Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST) is a prominent institution formed from the merger of FHS St.Gallen, HSR Rapperswil, and NTB Buchs. It offers a diverse range of programs in applied sciences, engineering, business, and social work.
Diverse Programs: Offers bachelor's, master's, and continuing education programs across various disciplines.
International Student Support: English-taught programs and dedicated support services for international students.
Strong Industry Ties: Emphasizes practical experience through internships, industry projects, and applied research.
Multiple Campuses: Located in St.Gallen, Rapperswil, and Buchs, providing a broad geographical reach.
Scholarships: Available for both domestic and international students based on merit and financial need.
Student Life: Rich student life with various organizations, sports facilities, and cultural activities.
Career Services: Robust career support and alumni networks to aid in job placement and career development.
Engineering: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Energy and Environmental Technology
Information Technology: Computer Science, Data Science
Business Administration: Business Administration, International Management
Health: Nursing, Physiotherapy
Social Work: Social Work
Engineering: Systems Engineering, Renewable Energy and Environmental Technology, Industrial Technologies
Information Technology: Data Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering
Business Administration: Business Administration, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Business Information Systems
Health: Advanced Nursing Practice, Health Sciences
Course Program Name |
Duration (Years) |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
---|---|---|
Mechanical Engineering |
3 |
1500 |
Electrical Engineering |
3 |
1500 |
Civil Engineering |
3 |
1500 |
Environmental Engineering |
3 |
1500 |
Energy and Environmental Technology |
3 |
1500 |
Computer Science |
3 |
1500 |
Data Science |
3 |
1500 |
Business Administration |
3 |
1500 |
International Management |
3 |
1500 |
Nursing |
3 |
1500 |
Physiotherapy |
3 |
1500 |
Social Work |
3 |
1500 |
Course Program Name |
Duration (Years) |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
---|---|---|
Systems Engineering |
2 |
1500 |
Renewable Energy and Environmental Technology |
2 |
1500 |
Industrial Technologies |
2 |
1500 |
Data Science |
2 |
1500 |
Cyber Security |
2 |
1500 |
Software Engineering |
2 |
1500 |
Business Administration |
2 |
1500 |
Innovation and Entrepreneurship |
2 |
1500 |
Business Information Systems |
2 |
1500 |
Advanced Nursing Practice |
2 |
1500 |
Health Sciences |
2 |
1500 |
Course Program Name |
Duration (Years) |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
---|---|---|
PhD in Engineering |
3-4 |
1500 |
PhD in Information Technology |
3-4 |
1500 |
PhD in Business Administration |
3-4 |
1500 |
PhD in Health Sciences |
3-4 |
1500 |
PhD in Environmental Technology |
3-4 |
1500 |
English-Taught Programs: OST offers several programs in English, especially at the master's level, making it accessible to non-German-speaking students.
Support Services: Comprehensive support services include orientation programs, language courses, academic advising, and counseling services to help international students adjust to life in Switzerland.
Cultural Integration: Various activities and events are organized to help international students integrate into the local culture and community.
Accommodation: On-campus and off-campus housing options are available, with support provided to find suitable accommodation.
Visa and Immigration Assistance: The university provides guidance and assistance with visa and immigration processes for international students.
Scholarships: Various scholarships and financial aid options are available for international students based on merit and financial need.
Student Life: A vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, sports facilities, and cultural activities to engage in outside of academics.
Career Services: Dedicated career services help international students with internships, job placements, and career development, ensuring a smooth transition from education to employment.
Explore the various bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs offered by OST.
Ensure the chosen program aligns with your academic and career goals.
Review the specific admission requirements for the chosen program.
Requirements generally include academic qualifications, language proficiency, and sometimes work experience.
Gather necessary documents such as transcripts, diplomas, language proficiency certificates (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS for English or Goethe-Zertifikat for German), CV, motivation letter, and reference letters.
Ensure all documents are translated into the required language (usually German or English) and certified if necessary.
Complete the online application form available on the OST website.
Upload the required documents as specified in the application instructions.
Pay the application fee, if applicable. The fee amount and payment method will be specified during the application process.
Submit the completed application form and all required documents before the application deadline.
Deadlines vary by program and intake period (Autumn or Spring semester).
After submission, the admissions committee reviews the application.
Applicants may be invited for an interview or entrance exam, depending on the program requirements.
If accepted, you will receive an official admission offer from OST.
Follow the instructions in the admission offer to confirm your acceptance and secure your place in the program.
International students will need to apply for a student visa and residence permit.
The university provides guidance on the visa application process.
Complete the enrollment process as instructed in the admission offer.
Pay the tuition fees and any other required fees.
Attend orientation sessions and start your academic journey at OST.
Generally, the intake is in the Autumn semester (starting in September).
Some programs may offer a Spring semester intake (starting in February).
Most master's programs have an intake in the Autumn semester.
Some programs may also offer a Spring semester intake.
Intakes are usually flexible and depend on the availability of supervisors and research funding.
Prospective PhD students should contact potential supervisors and the respective department for specific intake details.
Academic Qualifications:
A Swiss Matura or equivalent foreign secondary school diploma.
Specific requirements may vary by program; for example, certain programs may require a background in mathematics or sciences.
Language Proficiency:
Programs taught in German require proof of proficiency in German (e.g., Goethe-Zertifikat, TestDaF).
Programs taught in English require proof of proficiency in English (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
Additional Requirements:
Some programs may have entrance exams or interviews as part of the admission process.
Academic Qualifications:
A relevant bachelor's degree from a recognized institution.
Specific prerequisite courses or a minimum grade point average may be required depending on the program.
Language Proficiency:
Programs taught in German require proof of proficiency in German.
