To apply for SuM, you must submit a personal essay (max. 1 page), a CV (max. 1 page), and a current grade transcript (at least from the first semester of the assessment year) via Compass by 30 June . Please compile all documents into a single PDF in the following order: “Personal Essay – CV – Grade Transcript” and name the file Surname_Firstname_SuM.pdf . All documents must be submitted in English . The essay must not exceed one page and must answer one of the following questions : How can you contribute to the peer community fostered within SuM through your life experience and personality? SuM creates a community of learners who are open and curious—and who want to use this to have an impact on sustainability. When in your life (academic or personal) have you been particularly excited about learning? What motivates you most when you think about SuM? Collaboration is a core principle of the SuM learning journey and requires us to get to know our cooperation partners as individuals. Write a letter to a future SuM fellow student to help you get to know each other better. Important : The essay will be treated confidentially by the selection committee and used solely for the purposes of this application process.

Integrative Sustainability Management (SuM-HSG)

Q: Language

All compulsory courses in SuM are taught in English . Core electives can be taken either in English or German .

Q: Admission requirements

The teaching programme is open to students from all bachelor’s degree programmes (majors) after successful completion of the assessment year.

Q: Selection

For admission to SuM, we take a holistic view of your application. Your CV provides insight into your experiences, interests, and activities; your transcript of records shows your academic performance; and the essay helps us better understand your ideas and what matters to you. Our goal is to admit a cohort of students from all bachelor’s programmes at the University of St.Gallen (HSG) with diverse backgrounds, interests, and worldviews. We want to understand how SuM can support you on your journey and what you, in turn, can contribute to SuM.

Why join the SuM-HSG?

With the SuM-HSG, you don't just study sustainability. You actually build the real-world network, solutions, and skills that will put you at the forefront of the future of business.

Apply here

Programme

Curriculum

Photo Gallery

“Franziska Roeder (Sustainability Manager, SIEMENS Smart Infrastructure)”

For companies like Siemens, sustainability today requires leaders who can respond to evolving environmental and societal imperatives—while maintaining a reflective business mindset. We need professionals who understand complex, interconnected systems, think analytically and creatively, and can translate sustainability challenges into strategic, value‑creating action. The Bachelor Certificate in Integrative Sustainability Management (SuM-HSG) at the University of St. Gallen develops exactly these capabilities, including systems thinking, resilience, and leadership skills, combined with the ability to influence stakeholders and navigate changing environmental debates constructively. They approach sustainability not as a purely theoretical discipline, but as a core business responsibility—enabling the inclusion of social and environmental targets in business strategy.

“Alexander Naumann (SuM-HSG Student)”

The SuM Certificate Programme nudged me toward a clearer sense of where I want to take my career. What I treasure most, however, is the community and the remarkable people I had the privilege of meeting along the way.

“Simona Weber (Consultant , UNEP-FI)”

What we observe across UNEP FI’s global network is a clear acceleration: sustainability factors are becoming financially material and increasingly shaping how financial institutions assess risk and allocate capital, with climate and nature-related risks set to become among the most significant financial risks of the coming decade. This shift calls for leaders who can think in systems and translate sustainability into actionable financial insights, from strengthening risk management to identifying new opportunities. Programs like the Integrative Sustainability Management (SuM-HSG) at the University of St. Gallen help build these capabilities, critical for a financial system that is resilient and able to support a stable, sustainable real economy.

“Maya Sangtani (SuM-HSG Student)”

The SuM helped me find a like-minded, close-knit community within HSG, that I’m sure will outlast the certificate program. Finding these people has been incredibly meaningful. The lectures are always inspiring and thought-provoking, and they’ve not only deepened my understanding of topics like sustainable business models and growth but also helped me reflect on whether a impact-oriented career is the right path for me.

“Juri Peters (SuM-HSG Student)”

The SuM-programme has been an integral part in shaping my academic focus and fostering a sense of community at HSG. The impact-oriented courses paired with a lot of independent project work have helped me in developing useful skills for tackling complex topics such as international development and sustainable transition processes. The SuM was the perfect addition to my studies and I will forever be grateful for the amazing people I have been able to meet during my time!

“Denise Kemter (SuM-HSG Student)”

Joining the SuM Program was by far one of the best decisions I made during my studies at HSG. The open-minded community, the strong knowledge sharing between professors and students, and the many practical insights have truly enriched my bachelor’s experience.

“Tobias Meier (SuM-HSG Student)”

The SuM program has been a great addition to my studies, especially since I could seamlessly credit several courses toward my Bachelor’s degree. It’s been a journey of personal growth where I’ve moved from theory to hands-on experience through projects like the BaseCamp in Lenzerheide and the Final Project, all while finding a community of like-minded peers who have become close friends.

Collaborations in the past

Events

HSG Events

Thu

28.05.

15:30

16:30

2026

Info events

SuM-HSG Virtual Information Event

From Immersion to Insight to Impact

Speaker:

Location:

Online

east

Social Media

FAQ

Languageexpand_less

All compulsory courses in SuM are taught in English. Core electives can be taken either in English or German.

Admission requirementsexpand_less

The teaching programme is open to students from all bachelor’s degree programmes (majors) after successful completion of the assessment year.

Application processexpand_less

To apply for SuM, you must submit a personal essay (max. 1 page), a CV (max. 1 page), and a current grade transcript (at least from the first semester of the assessment year) via Compass by 30 June.

Please compile all documents into a single PDF in the following order: “Personal Essay – CV – Grade Transcript” and name the file Surname_Firstname_SuM.pdf. All documents must be submitted in English.

The essay must not exceed one page and must answer one of the following questions:

How can you contribute to the peer community fostered within SuM through your life experience and personality?
SuM creates a community of learners who are open and curious—and who want to use this to have an impact on sustainability. When in your life (academic or personal) have you been particularly excited about learning? What motivates you most when you think about SuM?
Collaboration is a core principle of the SuM learning journey and requires us to get to know our cooperation partners as individuals. Write a letter to a future SuM fellow student to help you get to know each other better.

Important: The essay will be treated confidentially by the selection committee and used solely for the purposes of this application process.

Application deadlineexpand_less

You can submit your application documents via Compass from 1 February to 30 June 2026.

Selectionexpand_less

For admission to SuM, we take a holistic view of your application. Your CV provides insight into your experiences, interests, and activities; your transcript of records shows your academic performance; and the essay helps us better understand your ideas and what matters to you.

Our goal is to admit a cohort of students from all bachelor’s programmes at the University of St.Gallen (HSG) with diverse backgrounds, interests, and worldviews. We want to understand how SuM can support you on your journey and what you, in turn, can contribute to SuM.

Costsexpand_less

For regularly enrolled students in an HSG bachelor’s programme, there are no additional fees.

Programme structureexpand_less

The Base Camp marks the start of SuM and offers an immersive study week on the fundamentals of sustainability. It is followed by the introductory course and the core electives, before the final project with practice partners concludes the programme. In the area of compulsory electives, there are opportunities for ECTS accreditation.

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