Hotel management Switzerland: ranking the best schools
Stressed out about finding the best hotel management colleges in Switzerland? We break down the best spots for hotel management Switzerland to help you make the right call without the headache. Same as for Filipino hospitality, Switzerland is at the forefront of the quality in term of hospitality. Get ready to find the elite campus that launches your international career 🚀.
Best Hotel Management Colleges in Switzerland Article Takeaways
Here is a comparative look at Switzerland’s top 15 hotel schools:
Swiss tuition is steep, but it’s a solid investment. Don’t worry; schools like EHL offer financial aid. Here is the breakdown.
| School | Programs | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| EHL Hospitality Business School | Bachelor, Master, MBA | #1 Ranked (QS) |
| Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) | Bachelor, Master | Palace campuses |
| Les Roches Global Hospitality Education | Bachelor, Master, MBA | Entrepreneurship focus |
| Glion Institute of Higher Education | Bachelor, Master, MBA | Multi-campus options |
| César Ritz Colleges Switzerland | Bachelor, Master | Ritz Paris partner |
| BHMS – Business & Hotel Management School | Bachelor, MBA | Lucerne fast-track |
| HTMi, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute | Bachelor, Master | Career focus |
| IMI – International Management Institute | Bachelor, MBA | Family atmosphere |
| Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality (SSTH) | Diploma, Bachelor | EHL Group member |
| Geneva Business School | Bachelor, Master | Intl. Hospitality |
| Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM) | Bachelor | Finance focus |
| Vatel Switzerland | Bachelor, MBA | Global network |
| Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland | Bachelor | Culinary arts |
| IHTTI School of Hotel Management | Bachelor | Luxury design |
| EU Business School | MBA | Business focus |
Choosing the right school in Switzerland is a real game-changer for your future. It’s a serious investment, sure, but the career boost is totally worth it. So, take your pick from these elite institutes and get ready to shine. The world of luxury hospitality is waiting for you! 🌟🇨🇭
Table of Content
- A Comparative Look at Switzerland’s Top 20 Hotel Schools
- Switzerland’s Hospitality Elite: A Closer Look at the Top Tier
- The Swiss Approach: Hands-on Learning and Career Opportunitie
A Comparative Look at Switzerland’s Top 20 Hotel Schools
EHL Hospitality Business School (Lausanne)
EHL Hospitality Business School contact details: Phone: +41 21 785 11 11 / Website: www.ehl.edu
Overview: Founded in 1893 as the world’s first hotel school, EHL stands as the global benchmark in hospitality management education and is among the most prestigious hospitality schools worldwide. Ranked #1 globally for seven consecutive years (2019-2025) by QS World University Rankings, this leading Switzerland hotel management institution combines Swiss service excellence with cutting-edge business innovation. The school operates multiple campuses in Lausanne, Singapore, and Passugg, serving over 4,000 students from 120+ nationalities studying hospitality management at the highest level.
Specialization: Academic Excellence & Business Leadership in Hospitality Management
- First educational restaurant to earn a Michelin star (Berceau des Sens)
- AACSB and NECHE accredited
- MBA in Hotel Management Switzerland programs available
- Strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation
- Industry-leading research and consulting services
Annual Tuition: CHF 39,500 – CHF 41,000 (approximately USD 41,000)
- Swiss citizens and HES-SO eligible students: CHF 1,400 per year (subsidized)
- International students: Full tuition applies
Les Roches Global Hospitality Education (Crans-Montana)
Les Roches Global Hospitality Education contact details : Phone: +41 21 989 26 44 / Email: info@lesroches.edu / Website: www.lesroches.edu
Overview: Established in 1954 and located high in the Swiss Alps near the world-famous Crans-Montana ski resort, Les Roches delivers dynamic, international hospitality education and ranks among the top hotel schools globally. Ranked #5 by QS World University Rankings 2024, this premier Swiss hotel school embodies a « learn by doing » philosophy with campuses in both Switzerland and Spain, offering comprehensive hospitality and tourism management courses in Switzerland.
