Double degree in Finance and Banking with the University of St.Gallen

SSE has partnered with the University of St.Gallen (HSG), one of Europe’s leading business schools, to offer a double degree opportunity in Finance and Banking at the Master level.

Double degree with the University of St.Gallen

The double degree in Finance and Banking is available to students enrolled in the MSc program in Finance. By studying at both SSE and the University of St.Gallen (HSG), students gain an international perspective on finance and develop the skills needed for careers in banking, finance, insurance, and related fields.

The program spans two academic years, with one year at each institution. Students in the MSc program in Finance at SSE may apply during their first year of studies. At HSG, students follow courses within the Master of Arts in Banking and Finance. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive degrees from both institutions.

“HSG’s strong connections to Zurich’s financial sector and beyond complement SSE’s strengths,” says Bo Becker, Professor in the Department of Finance at SSE.

The Master of Arts in Banking and Finance at HSG offers advanced studies in financial markets, financial institutions, corporate finance, and quantitative methods, combining academic rigor with practical application.

Each year, up to two students from the MSc program in Finance are admitted to the double degree program through a competitive selection process.

Double degree structure

Year 1 - Studies at SSE

60 ECTS consisting of mandatory and elective courses


Year 2 - Courses at the University of St.Gallen

47 ECTS* consisting of courses, core studies, and contextual studies. The final course selection must be approved by the Program Director at SSE

* The number of credits depends on how many SSE courses can be transferred to HSG.

Master thesis

The thesis requirements differ between the two institutions. The University of St.Gallen requires a Master thesis worth 18 ECTS, while SSE requires a Master thesis worth 30 ECTS.

Students spending their second year at the University of St.Gallen will write and defend their thesis at HSG in accordance with local regulations and academic calendars. In addition, they will complete a second thesis component worth 12 ECTS under the supervision of an SSE faculty member.

Both thesis components will be assessed by an SSE examiner and submitted as a single document under a common title in fulfillment of SSE’s degree requirements.

Application and admission

Application period

November 23–December 7, 2026

Application requirements

The HSG-SSE double degree program is only open to first year SSE's MSc in Finance students. The application should include course transcripts for the program, a CV and motivation letter, and other materials. 

The selection is based on:

  • Academic performance in the MSc program to date, as well as in previous degrees, together with other merits and the motivation letter

  • Proficiency in English (equivalent to C1 as defined by the European Framework)

Requirements/restrictions:

  • Swiss nationals will not be considered.
  • Students who completed their Bachelors degree at the University of St.Gallen will not be considered.
  • Students who made a prior direct application to a Master program at St. Gallen may be considered for that or another program if their original application was successful.
  • Students who completed their Bachelors in a non-business or non-economics field must have completed at least 40 ECTS in core business subjects at the undergraduate level. 
  • Students with a Bachelors degree from a University of Applied Sciences may be considered: 1) if the degree was in a business field and 2) only for MBF and SIM and at the program’s discretion.
  • MBF and MEcon/MiQEF begin with mandatory integration events starting in Week 36. Students must be free from all academic or employment commitments to attend these events.

Applications are submitted through our online application platform. Log in and follow the application instructions. Selected students are notified by the MFIN Program manager.