Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Students worldwide often search for the best hotel management colleges to pursue higher education and build global careers. With a growing demand for skilled professionals in the hospitality industry, choosing a top-ranked institute can make a significant difference. Renowned institutions like EHL Hospitality Business School, Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, are recognized globally for their excellence, offering programs ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively by the QS World University Rankings by Subject (Hospitality and Leisure). These schools provide international students with advanced learning opportunities, hands-on training, and a gateway to success in the global hospitality sector.
Here is a guide to help international students discover top-ranked institutes for building a successful career in hotel management.
Explore: Best Hotel Management Universities for Studying Abroad
- World's Top Institutes for Hotel Management
- EHL Hospitality Business School
- Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS)
- César Ritz Colleges Switzerland
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Les Roches Global Hospitality Management
- Hotel Institute Montreux
- Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland
- Glion Institute of Higher Education
- FAQs
World's Top Institutes for Hotel Management
The table below showcases the world’s top institutes for hotel management, ranked by the QS World University Rankings 2024 for Hospitality and Leisure, offering world-class programs designed for international students seeking global careers in the hospitality industry.
| Institute Name | Location | QS World University Ranking by Subject (Hospitality and Leisure) 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| EHL Hospitality Business School | Lausanne, Switzerland | 1 |
| Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) | Caux, Switzerland | 2 |
| César Ritz Colleges Switzerland | Le Bouveret, Switzerland | 3 |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Las Vegas, USA | 4 |
| Les Roches Global Hospitality Management Education | Crans-Montana, Switzerland | 5 |
| Hotel Institute Montreux | Montreux, Switzerland | 6 |
| Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland | Le Bouveret, Switzerland | 7 |
| Glion Institute of Higher Education | Glion-sur-Montreux, Switzerland | 8 |
| The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 9 |
| Hotelschool The Hague | The Hague, Netherlands | 10 |
Note: The QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2025 are yet to be released.
EHL Hospitality Business School
Established in 1893, EHL Hospitality Business School is the world’s first hotel school and has been ranked 1st globally in hospitality and leisure management as per QS Rankings. Known for its excellence, EHL is also among Switzerland's top five institutions for business and management studies. With students from over 120 nationalities, it offers a uniquely multicultural learning environment, preparing future leaders for the global hospitality industry.
| Row Head | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Type of University | Private hospitality business school |
| Intake Periods | Two main intakes: February and September |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor in International Hospitality Management, Master of Science in Global Hospitality Business, MBA in Hospitality, Short Courses (e.g., Revenue Management, Hospitality Leadership), and Executive Education |
| Annual Fee Range | CHF 30,000 – CHF 40,000 (₹28,48,500 – ₹37,98,000) |
| Acceptance Rate | 45% |
| Required Documents | Completed application form |
| Academic transcripts | |
| Personal statement/essay | |
| CV/Resume | |
| Letters of recommendation | |
| English language proficiency: TOEFL iBT (minimum 80–100) or IELTS (minimum 6.0–7.0) | |
| Admission interview (if shortlisted) |
Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS)
Established in 1992, Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) is ranked 2nd globally in hospitality and leisure management, as per QS World University Rankings. Housed in historic palace hotels in Caux and Leysin, it offers a luxurious and inspiring learning environment. With students from over 100 nationalities, SHMS provides a multicultural education, equipping international students with the skills and global connections needed for successful careers in the hospitality industry.
