The University of St. Gallen (HSG), established in 1898, is one of Europe’s leading business universities located in the picturesque town of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Renowned globally for its excellence in management, economics, finance, law, and international affairs, HSG holds prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. It consistently secures top positions in the Financial Times rankings, with its flagship Master in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) ranked #1 worldwide for several consecutive years.
For Indian students, HSG is an attractive destination due to its fully English-taught Master’s programs, affordable tuition fees, high employability, and strong alumni network in global finance and consulting. With over 9,500 students from more than 90 nationalities, the university offers a truly international environment. While Bachelor’s programs require German C1 proficiency, all major Master’s and PhD programs are conducted entirely in English — making them highly accessible to Indian applicants.
Living costs in St. Gallen range between CHF 1,800–2,500 per month (approximately INR 1.7–2.3 lakhs), covering accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance. The city is just one hour from Zurich by train, offering easy access to global business hubs.
Why Choose University of St. Gallen as an Indian Student?
- 100% English-Taught Master’s Programs – No German required
- Top Global Rankings – #1 in FT Master’s in Management (SIM-HSG)
- 95% Placement Rate within 3 months of graduation
- Average Starting Salary: CHF 100,000+ (INR 95 lakhs+)
- Affordable Fees: Only CHF 3,329 per semester for international students
- 6-Month Post-Study Work Visa for non-EU graduates
- Strong Indian Student Community and active South Asian societies
University of St. Gallen Courses & Fees for Indian Students (2025-26)
HSG follows a semester-based fee structure instead of annual tuition. All international students (including Indians) pay a flat fee of CHF 3,329 per semester (INR 3.16 lakhs at 1 CHF = INR 95). This fee includes tuition, examination charges, and basic student services.
Note: PhD students often receive salaried research assistantships (CHF 50,000–60,000/year), effectively covering fees and living costs.
Popular English-Taught Master’s Programs
| Program | Duration | ECTS Credits | Fee per Semester | Start Intake | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) | 1.5 years | 90 | CHF 3,329 | Autumn only | FT #1 MiM globally, CEMS member, GMAT required |
| Quantitative Economics and Finance (MiQE/F) | 1.5 years | 90 | CHF 3,329 | Autumn | PhD track, CFA-aligned, strong quant focus |
| Banking and Financial Management (MBF) | 1.5 years | 90 | CHF 3,329 | Autumn | 100% placement in investment banking |
| Marketing Management (MiMM) | 1.5 years | 90 | CHF 3,329 | Autumn | Digital & consumer behavior focus |
| Accounting and Finance (MAccFin) | 1.5 years | 90 | CHF 3,329 | Autumn | ACCA/CFA exemptions |
| International Affairs and Governance (MIA) | 2 years | 120 | CHF 3,329 | Autumn | Policy, diplomacy & global governance |
| Economics (MEcon) | 1.5 years | 90 | CHF 3,329 | Autumn | Research-oriented, prepares for PhD |
| Business Innovation (MBI) | 1.5 years | 90 | CHF 3,329 | Autumn | Entrepreneurship & tech innovation |
Bachelor’s Programs (e.g., B.A. HSG in Business Administration, Economics, Law) are primarily in German (C1 level required) — not recommended unless fluent in German.
Admission Process & Deadlines 2025-26 (Autumn Intake)
HSG admits students only once a year in the Autumn semester (September). There is no Spring intake.
Key Admission Dates (Master’s 2026 Intake)
- Application Opens: October 1, 2025
- Final Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Early Rounds (Recommended for Scholarships): November, January, March
- Results: Within 4–8 weeks of application
- Classes Begin: Mid-September 2026
Application Fee
- CHF 250 (INR 23,750) – non-refundable
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students (Master’s)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic | 3- or 4-year Bachelor’s degree with 65–70% or GPA 3.0/4.0 |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL iBT 100+ |
| Standardized Tests | GMAT/GRE required for SIM, MBF, MiQE/F (GMAT 650+ recommended) |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory, but 1–2 years strengthens profile |
| Documents | Transcripts, CV, Motivation Letter, 2 LORs, Passport |
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Register and apply online through the HSG application portal
- Upload all required documents in PDF format
- Pay CHF 250 application fee via credit card
- Submit before deadline
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for video/interview
- Receive admission decision via email
Student Visa for Indian Nationals
After receiving the admission offer:
- Apply for National Type D Student Visa at the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi or Consulate in Mumbai/Bengaluru
- Processing Time: 8–12 weeks
- Financial Proof: Bank statement showing CHF 21,000 per year (~INR 20 lakhs) or scholarship letter
- Health Insurance: Mandatory (Swiss or international plan)
- Visa Success Rate: Very high with proper documentation
Scholarships for Indian Students at HSG (2025-26)
HSG offers merit-based scholarships — no separate need-based aid for internationals. All applicants are automatically considered during admission.
Top Scholarships Table
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSG Excellence Scholarship | Top 10% of admitted Master’s students (high GPA + GMAT) | Full tuition waiver (~CHF 12,500) + possible living stipend | Apply by April 30 (earlier = better chance) | ~60 awarded annually |
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship | PhD or research Master’s; age <35 | Full tuition + CHF 1,920/month stipend + airfare + insurance | November 2025 (via Indian embassy) | Extremely competitive |
| HSG Foundation Grants | Enrolled students in financial need | Up to CHF 10,000/year | Rolling | Loan options available |
| External Indian Scholarships | Various (e.g., Inlaks, J.N. Tata) | Varies | Check respective portals | Can be combined |
Placements & Career Outcomes
HSG boasts one of the strongest career services in Europe:
- 98% employed within 3 months
- Average Salary: CHF 105,000 (~INR 1 crore+)
- Top Recruiters: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, UBS, Credit Suisse, Google, Deloitte, PwC, Nestlé, Roche
- Sectors: Consulting (40%), Finance (35%), Tech & FMCG (25%)
Indian Alumni: Leaders at HSBC India, KPMG, Flipkart, and startups
University of St. Gallen Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MBA 12 months | Round 2 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Round 3 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (2nd Mar 2026) Round 4 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (3rd May 2026) Rolling Admission (Based on Availability) (31st Jul 2026) | USD 93,750 /Yr CHF 75,000 /Yr | 100 | IELTS: 7, TOEFL: 100 |
MCS 2 years | Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (30th Apr 2026) | USD 8,323 /Yr CHF 6,658 /Yr | 250 | Bachelor Degree | English Proficiency Score |
MEcon 18 months | Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (31st Mar 2026) | USD 8,323 /Yr CHF 6,658 /Yr | 250 | Bachelor Degree | English Proficiency Score |
Master Banking and Finance 18 months | Round 1 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (30th Nov 2025) Round 2 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (31st Jan 2026) Round 3 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (28th Feb 2026) Round 4 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (31st Mar 2026) Round 5 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (30th Apr 2026) | USD 8,323 /Yr CHF 6,658 /Yr | 250 | Bachelor Degree | English Proficiency Score |
Master International Law 18 months | Spring Semester Application Deadline (30th Nov 2025) Autumn Semester Application Deadline (30th Apr 2026) | USD 8,323 /Yr CHF 6,658 /Yr | 250 | Bachelor Degree | English Proficiency Score |
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