St. Gallen MIM: Inside the World’s Top-Ranked MIM Programme
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Overview
The MIM program at St Gallen aims to be a leading provider of high-quality management education, delivering exceptional value to students, employers, and society. Its long-standing commitment to excellence has been consistently recognized, earning the No. 1 position in the prestigious Financial Times Global Masters in Management Ranking for multiple years.
Why MIM?
The MIM program at St Gallen offers a rigorous and well-rounded management education by combining the academic depth of a Master of Arts with the practical focus of top MBA programs. Built around key disciplines such as strategy, leadership, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and international management, the curriculum equips students to thrive as responsible and respected managers, entrepreneurs, or business consultants in an increasingly digital world.
In addition to the core academic experience, MIM provides a wide range of opportunities for students to enhance their skills through workshops and international exposure. The program fosters a collaborative environment that promotes personal growth, global perspective, and lasting connections.
St Gallen MIM Curriculum
The MIM program at St Gallen emphasizes the development of well-rounded managers who possess more than just theoretical knowledge. Soft skills are embedded throughout the curriculum to enhance students' intellectual adaptability and intercultural competence. Hard skills are refined through international work projects and specialized training workshops. The international faculty brings a strong balance of academic rigor and practical relevance, preparing MIM students to succeed in diverse and dynamic career paths.
Students must successfully complete a course load of 90 ECTS, including a master's thesis and an international internship to graduate with a M.A. HSG in Strategy and International Management.
Students need to fulfill the following requirements:
5 MIM Core Courses (20 ECTS)
1 of 2 MIM Advanced Management Courses (4 ECTS)
2 of 6 MIM Integratives (8 ECTS)
The MIMagination Challenge (4 ECTS)
The MIM International Project (SIM-IP) (6 ECTS)
Electives (12 ECTS)
Contextual Studies (18 ECTS)
Master's Thesis (18 ECTS)
Duration/credits
Duration: 1.5 years / 3 semesters (full-time)
Credits: 90 ECTS
Learning Methodology
MIM Start Professional (integration week)
MIM Core Courses
MIM Core Electives
MIM in practice
Electives
Contextual Studies
Study Abroad
Regulations
For more information about St Gallen MIM curriculum
St Gallen MIM Admission
St Gaelln MIM Requirements
Recognised Bachelor's degree in a similar subject with at least 180 ECTS credits
If you have one of the following degrees from a recognised university or complete one before the degree programme starts, then you can apply for the Master's programme:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Economics (or similar) from a recognised university
(at least 60 ECTS credits in Business Administration/Economics and also at least 6 ECTS credits in Mathematics or Statistics)
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (or similar) from a recognised University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule)
(at least 90 ECTS credits in the core areas Business Administration, Economics, Law and Mathematics/Statistics; thereof 45 ECTS credits in Business Administration)
Grade point average (unrounded) of minimum 5.00 Swiss grading system (German/Austria 2.00, Netherlands 7.5) in the degree certificate and a maximum of 20 ECTS credits out of 180 ECTS Credits in internship credits.
Consecutive Master's degree in another discipline from a recognised University
Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes must have been completed in the same discipline (consecutively) and amount to at least 270 ECTS credit points together.
For the classification of the similarity of a major, only curricular credits of a completed degree programme are taken into account. Excess credits (optional credits) are not considered. The compulsory achievements of the corresponding HSG Bachelor's degree programme serve as a basis for the classification.
Your degree programme will be recognised if, among other, the following criteria are fulfilled:
Your final degree certificate was awarded by a institution of higher education which is recognised in the country where you attended the course.
You have completed at least 80% of your course work at a recognised or accredited institution of higher education.
You have completed at least half of the course work onsite at the institution of higher education awarding the degree.
You fulfil the minimum requirements for admission to the Master's degree programme at your home institution of higher education.
If you have any questions on recognised degrees or degrees in similar subjects contact the staff at the Admissions and Crediting Office .
