Master of Arts HSG (M.A.

HSG)
in Strategy and International Management
The Flagship Management Programme
for Tomorrow’s Responsible Global Leaders
 2

Welcome from the President Outstanding Management Education

With a challenging curriculum that combines the research-
Promoting integrative thought in business and society, inspiring people to act in
an ethical and socially-responsible manner: these are the goals we strive for in
based, academic rigour of a Master of Arts with the
educating tomorrow’s leaders at the University of St.Gallen. The Master of Arts in practice-oriented approach of leading MBA programmes,
Strategy and International Management (SIM) incorporates these objectives and the SIM offers an outstanding management education.
values in a unique way, by combining theoretic foundations in management, case
work, and hands-on social impact projects. By joining the SIM community, you will
share the classroom with the most talented, visionary, and driven students from all
around the world. At our University, a huge diversity of student initiatives will provide
you with opportunities to organize events, meet inspirational people, make friends
for life—and shape the campus of tomorrow. We look forward to having you here!
Insightful International Journeys
Prof. Dr. Bernhard Ehrenzeller,
The SIM programme encourages and enables you to
President of the University of St. Gallen
supplement your academic curriculum with meaningful
international experiences. You will embark on an
international internship, a social initiative abroad, and
benefit from unparalleled access to exclusive double
degree and exchange opportunities worldwide.

3 Our Vision

5 Our Journey
Excellent Career Prospects
7 Our Commitment

9 Profile of a SIM Student

The SIM prepares you for a successful career in
management positions, consulting, financial services or
11 The Best of Both Worlds
entrepreneurship. It is common for students to have
13 SIM Curriculum Overview more than one attractive offer to choose from before
15 SIM Core Faculty graduation, with top starting salaries by international
17 International Double Degree and standards.
Exchange Programmes

19 Exclusive Employability Initiatives

21 Career Networking Opportunities

23 Global SIM Community

Global SIM Community
25 The University of St.Gallen (HSG) As a SIM student, you will be part of a strong, diverse
29 Studying in Switzerland and dynamic global community with about 900 members
31 Financing Your Studies from over 60 countries comprising students, alumni, staff
and faculty. The SIM is a tight community where one can
33 Application Requirements
proactively reach out for help or advice on professional
or personal matters.
3 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 4

Our Vision
By being admitted into the Master of Arts in Strategy and International
Management (SIM), you are part of a leading programme which strives to
provide outstanding management education and generate exceptional value for
students, employers and society at large.

Outstanding Management Education Exceptional Career Prospects

It is our mission to provide you with the advanced At the SIM, your efforts are rewarded with excellent
knowledge and skills of management for a successful prospects in the job market. You benefit as well from
career as a respected and responsible manager, the University’s close ties to leading international
entrepreneur, business consultant, and beyond. We companies, business leaders, and access to the nearly
offer an integrative and interdisciplinary learning 29,000 active alumni around the globe.
experience, since only an approach of this nature
is capable of conveying the ability to cope with the
complex management challenges of our time. Our
An Inspiring Community
programme aspires to act independently of all interests Furthermore, you become an active member of
and is committed to uphold high ethical and academic our programme’s most unique feature: a lively and
standards. enthusiastic SIM community. Based on joint initiatives,
the SIM Directorship and Management Unit, together
with its Faculty, committed students and graduates,
Flagship Master’s Degree Programme strive to create a social environment that allows for
As a SIM student, you are part of a diverse group of much more than just participating in a top-ranked
highly motivated and ambitious individuals. You stand educational programme year after year.
out through your strong track record, your eagerness
to learn and develop key competencies, and your We look forward to welcoming you to the SIM master’s
aspiration to grow into a responsible global leader. degree programme at the University of St.Gallen.
Thanks to our small class, you can interact with an
experienced faculty that combines academic rigour
with managerial relevance, whilst experiencing a high The Directorship Team
level of cultural diversity. The University of St.Gallen is
well known for its integrated management framework,
which forms the heart of teaching in the SIM master’s
degree programme. By way of international projects,
challenging initiatives dedicated to finding creative
solutions to address social needs, as well as multiple Managing Director, Prof. Dr. Academic Director, Prof.
exchange and double degree opportunities available Omid Aschari, MBA Dr.Dr.Tomi Laamanen
around the globe, you will be challenged to leave your (standing left) (standing right)
comfort zone, perform and excel.
 6
5

Our Journey
The Master in Strategy and International Management (SIM) programme
was founded in September 2004. The journey has been rewarding: a story of
May 2019
unprecedented success, shaped by the values of our tight-knit global community.
The SIM global community comes together in
St.Gallen to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of
the programme. Over 135 SIM alumni and students
attend the event, with 12 out of 15 generations of
SIMmies represented.

