Updated on Apr, 15 2026 07:29 IST
Study Tourism Management in Switzerland
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Are you looking to study tourism management abroad? Or is it difficult to choose a good country? Then, Switzerland is one of the best choices for you. Switzerland has always been known for its strong tourism, luxury hotels and high standard of living. Over the years, Switzerland has built a strong reputation in tourism and hospitality education. It is a home to most of the well-known universities that attract thousands of students every year. Tourism management is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. This course opens doors to multiple career options such as hotel management, travel companies, airlines, event management and international tourism organisations. Another thing that makes Switzerland different is its learning approach. It offers practical learning so that students can get real industry experience. Also, the country offers a safe environment and high quality of life, which makes it even more suitable for international students. So, if you are planning to study tourism management in Switzerland and want proper guidance, Anigdha is here to support you throughout your journey.
Every university has its own way of choosing students. The requirements are not exactly fixed for all. So before applying, it becomes important to understand the eligibility criteria clearly.
Bachelors eligibility criteria
Application requirement: To begin the process, students are required to fill out the application form through the official website of the University. You may have to provide your academic details and personal information along with the required documents.
Educational requirement; Students who have completed their 10+2 from a recognised board are eligible to apply for bachelors. You must have a decent academic score to increase your chances. The subject background is usually flexible, so you can apply with any stream.
Global admission test: When it comes to studying abroad, many students think of exams like SAT or other global tests. However, it is not required in the case of tourism management in Switzerland. In some cases, universities may conduct their own evaluation or interaction to judge you.
Additional requirement: Apart from academics, you may also need some additional documents. It includes a statement of purpose which is a short paragraph writing of your interest and future plans. Along with this, some universities may ask for a letter of recommendation and a CV.
English proficiency requirement: Since many courses are taught in English, you need to pass an English proficiency test. Here are some commonly accepted scores:
IELTS: around 6.0 to 6.5
TOEFL iBT: between 75 to 90
Duolingo: around 95 to 110.
Master’s eligibility criteria
Educational requirement: Students who have completed their bachelor’s degree from a recognised university can apply for masters. Make sure to have a degree in tourism, hospitality or any related field.
Application requirement: The application process remains quite similar. You need to apply through the university’s official website and submit all the required documents. At this stage, universities pay more attention to details, so be very careful.
Additional requirement: At the master’s level, your profile becomes more important. A statement of purpose can be asked to understand your interest. In addition, they may also ask for work experience if the course demands it.
English proficiency requirement: If you want to go with the English language, you need to show English proficiency scores. Here are some accepted scores:
IELTS: between 6.5 to 7.0
TOEFL iBT: between 85 to 100
Duolingo: around 105 to 120
Swiss universities mainly offer two main intakes for tourism management courses. The fall intake is the main intake which usually begins around September. The second intake is Spring intake. It starts in February but only includes limited courses. It is a good option for students who may have missed the fall intake. Apart from this, private universities also offer some additional intakes. Talking about deadlines, there is no single fixed date. Each university has its own timeline. Many universities keep their deadlines between January to March. In some cases, deadlines may extend till April or May, especially in private colleges. While looking at deadlines, it is advisable to apply early as universities mainly use a rolling basis for admission.
When you start looking for tourism management courses in Switzerland, students generally think everything will be in the local language. But Switzerland is quite different in this case because courses are offered in multiple languages. One of them is English as it is a common language in different countries. At the same time, Switzerland has its own languages like German, French and Italian so it also gives you flexibility. If you are comfortable with English, then you need to appear for an English proficiency test but if you are thinking of staying back and working in Switzerland, then at least basic knowledge of German or French can really help you manage things in a better way. Below we are listed some commonly accepted scores:
IELTS: between 7.0 to 8.0
TOEFL: between 75 to 90
Once you decide your course and university, the next step is to get your documents ready. Every university in Switzerland has its own checklist but most of the documents remain common. Let's understand all of them separately:
Documents required for bachelors in Tourism Management:
You will need your 10th and 12th marksheets from a recognised board.
Along with this, you may also need a school leaving certificate.
A valid passport is required for the entire duration of your course or at least for a longer period.
Universities in Switzerland will ask for a statement of purpose. You have to write down your interests and goals in it.
Some universities may ask for one or two letters of recommendation. It can be from your school teachers or mentors.
A well updated CV with all your school activities, achievements or any relevant experience.
If you choose English, you will need to submit your IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo scores as per the university demands.
5 to 6 recent photographs can be required for your application and documentation process.
Documents required for masters in Tourism Management:
You will need your bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or related area.
A valid passport is required here as well. Make sure it is not close to expiry.
Statement of purpose is highly important in masters. You have to clearly explain your goals and reason to study this course.
One or two recommendation letters from your college professors or employers if you have work experience.
A proper CV or resume is required for master’s applications. It should include your education, internships, work experience and skills.
Some universities may ask for relevant work experience, especially for specialised tourism or hospitality programs.
Submit English language test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo to show your English ability.
In certain tourism or management related specialisations, universities may ask for additional documents or a portfolio.
You will need some recent photographs for your application and visa process.
The duration for bachelor’s degree in tourism management in Switzerland generally ranges between 3 to 4 years. It includes a 3 year program but some courses often include mandatory internships. In addition, universities also offer top up options for students who already hold a diploma or relevant qualification.
The duration for master’s programs in tourism management in Switzerland typically ranges between 1 to 2 years. The exact length depends on the course and specialization chosen by you. The first year program is usually focused on intensive academic modules. On the other hand, second year programs provide more extended internships, research work or a dissertation.
