Established in 1999, Fachhochschule Ostschweiz (University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of St. Gallen (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), St Gallen. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Rapperswil, Chur, Buchs. Officially recognized by the Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation, Schweiz (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation of Switzerland), Fachhochschule Ostschweiz (FHO) is a small coeducational Swiss higher education institution. Fachhochschule Ostschweiz (FHO) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. FHO also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.