration and political authorities.
A unique feature of studies at HSG are the compulsory Contextual Studies: Students have to take courses in related fields of social science and humanities to understand that economic decisions are always part and parcel of a social, cultural and historical framework and must therefore be understood in an integrative manner.
Academics
Since its founding, the education and training offered by the University of St.Gallen (HSG) have been characterised by a close affinity to the working world. The practical application of innovative management theories, close ties to the business world, and the success of our graduates, have all contributed to our status as one of the leading business universities in Europe.
Language of Instruction
The languages of instruction at the University of St.Gallen are German and English. A broad variety of Bachelor and Master programmes are offered in English (see table below).
German Language
You have the opportunity to take German language classes throughout your semester at the University of St.Gallen. While the intensive German course during the orientation programme may be your first experience with the language, we encourage you to continue learning the language during the semester in one of the many German language courses.
HSG has had one of the highest numbers of international students for decades. Through its links with 200 partner universities worldwide, HSG offers many exchange and double degree opportunities. As a part of CEMS, PIM, APSIA, GBSN and UNICON networks, the university supports its global connections. Students from 80 different nations are represented in our international student population of 34%, and the 700 guest students contribute to a truly international campus
An international focus is essential for our university. We are active on several levels: HSG hubs in Singapore and Sao Paulo, the Asia Research Center, the Sino-Swiss Management Training Programme and the Centro Latinoamericano-Suizo de la Universidad de San Gallen. We also support an array of local initiatives, such as providing the St.Gallen-Lake Constance region the impulse for numerous entrepreneurial ventures. These agreements enable us to welcome guest students each year.
Student clubs and initiatives
HSG students are involved on campus in a number of ways. This includes any of the more than 150 student clubs and associations which guest students are encouraged to join.
BuddySystem
As a division of the Student Union, the BuddySystem is a group of student volunteers who help out new guest students at the University with guidance and information from a student᾽s perspective. The BuddySystem matches local students with guest students, so that students can contact each other before even setting foot in St.Gallen. Once guest students arrive, they can then look forward to the Buddy System᾽s full calendar of social activities. Excursions to other Swiss cities, international dinners, ski trips and even visits to chocolate factories provide unforgettable memories and a chance to forge lasting friendships.
Tandem
Guest students can join TANDEM, which brings together two students with different linguistic backgrounds who teach each other their respective language in an informal setting.
Career Services Center
The Career Services Center of the University of St.Gallen is the central contact point for our students with regard to their entry into professional life. The CSC team consists of coaches and career advisers who have extensive know-how from various industries and fields. Their aim is to support students in their career planning and in the realisation of their career steps according to their requirements.
HSG Talents Conference
The HSG TALENTS Conference is the HSG’s official recruiting event. It provides our students with the excellent opportunity to establish contact with more than 100 national and international companies, to market themselves and to extend their network. The HSG TALENTS Conference is one of the biggest events of this type in the German-speaking area.
University facilities
The University of St.Gallen offers the latest facilities and services to support individual and collaborative learning, including web-based communication platforms and wireless LAN. The Library maintains the best traditions of its trade , yet is up-to-date and modern in design: it has books, journal volumes and non-books (DVDs, audiobooks, CDs), e-books and e-journals. On the main campus, a university restaurant offers a wide selection of meals for large and small appetites. There is also a student bar and several cafeterias where you can enjoy a pleasant coffee break.
To keep body and mind in balance, the University provides a gym, weights rooms, football pitch, tennis, basketball and beach volleyball courts. The University’s attractive location between Lake Constance and the Alps makes St. Gallen an ideal setting for all kinds of leisure activities, such as rock-climbing and sailing. The so-called “Three Ponds” are only a few minutes’ walk from the city centre: the three small lakes on a hill on the outskirts of the city serve as public swimming pools in the summer and as ice rinks in cold winters. The Peter and Paul Wildlife Park is situated near the University and is popular with students who want to go jogging and walking.
St.Gallen
St.Gallen offers its approximately 80,000 inhabitants a historically valuable old town. The narrow streets with many shops, cosy restaurants and bars at every corner create an atmosphere you can’t help falling in love with. The Abbey District, with the baroque cathedral and Abbey Library, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thus of international significance. Further cultural highlights include performances at the City Theatre, the Concert Hall, the St.Gallen Festivals, as well as exhibitions in numerous museums. Particularly popular with students is the St.Gallen Open Air, a three-day music festival witch bands and artists from around the world.
