University of St. Gallen admissions:
which test to take and what scores the school publishes

Which St. Gallen programs require which tests?

The table covers three University of St. Gallen programs: the Strategy and International Management master’s (SIM), the Banking and Finance master’s (MBF), and the Full-Time MBA, which has a dedicated website. Both master’s programs require a recognized bachelor’s degree of at least 180 ECTS in an eligible field; a French degree does not automatically establish eligibility. The MBA is a separate program for applicants with work experience and has its own process.

Both master’s programs offer fall entry, with applications open October 1 through April 30. The MBA uses application rounds, and the dates shown concern fall 2027 entry. Its requirements page asks for a bachelor’s degree, two years of work experience, and two references; it refers to an “Admissions Policy 2026–2027.” Do not automatically apply the older fall 2026 requirements to 2027. First confirm that you meet the entry requirements; the “MiM or MBA” article can help you choose a program before testing.

GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment: which should you choose?

For the master’s programs, the school treats the GMAT and GRE equally: it requires one of them and recommends neither on the pages reviewed. The difference lies in how the score is evaluated. For the GMAT, the total score counts, with no “superscore” combining the best sections from multiple attempts. For the GRE, both Verbal and Quantitative are decisive for SIM, while MBF considers only Quantitative. Your program therefore matters when choosing between the GMAT and GRE; the “GMAT or GRE” article outlines comparison criteria.

For both master’s programs, scores must be no more than five years old. The highest-scoring attempt is retained, and the score must be sent to HSG through GMAC or ETS before applications close. The MBA accepts a broader list: GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment. Its requirements page gives no cutoff, validity period, or submission deadline; check the admissions policy for your intake before relying on post-offer submission.

Check score-delivery instructions and deadlines on your program’s page. The admissions-test lists for these three programs do not mention the TAGE MAGE; do not assume it can replace the GMAT or GRE.

Which English test, and what is the minimum?

SIM and MBF are taught in English. Their admissions pages do not require proof of English with the application; they recommend at least C1 at the start of studies. Applicants remain responsible for their English proficiency. MBF asks for a motivation letter in English but does not list an English certificate as a separate weighted criterion.

For the MBA, the requirements page asks for English proficiency and refers applicants to its admissions policy for details. The PDF linked as “Admissions Policy 2026–2027,” reviewed October 15, 2026, says it was published September 11, 2025 for fall 2026 entry; it requires C1 and provides waivers based on degree or English-language experience. Check accepted certificates, any minimums, and waivers for your intake; fall 2026 rules do not confirm fall 2027 requirements. The general page reviewed does not establish that TOEIC is accepted or specify a TOEFL or IELTS threshold.

What scores does St. Gallen publish?

This table includes only figures published by the school on the specified pages. “Not published on the page reviewed” does not mean no other university document contains a figure. We do not replace a missing cutoff with an outside estimate or convert scores.

For the MBA, the “class profile” page describes the 2024 class: 46 participants, average age 30, six years of experience, and 23 nationalities, but no GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment scores. The general requirements page gives no minimum. The SIM and MBF admissions pages also give no numeric test cutoff. A 20% or 30% weighting is not a score; it is the test’s share of the application evaluation.

What happens after the test?

The MBF application includes a CV and motivation letter in English, as well as the test score unless waived; the average grade for the bachelor’s degree, extracurricular activities, and letter also count. SIM weights the test at 20%, bachelor’s grades at 20%, activities and experience at 25%, and a video interview at 35%. The interview is required for the application to be processed.

The MBA has three phases: an application and initial review, an interview with a case presentation, and document verification. Two references are also required. For fall 2027 entry, listed deadlines are November 15, 2026, January 10, March 1, and May 3, 2027, followed by rolling admissions subject to space until July 31, 2027. Applicants from outside the EU and EEA who need a visa must apply by May 3, 2027; first-round applicants who enroll by January 19, 2027 receive a CHF 7,500 discount. SIM lists four rounds and MBF five, from October through April. Check your intake’s schedule before planning the test; the “Retake the test or move ahead with your application” article can help.