| Row Head | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | SHMS operates two campuses in Switzerland: Caux and Leysin. |
| Type of Institution | Private hospitality management school. |
| Intake Periods | Multiple intakes throughout the year, including February and September. |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management, Master of Science in International Hospitality Management, Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management, Postgraduate Diploma in International Hotel, Resort, and Spa Management. |
| Annual Fee Range | CHF 32,000 – CHF 53,000 (₹30,38,400 – ₹50,32,350)
|
| Acceptance Rate | 65%. |
| Required Documents | High school or university transcripts/diplomas |
| Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL iBT (minimum 80) or IELTS (minimum 6.0) | |
| Passport copy | |
| Curriculum vitae (CV) | |
| Motivation letter (minimum 500 words) | |
| Reference letters |
César Ritz Colleges Switzerland
Established in 1982, César Ritz Colleges Switzerland is ranked 3rd globally in hospitality and leisure management, as per QS World University Rankings. With campuses in Le Bouveret and Brig, it provides a world-class education in a multicultural setting, fostering leadershipand entrepreneurial skills. Accredited by the Swiss federal government, the college ensures top-quality education, making it a great choice for international students seeking global career opportunities in hospitality and beyond.
| Row Head | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Campuses in Le Bouveret, Lucerne, and Brig, Switzerland. |
| Type of Institution | Private hospitality and tourism management school. |
| Intake Periods | Four intakes per year: January, April, July, and October. |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business Management, Master of Science in Leadership, Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management. |
| Annual Fee Range | CHF 26,000 – CHF 37,000 (₹24,68,700 – ₹35,13,150) |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed. |
| Required Documents | Completed application form |
| High school or university transcripts/diplomas | |
| Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL iBT (minimum 80) or IELTS (minimum 6.0) | |
| Passport copy | |
| Curriculum vitae (CV) | |
| Motivation letter (minimum 500 words) | |
| Reference letters (if applicable) |
Also Check: Cost of Living in Europe for International Students
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Established in 1957, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is home to the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, ranked 4th globally in hospitality and leisure management by QS World University Rankings. Located near the Las Vegas Strip, the college provides unmatched opportunities for hands-on experience in world-class hotels and resorts, preparing students for successful global careers in hospitality.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| Type of University | Public Research University |
| Intake Periods | Fall, Spring, and Summer |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (specializations: Event Design and Management, Hospitality Beverage Management, Human Resource Management, Master of Science in Hotel Administration; Executive Master of Hospitality Administration (online) |
| Annual Fee Range | $22,000 - $32,000 (₹19,04,760 – ₹27,70,560) |
| Acceptance Rate | 85% |
| Required Documents | Completed application form |
| Academic transcripts (translated to English if required) | |
| Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent) | |
| SAT/ACT scores (optional for most programs) | |
| Statement of purpose or personal essay | |
| Letters of recommendation | |
| Financial documentation to demonstrate funding capability |
Les Roches Global Hospitality Management
Established in 1954, Les Roches Global Hospitality Education is ranked 4th globally in hospitality and leisure management, as per QS World University Rankings. With campuses in Switzerland, Spain, and China, it offers a unique multicultural experience, attracting students from over 100 nationalities. Known for its innovation-driven curriculum, Les Roches provides international students with the skills and global exposure needed for top careers in the hospitality industry.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Crans-Montana, Switzerland (Main Campus); Marbella, Spain; Shanghai, China |
| Type of University | Private Institution |
| Intake Periods | January, April, July, October |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor in International Hospitality Management; Master in Hospitality Strategy and Digital Transformation; Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management; Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management for Luxury Tourism,MBA in Global Hospitality Management |
| Annual Fee Range | CHF 45,000 - CHF 55,000 (₹42,72,750 – ₹52,22,250) |
| Acceptance Rate | 90% |
| Required Documents | Academic transcripts |
| Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) | |
| TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (iBT) | |
| IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 | |
| Recommendation letters | |
| Personal statement | |
| Resume (for postgraduate programs) | |
| Valid passport | |
| Application fee receipt |
Hotel Institute Montreux