September 2004
A group of twenty-one bright and ambitious
management students gathers at the University
of St.Gallen, Switzerland. For the very first SIM
class, this is the start of a life-changing adventure:
a learning experience fuelled by the power of
imagination, dedication, and collaboration.

September 2020
September 2009 The SIM is ranked #1 for an unparalleled tenth
consecutive time by the Financial Times Global
“Master’s in Management” ranking.
The inaugural projects of the SIMagination Challenge September 2010
course are launched by the sixth SIM generation.
This course is an essential curricular pillar of the The SIM participates in the Financial Times Global ...and our journey continues...
SIM programme, where students are required to “Master’s in Management” ranking for the first time
embark on challenging projects around the world, and is awarded 4th position.
aimed at leaving a positive and sustainable social
impact in our society. As of 2020, a total of 79
initiatives have been carried out by SIM students
worldwide.
7 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 8

Our Commitment
As a SIM student, you benefit from excellent graduate-level education in
Strategy and International Management, and experience a unique blend of
academic coursework and complex practical goals. The curriculum is enriched
by opportunities for personal development and enables you to sharpen the skills
required of a future global leader.

SIM-Start Professional A Challenging Curriculum

The compulsory integrative week of the programme Your SIM curriculum consists of 90 ECTS and is typically
prepares you for the start of your studies and helps you three semesters (1.5 years) in duration. It builds upon
maximize your success during your SIM experience. the core disciplines of strategy, leadership, finance,
The week comprises a selection of seminars that focus marketing, organisational behaviour and international
on distinct topics of high managerial relevance that management. Advanced courses in these majors are
will prepare you for your regular studies at the SIM. complemented by a selection of SIM Integratives,
Additionally, the week serves as a social networking which allow you to explore sizeable management
opportunity with your peers. challenges of our time by taking a holistic approach to
the relevant management disciplines.

Personal Mastery In the mandatory pillar “SIM in Practice”, consisting

A key feature of the SIM programme is its small class of the SIM International Project (SIM-IP) and the
size, which facilitates individual attention. Several SIMagination Challenge course, we give you the
courses, such as the SIM Integratives, are limited to 30 opportunity to apply what you have learnt in the
participants, thereby creating a high level of intensity classroom to both corporate practice and international
in the interactive teaching. You will thus benefit from initiatives.
an environment that allows for interaction with the
staff, the faculty as well as with mentors and other On account of our global orientation, the language of
stakeholders. Moreover, various learning experiences instruction and examination of the SIM programme is
are designed to include personal reflection and English. Upon successful completion of the programme,
individualised feedback. you will be awarded the Master of Arts in Strategy and
International Management (SIM-HSG).

“The interdisciplinary curriculum of the SIM encompasses intelligence, broad sympathy, scientific
literacy and practical value. It equips us with tools to figure things out on our own and even a chance
to trust in our aptitude to deliver extraordinary results required to have a strong social impact. Most
notably, the programme focuses on our professional and personal growth, communication, interpersonal
effectiveness and ability to solve complex assignments. Overall, we gain a plethora of new skills and
experiences that, applied holistically, should enable us to make the world a better place”
Jurij Besednjak, SIM13 (2016 Intake), Slovenia (walking right)
9 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 10

Profile of a SIM Student Self-Reflection Maturity and Integrity

You have reflected upon your life, background You are a mature, well-balanced individual, who
If you identify with these traits, you are on the right path and experiences, and are aware of your own has developed through meaningful experiences
to becoming a member of this engaged community. strengths and weaknesses. You constantly and learnings in different contexts. You are
discern your developmental needs and you are engaged in activities for your peers, community
highly motivated to address them. and society at large.

Global Mindset
You possess a high level of intercultural
awareness. Your life experiences allow you to
embrace more than just your own cultural
background and you are both able and willing
to consider different perspectives on any given
subject.

Critical and Creative Thinking

Class Size 55
Average
You are capable of critically reflecting age
upon 24
complex topics. You enjoy findingPercentage
creative, of female and male students 40% / 60%
novel ways to approach the analysis International
of context Students 80%
Nationalities
and content, identify solution paths, and Represented 13
corresponding explanations. Average GMAT score 720

Analytical Aptitude
You have a proven ability to effectively solve
problems, which you can demonstrate through
your outstanding achievements in various areas.