Programs taught in English require proof of proficiency in English.
Work Experience:
Some master's programs may require relevant work experience.
Additional Requirements:
A motivation letter, CV, and references may be required.
Some programs may require an entrance exam or interview.
Academic Qualifications:
A relevant master's degree from a recognized institution.
Research Proposal:
A detailed research proposal outlining the intended research topic, objectives, and methodology.
Language Proficiency:
Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction and research (German or English).
Supervision:
Acceptance by a faculty member who agrees to supervise the PhD research.
Additional Requirements:
CV, academic references, and possibly an interview.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount/Benefit |
Application Process |
---|---|---|---|
OST Merit Scholarship |
Outstanding academic performance |
Partial to full tuition fee waiver |
Automatic consideration upon admission |
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships |
International students with a high academic standing |
N/A |
Apply through Swiss embassies/consulates |
ESKAS Scholarship |
Students from specific countries |
Monthly stipend and tuition waiver |
Apply through Swiss embassies/consulates |
Mobility Scholarships |
Students participating in exchange programs |
N/A |
Apply through the International Office at OST |
Industry-Sponsored Scholarships |
Students in specific programs related to sponsoring companies |
N/A |
Apply through specific departments or programs |
Need-Based Financial Aid |
Students demonstrating financial need |
N/A |
Apply through the Financial Aid Office at OST |
Campus Location |
Facilities |
Accommodation Options |
Cost of Accommodation (USD/Month) |
---|---|---|---|
St.Gallen |
Lecture halls, libraries, research labs, student services, dining facilities |
University-managed housing, private apartments |
500 - 800 |
Rapperswil |
Lecture halls, libraries, research labs, sports facilities, student services |
University-managed housing, private apartments |
600 - 900 |
Buchs |
Lecture halls, research labs, student services, dining facilities |
University-managed housing, private apartments |
450 - 700 |
Advising and Counseling: Personalized academic advising and counseling services to support students' academic and personal development.
Tutoring Services: Available for various subjects to help students succeed in their coursework.
Language Courses: German and English language courses to help international students integrate and succeed academically.
Student Organizations: A wide range of student clubs and organizations covering interests such as sports, culture, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Sports Facilities: Access to gyms, sports halls, and outdoor sports facilities for various activities including basketball, football, tennis, and more.
Cultural Events: Regular events, workshops, and exhibitions organized on campus to promote cultural exchange and creativity.
Student Cafeterias and Dining: On-campus dining facilities offering a variety of meal options.
Social Events: Regular social events, parties, and gatherings organized by the student union and various clubs to foster a vibrant campus life.
Networking Opportunities: Opportunities to connect with industry professionals, alumni, and peers through seminars, conferences, and networking events.
On-Campus Housing: University-managed housing options that provide a convenient and supportive living environment.
Private Accommodation: Assistance in finding private apartments or shared housing options in the vicinity of the campuses.
Living Costs: Affordable living options with varying costs depending on the type of accommodation chosen (see previous table for cost details).
Health and Wellness: Access to health services, including medical care and psychological counseling.
Career Services: Dedicated career services to assist students with internships, job placements, and career development.
International Office: Support for international students with visa applications, residence permits, and integration into the Swiss culture.
Public Transport: Well-connected public transport options, including trains, buses, and trams, making it easy to travel between campuses and explore the surrounding areas.
Bicycle Facilities: Bike-friendly campuses with secure bike parking and rental options.
Safe and Inclusive: A safe, inclusive, and diverse campus environment that promotes mutual respect and understanding among students from different backgrounds.
Beautiful Surroundings: Campuses located in picturesque settings, offering a peaceful and inspiring environment for studying and living.
OST collaborates with a wide range of industries and businesses to provide students with practical experience and job opportunities.
Regular industry projects, internships, and company visits are integrated into the curriculum.
Many programs require students to complete internships as part of their studies.
Internships provide hands-on experience and often lead to job offers upon graduation.
The Career Services office provides personalized support to students in finding internships and job placements.
Services include resume writing workshops, interview preparation, career counseling, and job search assistance.
OST organizes annual job fairs and networking events where students can meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities.
These events facilitate direct interactions between students and industry professionals.
A strong and active alumni network that provides mentoring and networking opportunities for current students.
Alumni often return to campus to share their experiences and offer job opportunities to graduates.
OST boasts high employment rates for its graduates, with many securing jobs in their field of study shortly after graduation.
Specific placement rates and success stories vary by program and can be obtained from the Career Services office.
OST encourages entrepreneurial initiatives among students and provides support for startups.
Facilities such as incubators and mentorship programs are available for students interested in starting their own businesses.
Academic Performance: Strong academic records and relevant qualifications increase the chances of acceptance.
Language Proficiency: Meeting the required proficiency levels in German or English is crucial for admission.
Motivation and Fit: Personal statements, motivation letters, and interviews (if required) play a significant role in the admissions process.
Facilities: Modern lecture halls, state-of-the-art research labs, libraries, and student services.
Highlights: Located in a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, students can enjoy a blend of modern amenities and historic charm.
Environment: A lively urban setting that provides numerous cultural, dining, and entertainment options.
Facilities: Well-equipped lecture halls, advanced research labs, sports facilities, and a vibrant student services center.
Highlights: Situated by Lake Zurich, this campus offers stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities.
Environment: A picturesque and tranquil environment ideal for study and relaxation, with easy access to major Swiss cities.
Facilities: Comprehensive lecture halls, research labs, dining facilities, and student services.
Highlights: Nestled in the Rhine Valley, this campus provides a unique blend of natural beauty and cutting-edge academic facilities.
Environment: Known for its scenic surroundings, students can enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities in their free time.