Ranked 6th globally in hospitality and leisure management, as per QS World University Rankings, Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM) was established in 1984 and brings over 40 years of expertise in hospitality education. With specialized programs in partnership with Northwood University (USA) and a diverse student body from over 100 nationalities, HIM offers international students a multicultural learning environment and career-focused education.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Montreux, Switzerland |
| Type of University | Private Institution |
| Intake Periods | January, April, July, October |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management; Master of International Business in Hospitality Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management; Culinary Business Management Certification |
| Annual Fee Range | CHF 40,000 - CHF 50,000 (₹37,98,000 – ₹47,47,500)
|
| Acceptance Rate | 85% |
| Admission Deadline | Rolling admissions; early application recommended |
| Required Documents | Academic transcripts |
| Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) | |
| TOEFL: Minimum score of 70 (iBT) | |
| IELTS: Minimum score of 5.5 | |
| Recommendation letters | |
| Personal statement | |
| Resume (for postgraduate programs) | |
| Valid passport | |
| Application fee receipt |
Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland
Established in 1996, Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland is the country's top culinary school, ranked 7th globally in hospitality and leisure management by the QS World University Rankings. Offering programs in Culinary Arts, Pastry & Chocolate, and Vegetarian Cuisine, the academy combines hands-on training with business education, preparing students for global careers in the culinary industry.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Le Bouveret and Lucerne, Switzerland |
| Type of University | Private Institution |
| Intake Periods | January, April, July, October |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts; Master of Arts in Culinary Business Management; Swiss Grand Diploma in Culinary Arts; Swiss Grand Diploma in Pastry and Chocolate Arts |
| Annual Fee Range | CHF 45,000 - CHF 55,000 (₹42,72,750 – ₹52,22,250) |
| Acceptance Rate | 60% |
| Admission Deadline | Rolling admissions; early application recommended |
| Required Documents | Academic transcripts |
| Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) | |
| TOEFL: Minimum score of 70 (iBT) | |
| IELTS: Minimum score of 5.5 | |
| Recommendation letters | |
| Personal statement | |
| Resume (for postgraduate programs) | |
| Valid passport | |
| Application fee receipt |
Glion Institute of Higher Education
Established in 1962, Glion Institute of Higher Education is ranked 8th globally in hospitality and leisure management, according to the QS World University Rankings.With campuses in Switzerland and London, Glion offers bachelor's and master's programs, providing students with a multicultural learning environment.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Montreux and Bulle, Switzerland; London, UK |
| Type of University | Private Institution |
| Intake Periods | February, May, September |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor in International Hospitality Business; Master in Luxury Management and Guest Experience; Master in International Hospitality Business; MBA in Hospitality and Service Industries Management |
| Annual Fee Range | CHF 45,000 - CHF 55,000 (42,72,750 – ₹52,22,250) |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% |
| Admission Deadline | Rolling admissions; early application recommended |
| Required Documents | Academic transcripts |
| Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) | |
| TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (iBT) | |
| IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 | |
| Recommendation letters | |
| Personal statement | |
| Resume (for postgraduate programs) | |
| Valid passport | |
| Application fee receipt |
Also Check: How to Choose a University to Study Abroad
International students can showcase their passion for hospitality and global mindset to top hotel management colleges by highlighting experiences in customer service, cultural exchange programs, leadership roles, and strong communication skills. Additionally, a well-crafted Letter of Recommendation (LOR) plays a crucial role, as it provides institutions with insights into the student’s character, achievements, and potential to excel in the hospitality industry.
FAQs
Ques: What career opportunities do graduates from the top hotel management colleges receive?
Ans: Graduates from top hotel management colleges are highly sought after by luxury hotels, global tourism companies, and event organizations, thanks to their specialized skills and industry-ready training.
Ques: What are the key industry partnerships the hotel management colleges have?
Ans: Leading hotel management colleges often partner with global hospitality brands such as Marriott, Four Seasons, and Hilton for internships and job placements.
Ques: Are internships mandatory in top hotel management programs like EHL or SHMS?
Ans: Yes, leading programs like those at EHL and SHMS require internships as part of their curriculum, providing students with essential hands-on experience and industry exposure.
Ques: How do top hotel management colleges like EHL and Les Roches prepare students for entrepreneurship in hospitality?
Ans: Institutions like EHL and Les Roches offer entrepreneurship modules, business plan development, and access to industry mentors, fostering innovation and leadership skills essential for launching successful ventures in hospitality.
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