Also check out the Instragram account of #thisismysaintgallen
Living Expenses
Although Switzerland is not famous for its affordability, St.Gallen is one of the less expensive cities in Switzerland. You can expect monthly expenditures of about CHF 2᾽000.00. This includes rent, food, texts and travel expenses, but can vary depending on individual needs.
Switzerland
Few countries of Switzerland᾽s size can boast such a panorama of landscapes and settings, from the cosmopolitan centres of Zurich and Geneva to dramatic alpine mountain ranges to the tranquil lakes of the Mediterranean-like Ticinio. Switzerland, while of course famous for chocolate, watches, and banks, offers other facets to be discovered. Sport and outdoor enthusiasts will not lack for activities regardless of the season. The culturally inclined will fi nd a country with a rich and varied history and any number of cultural events and venues to enjoy. Four national languages - German, French, Italian, and Romansch - distinguish the Swiss landscape, with cultural and linguistic identity closely intertwined. While this multilingualism underlines the country᾽s long tradition of unity in diversity, today᾽s global trends are also influencing
Switzerland᾽s demographics: 23% of the 8 million residents are international and many Swiss themselves have ethnic roots beyond Switzerland᾽s borders. Switzerland is located literally in the heart of Europe. A reliable and extensive national train and bus system provides access to just about every corner of the country and also easy connections to neighboring countries. Three international airports in Zurich, Basel and Geneva serve as hubs for those seeking more distant destinations for a weekend getaway. With its steady economy and stable political climate, Switzerland offers a high living standard within a safe environment. Students seeking a study abroad opportunity will find Switzerland the perfect setting in which to experience an unforgett- able stay. Unique to this small country is its strong federalism. This is expressed in two ways: In the strong autonomy of the 26 cantons and their municipalities, as well as in their direct participation in political decision-making. It is not only the cantons that have a major influence – the individual citizens also do. This is the result of the country’s direct democracy: People‘s initiatives and referendums (polls held every quarter) give citizens the chance to influence the government.
For many students an exchange semester at another university is one of the most formative experiences of their university years. We strive to enable as many students as possible to benefit from an exchange and offer a variety of options for shaping the course of your studies. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your academic and personal development.
As a student from one of our partner universities, you have the opportunity to spend one or two exchange semester per degree level at the University of St.Gallen.
Swiss Mobility is the right exchange programme for you if you want to go on exchange within Switzerland. This exchange programme enables students from other Swiss universities to spend one or two exchange semester at HSG.
You may spend a guest semester at the University of St.Gallen as a Freemover, if you are enrolled at a university that is neither a HSG partner university nor a university of applied sciences.
The guest auditor and individual course participation programmes are for students who are interested in taking part in a HSG course outside of the public programme or attending only a specific HSG course.
As a student from one of our HSG partner universities, you have the opportunity to spend one or two exchange semester per degree level at the University of St.Gallen.
The ISP short term programme is designed exclusively for MBA students from our HSG partner universities. This 10-week programme provides you a unique opportunity to gain profound and lasting insight into the European business world.
As a THEMIS master student studying law and/or business law at a THEMIS partner university, you have the opportunity to spend one exchange semester at HSG in St.Gallen to deepen your knowledge and skills in business law.
Do you want to spend your CEMS exchange semester at University of St.Gallen? The CEMS MIM programme in St.Gallen is open to students enrolled in the CEMS programme at their home university.
Swiss Mobility is the right exchange programme for you if you want to go on exchange within Switzerland. This exchange programme enables students from other Swiss universities to spend one or two exchange semester at HSG.
You may spend a guest semester at the University of St.Gallen as a Freemover, if you are enrolled at a university that is neither a HSG partner university nor a university of applied sciences.
The guest auditor and individual course participation programmes are for students who are interested in taking part in a HSG course outside of the public programme or attending only a specific HSG course.
The Swiss government awards various scholarships to international postgraduate students and researchers.
The Global School in Empirical Research Methods welcomes Ph.D. students and postdocs from partner and non-partner institutions for a three-week integrated programme teaching methodology.
The guest auditor and individual course participation programmes are for students who are interested in taking part in a HSG course outside of the public programme or attending only a specific HSG course.
For your study experience at the University of St.Gallen we have put together all the information you need before, during and after your stay at HSG.
