Study in Switzerland: What student life is really like in St. Gallen
Thinking about studying in Switzerland? The city of St. Gallen, home to the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and several other institutions, offers a compelling mix of academic reputation, international culture, and natural beauty. If you’re an international student, here’s what you’ll get—and what makes St. Gallen especially attractive.
University of St. Gallen (HSG)
Founded in 1898, HSG is one of Europe’s top business universities, recognized for its excellence in business administration, economics, law, social sciences, international affairs, and computer science.
Although most bachelor’s programs are taught in German, several master’s programs and doctoral tracks are available in English, making HSG an attractive choice for international students seeking globally recognized degrees. On average, the university enrolls nearly 10,000 students from 95 countries, creating a distinctly international learning environment (source: University of St. Gallen official statistics). Additionally, the university maintains partnerships with over 200 institutions worldwide, giving students excellent exchange opportunities.
Beyond academics, HSG is known for its practice-oriented teaching and strong corporate connections. Students often participate in consulting projects, business simulations, and networking events that link them directly to leading European employers — particularly in finance, management, and consulting.
Finally, degrees from HSG are highly respected world-wide, giving you a lifetime advantage upon completion.
Preparing for admission to HSG
Admission to HSG is competitive, and Swiss as well as international applicants often need to pass the HSG selection process (sometimes called the St. Gallen admissions test).
While the exact structure may vary slightly by year, it typically evaluates skills such as logical reasoning, text and data analysis, and quantitative problem-solving.
To help applicants succeed, we provide specialized prep books designed specifically for the HSG admission process. These guides include:
- Realistic practice questions modeled on past selection formats
- Step-by-step strategies for each test section
- Expert advice on time management and analytical reasoning.
These resources are created for prospective students who want to master the HSG admissions exam and feel fully confident on test day.
(Note: edulink is not affiliated with the University of St. Gallen; always refer to HSG’s official admissions website for the latest entry requirements and test updates.)
Other universities in St. Gallen
St. Gallen is not just about HSG. The city also hosts:
- OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, which offers degrees in engineering, computer science, health, and social work, emphasizing applied research and industry links.
- PHSG – University of Teacher Education St. Gallen, focusing on teacher training and education sciences, with a strong emphasis on practical classroom experience.
Together, these institutions make St. Gallen a thriving academic ecosystem — where theory, practice, and innovation meet in a safe, student-friendly city surrounded by nature.
International atmosphere that attracts foreign students
Some of the things that make St. Gallen especially appealing to international students:
- Youthful population & diversity — St. Gallen has one of Switzerland’s youngest populations. Combined with a large international student presence, this leads to a dynamic, open, and socially diverse environment.
- Strategic location — bordering Germany and Austria, with good transport links, St. Gallen you easy access to travel throughout Europe.
- English-friendly environment — with many locals speaking English and universities offering English-taught programs, it’s easier for non-German speakers to settle in.
Life outside the classroom: nature, culture and safety
Overall, St. Gallen is clean, safe, and very well organized. You’ll find that public transport works reliably, but walking and biking paths are equally as abundant and convenient.
Green spaces can be found throuhout the city. But nature is never far: hike in the hills, ski in the Alps, or visit lakes like Lake Constance. St Gallen offers a great balance between academics and recreation.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for culture close by, the old town (Altstadt) has a UNESCO-listed library which is a highlight for its beauty and character. St. Gallen has plenty of architecture to admire, culture to explore, and festivals to enjoy.
Cost of living, where to live, and what to expect
While Switzerland is known to be expensive, St. Gallen tends to be cheaper than Zurich or Geneva. You’ll still need to budget carefully, especially for housing and food.
Student accommodation usually includes shared flats (WGs) or university-provided housing. We recommend starting your housing search in early to mid-spring for the fall semester, or as soon as you’ve received your acceptance.
| Neighborhood | Why it’s popular | What to expect |
| Rotmonten | Very close to HSG, many student housing options, part of the youthful student atmosphere. | University-managed apartments, shared flats, good public transport to both campus & center. |
| Rosenberg | Quiet but central, good compromise between calm and accessibility. | Shared housing, near institutions like OST, still close to amenities. |
| City center (Innenstadt / Marktplatz / Bahnhof) | Best for being in the thick of things — shops, nightlife, transit. | Shared flats, more lively, possibly more expensive. |
| Linsebühl | Trendy, slightly quieter, but still social and accessible. | A bit more residential, but with café culture, student community, and the ability to walk/bus to the city center. |
Why studying in Switzerland is a strong choice
If you’re an international student thinking about studying in Switzerland, St. Gallen is one of the stronger picks — especially if you value academic rigour, international exposure, safety, and natural surroundings. For ease of living, building career connections, and making the most of university life while exploring Europe, St. Gallen offers a well-rounded experience.
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