OST is a dynamic, innovative university that strengthens Eastern Switzerland with forward-looking impulses and makes a significant contribution to the economic and social development of our region.
On September 1, 2020, three reputable higher education institutions – FHS St. Gallen, HSR Rapperswil and NTB Buchs – joined their strengths to form the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST), a competitive new university of applied sciences for the six cantons of Eastern Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. We are an innovative and dynamic university with forward-thinking concepts and innovations, providing a major economic and social contribution to the development of Eastern Switzerland.
We are the university of applied sciences for the six cantons of Eastern Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. With around 3,800 students, 1,500 professionals pursuing further education, and over 1,000 current research projects, we form the educational hub of the region.
| Acronym | OST |
| Colour | Blackberry (dark purple), Pink, and Black |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Location | St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland |
| Address | Rosenbergstrasse 59, P.O. Box, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland |
By offering qualitatively exceptional degree programs and leading-edge executive education courses, they equip students with the skills necessary to take on demanding specialist and managerial tasks – in business, the public sector and the voluntary sector. Through the combination of state-of-the art applied research and development with solution-oriented services, we help organizations to develop sustainable solutions.
They are an innovative, highly successful and conscientious organization of experts whose effective planning, determination, swift action and flexibility set their apart from other institutions. They pride ourselves on their close proximity to their stakeholders, their focus on fostering interdisciplinarity and their exceptionally high standards in the communication and transfer of knowledge to students. In addition, they are at the leading edge of teaching and research across a variety of key topics at the national level. All of this enables them to make a lasting social and economic contribution to Eastern Switzerland and beyond.
OST graduates are highly sought after by employers. For instance, approximately 90% of Business Administration students secure permanent positions within just three months of graduation.
OST features international tracks (e.g., the International Management degree is largely taught in English) and offers built-in semesters abroad to build your global professional network.
The bachelor's degree in business information technology at OST can be completed in six semesters (three years) full-time or in eight semesters (four years) part-time. Classes for full-time study programs are typically held during the day, Monday through Friday. Study hours range from 7:40 a.m. to 6:35 p.m., depending on the schedule. Special dates and variations are possible.
For admission to the first stage of study, universities of applied sciences require one of the following prerequisites :
The admission requirements for the fields of engineering and information technology; architecture, construction and planning; economics and social work are regulated in the FH admission regulations .
You can be admitted to Master's program if you have a Bachelor's degree. The bachelor's degree should be related to the desired profile. You can find more detailed information in the respective profile descriptions.
Admission requirements vary by course and program. View the program page for requirements.
Apply online through the application portal.
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +41 58 257 14 10
AACSB Accredited.
As of December 16, 2022, the OST was institutionally accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council as a university of applied sciences until 2029 in accordance with the Federal Act on the Promotion of Universities and Coordination in the Swiss Higher Education Sector (HFKG) and is therefore eligible for funding in the future as well.
In August 2024, the Department of Economics at OST obtained accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business .
Also in August 2024, the Swiss Accreditation Council accredited the OST's BSc Nursing, MSc Nursing Science and BSc Physiotherapy degree programs until 2031
The Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (German: Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, OST, until 2019 the Fachhochschule Ostschweiz, FHO), is a university (Fachhochschule) consisting of three campuses; they are located in St. Gallen, Rapperswil-Jona, and Buchs, in the canton of St. Gallen (Eastern Switzerland).
They are sponsored by the Swiss cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Glarus, Schwyz, St. Gallen and Thurgau, and the Principality of Liechtenstein.