You will find an overview of all matters related to your academic studies at the University of St.Gallen below.
Bodensee Summer School (IBH)
For all guest students starting their exchange semester(s) at HSG in the Autumn semester, the IBH (a network of universities around Lake Constance) organises a summer school including a language course and several cultural and sightseeing events. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know fellow exchange students, to get familiar with the Lake Constance area and to practice your German. You can register for the Summer School during your Mobility-Online registration process for your application at HSG. Please find detailled information on the Bodensee Summer School on the website of the University of Constance.
Intensive German Language Course
For guest students we offer a free, optional 10-day intensive German course at the University of St.Gallen before the beginning of each semester. Details about the pre-semester German language course will be sent by e-mail approximately one month before the semester begins. To enrol in this pre-semester German course, you must register for it when you complete your online-application. Please note that if you plan to take German language classes at the university during the semester, you must take this pre-semester course. An overview of the German courses offered at the University of St.Gallen is available here.
Orientation programme
To ensure an easy introduction into your exchange semester in St.Gallen, we offer an orientation programme for guest students prior to the start of the semester. This programme provides you with information regarding the registration process at HSG (Student ID, Login to the University Network), the city of St.Gallen and you will receive the welcome package with additional useful information. You are not able to access the University platforms without the information given in the orientation programme and therefore all guest students are required to take part in the orientation programme. Please check the schedule of the Orientation Programme.
Do you want to represent your home university at HSG?
Your home country and your home university are exciting, breathtakingly beautiful and the place to be? Take the chance and tell HSG students who might want to spend a semester abroad why an exchange semester at your home university would be an unforgettable experience and what makes your home country so special!
In the autumn semester, guest students from abroad have the opportunity to represent their home university during our International Day. Bring promotional material such as brochures, posters etc. along with you or ask your home university to mail it to you. Please find the application form here.
| When? 28.September 2022 | Where? SQUARE, Atrium | More information? Check out the flyer with details |
Please note that more detailed information is available in the Course and examination fact sheet for guest students. We highly recommend to read the course and exam fact sheet in order to prepare for a successful time at the University of St.Gallen.
Course information
The definite course list for the upcoming semester will be available on the online timetable about one month before the semester begins. If you would like to inform yourself in advance about the courses offered, we recommend that you refer to the course information of the respective semester of the previous year, as not all courses are offered each semester.
For further information, follow the links, choose " Courses in English" and your level of study.
Course system
At HSG, the course numbers correspond to the respective semester and level of study. Please check the table below to become familiar with the semester and level of study specific course numbers. The number before the comma indicates the level of study and either Autumn or Spring semester whereas the numbers behind the comma indicate the course number. By doing so, students know what level the course is they are looking at and in which semester the course takes place. We highly recommend that you choose courses based on your current level of study at your home university.
| Autumn semester | Spring semester | ||
| Course number | Course number | Level | Remarks |
| 1,000 - 1,999 | 2,000 - 2,999 | Assessment | First year of Bachelor education - Not open to guest students - Except language courses which are open to guest students |
| 3,000 - 3,999 5,000 - 5,999 | 4,000 - 4,999 6,000 - 6,999 | Bachelor | Bachelor courses are open to all guest students* |
| 7,000 - 7,999 9,000 - 9,999 11,000 - 11,999 | 8,000 - 8,999 11,000 - 11,999 | Master | Master courses are open to all Master guest students* Bachelor guest students may attend Master courses if necessary and if prerequisites are fully met. The following courses are not open to Bachelor guest students: - Core courses of all Master programmes - SIM courses |
| 10,000 -10,999 | 10,000 - 10,999 | Ph.D. | Not open to guest students |
| *Courses not open to any guest students: - Capstone Project courses of the Bachelor in Business Administration - CEMS courses (only for CEMS guest students) - Business Journalism courses - Business teacher education courses - MBA programmes |
Course registration - Bidding
At HSG, all students follow a course registration procedure (bidding) in order to enrol in their courses. Students have a certain number of virtual points which they can use in an auction-like procedure to bid for their courses. The bidding procedure starts approximately two weeks prior to the beginning of the lecture period. Detailed information is available in the fact sheet “Bidding fact sheet guest students”.