Language requirements in the language of instruction English
St Gallen MIM Selection Process
If the formal admission regulations are fulfilled and all documents have been submitted, your application is forwarded to the "SIM Admission Committee" for the selection process.
The MIM Admission Committee conducts four admission rounds between October and April. All complete applications that have been submitted on time are assessed and a decision is made on the admission. (The video interview can be recorded after the deadline of the admission round.)
Admission Round | Application Deadline | Decision Release Date |
First Admission Round | 6 November 2024 | 6 December 2024 |
Second Admission Round | 31 January 2025 | 28 February 2025 |
Third Admission Round | 31 March 2025 | 30 April 2025 |
Fourth Admission Round | 30 April 2025 | 31 May 2025 |
The following criteria are assessed during the selection process:
Your GMAT or GRE score (20%)
GMAT or GRE exams may be taken in person or online. Test results must not be older than five years.
Upload your official score report to your online application. (For GMAT Focus, upload a screenshot of the Test Taker Version from your mba.com account.) You must also have your score sent to the University of St.Gallen by GMAC or ETS before the closing date for applications. (GMAT: University of St.Gallen, MA / MSc Master Level, GRE: 7202).
When evaluating GMAT scores the total score is taken into consideration, while for the assessment of GRE scores both the Verbal and the Quantitative Reasoning sections are decisive. If you have taken the test several times, the test with the best results will be considered.
Average grade during undergraduate studies (20%)
Extracurricular activities and work experience (20%)
Essay (10%)
Video interview (30%)
St Gallen MIM Programme-specific additional requirements
Upon admission additional programme-specific requirements may be requested. Prior to starting the programme you will be required to attend a selection of preparatory modules called “MIM Start Professional”. The remaining admission requirements must be fulfilled before graduation.
MIM Start Professional
The compulsory integrative week of the MIM Master's programme "MIM Start Professional" takes place at the beginning of September (calendar week 36).
The management-related topics dealt with in the individual seminars will prepare you for your regular studies in Strategy and International Management. Admitted applicants can obtain more information directly from the MIM Management Unit.
Additional language requirements
Evidence of sufficient accounting knowledge
St Gallen MIM Application
The degree programme starts in the autumn semester. Please apply online. The application fee is CHF 250.
Application period: 1 October - 30 April
Checklist: Documents to be submitted electronically
Please have the following information and documents ready to upload:
Digital passport photo
Signed Enrolment Agreement
Passport or ID card and, if applicable, a Swiss (permanent) residence permit
Curriculum vitae in English – style template
Supporting documents for extracurricular activities
Essay in English
GMAT or GRE test (official or unofficial score report)
Higher education entrance qualification (Swiss Matura, foreign secondary school leaving certificate)
Degree documents (degree certificate, final academic transcript, diploma dupplement), if available. Otherwise current official transcripts from each university attended (including exchange programmes and transcripts from unfinished degree programmes). The current transcript must show at least 120 ECTS credit points for courses taken so that we can process your application. In the case of double degree programmes or "joint degrees", transcripts from each attended university including explanatory notes on the course programme must be submitted.
If any of the documents are not issued in German, French, Italian or English, you must also submit a certified translation of the document in German or English. Please observe the guidelines regarding "documents to be submitted" and "translations" in the Directive on the Implementing provisions of the admission regulations.
Only one file can be uploaded per bullet point. You can use online tools such as online2pdf.com to create PDF files or to combine several pages into one PDF file. Make sure the files you send are legible so that your application can be processed without delay.
Swiss citizens need their Swiss social insurance number (AHV number) for the application. If you do not know your insurance number, please order a duplicate of your insurance certificate from the Swiss Central Compensation Office in good time.
Alternative master's degree programme
What happens after you have applied online?
You will receive a link to record your video interview
Within five days after applying successfully online, you will receive an email from the MIM Management Unit, inviting you to record your video interview. You will be given a specific deadline to do the recording. Your application will only be processed once your video interview has been received.
