St. Gallen Expands Medical Master – Without HSG
University of Zurich to Take Over Campus from 2030
The medical master's education in St. Gallen will be reorganised from 2030. The University of Zurich (UZH) is to continue the campus as the "UZH Medical Campus Eastern Switzerland". The University of St. Gallen (HSG) is no longer involved in the new model. At the same time, the Cantons of St. Gallen and Zurich aim to increase the number of student places from the current 40 to 100.
The two cantons have signed a letter of intent. This forms the basis for continuing and expanding medical education in St. Gallen beyond 2030. The current Joint Medical Master's program of the Universities of St. Gallen and Zurich expires at the end of July 2030.
UZH to Take Over St. Gallen Campus
Since 2020, the University of St. Gallen and the University of Zurich have jointly offered the Joint Medical Master's program in St. Gallen. The program currently has 40 places per year. The education primarily takes place in St. Gallen and Eastern Switzerland, leading to a joint master's degree from both universities.
From 2030, the University of Zurich will continue the campus under the name "UZH Medical Campus Eastern Switzerland". The HSG is no longer involved in the planned new model. This ensures the continuation of medical master's education in St. Gallen, but with a new organisational structure.
The expansion is also driven by the need for additional doctors. The cantons assume that training in the region increases the likelihood that doctors will remain professionally active there later.
100 Instead of 40 Student Places
The new offering is set to become significantly larger. The number of student places is intended to increase from the current 40 to 100 per year. This would more than double the capacity.
In parallel with the expansion of teaching, a strengthening of research and academic infrastructure is planned. One to two non-clinical structural professorships are envisioned, along with up to three "ad personam" professorships for scientifically qualified individuals.
The University of Zurich can draw on experience from the "Med500+" project when establishing the new campus. Through this project, UZH further develops its medical degree program and creates additional training capacities. The knowledge gained will also contribute to the development of the Medical Campus in St. Gallen.
Hospitals and Practices Remain Important Partners
Medical education is to remain closely linked to the healthcare system of Eastern Switzerland. Partners include HOCH Health Ostschweiz, St.Gallen Psychiatric Services, the Eastern Switzerland Children's Hospital, and independent practitioners.
The involvement of these institutions is particularly relevant for clinical training. A significant portion of the Joint Medical Master's program is already conducted in St. Gallen and Eastern Switzerland.
Letter of Intent Not Yet a Definitive Contract
The current decision initially establishes the political and organisational framework. The two cantons have signed a letter of intent. A binding cooperation agreement is expected to be developed by spring 2027.
The legal requirements also still need to be established. The Canton of St. Gallen intends to create the legal basis for the continuation of the medical master's program with a new health law. The Canton of Zurich supports the University of Zurich in establishing the new campus.
Thus, the long-term continuation is politically prepared but not yet regulated in all details. Specifically, the definitive cooperation agreement and further legal steps are still pending.
Campus Remains for Eastern Switzerland
With the reorganisation, the primary change is in the sponsoring body. The former Joint Medical Master's of HSG and UZH is to become a Medical Campus led by the University of Zurich. At the same time, the offering will be expanded from 40 to 100 student places, and cooperation with Eastern Switzerland's healthcare institutions will be deepened.
For the region, this means a significant expansion of training capacities. Whether the planned expansion can actually be implemented as intended now depends on further political, legal, and contractual steps.
Sources
- Medinside: St. Gallen to expand Medical Master's – without HSG, August 27, 2026
- State Chancellery Canton St. Gallen / Nau: Medical Education Secured – 100 Student Places Soon, August 27, 2026
- University of Zurich: Joint Medical Master University St.Gallen
- University of St.Gallen: Joint Medical Master in St.Gallen