Guest students will be informed about the bidding procedure one month before the lecture period starts by e-mail. The bidding takes place on the student's portal "Compass" and you will receive your provisional user name and login for the portal after you application for a guest semester at the university has been checked by Student Mobility.
We highly recommend that you read the bidding fact sheet carefully in order to understand and follow the procedure once it begins.
CEMS guest students refer to the CEMS bidding fact sheet.
Workload
As a guest student, it is compulsory for you during your exchange semester(s) at HSG, to pass at least courses worth of 16 ECTS per semester. The maximum workload must not exceed 40 ECTS per semester. 1 ECTS corresponds to 30 course-related working hours (in and out of class). An average full term workload at HSG corresponds to 24-30 ECTS. We highly recommend that you choose courses based on your current level of study at your home university.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the limitation of course slots, you need to be flexible in your course choices as a guest student at HSG. According to our experience, guest students coming to St.Gallen during the last semester of their degree studies are not that flexible anymore. Therefore, we make you aware of the possible troubles, an unflexibility of course choices could cause, during your last semester of your studies.
We advise and support students with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses at the University of St.Gallen.
If you have a disability or a chronic illness, you face particular challenges in the course of your studies. Many things must be organised, reflected on and requested for you to be able to study as successfully as possible.
The team of special needs advises and supports incoming guest students with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses at the University of St.Gallen.
The University of St.Gallen aims to enable you to have equal opportunities with regard to your studies. We’ll gladly establish together with you what your particular requirements are.
We support you in respect of all issues which are relevant to your studies, and together with you, we champion a University without barriers. No matter whether you require compensation for disadvantages, information or advice regarding infrastructure – we’ll be glad to be of assistance!
Should you need specific support for your studies, please note that prior to submitting a request for study relevant support, a meeting with Special Needs will be required.
Please note: a request for compensation for disadvantages is contingent on a meeting with the Special Needs Advice Center. In order to be able to provide you with the best possible support, it is indispensable that you contact us early on. Subsequently (for instance, after examinations), adaptations are hardly possible at all.
All information is treated confidentially and is subject to data protection and the obligation of secrecy.
If you would like to take advantage of the Special Needs offer, please indicate this in Mobility-Online when you register. Your program manager at the HSG will then contact you before the semester starts.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Special Needs Team: specialneeds@unisg.ch.
For more information, please see:
Accessible University Campus
and
Information for Incoming Guest students concerning Special Needs
Students from our European partner universities are eligible to apply for the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP). This scholarship programme enables Switzerland to participate indirectly in the Erasmus-Programme of the European Union and thus contributes to academic exchange.
Requirements to apply for the scholarship
- Matriculation as a Bachelor or Master student at a European partner university
- Nomination by your home university in due time
- SEMP application completed on time in the Mobility-Online portal
SEMP Application Deadline
- Autumn semester (SEP - DEC): 15 May each year
- Spring semester (FEB - MAY): 30 September each year
Further information on the SEMP application procedure will be sent after you complete your registration for the exchange programme in the Mobility-Online portal.
Payment policy for SEMP grants
For one semester at HSG, eligible students will receive the SEMP grant for five months, for two semesters they will receive the SEMP grant for ten months.
The minimum support period is three months; the maximum support period is twelve months.
| Country of home university | Grant amount per month |
| DK, FI, IE, NO, SE, UK | CHF 380 |
| AT, BE, CZ, DE, ES, FR, HR, HU, IT, NL, PL, PT, TR | CHF 440 |
SEMP/Special Needs
Students with special needs (disability or chronic illness) who have applied for the SEMP scholarship by the deadline can apply for additional SEMP special needs funds. For detailed information please send an e-mail to: exchange@unisg.ch.
Freemovers
Freemovers are not eligible for SEMP scholarships.
Contact
For further information regarding SEMP requirements and procedures, please contact Andrea Häfner from Student Mobility.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide students and researchers of all fields of study holding a Master's or Ph.D. degree from a university the opportunity to continue their studies or research at a public or state-accredited university in Switzerland.
Applications for Swiss government scholarships must be submitted at least one year prior to the beginning of the stay as a guest student.
More information can be found here and Andrea Häfner from Student Mobility is happy to assist you with further questions.
