Hospitality Schools in Switzerland

Explore the reasons why Switzerland is home to so many of the world’s top-ranked hospitality business schools, and learn how its rich tradition of hospitality excellence, innovative approach to education, and strong industry connections can launch your global career in the thriving hospitality industry.

Why is Switzerland famous for hospitality?

In the 19th century, Thomas Cook – the man regarded as the father of modern tourism – began organizing escorted tours to the continent of Europe. Though his inaugural trips did not involve time spent in Switzerland, his company soon began to offer bespoke Swiss vacations aimed at wealthier customers.

Many of those early tourists headed to the clean air of the Alps, to engage in mountaineering, skiing or walking. Others headed to the Montreux Riviera, seeking out the same stunning views of Lake Geneva that our students on Glion campus can enjoy every day.

As more and more tourists discovered the delights of Switzerland, so the country’s stock of high class hotels expanded to keep pace. And those hotels needed skilled staff, creating opportunities for hotel management schools to teach future generations of hospitality professionals.

Why do modern companies like graduates from Swiss hotel management schools?

There are several answers to this question, but the most obvious is reputation: Swiss schools now account for seven out of the global Top 10 institutions in the Hospitality & Leisure Management category of the QS World University Rankings.

Employers can thus be confident they are getting quality when they hire graduates of programs in hospitality management from Swiss schools.

The other key attraction comes from the education itself.

The Swiss model of hospitality education evolved in response to the growth of premium hotels mentioned in the previous section.

It is dedicated to ‘learning by doing’, getting highly practical experience and with a relentless focus on getting the details right, but also challenging the students to be independent thinkers who will develop their own ideas instead of simply parroting their teachers.

This learning experience can help set students up for successful careers.

Career Paths for Hospitality Graduates

While countless hospitality careers have been launched from Switzerland, this is far from your only potential career opportunity.

With customers across every business sector becoming increasingly demanding, we are also seeing hospitality business education smoothing the path into many different industries where quality service is a prized commodity.

Now graduates of Swiss hospitality schools are in demand across a range of industries, sectors and professions including (but not limited to):

• Luxury management
• Financial services (especially private banking)
• Real estate
• Sports and event management
• Human resources
• Sales & marketing

How to find the best Swiss hospitality schools

If you’ve set your heart on learning hospitality in Switzerland, the next step is to find your perfect match among the estimated 25 institutions in the country that are either dedicated to this topic or offer a hospitality-focused program as part of their academic portfolio.

Here are some of the criteria we think you should apply to your decision-making when looking for excellence in hospitality education:

• Reputation– not just academic ranking, but also among employers. Do you have friends or family in the hospitality business? If so, it’s worth asking them which schools they rate highest.
  
• Focus on ‘soft’ as well as ‘hard’ skills– if you want to be a leader in your field it is essential to nurture soft skills such as empathy, communication, intercultural fluency, teamwork, etc. Look for a program where these skills are a significant part of the curriculum.
  
• Learning approach– we all learn differently and thrive in different environments. Are you happy to study within a highly competitive environment, or would you prefer something more nurturing? Class sizes are important, too – the lower the ratio of students to faculty, the more care and attention you will get in class.
  
• Facilities– if you are an undergraduate student, or are switching careers into hospitality via a Master’s, you should expect some practical training in operational essentials for hotel departments such as restaurant, reception, housekeeping etc. So check the quality of each school’s practical teaching facilities – some will even offer restaurants and/or bars that are open to the public, delivering a truly authentic working environment.
  
• Career support– every school will offer some form of career support, so dig deeper to find out more about exactly what is provided. How big is the careers team? Are there members based with you on campus? How personalized is their service? Your ultimate career success is the return on investment from a hospitality degree, so this element should factor highly in your final decision.

Why Glion is the Best Hospitality School in Switzerland

Glion is consistently ranked among the best hospitality schools in Switzerland and the world, and it has earned a prestigious academic reputation for producing graduates who are highly sought after by leading employers in the industry.

Glion offers a wide range of courses with different specializations, including hospitality marketing and real estate development, as well as more general hospitality programs.