“A “SIMmie” is open-minded, adventurous, adaptable, humble, and curious. To me, the SIM is so much
more than a Master programme. It feels like being part of a family with members from different countries,
sharing an unbelievably strong bond- a feeling that will not change when we graduate.”
Kirsimarja Säkkinen, SIM13 (2016 Intake), Finland (sitting left)
11 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 12

The Best of Both Worlds

The SIM curriculum unites the best of both worlds. It combines the research-
based, academic rigour of a Master of Arts with the interactive nature and
practice-oriented approach present in leading MBA programmes. It reflects the
confidence we have in your abilities and potential.

SIM Compulsory Courses SIM International Project

These courses advance your knowledge in the The “SIM in Practice” pillar also requires you to engage
functional areas of management. You will explore in a challenging international internship that you
advanced theories and concepts, examine managerial independently plan, complete and reflect upon.
practice and engage in scientific discussions.

Independent Electives
SIM Core Electives You may choose from a range of different independent
The SIM core electives consist of Advanced electives offered both by the SIM programme and other
Management Courses and Integratives. The latter Master’s degree programmes. Thus, you will have the
focus on subjects of widespread and current interest opportunity to acquire additional knowledge in specific
in the field of management. Multidisciplinary fields of interest.
perspectives are needed in order to embrace these
subjects and explore ways to successfully cope with the
most current management challenges.
Contextual Studies
Contextual Studies are a particular feature of the
HSG degree course architecture. They enable you to
The SIMagination Challenge complement and reflect upon your core studies from
The first element of the mandatory “SIM in Practice” various perspectives. You will learn that economic
pillar consists of an innovative approach to spur decisions are always embedded in general societal,
advanced learning by planning, executing and reflecting cultural and historical conditions and must therefore
upon a challenging project which aims at leaving a be viewed from an integrative angle. The eight Areas
positive and sustainable impact on society. This course of Concentration are: media, cultures, history, society,
allows your team to initiate an international project, first responsibility, creativity, law and technologies.
by carefully identifying and analysing social needs and
then by developing effective and sustainable solutions
to address these challenges in the long term. The
Master’s Thesis
course explores topics such as personal mastery, team In order to complete the Master’s degree, you must
diversity, strategy execution and social responsibility. write a thesis worth 18 ECTS credits. The topic of the
All of these areas need to be strongly understood Master’s thesis may derive from any constituent of
by responsible business leaders of the 21st century. the SIM programme. You are encouraged to write your
thesis in an area relevant to practice.
22 | 13
20
16 23
21
17 Class Profile
Master of Arts– Reach
in Strategy
the Top
and International Management (SIM-HSG) 14

Personal Master y
SIM Curriculum Overview


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Integratives 8-20 of 24 ECTS

Int

Mergers & Acquisitions 4 ECTS

3 rd semester

SIM

The Global Leader & Managerial Effectiveness 4 ECTS

Business Model Innovation 4 ECTS

Entrepreneurship 4 ECTS
Digital Business and Transformation 4 ECTS

SIMagination C

Exploring the Sustainable Development Goals as

Advanced Management Courses 4 of 8 ECTS

Opportunities for Innovation 4 ECTS
Marketing and Consumer Behaviour 4 ECTS

Organizational Behaviour and Change 4 ECTS

2 nd semester

Compulsory Courses 20 ECTS

halle
Research in Management 4 ECTS

Strategic Management 4 ECTS

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International Management 4 ECTS

4E

Financial Management 4 ECTS

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Strategic Leadership 4 ECTS

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15 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 16

SIM Core Faculty

As a SIM student, you will have access to a top-tier faculty that consists of award-
winning academic scholars and senior lecturers in the field of management, as well
as a large number of carefully chosen industry and academic guest lecturers and
executives.

Prof. Dr. Dr. Tomi Laamanen Prof. Dr. Chris Steyaert

Prof. Dr. Omid Aschari, MBA Professor of Strategic Management Dr. Xena Welch-Guerra Professor of Organizational Psychology
Associate Professor of Strategic Management Academic Director, SIM-HSG; Senior Research Fellow Director, Research Institute for
Managing Director, SIM-HSG Director, Institute of Management & Strategy “Institute of Management & Strategy” Organizational Psychology

Prof. Dr. Winfried Ruigrok

Professor of International Management Prof. Dr. Tomas Casas i Klett Prof. Dr. Sven Reinecke
Director, Research Institute for International Assistant Professor of International Associate Professor of Business Dr. Philipp Ebel
Management; Dean of the Executive School Management with focus on China Administration and Marketing Project Manager
of Management, Technology and Law Director, China Competence Center Director, Institute of Marketing Institute of Information Management