Specialization: Practical Learning & Entrepreneurship
- Hands-on operational training in real hotel environments
- Innovation labs and VR learning facilities
- Strong emphasis on entrepreneurial mindset
- Multiple campus study options (Switzerland and Spain)
Annual Tuition: CHF 26,350 per semester (Switzerland campus)
- Approximately CHF 52,700 annually
- Marbella campus: €17,550 – €18,335 per semester
- Includes practical arts training and materials
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland Contact Details : Phone: +41 41 417 07 07 / Email: info@cesarritzcolleges.edu / Website: www.cesarritzcolleges.edu
Overview: Named after the legendary hotelier César Ritz, this institution embodies luxury hospitality education across two prestigious campuses in Lucerne and Le Bouveret. Ranked #3 globally in QS World University Rankings 2024, César Ritz Colleges is one of the leading hotel management colleges merging Swiss hospitality traditions with modern entrepreneurial thinking. For those searching for a hotel management school near me in the Lucerne region, this institution offers world-class education in hospitality management.
Specialization: Luxury Management & Entrepreneurship
- Focus on high-end hospitality operations
- Sustainable management practices
- Leadership development programs
- Direct connection to Ritz brand heritage and philosophy
Annual Tuition: CHF 31,000 – CHF 35,000 (estimated)
- Varies by program level
- Scholarships available based on merit
Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS)
Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) Contact Details : Phone: +41 21 966 41 11 / Email: info@shms.com / Website: www.shms.com
Overview: Founded in 1992 and ranked #2 globally in hospitality education (QS 2024), SHMS is one of the most recognized Swiss hotel schools, operating two stunning campuses in former palace buildings in Caux and Leysin. The school pioneered the « learning by doing » approach to studying hospitality management in Switzerland, where students manage actual on-campus hotel operations including restaurants, bars, and spa facilities.
Specialization: Operational Excellence & Technology Integration
- Apple Distinguished School for innovative learning
- Students run real hotel operations on campus
- Combines traditional Swiss hospitality with modern technology
- Partnerships with University of Derby (UK)
Annual Tuition: CHF 30,000 – CHF 35,000 (estimated)
- Varies by program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PGD)
- Brive scholarship: up to 30% tuition reduction available
SIU – Swiss Institute of Universities and Hospitality Management
SIU – Swiss Institute of Universities and Hospitality Management Contact Details : Email: info@siu.ch / Website: www.siu.ch
Overview: Also known as Swiss International University, SIU is one of the notable hotel management colleges combining academic rigor with extensive practical training in hospitality and tourism management. The institution emphasizes multilingual communication and international exposure through partnerships across Switzerland’s top tourism destinations, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to study hospitality management in Switzerland with a global perspective.
Specialization: Multilingual Education & International Tourism
- Strong focus on language skills (multilingual programs)
- Extensive internship network across Swiss tourism industry
- Project-based learning approach
- International career preparation
Annual Tuition: CHF 25,000 – CHF 30,000 (estimated)
- Varies by program level
- Contact school for specific program fees
IMI International Management Institute (Lucerne)
IMI International Management Institute Contact Details: Phone: +41 41 854 48 44 / Email: info@imi-luzern.com / Website: www.imi-luzern.com
Overview: Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, IMI is among the top hotel schools offering UK-accredited degrees validated by Manchester Metropolitan University (Triple Crown accredited). Ranked #17 globally in QS Rankings 2024, this respected hotel management school near Lucerne prides itself on intimate class sizes (5-15 students) and exceptional personal mentoring with 35+ nationalities on campus, making it ideal for students studying in Switzerland who value personalized attention.
