Masters Program in Banking and Finance

From Theory to Practice

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WELCOME
Welcome to the Master's Program in
Banking and Finance - MBF!
The MBF program of the University of St.Gallen is a
high-quality Masters program that prepares you for a
successful career start with banks, insurance companies,
consulting agencies and the fnance departments of non-
fnancial corporations. Our graduates take up jobs in
private banking, asset management, investment banking
and risk management, among others, in Switzerland and
abroad. The MBF program also opens doors for further
academic studies, such as a PhD program.
The MBF is equally focused on theory and application.
We are convinced that sound theoretical and method-
ological fundamentals are essential for a higher education
in fnance. In addition, we support our students in the
application process and enable them to ask the relevant
questions in everyday work. The content of the MBF pro-
gram is considered to be highly relevant to the program
partnership with the CFA program, and our placement
record proves this.
The MBF program has a clear and fexible structure. All
three compulsory courses Financial Markets, Financial
Institutions and Quantitative Methods take place in the
frst semester and provide a solid basis for the core elec-
tives in the second and the third semesters.
The choice of elective courses is wide, with subjects
ranging from quantitative topics (Computational Finance)
to specifc instruments (Interest Rates and Energy Deriva-
tives) to asset management (Private Equity or Behavioral
Finance) and to corporate fnance (Corporate Financial
Management or Management of Insurance Companies).
All of our students write a research-based Masters the-
sis and participate in a research seminar.
The University of St.Gallen is EQUIS and AACSB
accredited and is consistently ranked among the top
business schools in Europe. With its 5th place in the
Financial Times Global Masters in Finance Ranking 2012,
the MBF program is ranked among the top fnance
programs in the world. Located close to Zurich in the
heart of Europe, St.Gallen offers a connection to an
international fnancial center as well as various leisure
opportunities nearby. In addition, we are able to offer a
truly international experience with our diverse faculty
as well as exchange opportunities in our network of
more than 150 partner universities.
We look forward to welcoming you in the MBF
program soon.
Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann
Academic Director of MBF
Prof. Dr. Rico von Wyss
Executive Director of MBF
Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann and Prof. Dr. Rico von Wyss
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CONTENTS
Why an MBF Masters Degree? ..................................
The Program ...................................................................
Subject Tracks .................................................................
Faculty ...............................................................................
Internationality ...............................................................
Career Perspectives ......................................................
Career Services ..............................................................
Sponsorship .....................................................................
Events................................................................................
Alumni ..............................................................................
Admission Process .........................................................
Academic Calendar ........................................................
Studying at HSG .............................................................
Financial Information .....................................................
Living in Switzerland ......................................................
Living in St.Gallen ...........................................................
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For more information visit: www.mbf.unisg.ch
Or contact us at: mbf@unisg.ch
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WHY A MASTER'S IN BANKING AND FINANCE?
MBF at a Glance
A challenging experience with a rigorous curriculum, the Masters in Banking and Finance (MBF) program is one of
the leading international fnance programs. In the felds of fnancial markets, fnancial institutions, corporate fnance
and quantitative fnance, the program offers high-quality education in both theory and application. It is designed to
train our students in the critical refection of the different concepts and approaches used in fnancial theory and practice.
The high quality in teaching and education was confrmed by the Financial Times Global Masters in Finance Ranking
2012 (5th place among more than 200 business schools ranked worldwide).