Prof. Dr. Karolin Frankenberger

Prof. Dr. Heike Bruch Prof. Dr. Andreas Binder Professor of Executive Education
Professor of Management with Prof. Dr. Torsten Schmid Honorary Professor of Debt Law and with focus on Strategic Management
focus on Leadership Assistant Professor of Company Law Academic Director of the EMBA in the
Director, Institute for Leadership Qualitative Methods Consulting Director, Corporate Governance Competence Executive School of Management,
and Human Resource Management Institute of Management Center; Practicing attorney of law at Binder Legal Technology and Law

Prof. Dr. Markus Kreutzer

Professor of Strategic and Prof. Dr. Ann-Kristin Zobel Prof. Dr. Jan Marco Leimeister
International Management Associate Professor Management Full Professor of Information Management
Dean, EBS Business School Institute of Management & Strategy Institute of Information Management
17 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 18

International Double Degree and International Double Degree Programmes

Exchange Programmes CEMS MIM FGV-EAESP Double Degree Programme

CEMS is a global alliance of 32 leading business schools, Within approximately 2.5 years, you can complete a second
Whether doing an exclusive SIM-MBA double degree, a double degree
collaborating with multinational companies and NGOs degree from FGV-EAESP (Fundação Getulio Vargas,
programme offered by the University of St.Gallen or an exchange term at a that together offer the CEMS Master’s in International Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo), the
Management. The CEMS MIM builds a bridge between most renowned school of economics in Brazil.
partner university, the international exchange programmes are available to fit a
university education and practical management, thus
wide spectrum of your educational and intercultural goals. offering you profound insight into leadership best
practices. International Exchange Term
The HSG has an extensive partner network with over 200
universities worldwide. As a SIM student, you may choose
Exclusive SIM-MBA Double Degree DM2 Double Degree Programmes to spend an exchange term abroad at universities such as:
Programmes A double degree gives you the opportunity to be Stockholm School of Economics | Università Commerciale
challenged further while experiencing another culture in Luigi Bocconi, Milan | Freie Universität Berlin | Tsinghua
INCAE Business School - MBA depth and earning a second Master’s degree from one of University, Beijing | Indian Institute of Management,
The SIM and INCAE MBA double degree programme the partner institutions: Bangalore | Nagoya University of Commerce & Business
allows you to enrich your studies with a Latin American ESADE, Barcelona, Spain | HEC Paris, France | RSM | University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg | American
perspective. You will receive a Master of Business Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands University of Beirut | Duke University, Durham (GA)
Administration (MBA) in combination with the SIM | UCLA University of California at Los Angeles | New
Master’s degree in two years. Studying at the INCAE York University | Universidad de los Andes, Bogotà |
MBA prepares you for the challenging business world Universidad San Andres, Buenos Aires
at the interface of developed and emerging countries.
This double degree is the ideal path if you wish to start
your management career, distinguishing yourself with
the unique Latin American perspective and focus on
sustainability. INCAE Business School is the leading
business school in Latin America (Financial Times 2019).

Nanyang Business School - MBA

This prestigious double degree provides you with the
unique opportunity to gain both Asian and European
perspectives on business. You simultaneously earn an
MBA at Nanyang Business School (NBS) in Singapore and
the SIM Master’s degree at the University of St.Gallen.
Situated in Asia’s most liveable city, the Nanyang MBA
is an intense global MBA with a focus on Asia. While
in Singapore, you have the opportunity to specialise in
Strategy and Innovation or Banking and Finance. The
Nanyang MBA was ranked 30th globally by the Financial
Times (2019).
19 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 20

Exclusive Employability Initiatives

We offer you the chance to take part on a number of workshops exclusive to SIM
students, aimed at increasing your employability at graduation. The workshops
are tailored to enhance your skillsets and knowledge, while enabling you to
differentiate yourself from other candidates in the job market.