Switzerland has built a strong reputation when it comes to tourism and hospitality education. Here are some of the top universities known for providing high quality education:
| Name of the University | Category | City |
|---|---|---|
| EHL Hospitality Business School | Private | Lausanne |
| Les Roches Global Hospitality Education | Private | Crans-Montana |
| Glion Institute of Higher Education | Private | Montreux |
| Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) | Private | Montreux / Leysin |
| HTMi Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland | Private | Sorenberg |
Here is a clear look at the fee structure of some of the top universities offering tourism management programs in Switzerland:
| Name of the University | Bachelors fees per year | Master's fees per year |
|---|---|---|
| EHL Hospitality Business School | The bachelor’s program at EHL costs around CHF 39,000 to CHF 42,000 per year. It depends on the year of study | The master’s program fee at EHL usually ranges between CHF 40,000 to CHF 45,000 per year. It is based on specialization and course structure. |
| Glion Institute of Higher Education | Students can expect to pay approximately CHF 35,000 to CHF 38,000 per year. It includes academic and practical learning. | The master’s fee at Glion falls between CHF 38,000 to CHF 42,000 per year. It depends on the program and internship components. |
| Les Roches Global Hospitality Education | The bachelor’s fee at Les Roches is around CHF 33,000 to CHF 36,000 per year. It covers both classrooms and industry exposure. | The fee is generally between CHF 35,000 to CHF 40,000 per year, based on course specialization and duration. |
| University of Applied Sciences Graubünden | Being a public university, the bachelor’s fee is quite affordable and ranges between CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,000 per year for international students. | The master’s fee at this university usually stays between CHF 2,000 to CHF 3,000 per year. This makes it a budget friendly option. |
| HTMi Hotel and Tourism Management Institute | The bachelor’s program at HTMi costs around CHF 25,000 to CHF 30,000 per year. It depends on the intake and course structure. | The master’s program fee at HTMi ranges between CHF 28,000 to CHF 32,000 per year, including training and academic modules. |
Note: This tuition fee may vary depending on the intake and facilities included in the program. Apart from this, students should also plan for accommodation, food and other living expenses while studying in Switzerland.
Switzerland is known for its best quality education, but at the same time, the cost of studying here can be very high, especially in private universities. To reduce this burden, many universities including private and even government bodies offer financial support to international students. Every student is eligible to apply for these scholarships but only under good academic performance. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships is one of the most recognised scholarships. It is mainly available for postgraduate students and covers monthly allowance and accommodation support. Another popular option is EHL Hospitality Business School Scholarships. These are usually awarded based on academic performance and overall student profile. Some other similar scholarships includes Glion Institute of Higher Education Scholarships, Les Roches Global Hospitality Education Scholarships and HTMi Switzerland Scholarships. Apart from universities, there are also some external funding options available. These include private foundations and international scholarship programs. However, many scholarships are limited and given on a first-come basis or early application rounds so it becomes important to apply early.
If you are an international student planning to study tourism management in Switzerland, the most important step is to understand the admission procedure carefully. Every university has different requirements, especially private hospitality schools. Here is how your admission journey usually works.
Admission process for bachelors in Tourism management:
The first step is to shortlist the universities offering tourism management in Switzerland. You need to check the course, fee structure and location before finalising.
Once you select the university, go through their eligibility criteria carefully. Most universities require high school marksheets.
In Switzerland, especially for applied sciences universities, students may need around one year of relevant work experience before starting the course.
Now you need to gather all your documents. This includes your academic certificates, passport, SOP, English test scores and other required documents as per the university checklist.
Then you need to apply through the university’s official portal. Make sure all the details are correct because even small errors can delay your application.
Some universities may conduct an online interview so be ready to answer the upcoming questions.
After this, the university will review your profile. If shortlisted, you will receive an offer letter from the university.
To confirm your admission, you need to pay the initial tuition fee as mentioned in the offer letter.
Once you receive your admission letter, you can start your visa process by submitting the important documents such as financial proof and accommodation.
After your visa is approved, you can start planning your stay in Switzerland. Book your accommodation and flight tickets before your course begins.
Admission process for masters in Tourism Management:
Choose a specific master's program that aligns with your bachelor's degree. It can be in a related field such as tourism, business or management.
Also check the eligibility requirements along with language proficiency. Usually, a B2+ level is expected, which is equivalent to IELTS scores.
You need to create a well proper CV including all your personal details, academic performance or work experience, if you have any.
Collect all your documents such as transcripts, degree certificates, CV, SOP, recommendation letters and language test scores before applying.
After this, you can submit the application through the official university portal. Also pay an application fee while submitting.
Some universities may conduct interviews during admission so you need to be ready for this round.
After this, your application will be reviewed. If accepted, you will receive an offer letter within one week. In some cases, universities respond within 10 to 15 days after application submission.
Accept the offer and pay the required tuition fee to confirm your admission.
After confirmation, you can proceed with your student visa application. This step includes documentation, financial proof and embassy procedures.
Once your visa is approved, you can now arrange your accommodation and other necessary preparations before moving to Switzerland.
Are scholarships available for Tourism Management students in Switzerland?
Yes, there are different scholarships available in Switzerland. Some of them can cover full tuition fees, while others can provide monthly financial support.
Is internship included in tourism management courses in Switzerland?
Yes, most universities include internships during the course. Students usually complete their education and then go for industry training.
How long does it take to complete tourism management in Switzerland?
Bachelor courses usually take around 3 to 4 years while master courses are generally completed in 1 to 2 years.
Is IELTS required to study tourism management in Switzerland?
Yes, universities ask for English proficiency. IELTS score usually ranges between 6.0 to 6.5 depending on the course.
Can I work part time while studying in Switzerland?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part time for around 15 hours per week during studies.
Are scholarships available for tourism management in Switzerland?
Yes, many universities offer scholarships based on academic performance. Some also provide partial fee support for international students.
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