Switzerland · Master's
University of St Gallen (HSG)
Master in Banking and Finance
University of St Gallen (HSG)
Course Overview
St Gallen's Master in Banking and Finance (MBF) is one of Europe's most respected specialised finance master's — consistently ranked top-10 globally by the Financial Times Masters in Finance Pre-Experience ranking. The 18-month programme draws cohorts of around 100 students per intake, with strong placement into Swiss banking (UBS, Credit Suisse / now UBS, Julius Baer, Pictet, Lombard Odier) and into international investment banking (Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America).
Sri Lankan applicants from banking, audit (Big Four), CFA, ACCA, or CIMA backgrounds use the MBF as a route into Zurich and Geneva financial roles. The curriculum is CFA-aligned and covers corporate finance, asset management, derivatives, fixed income, banking strategy, financial econometrics, and behavioural finance. The mandatory exchange semester (Term 3) opens up partnerships with Wharton, Tuck, NYU Stern, LSE, HEC Paris, and ESADE. The 4-month full-time finance internship between Term 2 and Term 3 is the dominant graduate-job pipeline.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business, or a quantitative discipline (engineering, maths, physics) with strong grades.
- check_circle GMAT 680+ recommended (median around 690) or GRE equivalent.
- check_circle Quantitative coursework (calculus, statistics, econometrics) demonstrated on transcript.
- check_circle Two references, CV, motivation essays, video interview, and the HSG Case Study Day for shortlisted candidates.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (no band below 6.5).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English: C1 Advanced grade B.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English (Sri Lankan applicants qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (CHF) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, non-Swiss) | CHF 4,400 | Rs. 1,628,000 |
| Living Expenses in St Gallen (12 months) | CHF 22,000 | Rs. 8,140,000 |
| Health Insurance & Mandatory Fees | CHF 1,800 | Rs. 666,000 |
| Books, CFA Registration & Travel | CHF 3,500 | Rs. 1,295,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | CHF 31,700 | Rs. 11,729,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
St Gallen MBF graduates report a median first-job salary of CHF 95,000-115,000 within 3 months. Switzerland's 6-month post-study job-search visa allows time to convert internships into offers. Around 70% enter banking and asset management — UBS, Julius Baer, Pictet, Lombard Odier, Vontobel (Zurich); Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley (international); Partners Group and Capital Group on the buy-side. Sri Lankan returnees route into senior corporate banking / treasury roles at HSBC Colombo, Standard Chartered, Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and into Big Four advisory.
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