Skill Enhancement Personal Focus

Workshops are organised in conjunction with a number You will find several opportunities for self-reflection
of our corporate partners in order to provide you with throughout the SIM programme. We stay close to our
a chance to work on practical scenarios and to network students by offering advice on career related topics,
with top professionals in specific fields of interest. such as industry or company specific information,
Interactive and challenging case studies and workshops interview preparation and job application documents.
are provided, focusing on enhancing employability You are given the chance to discuss individually about
relevant skills such as problem-solving skills, team your own life and career goals and get an idea of the
dynamics, communication in a business environment, oppor­tunities that can be found in specific areas, such
and analytical skills. as in German-speaking or emerging countries, and
the im­provements that you can make on an individual
level in preparation for targeted and systematic career
SIMtensive German Programme planning.
With a high number of international students looking
to increase their employability within the German-
speaking region, an intensive language course is
Career Perspectives
provided exclusively for you, should you not be a Leading international companies in a wide arrange of
native speaker of the German language. Focus in this industries and sectors are keen to employ SIM students,
course is put on conversations and the teaching builds usually before graduation, thanks to their close ties
on the knowledge you may have attained from other to the programme and the University. Whichever
German language courses. This process supports you your career goals and aspirations are, you will benefit
in your preparation for conversations in the context of from the strength of the programme’s community
networking. and partnerships, as well as the HSG’s global alumni
network.
“If there is one thing the SIM programme equips you with, it is perspective. Not
SIM Community Contributions only through cultural exchange, or the excellent teachers, but through its biggest
Being a member of the SIM community also means asset - the students. You are encouraged and helped in the quest of finding your true
you can find support from our active SIM graduates passion, and supported while pursuing it. In my case, this has led me to the world
in various ways. They share information and news on of entrepreneurship and start-ups. While nothing can fully prepare you for such a
social media platforms, network at SIM social events fast moving and exciting environment, the SIM programme definitely gives you the
and workshops, as well as collaborate to offer private best tools to face this, or any other, challenge.”
and focused industry-specific sessions. Eric Adolphs, SIM10 (2013 Intake), Germany,
Forbes 30 under 30 Europe 2018
21 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 22

Career Networking Opportunities SIM Corporate Partners

We trust you have a strong vision of where you wish to be in the future; you have
set ambitious goals for yourself and actively pursue them with determination.
We support you in developing your skills and ideas on a personal level to
prepare you for the pursuit of a rewarding and meaningful career.

SIM Selected Practice Partners

Career & Corporate Services (CSC-HSG) HSG Alumni

Early preparation and career planning are important HSG Alumni is the official alumni association at the
parts of studying in a Master’s degree programme. The University of St.Gallen, with almost 29,000 members
clearer you are about your skills, values, interests and and more than 180 formal organisations established
goals, the more focused you are when developing goals throughout the five continents.
Employers (Alphabetical order)
for your career and your life. The Career & Corporate The goal of the association is to create value not only
Services (CSC-HSG) is an additional support for all for alumni, but also for the University, its students
HSG students and is offering you job application and faculty. The HSG Alumni association actively
support and counselling. It also offers a number of creates value in three ways; by creating opportunities
official recruiting events, such as the HSG Banking to network (friendraising), by creating opportunities
Days, the HSG Industry Days and the HSG TALENTS to give back to the University (fundraising) and by
Conference. The CSC-HSG can also provide you creating opportunities to share knowledge with each
with information about work permit regulations in other (brainraising).
Switzerland.
You can find more information on
www.hsgcareer.ch
SIM Corporate Partnerships
The SIM programme has established close ties to
leading international corporations that act as our
HSG TALENTS Conference corporate sponsors and practice partners. This
Every year, over 110 international corporations and cooperation includes interactive workshops, lectures,
more than 1,750 students and graduates participate invitations to visit their offices, and attractive
in this event, which ranks as Switzerland’s largest international internships.
recruitment event for business and law. This three
week-long event takes place in March every year – as
a HSG student, you will have a unique opportunity to
interact with prospective employers during company
presentations, workshops, pre-scheduled interviews
and a career fair.
www.hsgtalents.ch
23 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 24

Global SIM Community

As a“SIMmie”, you become part of a strong, diverse and dynamic community.
Our global community comprises all students, graduates, staff and faculty
members of the SIM programme. It is shaped outside the classroom through
regular events, international networking and social media. The SIM community
has immense value as it is a tight community where one can proactively reach
out for help or advice on professional or personal matters. SIMopoly SIM Buddy System

