Admission and Regulations

Please refer to the admission requirements for Ph.D. studies at the University of St.Gallen.

You may start the programme either in the Spring or the Autumn Semester. The application is made online. If you have already finished a degree programme at the HSG, please apply using the rematriculation form.

You can apply for the Ph.D. programme in Economics and Finance if you hold a Master's degree in Economic Sciences or Social Sciences from a recognised university, or in a discipline related to those taught at the University of St.Gallen School of Economics and Political Sciences. A minimum average grade of 5.00 (not rounded) is required. This is equivalent to a minimum average grade of 2.00 (not rounded) in Germany and Austria.

Depending on your previous university degree, additional programme-specific requirements  may be imposed upon admission.

Your degree programme will be recognised if the following criteria are fulfilled:

• Your degree was awarded by an university, which is recognised in the country where you attended the course.
• You have completed all course work at a recognised or accredited university.
• You have completed at least half of the course work onsite at the university awarding the degree.
• You fulfil the minimum requirements for unconditional admission to Ph.D. studies at your home university.

The PEF courses build on prior knowledge in core areas, which is generally attained by a competitive Master's degree programme in Economics and Finance.  Applicants therefore need to prove entry level knowledge in the main fields which are relevant to their desired specialisation.
•    Specialisation in Economics: Advanced Microeconomics I, Advanced Macroeconomics I, and Data Analytics II
•    Specialisation in Econometrics: Data Analytics II, either Advanced Microeconomics I and Advanced Macroeconomics I or Theory of Finance + Advanced Mathematics and Statistics
•    Specialisation in Finance: Data Analytics II, Theory of Finance, Advanced Mathematics and Statistics

When you apply, you must prove that your proficiency in the English language, used as the language of instruction, is at level C1 (CEFR). The University of St.Gallen accepts the following as supporting documents for admission:
•    English as native tongue (= language of instruction at primary and secondary school).
•    Recognised Bachelor's or Master's degree completed in its entirety in English.
•    Linguistic proficiency in English at level C1 (CEFR) gained at the University of St.Gallen.
•    Recognised language diploma at level C1 (CEFR), such as the IELTS Academic Score 7.0, Cambridge Advanced Certificate.
•    TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) with at least 100 points. You need to state the University of St. Gallen's institution code when taking the test: 7202.

An application can only be made with the following minimum score: GMAT 680 points (total score), GRE revised 160 points (quantitative reasoning).

Test results may not be older than 5 years and must be provided to us directly by GMAC or ETS before the closing date for applications. It is important to state the Institution Code of the University of St. Gallen. Should you have failed to do so, then instruct GMAC or ETS to provide us with your test results in a timely manner. (institution code GMAT 5RK-QG-07, GRE 7202)

The Programme Committee may exempt applicants holding a Master's degree from the University of St.Gallen from having to present test results.

Please include a statement about your motivation for applying and specify your research interests and your desired PEF specialisation.

Please provide at least two references from professors of other universities and/or from your supervisor at the HSG.

For crediting Master's level courses, you may provide a list of up to two advanced Master's (or equivalent) courses and all relevant information related to their content.