Tourism and Hospitality Programs in Switzerland for International Students
- Advantages of studying tourism and hospitality in Switzerland
- Formats and levels of tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland
- Top universities for tourism and hospitality in Switzerland
- Additional recommended universities for tourism and hospitality in Switzerland
- How to apply for tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland
- Language of instruction and preparation for tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland
- Tuition fees for tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland
- Scholarships and grants for tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland
- Career prospects after studying tourism and hospitality in Switzerland
- Is it worth getting tourism and hospitality education in Switzerland
- Frequently asked questions
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - International Culinary Arts
International Management Institute SwitzerlandThis is an advanced course. Our graduates are prepared to meet the demands and challenges of the professional kitchen through a combination of practical and intellectual elements in their education. The emphasis is on state-of-the-art technological abilities and transferrable advanced business and…
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - Hospitality
International Management Institute SwitzerlandThis curriculum prepares students for the rigors of senior management while also allowing them to specialize in a combination of two subjects of study: hotel and tourism. The curriculum emphasizes on organizations' strategic business development, and the Dissertation permits students to self-study…
Master of Science - International Hospitality and Events Management
International Management Institute SwitzerlandThis MSc program, offered by IMI, is designed for students who have a Bachelor's degree but no professional experience. The curriculum focuses on core strategic management skills in the hotel and events industries and provides a wide understanding of operational management, planning, and strategy…
Postgraduate Diploma - International Hotel & Events Management
International Management Institute SwitzerlandThe program's goal is to provide students with the practical and management skills needed for entry-level roles in the hotel, events, and allied industries who have little or no prior experience in the business. The course focuses on operational and integrative management, covering topics such as…
Certificate - International Hotel and Tourism Management
International Management Institute SwitzerlandThis program is designed for people who want to work in the exciting field of hospitality. The goal of this program is to prepare students for university and to provide them with a solid foundation in the fields of hospitality, tourism, and event management. Students who complete this foundation program…
Postgraduate Diploma - International Culinary Arts
International Management Institute SwitzerlandThe program's goal is to provide students with the practical and management skills needed for entry-level roles in the hotel, events, and allied industries who have little or no prior experience in the business. The course focuses on operational and integrative management, covering topics such as…
Bachelor of Arts - Hotel & Hospitality Management
B.H.M.S - Business and Hotel Management School - Lucerne, SwitzerlandBecome a part of the hospitality industry, which is one of the fastest-growing in the globe. This sector is in high demand for managers with strong organizational and soft abilities. Our curriculum will prepare you for success in the hospitality industry and beyond by fusing fundamental hospitality…
Diploma - Hospitality Management
B.H.M.S - Business and Hotel Management School - Lucerne, SwitzerlandThe B.H.M.S. Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management program is designed for two target audiences who are aspiring to a management career in the hospitality industry: degree holders in other fields with lower English ability who wish to undertake a foundation program to prepare them for the…
Master of Science - International Hospitality Business Management
B.H.M.S - Business and Hotel Management School - Lucerne, SwitzerlandGraduates and those seeking to advance their careers in the hospitality industry can benefit from the M.Sc. programs by gaining a deeper understanding of the industry and more advanced skills.
Students will gain the skills and information necessary for a successful career in the hospitality,…
Certificate - Hospitality Business Management
B.H.M.S - Business and Hotel Management School - Lucerne, SwitzerlandFor those without a Bachelor's degree, the Graduate Certificate provides a stepping stone to the Master of Science degrees.
Over the course of three months, students will study four required modules at the graduate level; those who do so successfully will move on to the Master of Science…
Advantages of studying tourism and hospitality in Switzerland
Switzerland is rightfully considered one of the world leaders in tourism and hospitality education. This country is the cradle of the modern hotel business concept, and many Swiss schools hold leading positions in international rankings.
Advantages of studying here:
- Global recognition of diplomas – Swiss certificates and degrees are highly valued by employers worldwide.
- Industry integration – active cooperation between universities and international hotel chains, tour operators, and cruise companies.
- Multilingual environment – education is conducted in English in a multinational setting, which promotes the development of intercultural communication.
- Unique educational approach – a combination of theory, practice, and internships from the first year.
- Safe and stable country – high standard of living, safety, and infrastructure.
Formats and levels of tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland
Swiss educational institutions offer a wide range of programs:
- Preparatory courses (Foundation/Preparatory) – for those who want to improve academic and language skills before admission.
- Bachelor's degree (Bachelor) – duration of 3 to 4 years, programs with mandatory paid internships.
- Master's degree (Master/MBA) – 1–2 years, focus on management and strategic development in the hospitality industry.
- Short-term courses – from several weeks to months, aimed at professional retraining or specialization.
- Online programs – flexible format for those who want to combine work and study.
Most programs are available in English, making them convenient for international students.