Profle: Class of 2013
Class size: 130
Average age: 24
Average scores: GMAT - 710 points / GRE - 790 points
Gender
Nationalities represented: 31
International students: 47%
Snapshot
Start: Fall Semester (mid-September)
Duration: 90 ECTS. Full-time program with
time to completion of 3 semesters
Language: English (few additional German lectures)
Degree: Master of Arts (M.A. HSG) in
Banking and Finance
Tuition fees: Swiss Nationals: CHF 1,226
All Others: CHF 2,126 per semester
Financial Times Ranking
The MBF program is ranked 5th place in the
Financial Times Global Masters in Finance
Ranking 2012. Per criteria the MBF is ranked:
#1 for "Aims Achieved"
#1 for "Employed at Three Months"
#2 for "Value for Money"
#2 for "Placement Success"
Male - 75%
Female - 25%
Historical Stats
Job offers before graduation: 2.2
Average starting wage: CHF 97,000
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Olga Kozjukova
MBF Student
The MBF is great for students who are interested in a fnance-related career because of
its excellent reputation and the high quality of the teaching faculty. Beyond its outstanding
content, the MBF offers various interactions with companies and MBF alumni. I especially
appreciate the opportunity to participate in international programs, which allows for
valuable experiences.
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THE PROGRAM
SEMESTER 3
CORE STUDIES
CONTEXTUAL STUDIES
SEMESTER 2
SEMESTER 1
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Educational Goals
The programs educational goals encompass three dimensions:
Functional Dimension
1. An understanding of the function and importance of fnancial intermediation in the context of the present and future
development of economic systems and its integration into the social, legal and political context.
Instrumental Dimension
2. Knowledge of the theory and application of fnancial markets, characteristics and implementation of modern fnancial
instruments, and the core functions of modern fnancial management.
Institutional Dimension
3. Knowledge of the core functions of the planning, steering and supervision of fnancial institutions and their strategic
business units.
Curriculum: Contents and Structure
The core studies are made up of compulsory courses and core electives, including a research seminar and the Master thesis.
The MBF program has been structured in such a way as to ensure that our students are able to acquire their basic knowledge
in the compulsory courses of the frst semester. In the second and third semesters, students select core electives according to
their individual preferences and thus determine the orientation of their studies themselves.
Compulsory Courses
The three compulsory courses Financial Markets,
Financial Institutions, and Quantitative Methods
must be attended in the frst semester.
Core Electives
In the second and third semesters, students may
design their individual curriculum according to their
preferences and choose to focus on fnancial markets,
corporate fnance, institutions or methods. Students
are free to combine courses from a long list of core
electives.
Research Seminar
In the research seminar, students are required to
write a seminar paper with a research focus and
have to present their fndings. In combination with
the Masters thesis, the MBF therefore provides a
thorough preparation for a PhD.
Independent Electives
Independent electives create additional choices: students
may either attend further core electives of the MBF or
courses of other Masters programs.
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Viriya Plodpliew
MBF Student
One of the biggest advantages of the Master's in Banking and Finance
program in St.Gallen is the freedom of choice from a broad range of courses.
You might pick lectures and research seminars from four different tracks,
but there is also the possibility of a highly-focused study track. I also
appreciate the great variety of practical classes where you learn how to
deal with real-life problems.
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SUBJECT TRACKS
Alternative Investments
Behavioural Finance
Commodity Markets
Derivatives
Empirical Real Estate
Finance
Energy Finance
Fixed Income Instruments
Institutional Asset
Management
International Finance
Market Microstructure
Pension Finance
Private Equity
Real Estate Finance
Asset Liability
Management
Commercial Banking
Financial Institution
Management
Financial Regulation &
Risk Management
Household Finance &
Consumer Credit
Insurance Operations
Investment Banking
Monetary Policy &
Financial Markets
Private Banking &
Wealth Management
Public Debt
Management
Theory of Risk &
Insurance
Asset Pricing & Portfolio
Choice
Computational Finance
Financial Econometrics
Financial Modeling
Workshop: Asset Alloc.
Financial Modeling
Workshop: Derivatives
Financial Risk Management
Mathematics & Statistics
Quantitative Aspects of
Financial Regulation
Quantitative Portfolio
Management
Time Series Econometrics
Advanced Corporate
Finance
Applied Corporate
Valuation
Corporate Financial
Management
Corporate Governance
Ethics of Financial
Services
Mergers & Acquisitions
There are four possible tracks within the MBF program from which you might choose core elective courses according to
your preferences. These tracks are just a suggestion how you might organize your MBF studies. You are able to switch freely
between the different tracks.
