Is attendance at the StartWeek compulsory?
Yes, StartWeek is an integral part of the Assessment Year curriculum. It prepares newly entering students for the start of their studies in terms of organisation, academic content and social interaction.
What can I expect in terms of content during StartWeek?
The week combines work on an interdisciplinary case study with administrative introductions (including the library, IT and study organisation) and provides opportunities for socialising with other first-year students.
Is there a special arrangement for students performing military service?
Yes. For those performing military service, there is a shortened two-day StartWeek. Please register in good time by emailing startwoche@unisg.ch. Officers who are starting their studies later should also inform the Military Liaison Office.
What is the difference between the German and English tracks?
In the University of St.Gallen’s Assessment Year, you can choose between two language tracks, which differ not only in the language of instruction but also in the specialisation options:
This structure allows students to complete the Assessment Year in their preferred language of instruction.
How can I make an informed decision about which of the two language tracks (German or English) to choose?
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they have sufficient language skills to successfully complete the Assessment Year. We recommend that, before starting your studies, you have already achieved at least level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in the respective track language.
Free placement tests are available on the HSG Language Services website to help you choose between the English- or German-language tracks.
What changes will be implemented in the Assessment Year from the Autumn Semester of 2026?
From the Autumn Semester of 2026, the Assessment Year will be enhanced with the addition of the International Affairs specialisation. Furthermore, all students in the Economics and Law Assessment Year specialisations will now take Political Science as a compulsory subject. In this way, the University of St.Gallen is strengthening the Assessment Year’s role in helping students find their way into their Bachelor Majors after passing their Assessment Year.
What can I expect from the compulsory course Political Science?
In the compulsory course Political Science A (Autumn semester), you will learn how political decisions are made and implemented in societies. You will analyse political systems at local, national and international levels and, using the climate crisis as a case study, develop an initial understanding of political science thinking and key analytical approaches.
Can I choose a specialisation in International Affairs during the Assessment Year?
Yes. During the Assessment Year in economics, you have the opportunity to opt for the ‘International Affairs’ specialisation by 30 November and switch to this specialisation in the spring semester. In addition to Political Science A, you will then take Political Science B. There, you will deepen your knowledge of international relations, comparative government, international political economy and international organisations. The courses are taught in German and English.
How is the Assessment Year structured, and what does it cover?
The Assessment Year is the first year of the Bachelor’s programmes in Economics, Law and International Affairs. It comprises three main areas:
The Assessment Year combines contact teaching (lectures and seminars) with self-study, thereby promoting sustainable and independent learning.
Which compulsory and elective courses are included in the core studies during the Assessment Year?
The core studies form the foundation of the Assessment Year. All students take the following compulsory courses:
Depending on the chosen specialisation for the Assessment Year, the following two elective courses must be added:
What is the contextual studies curriculum and what content can I expect?
The contextual studies curriculum complements your core studies by providing interdisciplinary perspectives. It includes:
What is the aim of the contextual studies courses in the field of Skills?
You will learn the core methods of academic work and decision-making – in a practical, interactive and interdisciplinary manner.
Do I have to complete the contextual studies courses in the field of Skills as part of a team?
Whilst the examination in academic writing is taken individually, the integrative project is completed in fixed teams.
Are there graded exams in the contextual studies courses in the field of Skills?
Yes. Both courses (Introduction to Academic Writing in the Autumn semester and the Integrative Project in the Spring semester) conclude with graded exams.
What is the purpose of the contextual studies courses in the field of Cultural and Social Sciences?
You will learn more about the broader social, cultural and historical context of the core subjects, discover new perspectives, learn to reflect critically on developments and consider possibilities for the future.
What exactly do I have to do in the contextual studies courses in the field of Cultural and Social Sciences?
There are two disciplines: Cultural studies (‘History/Philosophy’) and Social Sciences (‘Psychology/Sociology’). In the Assessment Year, you will attend a one-semester seminar in one subject from cultural studies (history or philosophy) and one subject from social sciences (psychology or sociology), each comprising two hours per week.
In the Spring semester, you will then take a course from the other discipline.
In this way, you will engage with both disciplines over the course of the academic year.
How do I choose my seminar in the contextual studies courses in the field of Cultural and Social Sciences?
Seminar selection is generally carried out via the bidding system (course allocation system). For the Autumn semester, the bidding process is part of the StartWeek programme. For the Spring semester, the bidding takes place towards the end of the Autumn semester.
Which exams are required for the contextual studies courses in the field of Cultural and Social Sciences?