Examination
At HSG there are two different types of examination periods. Central examinations take place after the end of the lecture period and decentral examinations take place within or latest by the end of the lecture period. In case you have been registered for a course where the official examination as stated in the course description is a central examination, you are permitted to take a guest examinations taking place in the decentral examination period.
| Autumn semester | Lecture period September-December | Decentral examinations September-December (before Christmas) | Central examinations January-February |
| Spring semester | Lecture period February-May | Decentral examinations February-May | Central examinations June-July |
Read the course and Course and examination fact sheet for guest students for further information and note that ECTS credits are only awarded for successfully passed examinations and that failed examinations can neither be repeated nor improved through additional assignments.
Students enroled for two exchange semesters
In your first exchange semester at HSG, you are required to take examination sittings as stated in the course description. This may include central examinations. Please see the course description in the course catalogue (the course links) for information on the examination type.
Applying for HSG degree studies?
If you would like to begin a degree study at HSG after you have returned to your home university and finished your course of study there, please note that examinations can only be accredited to your studies at HSG if they are taken at official HSG examination sittings. However, we cannot guarantee the crediting of these examinations. The application for a full course of study at the HSG is reviewed again by the Admission and Crediting Office.
Questions?
Should you have any questions regarding examinations for guest students, grading systems, publication of grades or transcripts, please contact the colleagues by guesttranscripts@unisg.ch.
HSG grades are issued in quarter-steps where 6.0 is the highest and 1.0 is the lowest grade. Satisfactory results are awarded grades from 6.0 to 4.0 while results graded 3.5 to 1.0 are insufficient. The grading scale in detail:
HSG Noten
| 6.0 = | excellent |
| 5.5 = | very good |
| 5.0 = | good |
| 4.5 = | satisfactory |
| 4.0 = | marginal |
| 3.5 = | unsatisfactory |
| 3.0 = | poor |
| 2.5 = | poor to very poor |
| 2.0 = | very poor |
| 1.5 = | very poor to useless |
| 1.0 = | useless |
The grading scale is identical for all levels (Assessment, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.). A grade below 4.0 is insufficient.
Notification of Grades
About seven weeks after the end of your exchange term, we will publish a digital version of your grades on Compass. You will be notified each time by e-mail to your @student.unisg.ch account. Therefore, please check your e-mails regularly, even after your departure. The electronic notification of grades is legally binding. If you wish to appeal the grades, you have to do so within 14 days after the publication of grades on Compass.
Transcripts / Academic Record
After the end of the appeal deadline, your transcript/academic record will be issued and published digitally on Compass. You can verify the transcript using blockchain-technology on verify.unisg.ch. Download the transcript on Compass and use the drag and drop option on verify.unisg.ch to do so. Please forward the transcript/academic record to the coordinator of your home university. Student Mobility Services will not send any transcripts to the home universities.The transcript/academic record will consist of all courses, provided that you have not appealed your grade(s). We will not issue partial transcripts/academic records.
The electronic notification of grades and the academic record will contain course number, course title, HSG grade and ECTS credits.
| Semester | Electronic Notification of Grades and Transcript/Academic Record in Compass of decentral examinations | Electronic Notification of Grades and Transcript/Academic Record in Compass of central examinations |
| Autumn semester | beginning-mid of February | beginning-mid of March |
| Spring semester | mid-end of July | mid-end of August |
Questions?
Should you have any questions regarding examinations for guest students, grading systems, notification of grades or transcripts/academic records, please contact the colleagues by guesttranscripts@unisg.ch.
Living in a new city and a new country will probably mean that things work differently than what you are used to. We want you to feel prepared upon your arrival for your guest stay in St.Gallen and have put together all the information you need regarding visa, insurance and health & safety.
Depending on your nationality you may be required to have a visa before entering Switzerland. Once you have completed the online enrolment procedure at HSG and we have approved your enrolment for your guest stay, we will send you an acceptance letter electronically.
- Citizens of countries where you have to apply for a visa: With the acceptance letter, you can apply for a visa at your nearest Swiss embassy or consulate in your country of residency. After receiving your acceptance letter, you should apply for a visa as soon as possible.
- Citizens of countries where Student Mobility will send you a grant for visa: Wait until you receive the grant for visa to contact the Swiss consulate or embassy in your country of residence. With the grant for visa, the visa application process takes less time.