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FACULTY
Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann
Professor of Finance,
Academic Director of the MBF
Prof. Dr. Andreas Grner
Adjunct Professor of Corporate Finance
Prof. Dr. Martin Eling
Professor of Insurance
Prof. Dr. Francesco Audrino
Professor of Statistics
Prof. Dr. Christian Keuschnigg
Professor of Public Finance
Prof. Dr. Andreas Kck
Assistant Professor of Finance
Prof. Dr. Martin Brown
Professor of Banking
Prof. Dr. Marc Arnold
Assistant Professor of Corporate Finance
Prof. Dr. Matthias Fengler
Assistant Professor of Financial Econometrics
Prof. Dr. Karl Frauendorfer
Professor of Operations Research
Prof. Dr. Roland Fss
Professor of Real Estate Finance
Prof. Dr. Stefan Morktter
Assistant Professor of Banking
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Prof. Dr. Angelo Ranaldo
Professor of Systemic Risk
Prof. Dr. Florentina Paraschiv
Assistant Professor of Computational Finance
Prof. Dr. David sch
Assistant Professor of Finance
Prof. Dr. Hato Schmeiser
Professor of Insurance
Prof. Dr. Markus Schmid
Professor of Corporate Finance
Prof. Dr. Paul Sderlind
Professor of Finance
Prof. Dr. Rico von Wyss
Assistant Professor of Finance
Prof. Dr. Stephan Sss
Assistant Professor of Finance
For more information on our faculty members
www.mbf.unisg.ch
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The University of St.Gallen (HSG) encourages and enables its students to supplement their academic curriculum
with international experience. Double degrees, exchange programs, students from all over the world, an international
faculty, internationally orientated curriculum and networks give students the opportunity to experience foreign
cultures and perspectives at frst hand.
INTERNATIONALITY
International students and faculty
Double-degree Programs:
ESADE, Barcelona, Spain
HEC, Paris, France
RSM Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Universit Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Milan, Italy
FGV, Fundaaozv Getulio Vargas, So Paulo, Brazil
of the faculty come from abroad.
The MBF has visiting professors from
well-known universities from around
the globe:
Prof. Yakov Amihud, PhD
Stern School of Business, New York University
Prof. Harrison Hong, PhD
Princeton University
Prof. David Yermack, PhD
Stern School of Business, New York University
of MBF students come
from 80 different nations.
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%
34
%
principle for Double-degree Programs:
1 year at HSG 1 year at guest university
60 credits from HSG 60 credits from guest university
10 credits for the Masters thesis from HSG 10 credits from the guest university
50/50
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Beijing University, Beijing, China
Duke University, Durham, USA
Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo, Japan
Fundaao Getulio Vargas, So Paulo, Brazil
Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Kellogg School of Management, Evanston, USA
LSE, London, United Kingdom
Melbourne Business School (University of Melbourne),
Melbourne, Australia
International exchange programs (a selection):
MBF students are offered an opportunity to participate in exchange programs with 150 partner universities worldwide:
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
NYU Stern, New York, USA
Queens University, Ontario, Canada
Universidad del Pacifco, Lima, Peru
University of California - The Anderson School,
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Booth School of Business, Chicago, USA
Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
Networks:
The Global Alliance in Management Education
(CEMS)
Partnership in International Management (PIM)
Association of Professional Schools of International
Affairs (APSIA)
The HSG supports international
networking with:
Hubs in Singapore and So Paulo
Asia Research Center
The Sino-Swiss Management Training Program
Centro Latinoamericano-Suizo de la Universidad
de San Gallen
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CAREER PERSPECTIVES
Labor Market
The labor market puts a premium on HSG degrees.
On average, graduates are able to choose from
2.2 job offers.
Search for employment: 100% of graduates
have a job offer 3 months after graduation.