Regulars’ Tables SIM Community Event

SIM Buddy System SIM Community Events

As a newly admitted student, you have the chance to Regularly, members of the SIM community come
be assigned a current SIM student as a peer mentor. together for an exclusive and interactive event. This
Your SIM Buddy can assist you in tackling many of the constitutes the perfect forum to catch up with the
challenges you may face when preparing to move to whole SIM community, make new connections and
Switzerland and to study at the University of St. Gallen. strengthen your bonds with other SIM colleagues.
The latest community event took place in St. Gallen to
celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the programme.
SIMopoly
This icebreaker event that takes place during the SIM-
Start Professional has become a tradition, actively
Social Media Groups
introducing you to your classmates’ unique personalities. The community groups on Facebook and LinkedIn
SIMopoly focuses on building collaboration within provide virtual platforms for the SIM community
diverse groups, friendly competition, and creative to connect, to share the latest updates about the
problem-solving – all of which are themes of the programme and to share job opportunities. Along with
SIM programme. Your team will be led by previous the SIM community events, social media groups allow
SIM students along a treasure hunt trail, while the community to stay closely connected.
getting acquainted with the city of St. Gallen. SIMagination Challenge (Haiti 2017) SIM Start Professional

SIM Community Hubs

Regulars’ Tables SIM Community Hubs exist in different cities around
At the SIM Regular’s Tables, your class will find a space the world and provide a platform for SIM alumni
to define its own identity. These are regularly organised to organize regional events and to network. SIM
events with specific cross-cultural themes that serve as Community Hubs also serve as a great resource for SIM
social networking opportunities between SIM students, students if they go on exchange or do an internship in a
SIM staff and members of the SIM faculty. city where a Hub is established.

SIM Graduation Event SIM Excursion (London 2016)

25 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 26

The University of St. Gallen (HSG)

Since its founding in 1898, the education and training offered by the University
of St.Gallen have been characterised by a close affinity with the working world
and an integrative approach. The University comprises six schools; the School
of Management, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Law School,
the School of Finance, the School of Economics and Political Science and the
School of Computer Science.

School of Management, Economics, Law, Unique Academic Structure

Social Sciences, International Affairs Intellectual skills, an integrative view, flexibility,
HSG aims to develop you both professionally and responsibility and intercultural qualifications are
personally by providing you with an education of ever increasing importance today. To ensure that
grounded in the humanities. Among the HSG’s general students are able to acquire these skills, we have a
principles is the promotion of interaction between unique degree course architecture at the HSG.
faculty and students in an environment characterised
by diversity and synergetic development of regional
and international roots. You can witness first-hand
Core Studies
its international orientation thanks to students and Core studies at the University of St.Gallen consist
faculty coming from all continents, its collaboration of compulsory subjects, core electives, electives and
with around 200 partner universities, and its active the Master’s thesis. The compulsory subjects convey
membership in international networks. the basics of the degree course of your choice. Core
electives consist of a wide range of programme-specific
courses. Courses of other programmes are open to
“From Insight to Impact” you among the electives. The extensive range of core
Our University is more than an educational institution; electives and electives enables you to focus on issues
it is a place of inspiration that stimulates you to think. which may be of particular interest to you.
You will acquire up-to-date knowledge that is of great
practical relevance, and gain valuable insights. This
will enable you to make an important contribution to
Contact & Independent Studies
social and economic progress and to your own personal In Contact Studies, the subject matter is communicated
development. by a teacher in lectures, exercises and seminars.
A further form of teaching is Independent Studies: you
learn on your own or in small groups, using various
Ranking and Accreditations aids. This is a more extensive concept than preparatory “The choice of HSG for my Masters was definitely worth it. I got to learn about Europe’s ways of working,
According to current rankings, the HSG is one of or follow-up work on lectures. In Independent Studies, culture, and values. I also got to network and learn from global industry leaders, as the European job
Europe’s leading business universities. Its holistic you hone your ability to acquire knowledge on your market is international and outward looking. Finally, the HSG exposed me to the best of both academia
education of the highest academic standards has earned own. The advantage is that you are free to schedule and practice - a combination ever more important in today’s dynamic and ambiguous world, where to be
it the EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA accreditations. your own learning time. a responsible leader one must be able to act fast, bridge different opinions and make informed decisions.”
Alberta Lowe, SIM13 (2016 Intake), Indonesia (standing right)
27 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 28