Your application is processed
Your application documents are assessed by the MIM Admission Committee
You are notified of admission decision
You confirm your place on the programme
You submit your degree documents to the admission office
Next steps to get you ready for study start
Style templates and guidelines
St Gallen MIM Tution Fees & Financing
Students at the University of St.Gallen (HSG), a prestigious public university, can expect a high standard of education and quality of life. Despite Switzerland's reputation for being expensive, a range of funding options are available to help make studying at HSG more financially accessible. Compared to other top international universities, HSG offers excellent value for money with manageable costs. Factors such as a stable housing market, appealing working conditions, and almost guaranteed career prospects contribute to the strong return on investment that studying at HSG offers.
Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland consistently ranks among the countries with the highest standards of living. Its stable political and economic environment, four national languages, direct democracy, and diverse natural landscapes create a safe and vibrant setting for students. The city of St.Gallen, situated in northeastern Switzerland between Lake Constance and the Alps, is a key economic center in the German-speaking region of the country.
This region’s emphasis on personal responsibility extends to financial matters. Students are generally able to find suitable, affordable housing quickly. Annual living expenses typically range between CHF 25,000 and CHF 30,000, depending on the student’s lifestyle and program level. It is advisable to arrive with an initial financial buffer to ease the transition and focus on studies.
Many students are able to support themselves partially or entirely through flexible and well-paid part-time jobs available locally. Graduates of HSG also benefit from exceptional long-term career opportunities, particularly in Switzerland’s high-wage economy. For additional financial support, enrolled students can reach out to the university’s Advice Center for Study Funding.
St Gallen MIM Fees
Application and processing fee (non-refundable) | CHF 250 |
Tuition fees for Swiss nationals
Bachelor | CHF 1,229 / semester |
Master | CHF 1,429 / semester |
Joint Medical Master | CHF 949 / semester |
Ph.D. | CHF 629 / semester |
Tuition fees for foreign nationals
Bachelor | CHF 3,129 / semester |
Master | CHF 3,329 / semester |
Joint Medical Master | CHF10,078 / semester |
Ph.D. | CHF 1,079 / semester |
Tuition fees for long-term students
The fees for regularly enrolled long-term students are due if no more intercantonal contributions are paid, as the maximum number of semesters has been reached. They are set out in the Annex to the Fee Regulations (Fee Regulations of the University of St.Gallen).
The payment obligation is specified in Art. 11 Intercantonal University Agreement. According to Art. 11 para. 2 IUA, the obligation to pay IUA contributions is limited to 12 semesters for a first degree programme and a further 12 semesters for a second degree programme. The obligation to pay IUA contributions for medical students is limited to 16 semesters (Art. 11 para. 2 sentence 2 IUA).
St Gallen MIM Cost of living per month
Monthly expenses for Bachelor’s students | Swiss nationals | Internationals |
Accommodation (rent plus utilities) | 665 | 665 |
Food | 415 | 415 |
Communication (telephone, internet, TV, radio) | 55 | 55 |
Transport (public and private) | 180 | 180 |
Health (health insurance, medication, visits to doctors) | 230 | 230 |
Clothing | 110 | 110 |
Leisure activities (sports, culture, holidays) | 115 | 115 |
Other (insurance, taxes, gifts) | 100 | 100 |
Bachelor Tuition fees and study-related expenses per month | 285 | 602* |
Master Tuition fees and study-related expenses per month | 318 | 635* |
Total Bachelor (in CHF) | 2155 | 2472 |
Total Master (in CHF) | 2188 | 2505 |
Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (2020): Conditions of study and life at Swiss higher education institutions
* The difference between the fees for international and domestic students is due to the University’s mandate as a public university and the allocated domestic student funding associated with that.
Financing your studies
There are many ways of financing studies: employment, cantonal scholarships, private loans or simply family support. The Advice Center for Study Funding provides information about all these financing options.
