Are you passionate about making the world more sustainable — and ready to turn that passion into action?
The Global Sustainability Management (GSM) joint programme is for students who want to understand global challenges and create real solutions.
We’re looking for students who…
💚 Care deeply about sustainability
You’re curious, motivated, and have a clear sense of why global sustainability matters to you. You can connect your experiences and goals to what the programme offers.
📖 Show academic dedication
You’ve made steady progress in your studies and have a solid academic foundation. Maybe you’ve already explored sustainability or related topics — through classes, projects, or personal engagement.
🌍 Think globally, act collaboratively
You enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and want to learn from diverse perspectives. You’re open-minded, reflective, and ready to grow.
If this sounds like you — the GSM programme might be your next big step toward creating change.
To apply for the GSM Programm, students must have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree with a minimum grade point average of 4.50, rounded to two decimal points.
English language test results (see section "English language requirements for the GSM application").
All complete application files will be evaluated and applicants meeting all requirments will be invited to an interview.
The interview will take place on Friday, 6 March 2026. It is not possible to advance or postpone the interview. Since the time of the interview is given on very short notice, students are urged to keep the day free. The interview will last approx. 30 minuntes per applicant and is mandatory to attend!
Students who, by successfully passing stages 1 to 3, prove to have a potential GSM profile will be admitted to the GSM programme.
The first GSM semester will be spent together with the whole EU-wide GSM cohort at a predetermined GSM school.
Cohort fall 2026 / spring 2027 - starting in fall 2026 at WU (Vienna, Austria)
Cohort spring 2027 / fall 2027 - starting in spring 2027 at Hanken University (Helsinki, Finland)
A second term abroad is optional and subject to availability of free slots at the different GSM schools. There is no guarantee that you will be allocated a second term abroad out of your prioritised list. Students not allocated a slot will spend their second GSM semester at their home university.
If you wish to spend the second GSM term abroad you can indicate your preferences (in order of priority) in the online application. Minimum 1, maximum 9 choices can be selected.
The allocation of term abroad places at the different GSM Partner Universities will take place after the student's final acceptance to the GSM joint programme. Term abroad places will be allocated by the GSM "Global Office" in Vienna.
After the application process is completed, the GSM admission documents, including the information of the university for the term(s) abroad, will be published in the Mobility-Online portal. Details regarding the GSM curriculum as well as maintaining enrolment status at the HSG while abroad will also be available. The host university will forward detailed information on the studies abroad (visa requirements, housing opportunities, courses, etc.) to the students concerned in due time before the semester starts.
HSG students may participate in the GSM as of their third semester at HSG. The application to GSM is done one year earler to the actual starting semester.
The application must be submitted online through the Mobility-Online portal. You can find the link to the application at a later stage here.
Monday, 2 March 2026 – 16.00 (St. Gallen time) The online application opens on Monday, 16 February 2026 and closes on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 16.00 (St. Gallen time). The GSM online application form including an original signature and all required documents must be uploaded to the Mobility-Online portal by Monday, 2 March 2026, 16.00 (St. Gallen time).
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
In order to be admitted to the selection process students must demonstrate a good knowledge of English. Therefore, one of the following certificates or tests must be provided:
The results must be uploaded to the Mobility-Online portal no later than Monday, 2 March 2026, 16.00 (St. Gallen time). Be sure to plan your test early enough, as no exceptions can be made.
The test may not be more than two years old by the date of the GSM programme application deadline i.e. the test must have been taken on or after 2 March 2024. Test results from test dates on or prior to 1 March 2024 cannot be accepted. Fulfilment of the HSG Foreign Language Requirements in English is NOT sufficient for the GSM application.
GSM applicants are expected to provide the following documentation in English.
Bachelor’s transcript and bachelor’s degree.
Current transcript of records of master’s degree programme (if available)
Curriculum vitae (CV): Showing extracurricular activities, work experience and social and practical engagement with respect to global sustainability (max. one page)
Motivation letter (max. 700 words) stating your motivation and interest in the GSM programme AND answering the following three questions:
- In your opinion, what are the central challenges in sustainability that organizations face today?
- How does your personal experience relate to the GSM programme?
- Which expectations do you have for the GSM programme?
If you want to spend the second GSM semester at a Partner University, you may select up to 9 GSM partners in the order of your preference. An overview of GSM Partner Universities can be found here.
When making your selections, please also consider criteria such as local language, language of instruction, semester dates, course offer, cost of living, travel advisories, etc.
For further information please see the following pages:
Please carefully read the Terms and Conditions before applying to the GSM Programme.
Please note that the first GSM semester MUST be spent abroad. It is your responsibility to consult the below overview to decide when the GSM best fits into your Master studies. The timing of the term abroad may impose certain curricular requirements. Please also see further info, on the StudentWeb Page for outgoing students.
