Enhance your Master Studies with the Real Estate Certificate (REC)
The Real Estate Certificate (REC) is a new additional qualification programme at the University of St. Gallen, starting in the autumn semester 2025. Open to students from all Master’s programmes, the REC offers a comprehensive and practice-oriented introduction to the real estate industry and its evolving market dynamics.
Designed to meet the increasing demand for qualified professionals in the field, the REC equips students with the academic foundation and applied skills required to navigate and shape the future of real estate. The programme focuses on key areas such as economics, finance and management preparing participants to engage critically with the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
The REC comprises a total of 24 ECTS credits. Of these, 8 ECTS are awarded through two compulsory courses that cover the fundamentals of real estate finance, investments, economics, construction, marketing, transaction management and law. An additional 16 ECTS are earned through a selection of compulsory elective courses, allowing for individual academic focus within the broader framework of the programme.
The strong practical orientation of the REC is reflected in its integration of real-world learning formats. Through case studies, guest lectures, team teaching and networking events – developed in cooperation with leading real estate companies in Switzerland – students gain direct exposure to current industry challenges and practical experience in the field.
No. You may apply for the Real Estate Certificate before receiving the admission decision for your Master's programme. Your eligibility for the REC will be assessed internally once your admission status to the main programme is confirmed.
Yes. If you have already begun your Master's studies, you are still eligible to apply. Please note that the maximum allowed study duration at the Master's level cannot be extended due to participation in the REC.
Please refer to the official HSG regulations (Limits on number of semesters, Resolution of the President’s Board of 4.10.2011). In summary:
The maximum number of semesters for supplementary programmes such as the REC corresponds to that of the main Master’s degree.
Students who exceed the allowed semesters without completing their Master’s programme are not eligible for additional qualifications.
The Dean of Studies may extend the duration by up to two semesters, but no further extensions are possible.
No. There are no extra fees for the REC. You will only need to pay the standard semester fees for your Master’s studies at the University of St.Gallen.
Yes. Separate bidding budgets are allocated for your REC and your main Master’s programme. However, if a course counts towards both, the corresponding points will be deducted from both bidding accounts. Compulsory REC courses are exempt from bidding—your spot is guaranteed.
Yes. If the course name and number are identical to those listed for the REC, you may credit them retroactively.
Yes. Attendance in person is required for both compulsory courses of the Real Estate Certificate.
Courses completed abroad may be credited as REC electives—up to a maximum of 8 ECTS—based on individual review by the programme management and the Admissions and Crediting Office, provided the content aligns with the REC's academic scope.
No. The compulsory courses are exclusive to the REC and cannot be counted towards your main Master's degree.
No. If admitted, you must take the first compulsory course in the following autumn semester and the second in the subsequent spring semester. The timing of the elective courses is more flexible.
You may complete your Master’s degree once all its requirements are fulfilled. However, the REC cannot be completed after graduating. You must be enrolled as a Master’s student to finish the certificate.
No. The Real Estate Certificate is only issued in conjunction with the completion of a Master’s degree. The certificate will be awarded once your main degree has been officially completed.
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