A university degree is not only a step toward a professional career but also an important investment in personal growth and future opportunities. While finances are an important consideration, they should not be the sole factor in the decision to pursue or continue higher education. In Switzerland, higher education is subsidised by the government, which helps keep tuition fees relatively low.
The University of St.Gallen (HSG) is committed to supporting students in planning their educational journey and offers detailed guidance on available funding options. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out via email for comprehensive information and personalised assistance with financing their studies.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a form of financial aid that do not require repayment. For Swiss citizens, meeting the eligibility criteria guarantees a legal right to receive cantonal scholarships—similar to Germany’s BAföG or Austria’s Mobilität programs. The appropriate cantonal scholarship office, or EducationSuisse in the case of Swiss citizens living abroad, should be the first point of contact.
It is important for students to research and be aware of all relevant application deadlines, as scholarships cannot be awarded retroactively. Planning ahead ensures access to these financial resources in a timely manner.
Loans
HSG Funds
Loan and Scholarship Fund
Exchange semester
Social and Cultural Fund of the Student Union (SHSG)
Excellence Scholarships
Excellence Scholarships of the University of St.Gallen for Bachelor students
Recommendations of Bachelor students to Study Foundations
Excellence Scholarships of the University of St.Gallen for Master students
Tuition fees
Deferment
For a deferment of the payment of tuition fees, please contact the Dean's Advisory Office of your level.
Partial or total remission
For more detailed information on financial support
St Gallen MIM Career Outlook
Many MIM graduates choose to pursue a career within consulting, financial services, industry or entrepreneurship. The attractiveness of the programme in the market makes it easy for MIM students to reach out to potential employers. The tight MIM Community is also helpful for SIMmies when looking for internships. It is very common for students to have several employment offers to choose from before graduating from the University of St.Gallen.
For more detail
St Gallen MIM Community
As part of the MIM programme, students become “SIMmies” – members of a strong, diverse, and engaged global community that includes current students, alumni, staff, and faculty. The MIM Community promotes identity-building and offers valuable networking and friendship opportunities through various activities, both inside and outside the classroom.
MIM Buddy
Newly admitted students can be paired with a current MIM student as a peer mentor. The MIM Buddy helps incoming students navigate the transition to life in Switzerland and studies at the University of St.Gallen, offering advice on housing, course selection, and more.
Regulars' Table
These recurring events provide a space for each class to connect, share experiences, and form its own identity. With cross-cultural themes, they encourage interaction among MIM students, staff, and faculty in a relaxed, social setting.
SIMopoly
A popular icebreaker tradition, SIMopoly helps new students get to know one another through a creative city-wide treasure hunt in St.Gallen. It promotes collaboration, friendly competition, and problem-solving—core values of the MIM programme.
MIM Community Event
Held annually, this exclusive gathering brings together MIM students, graduates, faculty, and staff. It’s an opportunity to reconnect, network, and strengthen the bonds that define the vibrant MIM Community.
Steps After Admission to St. Gallen MIM
To know the procedure after admission in detail
Is This The Right Fit For You?
Candidates who resonate with the following traits are well-suited to join the ambitious and dynamic MIM community:
Global Mindset
They demonstrate strong intercultural awareness, shaped by diverse life experiences. These individuals are open to different perspectives and comfortable engaging beyond their own cultural background.
Critical and Creative Thinking
They excel in analyzing complex topics and enjoy exploring innovative approaches to problem-solving. Their thinking combines depth, originality, and a willingness to challenge conventional perspectives.
Analytical Aptitude
Their strong problem-solving skills are evident through exceptional achievements across academic and extracurricular domains, reflecting a structured and logical mindset.
Self-Reflection
They possess a clear understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, continuously seeking personal growth. This self-awareness is rooted in thoughtful reflection on their background and experiences.
Maturity and Integrity
They are grounded individuals who have matured through meaningful life and learning experiences. Their commitment to contributing to their peers, communities, and broader society highlights their sense of responsibility and ethical values.