Specialization: Small Class Sizes & Personal Mentoring
- Maximum 300 students per year ensures personalized attention
- All programs validated by Manchester Metropolitan University (UK)
- Highest employability rates among Swiss hospitality schools
- Boutique learning environment with tailored support
Annual Tuition: CHF 28,000 – CHF 32,000 (estimated)
- UK-accredited BA (Hons) degrees
- Master’s programs available
Business & Hotel Management School (BHMS) (Lucerne)
Business & Hotel Management School (BHMS) Contact Details : Phone: +41 41 249 90 90 / Email: info@bhms.ch / Website: www.bhms.ch
Overview: BHMS blends Swiss hospitality training with comprehensive business management education at one of Switzerland’s innovative hotel management colleges. The school’s unique model allows students to complete paid internships during their studies, combining academic excellence with immediate industry experience and dual Swiss-international qualifications. This makes BHMS an attractive option for those seeking practical hospitality and tourism management courses in Switzerland.
Specialization: Paid Internships & Dual Qualifications
- Students earn while they learn through paid internships
- Swiss and international degree qualifications
- Programs in hospitality, global business, and culinary management
- Strong industry partnerships for employment
Annual Tuition: CHF 26,000 – CHF 30,000 (estimated)
- Includes internship semester support
- Accommodation and board packages available
Glion Institute of Higher Education (Montreux)
Glion Institute of Higher Education Contact Details : Phone: +41 21 989 26 77 / Email: info@glion.edu / Website: www.glion.edu
Overview: Founded in 1962 in a former luxury hotel overlooking Lake Geneva, Glion ranks #6 globally (QS 2024) with a Top 3 ranking for Employer Reputation among hospitality schools. The institute specializes in luxury hospitality and event management, with 98% of graduates receiving employment offers on graduation day from a network of 3,480+ industry partners. Glion is consistently recognized as one of the top hotel schools in Switzerland and globally, offering comprehensive Switzerland hotel management education with campuses in Glion, Bulle, and London.
Specialization: Luxury Brand Management & Employer Reputation
- Former luxury hotel converted to state-of-the-art campus
- Exceptional graduate employment rate (98%)
- Strong partnerships with luxury brands and hotels
- Campuses in Switzerland (Glion, Bulle) and London
Annual Tuition: CHF 39,100 (approximately USD 39,000-41,000)
- Same tuition for all students (private institution)
- Scholarships available including IB Diploma, Alumni, and Family scholarships
HTMi – Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland (Soerenberg)
HTMi – Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland Contact Details : Phone: +41 41 488 71 20 / Email: info@htmi.ch / Website: www.htmi.ch
Overview: HTMi emphasizes innovation, technology, and leadership development for tomorrow’s hospitality industry, making it one of the forward-thinking Swiss hotel schools. The modern campus functions as a working hotel, providing students with immersive, hands-on experience in all aspects of hotel operations within a real business environment—an ideal setting for studying hospitality management in Switzerland with practical application.
Specialization: Innovation & Technology Leadership
- Campus operates as functional hotel
- Focus on « Hospitality Leaders of Tomorrow »
- Emphasis on research and creative problem-solving
- Technology-driven learning environment
Annual Tuition: CHF 25,000 – CHF 29,000 (estimated)
- Programs range from certificates to degrees
- Industry-focused curriculum
Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM)
Hotel Institute Montreux Contact Details: Phone: +41 21 965 40 00 / Email: info@hotelinstitutemontreux.com / Website: www.him.ch
Overview: HIM uniquely combines American business education methodology with Swiss hospitality precision, creating a distinctive approach among hotel management colleges. The curriculum spans hotel operations, finance, marketing, and luxury brand management, preparing graduates for leadership roles through partnerships with global hotel groups and luxury companies. This American-Swiss blend makes HIM attractive for international students seeking to study hospitality management in Switzerland with a global perspective.
Specialization: American-Swiss Education Model & Brand Strategy
- Blends American business approach with Swiss hospitality standards
- Strong focus on luxury brand management
- Comprehensive finance and marketing education
- Strategic partnerships with global hospitality leaders
Annual Tuition: CHF 28,000 – CHF 32,000 (estimated)
- American-style degree programs
- International recognition
IHTTI School of Hotel Management (Neuchâtel)
IHTTI School of Hotel Management Contact Details: Email: info@ihtti.com / Website: www.ihtti.com (redirects to SHMS)
Overview: Now integrated into SHMS, IHTTI pioneered hospitality design and innovation in Swiss hospitality education and remains one of the notable hospitality schools for creative minds. The school continues to inspire through creative, design-led management education, producing graduates known for their exceptional attention to detail and guest experience excellence in the hospitality management sector.
