Switzerland has firmly established itself as the undisputed global leader in hotel management education, a reputation that is consistently reinforced by its strong performance in the Global QS University Rankings.
For decades, the country has been at the forefront of educating students in a wide range of disciplines related to the hospitality and tourism industry, including hotel and tourism business programs, leisure and luxury management, hotel and culinary services, and large-scale event coordination.
The world-renowned Swiss institutions are highly respected by employers across the globe, who recognize the exceptional quality of education and rigorous training that these schools provide.
To help aspiring professionals make informed decisions, we have curated a comprehensive list of the top Swiss hotel management schools based on the quality of their education, the diversity and depth of their programs, and their overall contribution to the global hospitality landscape.
Disclaim: The following list of higher education institutions does not represent a ranking.
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland
César Ritz Colleges’ programs are inspired by the legacy of César Ritz, the visionary founder of the iconic Ritz Paris hotel and the Ritz-Carlton empire. As a pioneer of luxury hospitality, César Ritz set the global standard for excellence in hotels and fine dining. His principles of entrepreneurship, exceptional customer experience, and innovation continue to shape the school’s philosophy today.
Ranked 3rd globally in Hospitality and Leisure Management by the QS World University Rankings 2024, César Ritz Colleges Switzerland is accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC) as a University of Applied Science Institute, ensuring it meets high Swiss educational standards. Additionally, the college is accredited by the International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE) and is a member of the world’s largest business education alliance, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland offers the following programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Business Management – 4 Years /Full-time
- Master of Science in Leadership – 5 TERMS (3 ON CAMPUS AND 2 OFF CAMPUS)/Full-time
- WSET Wine Certificate – Wine Business Management Certificate – 10 weeks/Part-time
- Industry Immersion Year – 1 year/Full-time
Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS)
As one of the world’s top hospitality schools, Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) has earned an impressive #2 overall ranking globally. The school also holds a #3 ranking for employer reputation and ranks 4th in academic reputation.
In addition to the previously mentioned awards, SHMS is the first hospitality school in the world—and the first higher education institution in Switzerland—to receive the “Apple Distinguished School” recognition. This honor is given to institutions that exemplify educational excellence through innovative technology use, enhancing learning experiences, fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, and creating an environment where students are inspired to explore and engage deeply with their education.
Swiss Hotel Management School offers the following programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management – 3 years/Full time.
- Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management – 1 year/Full-time
- Master of Science in International Hospitality Management – 1 year/Full-time
- Online Master of Arts in Executive Hospitality Management – Up to 3 years/Online
- Postgraduate Diploma in International Hotel, Resort, and Spa Management – 1 year/Full-time
EHL Hospitality & Leisure Management
Ambassador for traditional Swiss hospitality, the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), has been a pioneer in hospitality education since 1893. At EHL, institutional leaders and professionals from the hospitality industry work together to develop curricula that will provide students with the most thorough education and study in the hospitality business. The programs incorporate practical work experience with training classes at the university level, which culminates in real-world business with research initiatives.
For the sixth year in a row, in 2024, the QS World University Ranking for Hospitality and Leisure Management and the CEO World Ranking placed EHL at the top spot.
Glion Institute of Higher Education
Glion Higher Education Institute has set the highest expectations for excellence in academic education and hospitality since 1962. This faculty has received international prizes, has taught at numerous universities, and has worked in major industries.
Based on the findings of objective statistics (TNS), the Glion Higher Education Institute is one of the flagships of professional education in the tourism and hotel industry, setting high-quality expectations that all schools and universities should follow. Glion has reached the world’s Top 10 Hospitality and Leisure Management Institutes, according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings.
Les Roches Global Hospitality Education
Hospitality management school Les Roches Switzerland provides higher education programs in hospitality and hotel management that are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges ‘ Commission on Institutes of Higher Education (CIHE).
This school guarantees a career as a top-level boss or director in the hospitality industry. Les Roches Global Hospitality Education ranked as the fifth-best higher-education university in the world for hospitality management according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. Les Roches is also accredited by the New England Schools Association.
IMI International Management Institute
The International Management Institute is a successful private hotel management institute. IMI provides undergraduate, graduate, and diploma degree programs in various hospitality fields. International Management Institute, Switzerland, is a specialized private school providing state-of-the-art hospitality education. It is a globally recognized institution for the management of hotels. Their social program will teach you about other cultures and traditions.
IMI International Management Institute has made it to the top 20 by QS World University Ranking 2024 in the subject of hospitality and leisure management. Their programs are validated by leading UK universities and institutions such as Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Brookes University, and the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality.
HTMi Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland
HTMi, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland is a global leader in the operation of hotels. Their programs are planned and evaluated periodically by highly qualified experts and with frequent contributions from the hospitality and tourism industry to keep them creative and significant.
HTMi offers top-ranked degrees and student results and is a leader in “Value for Money Education” among Switzerland’s Hotel Management Schools. It ranks 23rd in the QS World University Ranking 2024.
Business and Hotel Management School
The B.H.M.S. Business & Hotel Management School is one of the leading hospitality colleges in the country, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the areas of hotel management, culinary arts, and global business administration.
Founded in 1998, B.H.M.S. Business and Hotel Management School has established itself as a premier institution in hospitality and business education. Offering a diverse range of 14 specialized programs, the school caters to students seeking excellence in management and service industries. Ranked 16th worldwide by employers, B.H.M.S. is recognized for its strong industry connections and commitment to producing highly employable graduates. Additionally, the institution holds a prestigious 5-star rating in the QS Star Ratings, further solidifying its reputation for quality education and academic distinction.