The average salary of the frst permanent job for
holders of a Masters degree is CHF 97,000.
The quota of HSG alumni in Swiss top management
is outstanding. The HSG has the greatest placing
power in Business Administration.
(Source: Graduate Survey Report, 2010, University of St.Gallen)
Recruiting Companies
Bain
Barclays
Boston Consulting Group
Clariden Leu
Commerzbank
Credit Suisse
Deloitte
Deutsche Bank
EFG Financial Products
Ernst & Young
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
HSG
Johnson & Johnson
J.P. Morgan
Julius Br
LGT
KPMG

Maxwell Lync
McKinsey
Morgan Stanley
Nestl
Nomura
Oliver Wyman
Partners Group
Pensimo Management
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
RBC Dexia
Roland Berger
Royal Bank of Scotland
Sal. Oppenheim
SAM Private Equity
Shilk
Swiss Re
UBS
Unicredit Bank
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SWITZERLAND
80%
ENGLAND
6% RUSSIA
1%
GERMANY
9%
AUSTRIA
2%
LIECHTENSTEIN
2%
20092011 MBF Graduate Job Placement
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I chose the Master in Banking and Finance program due to
its rigorous standards in education. Combining theory with
practice is one of the main strengths of the MBF and has
provided me with a set of skills valuable in my everyday work
as a consultant. The MBF is more than just a program: it
offered a unique insight into diversity and interpersonal
skills and thereby prepared me in the best possible way for
the job market.
Vincent Aebi
McKinsey & Company
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CAREER SERVICES
It pays to plan your career early on. The clearer
you are about your competencies, values, interests
and goals, the more focused you can be when
developing job ideas, researching job opportunities,
making contacts, using various offers on campus
and discussing your career-related questions
with company representatives.
The experts of the Career Services Center support
you in different stages of your career planning from
taking stock of your career and doing research (Assess)
to setting goals and applying for jobs (Act) to starting
your job and further developing your career (Achieve).
Furthermore, we assist you with specifc information
about the work permit regulations in Switzerland
for your respective nationality. While international
students can work part-time during their studies,
the regulation foresees a priority to Swiss and EU
nationals after graduation. The Career Management
Team would be glad to speak to you to move you
closer to your career objectives.
Manage your career with us
Career Management International Students
Career Services Center (CSC-HSG)
University of St.Gallen (HSG)
Dufourstrasse 50
CH-9000 St.Gallen
Phone: +41 (0)71 224 29 23
E-Mail: csc@unisg.ch
www.csc.unisg.ch
Our Career Management Services at a Glance
Career Counselling
One-on-one assistance on all career related topics
Career Events
HSG TALENTS Business Insights, seminars,
workshops and training on career related topics
Recruiting Events
HSG TALENTS Conference
HSG TALENTS Banking Days
HSG TALENTS Online: CV publication, event sign-up,
jobs and internship postings, company profles,
newsletter subscription
Career Management Handbook
Consolidated know-how and practical support for your
career planning process
Career Library
Career Management literature
HSG Career Event
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Industry Partners
The MBF is in close contact with its industry partners
in order to maintain and guarantee a solid foundation
in practice.
The MBF encourages the exchange between students,
faculty and the fnancial industry. The Partners of
the MBF guarantee an early contact with potential
employers and support the MBF in many ways. Our
industrial partners award fellowships for the best
students entering the program. At the end of the
program they award prizes.
Thanks to their ongoing support, the MBF is able to
invite professors from internationally renowned univer-
sities on a regular basis (e.g. Prof. Yakov Amihud, Stern
School of Business, New York University; Prof. Harrison
Hong, Princeton University). Doing internships and col-
laborating with the fnancial industry when writing the
Masters thesis is simplifed thanks to the Partners of
the MBF.