Specialization: Hospitality Design & Innovation
- First school to focus on design in hospitality management
- Creative approach to service delivery
- Design-thinking methodology
- Alumni excel in boutique hotels and design firms
Annual Tuition: (Now part of SHMS fee structure)
- Contact SHMS for current tuition information
- Design-focused programs
International Hotel and Tourism Training Institute
International Hotel and Tourism Training Institute Contact Details : Website: www.swisseducation.com
Overview: Part of the Swiss Education Group, this institute continues IHTTI’s legacy of combining management excellence with design thinking and sustainability. Students learn to balance innovation with human-centered service, preparing for leadership roles in sustainable and technology-driven hospitality.
Specialization: Sustainability & Human-Centered Design
- Sustainable hospitality practices
- Technology integration in service delivery
- Human-centered service philosophy
- Design and innovation focus
Annual Tuition: Contact institution for current rates
International School of Business Management (ISBM) – Lucerne
International School of Business Management (ISBM) Contact Details : Email: info@isbm.ch / Website: www.isbm.ch
Overview: ISBM provides individualized learning experiences through small class sizes and personal guidance in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. The school combines impeccable Swiss hospitality standards with global business perspectives through extensive internships and workshops.
Specialization: Individualized Learning & Personal Guidance
- Very small class sizes for personalized attention
- Swiss hospitality standards with global reach
- Comprehensive internship program
- Workshop-based practical training
Annual Tuition: CHF 24,000 – CHF 28,000 (estimated)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
- Swiss and international curriculum
Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (Le Bouveret & Lucerne)
Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland Contact Details : Phone: +41 24 482 28 00 / Email: info@culinaryartsswitzerland.com / Website: www.culinaryartsswitzerland.com
Overview: The Culinary Arts Academy uniquely combines culinary creativity with business leadership training among Swiss hotel schools. Students learn from master chefs while developing the managerial expertise needed to operate successful restaurants, catering companies, or luxury dining establishments. This specialized institution offers comprehensive hospitality and tourism management courses in Switzerland with a culinary focus.
Specialization: Culinary Excellence & Food Business Management
- Training with master chefs
- Business and culinary skills integration
- Restaurant and catering management
- Swiss culinary precision with global trends
Annual Tuition: CHF 27,000 – CHF 31,000 (estimated)
- Culinary arts and hospitality management
- Professional kitchen training included
Hotel Management School Geneva (Ecole Hôtelière de Genève)
Hotel Management School Geneva Contact Details : Phone: +41 22 718 63 00 / Email: info@ehoteliere-geneve.ch / Website: www.ehoteliere-geneve.ch
Overview: Affiliated with the Swiss Hotel Association, this respected public institution offers bilingual (French-English) programs emphasizing sustainable, ethical, and professional hospitality leadership. As one of the established Swiss hotel schools, graduates excel in hotel operations, tourism management, and consulting across Switzerland and internationally. For those seeking an affordable hotel management school near Geneva, this public institution provides excellent value while maintaining high standards in hospitality management education.
Specialization: Bilingual Education & Sustainability Focus
- Public institution with Swiss Hotel Association affiliation
- French-English bilingual programs
- Strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices
- Swiss public education quality standards
Annual Tuition: CHF 3,000 – CHF 5,000 (public institution rates for eligible students)
- Significantly lower tuition as public institution
- Varies based on residency status
HTMi International College Centre for Culinary Studies
HTMi International College Centre for Culinary Studies Contact Details : Phone: +41 41 488 71 20 / Email: info@htmi.ch
Overview: This specialized branch of HTMi focuses exclusively on culinary arts, gastronomy, and restaurant management. Students train in professional kitchens while mastering business fundamentals, creativity, and management—perfect for combining culinary passion with hospitality leadership.