Please have a look at the table below to see whether your nationality needs to apply for a visa.
| Who? (Citizens of the following countries) | You get What? | How? |
| Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden | Nothing | Neither a visa nor a grant for a residence permit is required prior to arrival in Switzerland. You may enter Switzerland with your passport or Citizen ID. |
| Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Singapore | Grant for a residence permit* | The grant for residence permit will be sent to you (by the end of June for the Autumn term or mid-November for the Spring term) electronically by the Student Mobility Office. You may enter Switzerland with your passport. |
| Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Haiti, Iraq, Iran, Cameroun, Libya, Morocco, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Ruanda, Sri Lanka, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria and Vietnam | Visa application | You must apply directly in person at the Swiss consulate or embassy in your country of residence for the visa. Present your University of St.Gallen acceptance letter to the Swiss representation to apply for the visa. Apply as soon as possible after you have received your acceptance letter from us.You may enter Switzerland with the visa in your passport. |
| all other countries | Grant for a visa* | The visa authorisation form will be sent to you (by the end of June for the Autumn term or mid-November for the Spring term) electronically from the Student Mobility Office. After receiving the form, contact the Swiss consulate indicated in the top right corner of the authorisation form as soon as possible to begin the visa application process. The Swiss consulate should already have a copy of your visa grant on file. |
*Student Mobility will apply on your behalf for the relevant immigration document at the St.Gallen Migration office/Bevölkerungsdienste. The University of St.Gallen is invoiced by the St.Gallen Migration office for your grant for visa/grant for resident permit document. After we send you the document by e-mail, you will be required to reimburse the University of St.Gallen for these costs (CHF 96.-) which must be paid online in advance of your arrival in St.Gallen. Payment is possible by credit card only and must be paid within two weeks after receipt of payment portal information. The link to the payment portal will be sent to you by e-mail.
Please note: If you cancel your exchange semester after we have ordered the permit document, you are still required to reimburse the university for the fees.
A student visa does not entitle you to work. Canton officials must approve an application for a working permit handed in by your employer. Due to current regulations, students without EU/EFTA nationality are highly unlikely to receive a work permit.
If you remain in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a residence permit. With the residence permit, you must register at the Resident's Office in St.Gallen within 14 days of arrival. (More information in the section "After your arrival") The Resident's Office will issue each student a residence permit.
You may bring your family, children etc. to St.Gallen but HSG is not able to assist you with applying for the necessary visas, approval procedures etc.. Information about HSG childcare options can be found under advisory services. If your school-age children travel with you to St.Gallen, you will need to make contact with schools in the area yourself.
All students whose academic stay in St.Gallen is longer than 90 days must register at the St.Gallen Resident's Office within 14 days after arrival. Please see the procedures below according to your citizenship.
What to bring?
What to do?
What now?
What to bring?
What to do?
After processing your biometric data, your residence permit should be issued in approximately 10 days and sent by registered letter to your St.Gallen address.
What now?
What to bring?
What to do?
*The costs for the biometric data processing is CHF 20.- and will be due to pay at the appointment at the St.Gallen Migration Office.
After processing your biometric data, your residence permit should be issued in approximately 10 days and sent by registered letter to your St.Gallen address.
What now?
After your arrival in St.Gallen, it was important that you register at the St.Gallen Resident's Office. Now at the end of your stay, it is important that you de-register from St.Gallen. Please take Form D fill it out and go to the St.Gallen Resident's Office. The Resident's Office will then stamp your Form D and verify your de-registration. After that you can upload the scan of Form D to your Mobility-Online account. You can de-register at the St.Gallen Resident's Office up to one month before your actual departure.
Individuals living in Switzerland for 90 days or more are required by Swiss law to have sufficient health insurance coverage throughout their stay. Normally only Swiss health insurance policies are recognised but if you can provide adequate proof of sufficient health insurance, the St.Gallen Resident's office will accept this. Please see the expanders in the section "After your arrival" (just below) for country-respective information.
| Nationality | Legally required health insurance in | Required documents |
| EU/EFTA or Swiss citizen | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Spain | - European Health Insurance Card or - Health Insurance Certification, signed by your insurance provider at home |
| UK ctizen | UK | - UK Global Health Insurance Card or - European Health Insurance Card or - Health Insurance Certification, signed by your insurance provider at home |
| Non-EU/EFTA or non-Swiss citizen (national of another country, e.g., Chinese national insured in Germany) | Germany | - European Health Insurance Card or - Health Insurance Certification, signed by your insurance provider at home |
| Non-EU/EFTA or non-Swiss citizen (national of another country, e.g., Chinese national insured in France) | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Spain | Health Insurance Certification, signed by your insurance provider at home |
| All other nationalities | Another country (non-EU/EFTA) | - Health Insurance Certification, signed by your insurance provider at home |
In case your health insurance cannot complete the Health Insurance Certification, you must purchase sufficient health insurance in Switzerland. You find a list of reasonable Swiss health insurance providers in the expander below.