In the Autumn semester, you will be required to take an oral exam (Part A). In the Spring semester, you will be required to write a seminar paper (Part B).
Do I have to take a foreign language course during the Assessment Year?
Yes, you must provide proof of language proficiency during the Assessment Year – by taking a written and oral examination at the University of St.Gallen. External certificates are not accepted.
Which foreign languages can I choose during the Assessment Year?
The following are available: Chinese, German as a foreign language, Portuguese, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and Arabic.
Do I need prior knowledge for language courses taken as part of the contextual studies courses in the field of foreign languages?
This depends on the language chosen and the target level. For some languages, such as Chinese, Japanese, Russian or Arabic, no prior knowledge is required. For other courses – for example, English, German or French at a higher level – prior language skills are required. The HSG Language Services offer placement tests to help students choose the appropriate course level and also provide advice.
Are there preparatory courses for the German and English Assessment Year tracks?
Yes. The HSG Language Services offer intensive courses in German and English to help students prepare for the language requirements of their chosen Assessment Year track before the official start of their studies. These courses are particularly helpful for students whose chosen language of instruction is not their mother tongue.
Do I absolutely have to pass the accounting exam?
Yes. The accounting exam is compulsory for all students and must be passed before starting the Bachelor’s major.
When does the accounting exam take place?
The exam is offered three times a year. You can find the exact dates in the Course and Examination Fact Sheet Accounting.
Is there a course offered to prepare for the accounting exam?
Yes. An introductory course takes place in the Autumn semester, covering the basics of accounting – ideal for exam preparation.
What happens if I am unable to attend all lectures at the start of the Assessment Year or during the semester?
At the University of St.Gallen, the principle of personal responsibility applies: if you miss lectures – whether due to national service, military service, illness, family commitments or other personal reasons – it is your responsibility to catch up on the missed material.
We recommend that you network with fellow students at an early stage to obtain lecture notes, handouts or important information.
Who is eligible for an individual extension of the Assessment Year?
An individual extension is available to students facing challenging health circumstances, those with family commitments, or elite athletes. The aim is to reduce the frequency of exams and allow more time for academic study. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice from the Dean’s Advisory Office (assessment@unisg.ch) at an early stage.
What applies to students already enrolled when the Assessment Year is updated staring from the Autumn semester of 2026?
Students who have not completed the ‘Scientific Term Paper’ course by the end of the Spring semester of 2026 will automatically be transferred to the new study regulations. For all students already enrolled, the transitional regulations with the corresponding transfer rules apply.
When is the Assessment Year regarded as passed?
The Assessment Year is successfully completed if you achieve 60 credits, have an overall grade point average of at least 4.00, pass the accounting exam, have no more than 12 minus credit points (M-NCPs) and have also completed an initial foreign language course.
What happens if I fail the Assessment Year, and what do I need to bear in mind?
Anyone who fails the Assessment Year may only retake it once, and must do so in its entirety. No credits can be transferred. In this case, all modules – with the exception of the accounting exam (if passed) – must be retaken in a second attempt.
Can I retake the Assessment Year more than once?
No. Failing the second attempt means that it is no longer possible to continue studying in the same subject area at the University of St.Gallen.
Does the choice of track language during the Assessment Year affect my subsequent Bachelor’s major?
In principle, your choice of track language during the Assessment Year has no impact on your subsequent Bachelor’s degree programme. Regardless of whether you have completed the German- or English-language Assessment Year track, upon successful completion of the Assessment Year in Economics, Law and International Affairs, you can progress to the Bachelor’s level in any major leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. As a general rule, please note the respective entry requirements for each major.
Which Bachelor’s majors can I choose after the Assessment Year?
Upon successful completion of the Assessment Year in Economics, Law and International Affairs, you can – regardless of the Assessment language track – choose between various Bachelor’s majors (specialisations):
Changing your field of study within the Bachelor’s majors is generally possible, but requires you to catch up on individual modules and meet the respective admission requirements.
What do I need to bear in mind if I am aiming for a Bachelor’s in Computer Science?
Please note that a Bachelor’s major (B.Sc.) in Computer Science (BCS) is only possible if you have successfully completed the Assessment Year in Computer Science.
When and how can I enrol for my Bachelor’s major?
Enrolment takes place during the semester enrolment period via Compass. Definitive admission to the major is only granted after the successful completion of the Assessment Year, including proof of accounting.
Can I change my specialisation after the Assessment Year?
A change of specialisation is possible under certain conditions – but not to or from Computer Science. Any missing examination components must be retaken. Further information can be found in the Implementaion Provisions, Admission Regulations, Art. 15.
