Frequently Asked Questions

In order to apply to the Master's degree programme in Economics you need a recognised University Bachelor's degree in Economics (or equivalent) or a recognised University Master's or Licentiate's degree in any other academic field. Additional admission criteria for foreign students apply (e.g. Admission Test, Restrictions etc.). Therefore, please check the application details here. 

For external applicants the same requirements apply for admission to the MEcon as for HSG Bachelor's Graduates. You must demonstrate that you have earned a solid background in core Economics (see compulsory subjects of our Bachelor in Economics) in your Bachelor's degree. You will need to pass the Integration Week prior to the semester. See also: Admission to the MEcon Programme

In order to start the MEcon you will need a Bachelor's degree with a strong focus on Economics. We expect at least 60 ECTS in core Economics for all MEcon candidates. Candidates with a Master's degree in another field (and no sufficient background in Economics) can be admitted to the Master's preparatory year.

In order to be able to follow the core studies in the MEcon a certain basic knowledge in various academic areas is required. If you are familiar with the topics and subject areas (theory and application) listed in the document (see downloads), you should be prepared and able to succeed with the contents offered in our courses at Master’s level for MEcon.
Please note: The books are only suggestions; other books can be used as well, if they cover similar topics.

Every academic year one highly talented MEcon student is awarded a grant offered by the "Starr International Foundation Grant Fund". For further information please see HSG Funds. 

First-time enrolment is carried out online. If you have already been enrolled at the HSG, please use the form for re-matriculation. 

No. Due to the curriculum a start in the Autumn Semester is required. The MEcon offers an introduction week to incoming students in the week before the Autumn Semester start, providing an overview of the contents for the studies. We highly recommend participation. Furthermore, you can only apply for a Double-Degree programme in the Autumn Semester. For more information see DDP.

If you work part-time during your studies, it is possible to extend the MEcon Programme to 8 semesters. Finding a suitable position is the students’ responsibility. 

Practice credits are awarded for practical activities that are closely related to the MEcon.
We encourage you to gain practical experience during your Master's studies and to get in contact with potential employers. 

Please check the implementation provisions for practice credits in the MEcon. You can then submit a request (no particular form required) to the MEcon Executive Director to pre-check the planned internship. If approved, upon completion of your work experience you should submit a final report to the MEcon Executive Director, who will decide, along with the Dean of Studies, about crediting. 

Exchange semesters are possible in the second or third semester, although the third semester is recommended. It is not possible to go abroad on an exchange during the first semester. For more information see Exchange.

This combination is not possible because at least 60 credits have to be earned at the University of St.Gallen. 

Knowledge of German is not required in order to apply for the MEcon, though you will have to take German courses during your studies. 

External and internal applicants have to provide proof of Level I English proficiency when applying. Alternatively, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (C1), a TOEFL (written 600, computer 250, Internet 100) or IELTS (minimum score: 7.0, academic version) can be accepted. This is to ensure that all MEcon students are proficient in English at the start of their studies.