Once you are in St.Gallen, you need to show your original Matriculation Confirmation from the University of St.Gallen. You will be able to print out the matriculation confirmation from your mailbox in Compass (student portal) by the end of August (for the Autumn term) or January (for the Spring term). We recommend you to print our the confirmation before you travel to Switzerland.
If you are privately insured, your insurance company must complete the health insurance certification form.
If your insurance company cannot complete the health insurance certification form, you must purchase health insurance in Switzerland.
Monthly rates for health insurance vary from approximately CHF 90 to CHF 290, depending on your age and personal needs.
If you would like to obtain health insurance in Switzerland, you may do so. We have listed a few examples for reasonable health insurance providers below. However, please note that you are fully responsible for researching the details of the different insurers and policies yourself.
| Swisscare Insurance Services (CH) AG Tel.: +41 58 523 00 40 E-Mail: info@swisscare.com |
| SWICA Health Insurance Tel.: +41 71 499 64 64 E-Mail: Kontaktforumlar auf der Website |
| Um weitere Anbieter vergleichen zu können empfehlen wir die Comparis-Webseite. |
Do you have questions regarding proof of health insurance?
Contact the Insurance Department of the St.Gallen Resident's Office by e-mail.
After your arrival in St.Gallen you will be required to demonstrate that you have sufficient health insurance coverage. The documentation required will depend on your nationalty and type of health insurance. See the expanders below and refer to the respective countries.
Please note that you must show a printed proof/scan of your health insurance certificate.
| Nationality | Legally required health insurance in | Required documents |
| EU/EFTA or Swiss citizen who obtain health insurance in an EU/EFTA country | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Spain | - European Health Insurance Card (printed scan of both sides of the card) or - Health Insurance Certification, signed by your insurance provider at home and - Form C: Application for release from Health Insurance Requirement - Original confirmation of matriculation from the University of St.Gallen* |
| *You will be able to print out the matriculation confirmation from your mailbox in Compass (student portal) by the end of August (for the Autumn term) or January (for the Spring term). |
| Nationality | Legally required health insurance in | Required documents |
| Non-EU/EFTA or non-Swiss citizen (national of another country, e.g., Chinese national insured in France) who obtain private health insurance in an EU/EFTA country (except Germany) | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Spain | - European Health Insurance Card (printed scan of both sites of the card) or - Health Insurance Certification, signed by your insurance provider at home and -Form C: Application for release from Health Insurance Requirement - Original confirmation of matriculation from the University of St.Gallen |
| *You will be able to print out the matriculation confirmation from your mailbox in Compass (student portal) by the end of August (for the Autumn term) or January (for the Spring term). |
| Nationality | Legally required health insurance in | Required documents |
| All other nationalities | Another country (non-EU/EFTA) | - Health Insurance Certification, signed by your insurance provider at home and - Form C: Application for release from Health Insurance Requirement - Original confirmation of matriculation from the University of St.Gallen* |
| *You will be able to print out the matriculation confirmation from your mailbox in Compass (student portal) by the end of August (for the Autumn term) or January (for the Spring term). |
| Nationality | Legally required health insurance in | Required documents |
| Another country (non-EU/EFTA, non-Swiss) | Germany | - European Health Insurance Card (printed scan of both sites of the card) or- Health Insurance Certification, signed by your insurance provider at home and - Form C: Application for release from Health Insurance Requirement - Original confirmation of matriculation from the University of St.Gallen* |
| *You will be able to print out the matriculation confirmation from your mailbox in Compass (student portal) by the end of August (for the Autumn term) or January (for the Spring term). |
| Nationality | Legally required health insurance in | Required documents |
| UK | UK | - UK Global Health Insurance Card (printed scan of both sites of the card) or - European Health Insurance Card (printed scan of both sites of the card) or - Health Insurance Certification, signed by your insurance provider at home |
| *You will be able to print out the matriculation confirmation from your mailbox in Compass (student portal) by the end of August (for the Autumn term) or January (for the Spring term). |
If you are privately insured, your insurance company must complete the health insurance certification form.