Cooperation with CFA Institute
The MBF program is an offcial
Program Partners of the CFA Institute,
which acknowledges that the MBF program covers
more than 70% of the candidate body of knowledge for
all three levels of the CFA program. Additionally, this
partnership enables the MBF to award CFA fellowships
each year to fve outstanding MBF students who embark
on the program.
SPONSORSHIP
UBS, Zurich
Deutsche Bank, Frankfurt
Credit Suisse, Zurich
Zrcher Kantonalbank
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EVENTS
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MBF Graduation: Jeanette Rusch from UBS, Martin Beck
(best Master thesis), Stefanie Hasse (best MBF degree)
and Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann
MBF-Apero
Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann & Dr. Patrick Raafaub
(Director FINMA) at the MBF start event
MBF Graduation
Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann handing out a fellowship A dinner event in Zurich after visiting a trading foor
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Christoph Doebelt
MBF Student
The Master's in Banking and Finance is a great program because it offers
a broad range of lectures and seminars and because it allows us to design
our individual curriculum accordingto our interests. The program fosters
the exchange between students, faculty, and fnancial institutions. This
guarantees a focus of our lectures on practitioners' needs and leads to an
optimal preparation for a professional career.
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MBF ALUMNI
HSG Alumni is the offcial organization of former
students of the University of St.Gallen. With more than
19,000 members and 100 Alumni Clubs on 5 continents,
it is one of Europes leading associations of this type.
It reinforces the alumnis lifelong bondswith the
University, as well as the networks among its members,
by means of numerous events and information
platforms, www.alumni.unisg.ch.
MBF Alumni
The MBF Alumni association builds a closer network
within the HSG alumni
Knowledge transfer to and from the program
Additional access to the job market
Regular meetings in Zrich, London, and New York
President's Welcome
Prof. Dr. Markus Menz
President, MBF Alumni
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The knowledge acquired in lectures such as
Derivatives, Corporate Financial Management
and Pension Finance affects essential parts
of my daily business. I am convinced that the
conceptual content of the lessons taught at the
HSG is absolutely in step with current practice.
I am glad that I was able to enjoy such an
effective education.
Danielle Brassel
Associate, Aeris Capital AG
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As a graduate of the MBF Program
you will be entitled to join the MBF
Alumni Club. The MBF Alumni
Club was founded by the frst MBF
graduates in May 2006. Since then,
it has continuously grown and today
has about 200 members. The club
organizes various activities such
as monthly lunch and dinner events in Zurich. This
exclusive network of HSG graduates working in banking
and fnance or in closely related sectors has proven to
be very valuable for our members, particularly during
the recent fnancial crisis. We invite you to join our
club following your graduation!
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MBF admission requirements
Bachelor degree in Business or Economics
GMAT (> 680) or GRE (> 160)
Proof of profciency in English
Motivation letter
CV
Admission to the MBF with at least
Deadline April 30th
ADMISSION PROCESS
Admission criteria Score (max)
GMAT or equivalent GRE
(e.g. 680 is 35 pts)
50
GPA of previous degree
(e.g. Bachelor)
30
Motivation Letter 10
Extracurricular activities,
exchange semester, etc.
15
Total possible admission score 105
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Visit MBF admissions online at:
www.admissions.unisg.ch
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ACADEMIC CALENDAR
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Semester Mid-Semester break
Apply
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Fall Semester Spring Semester
Application
Deadline
April 30th
Start of
Semester
calendar week 38 calendar week 8
Mid-semester
break
calendar weeks 44/45 calendar weeks 14/15
End of semester calendar week 51 calendar week 21
Please note, the mid-semester breaks may
be reserved for special seminars.