Glion is particularly recognized for its strength in luxury management, a rapidly growing segment of the hospitality industry.

The school’s curriculum includes specialized courses in luxury brand management, equipping students with the skills to excel in high-end hotels, resorts, and related businesses.

The school also focuses on building long-standing relationships with a wide range of tourism industry partners, helping students find valuable placements and great jobs.

Students who study at Glion can take advantage of:

• Over 3600 employment partners
• 98% employment rate 
• 15-to-1 teaching ratios
• A diverse campus with students and staff from over 100 nationalities
• Plenty of student-led societies and clubs

All of this helps make sure that Glion is one of the top Switzerland hospitality schools for international students who want high-level careers.

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“When I first arrived in Glion I was scared because I did not know anyone and I was quite shy. However, I felt the ‘Glion Spirit’ from day one. The school environment is incredible and the students are wonderful people: I truly met friends for life.

The teachers are exceptional and inspirational and they are always available if you need any help with your career. Here in Glion, I am learning to express myself in the best way and I can truthfully say that Glion met my expectations. Choosing Glion has been the best choice I have made.”

By Maria Bortignon

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Why Switzerland is good for hospitality

How much does it cost to study hospitality management in Switzerland?

Studying hospitality management in Switzerland is a significant investment, but it can offer world-class education and excellent career prospects.

Tuition fees for the best hospitality schools in Switzerland vary depending on the institution and the program level.

On average, bachelor’s programs can range from 40,000 to 80,000 Swiss Francs(CHF) per year, while master’s programs typically cost between CHF 30,000 and CHF 60,000 annually.

Top schools like Glion or Ecole Hôtelière are on the higher end of this range due to their global reputation and premium education.

Some Swiss hospitality schools offer scholarships based on academic excellence, leadership potential, or financial need. These can significantly reduce tuition costs, such as the Glion Partner Scholarships.

Additionally, you can look for external scholarships available from various organizations or sponsorship from employers. It’s essential to research and apply for scholarships early to improve your chances of securing funding.

Switzerland has a high cost of living, and students should budget accordingly. Living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, typically range from CHF 12,000 to CHF 18,000 per year.

Some schools, such as Glion, offer student accommodation, which may reduce housing costs and help you enjoy campus life.

Despite the high costs, attending a hospitality school in Switzerland can be good value for money. Switzerland is the birthplace of hospitality education, and its schools are highly respected worldwide.

Graduates often secure top positions in leading global hotel chains, luxury brands, and event management companies, making the return on investment favorable.

The combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and industry connections enhances career prospects significantly, with many students receiving job offers even before graduation.

Category	Details
Tuition Fees (Bachelor’s)	CHF 40,000 – 80,000 per year
Tuition Fees (Master’s)	CHF 30,000 – 60,000 per year
Top Schools (e.g., Glion)	Higher end of tuition range
Scholarships	Available based on academic excellence, leadership potential, or financial need
External Scholarships	Offered by various organizations or employer sponsorship
Cost of Living	CHF 12,000 – 18,000 per year
Student Accommodation	Some schools offer housing, potentially reducing costs
Career Prospects	Top positions in global hotel chains, luxury brands, and event management companies
Return on Investment	Favorable due to high respect for Swiss hospitality education and industry connections
Job Offers	Many students receive offers before graduation

Three reasons why a Swiss hospitality education is your unfair advantage

• History and reputation– specialized hospitality education was invented in Switzerland and the country continues to be the world leader in the field. If you study your hospitality degree at a Swiss school, employers know you are serious about your career.
  
• Geography– Switzerland is at the geographical center of Europe, so it’s a perfect location from which to plug yourself into the continent’s foremost hospitality and luxury brands. From a student life perspective, it also opens up unlimited weekend break possibilities, with so many alluring destinations a short hop away by train or plane.
  
• Skills for employability– as mentioned earlier, a Swiss hospitality business education focuses on learning by doing, which leaves you in perfect shape to hit the ground running in the ‘real world’ of work. In addition, the soft skills you develop will set you apart from the crowd in the eyes of recruiters, while also enabling you to shine in the workplace.