Frequently asked questions 

Exchange semesters are possible and recommended in the third term. It is not possible to go abroad on an exchange during the first or second term as you have to complete the compulsory courses at the University of St.Gallen. 

No, you can take up studies in the MIA programme only in the autumn term.

If you work part-time during your studies, it is possible to extend the MIA Programme to 8 semesters maximum. For full-time students, we recommend to work no more than 20% or 8 hours per week.

To be admitted to the Master's programme in International Affairs and Governance, students must hold a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration, Social Science or Law and be able to provide evidence of at least 30 ECTS in Economics or Business Administration, Law, Political Science, Administrative Sciences or International Affairs. You are also eligible for admission to the MIA programme if you hold a consecutive Master's degree in a subject other than «International Affairs». Please see the admission criteria on our website.

The MIA emphasizes multi- and interdisciplinary courses in business administration, economics, law, and political sciences. If you lack the foundations in any of these disciplines, we recommend that you prepare yourself before taking up your master's studies. Recommended literature is mentioned in your letter of admission. We also offer workshops in the format of «MIA Mornings» that will allow you to close potential disciplinary, methodological and professional gaps. More information on our MIA Morning can be found here.

According to the new course regulations 20, you do not have to take supplementary courses. However, we strongly recommend that you make up for missing foundations in the other disciplines involved in the MIA programme before taking up your master's studies. Recommended literature is mentioned in your letter of admission.

No knowledge of German is required in order to apply for the MIA programme. However, students who do not provide any evidence of German at the beginning of their studies at the HSG are obliged to learn some German before graduation. At our Language Center, we offer German courses and other learning services on all levels.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your command of the language of instruction is sufficient to allow you to complete your studies successfully. Recommended level at the start of the study is at least C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

«Qualified activities in areas related to politics, economics and law» are required, in particular, internships with governmental, international governmental and nongovernmental organisations, positions with political agencies and other public institutions. In the past, MIA students have successfully completed internships, for instance, at a political foundation in Brussels, at the Foreign Office in Berlin, at NGOs in Thailand and India and at the State Chancellery of the Canton of St.Gallen.

Please observe the implementation provisions for practice credits in the MIA Programme. In general, only work completed during your studies at Master’s Level or during the year before taking up the master's studies can be credited.

This combination is not possible, as you must earn at least 60 credits at the University of St.Gallen.