The city of St.Gallen is situated between Lake Constance and the impressive backdrop of the Alpstein mountain range. It is a university city: during the academic semester, more than 10,000 students come and go in St.Gallen. The St.Gallen region offers a rich cultural scene and a wide range of leisure activities. Lake Constance, the Eastern Swiss Alps, and neighboring European countries can all be reached in less than an hour.
“Studying at OST has been an incredible experience. I received excellent academic support while having the opportunity to broaden my perspective, immerse myself in Swiss culture, and explore some of the most beautiful nature in the world.”
Jeremy Hays, Exchange Student Spring 2026, University of Kentucky, US
Incoming Exchange Students
Why study at Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST)?
- Practice-oriented learning with lecturers who combine academic expertise and business experience
- Real-world consulting projects with Swiss companies
- Hands-on international teamwork and consulting experience
- German language courses for beginners
- Buddy programme to help you settle in and connect with local students
- Welcoming international community and lifelong friendships
- Safe and student-friendly environment in St. Gallen
- Excellent location for travelling across Switzerland and Europe
Academic Calendar for Incoming Students School of Management
Fall Semester 2026/2027
Monday, 14 September 2026 to Saturday, 5 February 2027
! Orientation Week starts: Thursday, 3 September 2026 !
Final Exams – Autumn Semester 2026/27:
Monday, 18 January 2027 to Saturday, 5 February 2027
:::
Spring Semester 2027
Monday, 22 February 2027 to Saturday, 3 July 2027
! Orientation Week starts: Thursday, 11 February 2027 !
Final Exams – Spring Semester 2026/27:
Monday, 21 June 2027 to Saturday, 3 July 2027
Accommodation
The St. Gallen campus does not offer on-campus accommodation. However, the International Office is happy to assist students in finding housing through an external provider (Homestay AG), which offers rooms ranging from approximately EUR 600 to EUR 900 per month.
All accommodation options include a private bedroom, while the kitchen and bathroom are shared with other exchange students. The rooms are fully furnished and include Wi-Fi access.
You can find the accommodation application form here.
Exchange students who prefer to arrange their own accommodation may use the websites listed below. If you are unable to find suitable housing, the International Office will be happy to assist you.
Application
Applications must be submitted through the International Office of the partner university. At present, the School of Management is unable to accept free movers.
Nomination Deadlines (by email to cristina.garone@ost.ch)
15 May (Autumn Semester)
15 October (Spring Semester)
Application Deadlines (all documents must be submitted by email to cristina.garone@ost.ch)
1 June (Autumn Semester)
1 November (Spring Semester)
The application must include the following documents:
- Application Form
- Learning Agreement
- Photo for the Campus Card
- Copy of passport (or copy of national ID card for European citizens)
All forms can be downloaded from our information platform. There you will also find further information about the exchange semester, OST, St. Gallen, and Switzerland.
Pre-Arrival
Orientation Week
The Welcome Days and Orientation Week take place before the start of the regular semester. Attendance is mandatory for all incoming students, so please ensure that you arrive in St. Gallen at least one or two days before the first Welcome Day.
Visa and Immigration
EU/EFTA Students
Students from EU/EFTA countries do not require a visa to enter Switzerland.
Non-EU/EFTA Students
OST will obtain a visa authorization from the Migration Office of the Canton of St. Gallen and prepay the associated fee of CHF 96. This amount must be reimbursed by the student after arrival in Switzerland. Once the visa authorization has been issued, students can apply for their visa through the Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country. In most cases, the application can be submitted by email and no personal appointment is required.
Residence Permit (All Students)
All exchange students must obtain a residence permit after entering Switzerland. To do so, students are required to register with the local residents' office within 14 days of their arrival. The residence permit fee must be paid by the student. Students who are eligible for a SEMP (Swiss-European Mobility Programme) grant may be exempt from this fee upon presentation of the SEMP confirmation form.
Health Insurance
All exchange students must have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Switzerland.
EU/EFTA Students
Students from EU/EFTA countries are generally covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Non-EU/EFTA Students
Students from non-EU/EFTA countries must provide proof of health insurance that is valid in Switzerland. To apply for an exemption from Swiss mandatory health insurance, the health insurance provider in the home country must complete and sign an exemption form. This form, together with a copy of the insurance policy in English, will be reviewed by the local authorities in St. Gallen.
Please note that the insurance policy must explicitly state that the coverage is unlimited. Policies with limited coverage will not be accepted.
If the exemption request is rejected, students are required to take out a Swiss health insurance policy (approximately CHF 90 per month).
If you are unsure whether your existing health insurance will be accepted in Switzerland, we strongly recommend purchasing a Swiss student health insurance plan before arrival to avoid delays and additional administrative procedures.
Health Insurance Companies:
Academic Care of Groupe Mutuel
Swisscare
Buddy System
Before you arrive in Switzerland, one of our OST students will contact you and will answer your questions regarding your stay in St. Gallen. Your buddy will be there for you when you arrive in St. Gallen and accompany you to your accommodation.
Information about Switzerland
Switzerland Tourism
Information about St.Gallen
City of St.Gallen
Region of St.Gallen
Living in St.Gallen
Registration at Residency Office
After your arrival, you must register with the St. Gallen residents' registration office within 14 days.
Please make sure to take the following documents with you:
- Passport/ID
- Admission Letter
- Housing Contract
SEMP form (for European Students)
Registration fee: CHF 70.00 (EU)
CHF 142.00 (Non-EU)
Cost of living
The cost of living depends on your individual needs (about 1400 - 2100 CHF per month).
OST Campus restaurand and cafeteria
The canteen on Campus St. Gallen offers a daily selection of lunch menus at affordable prices.
Opening hours canteen
Mon-Fri 11.30 a.m. – 2 p.m
Sat 11.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.
Opening hours cafeteria:
Mon and Wed 7 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.;
Tue/Thu/Fri 7 a.m. – 7 p.m
Sat 7.30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Library
The library features 98 work stations which are available for concentrated reading and studying.
Sports
With their campus card, OST students can also use the sports facilities of the University St. Gallen.
Leisure and culture
There is a lot to do in St. Gallen.
Shopping
Coop, Migros and Denner are the three largest Swiss food retailers with stores in almost every neighbourhood. The German discounters Lidl and Aldi are often found in the suburbs. The culinary specialities of St. Gallen include the St. Gallen Bratwurst, the St. Gallen Biber and St. Gallen beer.
Shops are usually open from 08:30 to 18:30. The shops in the main train station have extended opening hours and also open on Sundays.
On the road in St. Gallen and in the region
With an Ostwind ticket you can travel in the cantons St. Gallen, Thurgau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Appenzell Innerrhoden with all public transport. Young people under 25 years of age receive a reduction on the monthly and annual season ticket.
For people who travel a lot outside the region, a half-fare travelcard is highly recommended.
The Lake Constance Day Ticket is an attractive international ticket that allows you to visit the sights of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
A cheap alternative is going by bike. Free bike rental is available at the bike station at St. Gallen railway station.