Contextual Studies Startup@HSG

Contextual Studies at the Master’s enable you to study Startup@HSG aims to enhance entrepreneurial
relevant issues with a multidisciplinary approach and spirit among students. It presents you with different
in depth: media, cultures, history, society, responsibility, perspectives of entrepreneurship, as well as supports
creativity, law and technologies. These eight Areas technological and knowledge intense projects at HSG.
of Concentration provide you with an opportunity to Apart from numerous events throughout the year,
acquire more detailed qualifications. Startup@HSG may organise individual consultations
with specialists. Additionally, a scholarship programme
Alternatively, you can thematically combine two was set up, providing future founders with working
seminars from Contextual Studies with a core studies space, mentoring and financial support. Other
course you have already completed and achieve an initiatives, such as the HSG Founder of the Year prize,
intensively supervised and innovative synthesis in as well as the Social and Sustainable (SnS) Ventures in
a portfolio course. Courses in Skills, for instance, cooperation with the University of Zurich, are part of
include rhetoric and programming. In addition, the the vast offering.
University of St.Gallen fosters discourse with different
countries and other cultures: you can gain international
experience in dialogues with students from more than
The St. Gallen Symposium
80 nations. The St. Gallen Symposium is said to be the world’s
premier opportunity for debate across generations on
issues of management, politics and civil society. First
Research launched in 1970 and organised entirely by students,
With a research culture that prizes excellence and is the Symposium aims to foster intergenerational and
fully committed to academic freedom, research at the intercultural dialogue between the leaders of today and
University of St.Gallen is centered around research the leaders of tomorrow. Annually, 200 talented young
institutes and centres, which are an integral part of the people from across the world are invited to attend. The
HSG and operate at a largely autonomous level. They St. Gallen Foundation for International Studies is an
combine theory with practice, provide important input independent foundation supervising the activities of
for teaching at the University and play a significant role the International Students’ Committee (ISC) St. Gallen
in furthering the careers of young academics. in the organisation of the St. Gallen Symposium.
symposium.org

“St.Gallen provides a setting which marries the promise of the future with the
foundations of traditions – and is an absolutely essential link between academic
work and the practical world.”
Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General,
2001 Nobel Peace Prize laureate
29 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 30

Studying in Switzerland
St.Gallen is a historically unique town complete with a variety of shops, street
cafés, bars and clubs, and with approximately 75,000 inhabitants. The Abbey
District holds international significance with its baroque cathedral and the
Abbey Library, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Switzerland
As a federal republic with a system of direct democracy, city centre. These three large ponds, situated on a hill
Switzerland enjoys a high degree of political stability. on the outskirts of the city, serve as public swimming
Living here means being close to various international pools in the summer and as ice rinks in cold winters.
organisations, such as the United Nations and the
World Trade Organization. The country’s economy is
based on a highly qualified and skilled labour force.
Preparation for Settling in St. Gallen
Switzerland’s international reputation as a research As an international student, you must obtain a visa
centre is beyond dispute. Primary industries include prior to entering Switzerland, unless you are a national
micro-, high- and biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, as from the EU/EFTA area, Japan and Singapore, in which
well as banking and insurance. Swiss companies are case you must only apply for a residence permit. On
extremely competitive in the global markets. Due to all average, visa applications take about eight weeks to
these factors, as well as its beautiful landscapes, you process. You can apply for your visa as soon as you
will soon be conquered by the high standard of living have received your letter of acceptance from the
at affordable prices. University and have secured financing for your studies.
Information on such procedures is offered by the HSG
Admissions and Crediting Office.
Living in St. Gallen
St. Gallen is a vibrant and dynamic cultural town, where
performances in the city theatre, the concert hall, local
Highlights
cultural festivals, as well as exhibitions in numerous • The Abbey District in St. Gallen, UNESCO World
museums and private galleries are extremely regular. An Heritage Site
event that is particularly popular with many students is • Switzerland’s four national languages: German,
the Open Air St. Gallen, a music festival during which French, Italian and Romansh
the Sitter Valley is transformed into Switzerland’s • Large international population (28.7% foreign
largest tent city for four days. Additionally, you will nationals)
have the opportunity to keep fit with varied leisure • St.Gallen is very well connected to Zurich airport
and sports activities, such as as skiing, rock climbing (1 hour by train) and is located in the heart of
and sailing due to the city’s great location between the Europe
snowy Alps and sunny Lake Constance. The Peter and
“Living in St. Gallen has been a very rewarding experience. The town being relatively small, it confers
Paul Wildlife Park, close to the University, is an idyllic
a cozy atmosphere and allows us students to frequently meet up wherever we live. But what makes St.
setting for jogging or walking. Furthermore, St. Gallen’s
Gallen really special is its beautiful scenery. Located in between Lake Constance and the Alps, you are not
“Three Ponds” are only a few minutes’ walk from the
far from a nice swim, or a fondue in a skiing hut.”
Karim Bugglé, SIM13 (2016 Intake), France/Germany
31 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 32