If your insurance company cannot complete the health insurance certification form, you must purchase health insurance in Switzerland.
Monthly rates for health insurance vary from approximately CHF 90 to CHF 290, depending on your age and personal needs.
If you would like to obtain health insurance in Switzerland, you may do so. We have listed a few examples for reasonable health insurance providers below. However, please note that you are fully responsible for researching the details of the different insurers and policies yourself.
| Swisscare Insurance Services (CH) AG Tel.: +41 58 523 00 40 E-Mail: info@swisscare.com |
| SWICA Health Insurance Tel.: +41 71 499 64 64 E-Mail: Kontaktforumlar auf der Website |
| Um weitere Anbieter vergleichen zu können empfehlen wir die Comparis-Webseite. |
If you would like to obtain health insurance in Switzerland, you may do so. We have listed a few examples for reasonable health insurance providers below. However, please note that you are fully responsible for researching the details of the different insurers and policies yourself.
| Swisscare Insurance Services (CH) AG Phone +41 58 523 00 40 E-mail info@swisscare.com |
| SWICA Health Insurance Phone +41 71 499 64 64 E-mail contact form on the website |
| To compare additional insurance providers, we recommend the Comparis website. |
Besides health insurance, we also recommend that you have a casualty insurance and eventually, a vehicle insurance if you intend to drive a car during your guest stay. You can find detailed information in the "Arrival Guide" to download.
Illness, sickness or actual emergencies can cause disturbance and trouble. We still want you to feel save and advise you, in case of emergency, to see a doctor or a hospital. In St.Gallen we have a modern medical centre with multilingual doctors of various fields of medicine and the hospital located at Rorschacher Strasse 95 (for urgent emergencies). A general overview of the advisory services at HSG is available on StudentWeb under Services - Advisory services.
You find an overview of all Swiss emergency numbers here and on the Emergency Card of the University of St.Gallen.
Switzerland is one of the safest countries worldwide. Yet we want to emphasize that the University Campus is open to the public. We therefore advise you not to leave your belongings unattended and keep your valuables with you.
If you remain in Switzerland for less than 90 days, you may enter the country as a tourist. You are responsible for verifying if a tourist visa is required for your nationality. You are not allowed to work with a tourist visa.
You may bring your family, children etc. to St.Gallen but HSG is not able to assist you with applying for the necessary visas, approval procedures etc.. Information about HSG childcare options can be found under advisory services. If your school-age children travel with you to St.Gallen, you will need to make contact with schools in the area yourself.
Regardless of the length of your stay in Switzerland, we highly recommend that you have sufficient health insurance coverage. It is your responsibility to check for your health insurance at home whether you have sufficient health insurance coverage during your academic stay in Switzerland. Please find a list below with reasonable Swiss health insurance providers.
If you would like to obtain health insurance in Switzerland, you may do so. We have listed a few examples for reasonable health insurance providers below. However, please note that you are fully responsible for researching the details of the different insurers and policies yourself.
| Swisscare Insurance Services (CH) AG Phone +41 58 523 00 40 E-mail info@swisscare.com |
| SWICA Health Insurance Phone +41 71 499 64 64 E-mail contact form on the website |
| To compare additional insurance providers, we recommend the Comparis website. |
Besides health insurance, we also recommend that you have a casualty insurance and eventually, a vehicle insurance if you intend to drive a car during your guest stay. You can find detailed information in the "Arrival Guide" to download.
Illness, sickness or actual emergencies can cause disturbance and trouble. We still want you to feel save and advise you, in case of emergency, to see a doctor or a hospital. In St.Gallen we have a modern medical centre with multilingual doctors of various fields of medicine and the hospital located at Rorschacher Strasse 95 (for urgent emergencies). A general overview of the advisory services at HSG is available on StudentWeb under Services - Advisory services.
You find an overview of all Swiss emergency numbers here and on the Emergency Card of the University of St.Gallen.
Switzerland is one of the safest countries worldwide. Yet we want to emphasize that the University Campus is open to the public. We therefore advise you not to leave your belongings unattended and keep your valuables with you.
University of St.Gallen
External Relations
Student Mobility
Tellstrasse 2
CH-9000 St.Gallen
+41 71 224 23 39
exchange@unisg.ch
exchange.unisg.ch