Specialization: Gastronomy & Restaurant Management
- Professional kitchen training facilities
- Business and culinary arts integration
- Restaurant management specialization
- Entrepreneurship in food service
Annual Tuition: CHF 24,000 – CHF 28,000 (estimated)
- Specialized culinary programs
- Part of HTMi fee structure
Vatel Martigny, Switzerland – Hotel & Tourism Business School
Vatel Martigny, Switzerland – Hotel & Tourism Business School Contact Details: Phone: +41 27 722 77 77 / Email: martigny@vatel.ch
Overview: Part of the world’s largest network of hotel and tourism management schools, Vatel Martigny operates in the scenic Valais region. With a 5-star QS Stars rating, the school offers internationally accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s programs with strong internship networks spanning global hospitality markets. As part of an international network of hospitality schools, Vatel provides students studying in Switzerland with worldwide career opportunities and connections in hospitality and tourism management.
Specialization: International Network & Quality Assurance
- Part of largest global hospitality school network
- 5-star QS Stars rating
- Strong international internship placement
- Worldwide career opportunities through network
Annual Tuition: CHF 18,000 – CHF 22,000 (estimated)
- Competitive tuition within Swiss market
- Network advantages
Alpine Center Switzerland
Alpine Center Switzerland Contact Details : Email: info@alpinecenter.ch
Overview: The Alpine Center provides a boutique, student-focused learning experience with small classes and personalized mentoring. The curriculum emphasizes sustainability, service excellence, and management training, producing confident, adaptable graduates ready for global careers in resorts and boutique hotels.
Specialization: Boutique Learning & Sustainability
- Very small class sizes for maximum attention
- Sustainability-focused curriculum
- Resort and boutique hotel specialization
- Personalized career support
Annual Tuition: CHF 23,000 – CHF 27,000 (estimated)
- Boutique institution pricing
- Inclusive support services
Swiss Educational College (Weggis)
Swiss Educational College Contact Details : Phone: +41 41 392 00 90 / Email: info@sec.edu
Overview: Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne, SEC offers modern Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees combining theory with up to two years of paid industry experience. Among hotel management colleges emphasizing practical experience, this institution stands out for its extended internship programs. The college’s lakeside location provides an inspiring atmosphere while its personalized approach focuses heavily on employability and career success for students studying hospitality management in Switzerland.
Specialization: Extended Industry Experience & Employability
- Up to 2 years of paid internship experience
- Stunning Lake Lucerne location
- Multicultural learning environment
- Strong employability focus
Annual Tuition: CHF 26,000 – CHF 30,000 (estimated)
- Includes extensive internship support
- Lakeside campus amenities
SSTH Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality (Passugg)
SSTH Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality Contact Details : Phone: +41 81 255 11 11 / Email: info@ssth.ch
Overview: Part of the prestigious EHL Group, SSTH Passugg offers both vocational and higher-education programs focused on hands-on learning in fully functional hotel settings, representing the vocational pathway among top Swiss hotel schools. Students master operations, culinary arts, and management in real hospitality environments, earning Swiss Professional Degrees and BSc degrees with federal accreditation. This institution provides an excellent alternative for those seeking practical Switzerland hotel management training with Swiss government recognition.
Specialization: Vocational Excellence & Practical Training
- EHL Group member institution
- Swiss federal government accreditation
- Training in fully operational hotel facilities
- Swiss Professional Degree (« Dipl. Hôtelière-Restauratrice HF »)
Annual Tuition: CHF 20,000 – CHF 25,000 (estimated for Swiss Professional programs)
- Lower tuition for vocational programs
- BSc programs aligned with EHL standards
Switzerland’s Hospitality Elite: A Closer Look at the Top Tier
The Undisputed Leaders: EHL, Les Roches, and SHMS
Let’s talk about the heavy hitters: EHL Hospitality Business School, Les Roches, and Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS). These three schools absolutely dominate the scene. According to the QS World University Rankings, they consistently grab the top spots globally. That ranking is practically the bible for aspiring hoteliers.
You should know that this fame isn’t just marketing fluff. It stands on a massive academic reputation and serious respect from big-time employers.