Top universities for tourism and hospitality in Switzerland
| University name | Program name | Tuition fee for international students (per year) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHL Hospitality Business School | Bachelor in International Hospitality Management | from 39,000 CHF | QS ranking leader in Hospitality category. Campuses in Lausanne, Singapore, and Pasug. |
| Glion Institute of Higher Education | Bachelor in International Hospitality Business | from 36,500 CHF | Ranked among the top 5 universities worldwide in hotel management. Internships at the world's best hotels. |
| Les Roches Global Hospitality Education | Bachelor in Global Hospitality Management | from 38,800 CHF | Campuses in Switzerland, Spain, and UAE. QS ranking: top 10. Strong business focus. |
| César Ritz Colleges Switzerland | Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business | from 34,100 CHF | Strong academic component, emphasis on international tourism. |
| HTMi Hotel and Tourism Management Institute | BSc in International Hospitality Management | from 26,000 CHF | Partnership with British universities. Strong career services. |
Additional recommended universities for tourism and hospitality in Switzerland
| University name | Program name | Tuition fee for international students | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMI International Management Institute, Lucerne | Bachelor's – Hotel Business / International Culinary Arts / Master's – Hotel Management and Event Management | Bachelor's: from 28,300 to 31,300 CHF per year Master's: 36,950 CHF / 1 year |
One of the oldest private institutes in Switzerland. Strong practical focus, international accreditations. |
| B.H.M.S – Business and Hotel Management School, Lucerne | Bachelor's – Hotel Management / Culinary Arts Master's / MBA – International Hotel Management Short-term diplomas and certificates |
Bachelor's: up to 117,000 CHF per course Master's: from 39,500 CHF MBA: 42,500 CHF Certificates: from 20,900 CHF |
One of the most flexible universities. Offers all levels of programs, recognized by Swiss and international employers. |
| EU Business School (Geneva / Montreux) | Bachelor's – Leisure and Tourism Master's – Tourism and Hotel Management MBA – Hotel Management and Leisure |
Bachelor's: 14,700 EUR (~15,900 CHF) per year Master's: 16,350 EUR (~17,700 CHF) MBA: 39,750 CHF |
European business school with campuses in Switzerland, Spain, and Germany. International atmosphere, English-language education. |
| HIM – Hotel Institute Montreux | Bachelor's – Hotel Business Management | 124,600 CHF for the entire course | Part of Swiss Education Group. Emphasizes business components and includes two internships. |
| SHMS – Swiss Hotel Management School | Bachelor's – Hospitality and Tourism Management (hotel-based) | ~from 90,000 CHF per course (fee not specified on website, industry benchmark) | One of the most prestigious universities in hospitality. Campuses in historic palaces, ranked in QS top 10 for Hospitality. |
How to apply for tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland
Application steps:
- Choose a program and university – based on academic level, budget, interests.
- Prepare documents:
- Passport with sufficient validity for the entire study period.
- High school diploma or Bachelor's degree and transcript with notarized translation.
- English language certificate: IELTS (from 5.5), TOEFL (from 70), Duolingo (from 95).
- Recommendation letters.
- Motivation letter or essay.
- Resume (CV).
- Submit application for the chosen program.
- Pass the admission interview (usually online).
- Receive invitation and apply for student visa.
Some universities require registration 6–12 months before the start of studies.
Language of instruction and preparation for tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland
The main language of instruction is English. Although the country is multilingual (French, German, Italian), programs in tourism and hospitality are predominantly English-language.
Available for international students:
- Preparatory language courses – duration of 3–12 months.
- Academic preparation (Foundation Year) – adaptation to the Swiss education system.
- Summer schools and intensives – help prepare for admission and adapt to the new environment.
Tuition fees for tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland
Average tuition fees:
- Bachelor's: 26,000 – 39,000 CHF per year
- Master's: 28,000 – 42,000 CHF per year
- Preparatory courses: from 12,000 CHF
Additional expenses (per year):
- Accommodation and meals: 12,000 – 18,000 CHF
- Health insurance: 800 – 1,500 CHF
- Study materials and transportation: 1,000 – 2,000 CHF
Total: from 40,000 to 60,000 CHF per year – full budget for studies and living.
Scholarships and grants for tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland
Swiss universities and government agencies offer various forms of financial support. Scholarships are available to international students, including citizens of CIS countries and India.
Types of support:
- Academic scholarships – for high GPA, participation in olympiads, achievements.
- Financial aid – based on provided documents about family income.
- Motivation and leadership scholarships – evaluated through essays and interviews.
- University grants – reduce tuition fees by 25–50%.
- Assistant positions – opportunity to work on campus and receive payment.
Examples of scholarships (available for international students, including CIS):
- EHL Merit Scholarship
- Les Roches Excellence Award
- Glion Talent Scholarship
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
Application deadlines: from November to March, depending on the university and scholarship type.
Career prospects after studying tourism and hospitality in Switzerland
Swiss graduates are in demand in hotel, tourism, restaurant, and event industries. Often during their studies, students complete paid internships that become the starting point for career growth.
In-demand professions:
- Hotel manager
- Tourism and marketing manager
- Customer service manager
- Event organizer
- Restaurant or resort manager
Popular employers:
- Accor Hotels
- Kempinski
- Hilton Worldwide
- TUI Group
- Swiss International Air Lines
- MSC Cruises
Average starting salary for graduates – from 3,500 to 4,800 CHF per month, depending on region and specialization.
Is it worth getting tourism and hospitality education in Switzerland
Yes, and here's why:
- Global recognition of Swiss education.
- Strong practical base: internships, international connections, employment.
- Safe environment and comfortable living for international students.
- Strong academic traditions and industry experience.
Compared to other countries (for example, France, Spain or Canada), Switzerland wins in terms of teaching quality, practical opportunities and employment. The drawback – high tuition fees that can be partially compensated by scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the minimum English level required for admission to tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland?
Minimum level – IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 70 or Duolingo 95. For Master's – higher.
2. Are there preparatory courses for admission to tourism and hospitality universities in Switzerland?
Yes, most universities offer Foundation Year or language intensives.
3. Can I work while studying tourism and hospitality programs in Switzerland?
Yes, students are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week after 6 months of study.
4. Is internship mandatory during tourism and hospitality studies in Switzerland?
Yes, nearly all programs include paid internships – this is a key element of the Swiss education model.
5. Which Swiss universities are most prestigious in tourism and hospitality?
EHL, Glion, Les Roches, SHMS and César Ritz are ranked in world tops for this specialization.