University's Open Day
Each semester, the University organizes
two open days for prospective Master's
students. Dates are published on our
homepage: www.infotag.unisg.ch
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Graduate School of Business, Economics,
Law and Social Sciences
Since its founding in 1898, the education and training
offered by the University of St.Gallen have been
characterized by a close affnity to the working world
and an integrative approach. We currently educate
more than 5,000 students in business administration,
economics, law, and the social sciences. According to
current rankings, the HSG is one of Europes leading
business universities. Its holistic education of the
highest academic standards has earned it the EQUIS
and AACSB accreditations by way of an international
seal of approval. The HSG aims to develop students
both in professional and personal areas by providing
them with an education along humanist lines. Its
international orientation is strengthened by students
and faculty coming from all continents, 150 partner
universities and membership in international networks.
Research
Research at the University of St.Gallen is centered around
30 institutes and research centers, which are an integral
part of the University. All institute directors are simul-
taneously also HSG professors. By combining theory
with practice, the institutes provide an important input
for teaching at the University and play a signifcant role
in furthering the careers of young academics. Our 80
tenured professors, 60 assistant professors and senior
lecturers, more than 300 lecturers and 300 assistants,
as well as distinguished visiting professors, nurture
the scientifc discourse with our students.
STUDYING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ST.GALLEN - HSG
Unique Academic Structure
The HSGs course structure consists of three pillars
and three levels. The three levels are the Assessment
Level, the Bachelors Level and the Masters Level. In
addition to these three academic levels, courses belong
to one of three didactic, subject-related pillars: contact
studies, independent studies and contextual studies.
With this model, the University of St.Gallen satisfes
the demands of society and the economy for graduates
with intellectual fexibility and intercultural qualifcations.
Contact Studies
Contact studies consist of lectures and seminars
in small groups. Students attend program specifc
compulsory courses, core electives and independent
electives. Independent electives may be selected from
the students own Masters program or from other
programs. Thus students have the opportunity to
acquire further knowledge in additional felds
of interest.
Independent Studies
Independent studies place emphasis on students'
personal responsibilities, and are supported by
electronic resources. In terms of subject matter,
they complement contact studies.
Contextual Studies
Contextual studies consist of courses in the areas of
cultural awareness, leadership skills and critical thinking.
They supplement specialized education with oppor-
tunities for well-founded and broad-based personal
development.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Traveling
In Switzerland, traveling by public transport is very
convenient and encouraged. Students are advised to
obtain the Swiss Federal Railway Half-Fare travelcard
in order to save 50% on all tickets. It is available for
CHF 165 and valid for one year.
Scholarships
The Swiss State Secretariat for Education and Research
offers scholarships to students from abroad based on
performance and study objectives.
Fellowships
Every fall the MBF awards fellowships to the ten
best new entrants. These fellowships are intended to
inspire students who have already an excellent record
in university studies or professional life to attend the
MBF program. Moreover, the fellowships are meant
to provide an incentive for constantly good results
in the program.

Each of these fellowships amounts to CHF 5,000,
with CHF 2,000 being paid at the beginning of the
programme, CHF 3,000 after passing the compulsory
course examinations with a minimum grade of 5.0 in
all of them. All students who have been admitted to the
MBF will be automatically considered for these fellow-
ships. The decision about awarding the fellowship will
be communicated to the most successful applicants in
the letter of admission.
Work-Study Opportunities
As an international student, you are allowed to work
15 hours a week. The University and its institutes are
regularly looking for students to do project work.
Students from outside the EU/EFTA area need a work
permit in order to work in Switzerland.
Living Costs in St.Gallen
The University of St.Gallen recommends students to
budget 2,000-2,500 Swiss Francs (CHF) per month for
basic needs, including fees and study material.
Monthly expenses:
Housing CHF 600
Living Expenses CHF 1,000
Health Insurance CHF 200
Fees
Switzerlands most important resource is its highly
skilled workforce. The country therefore invests in
excellent undergraduate and graduate education at
its universities that is highly subsidized by the state.
Thus the University of St.Gallen is in the convenient
situation to charge its students a fee of CHF 1,226
(Swiss nationals) and CHF 2,126 (all others) per
semester. Text books and other teaching material
are not included.