Simply put, they are the gold standard for hotel management in Switzerland. Students from all over the planet fight to get in.
What Sets Them Apart: Academic Reputation and Programs
EHL really doesn’t mess around when it comes to options. They cover the whole spectrum from Bachelor degrees to MBAs, focusing heavily on experiential education. You learn by getting your hands dirty, not just sitting in a lecture hall.
Take a look at their Luxury Hospitality Management program in partnership with HEC Paris. It shows exactly why they sit at the top of the luxury food chain. That kind of networking is priceless.
This variety allows you to specialize. You find exactly what works for your career.
The Swiss Approach: Hands-on Learning and Career Opportunities
Learning by Doing: The Core of Swiss Hospitality Education
The Swiss philosophy is refreshingly simple: you learn by doing, not just by reading textbooks. That is why integrated internships are the absolute backbone of these degrees. You get your hands dirty immediately.
Think of it as a live rehearsal for your future job. Campuses operate like real hotels, forcing you to manage actual demanding customers. At EHL, students run the 1893 restaurant daily. This is practical learning at its finest.
From Campus to Career: Unmatched Job Prospects
Career opportunities aren’t left to chance here; they are practically guaranteed. Major chains flock to campus recruitment forums to scout talent before graduation. They want you before you even finish your exams.
But the real secret weapon is the alumni network. It connects you to thousands of pros worldwide, opening doors that remain closed to others.
You might wonder if the heavy investment actually pays off. The data shows exactly why these schools dominate the market:
- Strong employer reputation across the luxury sector.
- Global alumni networks spanning over 150 countries.
- High graduate employability rates immediately after school.
Q / A About best hotel management colleges in Switzerland
So, how much does it actually cost to study hotel management in Switzerland? 💸
It really depends on the school you pick! For the top-tier giants like EHL Hospitality Business School or SHMS, you are looking at a significant investment, often ranging between 150,000 CHF and 180,000 CHF for a full Bachelor’s program. It sounds like a lot, right? But keep in mind this often covers accommodation and food on campus.
If you are looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, schools like BHMS in Lucerne offer programs starting around 38,500 CHF per year. It’s definitely a big financial commitment, but think of it as investing in a golden ticket for your future career!
Are Swiss hotel management schools really the best in the world? 🏆
Short answer: yes, absolutely! Switzerland is basically the Ivy League of hospitality. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, EHL takes the #1 spot globally, with Les Roches climbing to #2. That’s impressive, isn’t it?
In fact, seven out of the top ten hospitality schools in the world are right here in Switzerland. Whether it’s César Ritz Colleges or Glion, you are learning from the undisputed masters of the trade.
Is starting a hospitality career in Switzerland a smart move? 🇨🇭
It’s honestly one of the best moves you could make. The country has a massive reputation for excellence, meaning a diploma from here is recognized everywhere. Plus, schools like Les Roches boast a 98% employment rate for graduates.
You aren’t just learning how to run a hotel; you’re learning high-level business and leadership skills. This opens doors not just in luxury hotels, but in finance, luxury brands, and event management all over the globe.
Can international students (like US citizens) find work in Switzerland? 🌍
It is definitely possible, though it comes with some paperwork! The great news is that Swiss programs are designed with « hands-on » learning, meaning internships are often built right into your curriculum. These internships are a fantastic way to get your foot in the door and gain local experience.
While securing a long-term work permit after graduation can be a bit trickier for non-EU citizens due to strict regulations, the schools have dedicated career coaches to help you navigate this. Plus, with alumni networks spanning the globe, you might find your Swiss degree lands you a job in New York, Dubai, or London just as easily!
How much can you expect to earn as a hotel manager in Switzerland? 💰
While we can’t give you an exact paycheck figure since it depends on experience, Switzerland is known for having some of the highest salaries in the world. Hotel managers here are well-compensated to match the high cost of living and the prestige of the role.
Because the training is so rigorous and the standards are so high, employers know that a manager trained in the Swiss tradition is worth the investment. So, you can generally expect a very comfortable salary that reflects your expertise!