Financing Your Studies Starr International Foundation

Scholarship Fund
Higher education is subsidised by the Swiss government, resulting in low tuition The Starr International Foundation Scholarship Fund
fees, which makes the SIM an affordable programme among the world’s top- is set aside for highly talented foreign-language
students with a recognised foreign Bachelor’s degree
ranked institutions. A degree is an investment in your personal development who are completing a Master’s degree in one of the
and your future, which should enable you to recover your tuition fees after the English-language programmes. Exceptional students
are identified by the Advice Center for Study Funding
first few months of employment. and asked to hand in an application. Please check the
website of the Advice Center for Study Funding for
further information on the above-mentioned or other
options.
www.studyfunding.unisg.ch
[email protected]

Tuition Fees Travelling

Switzerland invests in excellent undergraduate and In Switzerland, travelling by public transport is very
Other Scholarship Opportunities
graduate education by way of government subsidies. convenient and encouraged. You are advised to obtain A limited amount of scholarship opportunities, such as
Thus, as an international student, your tuition fee at the the Swiss Federal Railway half-fare (Halbtax) card in the WEF Global Shapers Scholarship and the Kistefos
University of St.Gallen is a favourable amount of CHF order to save 50% on all tickets. It is available for about St. Gallen Masterclass Scholarship (for Norway), may
3,329 per semester (not including text books and other CHF 185 and is valid for one year. be available to SIM candidates every year thanks
teaching material). Payments are made by semester. to our strong network of strategic partners. During
your application process, we can advise you on your
Financial Aid potential eligibility for any of these initiatives.
Living Costs in St. Gallen When studying in Switzerland, you can take up a www.globalshapers.org
The recommended monthly budget is between CHF temporary part-time job and/or apply to secure a www.stgallen.no
2,100- 2,500 per month for basic needs, including living student loan or scholarship. Financial aid for studying
and studying expenses. in Switzerland can be obtained from various sources.
Estimated monthly expenses: Specifically, two funds are made available by the HSG:
Work-Study Opportunities
Housing: CHF 660 The University and its institutes are regularly looking
Living expenses: CHF 1,120 for students to do project work. The SIM Management
Health (insurance, medication, etc.): CHF 170
Loan and Scholarship Fund Unit also offers projects to students of the SIM
To ensure financially disadvantaged students are programme. Vacancies can be found on the website
also able to study at the HSG, we have the loan and of the HSG, the HSG institutes and the Career &
Accommodation scholarship fund. The fund offers loans and scholarships Corporate Services. International students are allowed
St. Gallen has a relaxed house market, with a good to students enrolled in the Bachelor’s or Master’s to work 15 hours per week. Students from outside the
selection of apartments, rooms in shared apartments Level. Additionally, foreign students can be granted a EU/EFTA area need a work permit in order to work in
(called Wohngemeinschaft or WG), and houses at scholarship that covers the difference between the fees Switzerland.
varying prices. Links to online housing markets can for Swiss nationals and foreign nationals. The purpose
be found on the Student Union or University website. is to support students in need. To be eligible to apply
Prices for accommodation vary greatly depending on for either form of aid, students must be enrolled for a
location, size, standard of living and amenities. minimum of one semester.
www.studyfunding.unisg.ch
33 Master of Arts in Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG) 34

Application Requirements
Below is a brief overview of the requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in management, business

administration or equivalent (economics degrees
may be accepted), or a consecutive Master’s degree
in any field.
• GMAT or GRE score (not older than five years)
• CV and proof of extracurricular activities
• Essay (check the website for details)
• Video interview

To start the
programme in September,
you must submit your application
online. For detailed information on
the requirements:
www.admissions.unisg.ch
[email protected]

Contact us
For any enquiries,
do not hesitate to contact us at
[email protected]
 International Rankings
Our programme has led the Financial Times Global MIM ranking
for a record ten consecutive years (2011-2020).

Are you ready to become one of

tomorrow’s global responsible leaders?
“Leaders continuously seek ways to grow, have a meaningful
purpose in their lives, and inspire and support those around
them in their further development”

Prof. Dr. Omid Aschari, What is the true meaning

of leadership? (St. Gallen, 2016)

University of St. Gallen (HSG)

Master of Arts in Strategy and
International Management Further Information:
Institute of Management & Strategy SIM website: www.sim.unisg.ch
Dufourstrasse 40a Facebook page: facebook.com/SIMHSG
9000 St. Gallen Linkedin: linkedin/school/sim-hsg
Switzerland
E-mail: [email protected] © SIM-HSG, October 2020