Accommodation
Prices for accommodation vary greatly depending on
location, size, standard and amenities. In a typical
shared apartment the price for a single bedroom starts
at approx. CHF 400 per month. Rental prices for small
private studios range from CHF 600 upwards per month.
Insurance
Students are required to obtain a Swiss health insurance
(unless granted an exemption by the Swiss authorities). The
costs are approximately CHF 200 per month.
26
As a federal republic with a system of direct
democracy, Switzerland enjoys a high degree of
political stability. Its standing as a neutral country
allows it to play an important humanitarian role in
world affairs and to act as a mediator between
conficting parties. Switzerland is home to various
international organizations, such as the International
Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations
and the World Trade Organization.
Switzerlands economy is based on a highly qualifed
and skilled labor force. Swiss companies are extremely
competitive in the global markets. Whilst the best-
known export items include watches, chocolate and
cheese; mechanical and electrical engineering, as well
as the life sciences account for over half of Swiss export
revenues. Other signifcant business areas include
consulting, banking, insurance and tourism.
Switzerland benefts from political stability and a
fourishing economy which allow for a high standard
of living at affordable prices. Switzerlands international
reputation as a research center is beyond dispute.
LIVING IN SWITZERLAND
Highlights
Switzerland has four national languages:
German, French, Italian and Romansh
Large international population: 21% of people living
in Switzerland are foreign nationals
One of the highest annual per capita GDPs worldwide:
USD 54,466 (at current prices)
Very low unemployment rate: 3.2% (March 2012)
Country ranked frst in the Travel and Tourism
Competitiveness Report 2011
An increasingly large number of companies are
moving their European headquarters to Switzerland
to take advantage of the favorable business and
living environment
27
LIVING IN ST.GALLEN
St.Gallen offers its approximately 75,000 inhabitants
a historically unique old town with a great number of
shops, street cafs, bars and clubs. The Abbey District
with its baroque cathedral and the Abbey Library is a
UNESCO World Heritage site and thus of international
signifcance.
Further cultural highlights are provided by perfor-
mances in the city theater, the concert hall and
the St.Gallen festivals, as well as by exhibitions in
numerous museums and private galleries. An event
that is particularly popular with many students is the
St.Gallen Open Air music festival, during which the
Sitter Valley is transformed into Switzerlands largest
tent city for three days.
The citys optimal situation between the Alps and
Lake Constance provides opportunities for various
leisure and sports activities, such as skiing, rock
climbing or sailing. St.Gallens Three Ponds are
only a few minutes walking distance from the city
center. These three small lakes situated on a hill on
the outskirts of the city serve as public swimming
pools in the summer and as ice rinks in cold winters.
The Peter and Paul Wildlife Park is situated close to
the University and is popular with students as an
idyllic setting for running or walking.
Settling in St.Gallen The Visa Process
Most individuals who come to Switzerland to study
must obtain a visa prior to entering the country.
Students from the EU/EFTA area, Japan, or Singapore
do not need a visa and must only apply for a residence
permit. On average, visa applications take about eight
weeks to process. Planning ahead is therefore essential.
Students can apply for the visa as soon as they have
received their letter of (conditional) acceptance from
the University and secured fnancing for their studies.
For regular students it is preferable to be issued a B
permit that can be renewed annually. All international
applicants are provided with detailed information
concerning visa application by the university administration.
Housing
The University of St.Gallen does not offer on campus
housing. However, you can easily fnd a place on your
own in St.Gallen over the internet. International
students receive support during the process and, upon
request, are assigned a MBF buddy who can help them.
St.Gallen offers a good selection of apartments, rooms
in shared apartments (called Wohngemeinschaft or WG),
and houses at varying prices.
University of St.Gallen
Swiss Institute for Banking and Finance
Rosenbergstrasse 52
CH-9000 St.Gallen
Switzerland
Phone +41 71 224 70 05
Fax +41 71 224 70 88
mbf@unisg.ch
www.mbf.unisg.ch
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