Lead the Future of Global Hospitality
Our campuses
Live & learn in iconic Swiss palaces
Our campuses are located in stunning natural settings in Switzerland, from a former palace in Caux, to a ski-resort with a stunning alpine scenery in Leysin, we promise to deliver an unforgettable live and study experience.
Caux
Leysin
Our campuses
Live & learn in iconic Swiss palaces
Our campuses are located in stunning natural settings in Switzerland, from a former palace in Caux, to a ski-resort with a stunning alpine scenery in Leysin, we promise to deliver an unforgettable live and study experience.
Leysin
Brig
Topping the list
We rank among the top in the 2025 QS World University Rankings
3rd
Best hospitality school in the world
2nd
Best hospitality school for employer reputation
(score: 97.2/100)
3rd
Best hospitality school for academic reputation
(score: 93.7/100)
Join our community
As a student, you join a community that comes from a multitude of cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. Globally, it is students, faculty, and alumni who shape the core of who we are. This is our community, and these are our stories.
Your future awaits
Take the next step towards a career in hospitality management
#culinaryartsacademyswitzerland
FOLLOW US
Student Stories
Swiss Hotel Management School played a great part in shaping who I am today. The journey prepared me to face obstacles, embrace opportunities, make decisions, and create connections.
— Eliza Zephir, Class of 2018
Sales and Marketing Executive, The Merchant House
Ready To Launch Your Global Hospitality Career With World-class Swiss Training?
Ready to launch your global hospitality career with world-class Swiss training?
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates from SHMS Master’s and Postgraduate Diploma programs enter leadership roles across global hospitality—hotels, resorts, luxury brands, events, guest experience, and commercial departments. Many students receive multiple job offers before completing their program, and graduates also advance into sectors like retail, real estate, corporate services, and education.
Yes. SHMS awards dual degrees in partnership with the University of Derby (UK), ensuring strong global recognition and credibility with employers worldwide.
Switzerland is known as the world’s hospitality capital, offering safety, stability, and a strong career-focused environment. Its long-standing reputation for service excellence, innovation, and quality education makes it an ideal location for advancing a global hospitality career.
Yes. All Master’s programs offer the option of a paid 4-6 month internship with leading global employers. Students gain hands-on industry exposure in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and luxury brands.
Both the Master of Arts and Master of Science programs are one-year degrees. The Postgraduate Diploma is one academic term followed by an optional internship.
Students must hold a recognized undergraduate degree. While prior hospitality experience is an advantage, it is not required for admission. Candidates with non-hospitality backgrounds are welcome.
Yes. SHMS offers a safe, multicultural environment with students from over 100 nationalities. Dedicated support services help students adapt, build community, and succeed academically and personally.
Master’s students follow an intensive curriculum that includes core business and hospitality modules, elective courses, applied learning, and a final dissertation or integrated business project. PGD students complete concept labs, operational modules, and essential business subjects.
Yes. The Postgraduate Diploma is designed as a direct pathway into both the MA and MSc programs. Graduates can progress smoothly into the Master’s level with advanced standing.
Yes. SHMS offers merit-based scholarships for outstanding applicants, as well as flexible payment options. Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to limited availability.
Why Study in Switzerland
- Birthplace of hospitality and luxury excellence
- Known worldwide for quality, precision, and real-world results
- One of the safest and most stable countries in the world
- Ranked No.1 globally for achieving career goals
- World’s most innovative country
- Home to some of the world’s most iconic hotel brands and event destinations
Safe. Global. Career-focused.
The campuses
Live & Learn In Iconic Swiss Palaces
Our campuses are located in stunning natural settings in Switzerland, from a former palace in Caux, to a ski-resort with a stunning alpine scenery in Leysin, we promise to deliver an unforgettable live and study experience.
4th
Best hospitality school in the world
2nd
Best hospitality school for employer reputation
(score: 97.2/100)
3rd
Best hospitality school for academic reputation
(score: 93.7/100)
Tell Us More About You
You’ve explored the possibilities—now help us guide you better by sharing a few details about your background and study goals.
The campuses
One school, two iconic campuses
Our campuses are located in stunning natural settings in Switzerland, from a former palace in Caux, to a ski-resort with a stunning alpine scenery in Leysin, we promise to deliver an unforgettable live and study experience.
Caux
Based in one of Switzerland's first palace hotels, this one-of-a-kind campus offers a truly unique and luxurious place to live and study. The Caux Palace campus reflects the SHMS approach: it reflects the heritage of Swiss hospitality while offering modern facilities and the latest technology. Caux Palace overlooks Lake Geneva and is an ideal place to enjoy the most beautiful sunsets in the region.
Leysin
Nestled high in the Swiss Alps, the Leysin campus is housed in two former palace hotels: Mont-Blanc Palace and the Belvédere, linked by a private Skytrain. The Leysin campus offers an unforgettable student life experience among luxurious Swiss mountain resorts that have earned Leysin the reputation of being the most international village in the country.
Lead the Future of Global Hospitality
Finest Alumni. Real Success.
Meet our graduates who are shaping hospitality across continents. With global opportunities and strong career support, SHMS alumni step into top roles in luxury hotels, resorts, and brands worldwide—and many go on to launch their own successful ventures.
Exclusive International Recruitment Forum
The IRF connects you with recruiters from over 100 top global companies—opening doors to internships and future careers.
2
Exclusive events
per year
3,600+
International job
opportunities
1,500+
Interviews
conducted
100+
Recruiters from
30+ countries
Orlando Serrano
Training Coordinator
at Waldorf Astoria Panama
Zujingxin Cherry Shang
Director of Sales
at InterContinental Sanlitun Beijing
Gurtej Singh
Rooms Division Manager in Training at The Hay-Adams, Washington DC
Anesu Pawandiwa
Assistant Outlet Manager
at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
90%
Receive more than
one job offer before
graduation
89%
Hold management
positions
71%
Work in the
hospitality
industry
29%
Work in other
sectors
45K
Alumni in the
SEG network
SHMS Alumni
Testimonials
"My degree turned me into a true hospitality professional and prepared me for what has been a thrilling journey with one of the leading hospitality brands in the world."
Eric Masalwala - Dubai - 2007 graduate
Director of Rooms
Radisson Hotel Group, UAE
"Swiss Hotel Management School not only gave me a well-recognized degree and a solid foundation, but also an edge in the job market and an invaluable network spanning from Shanghai to Bogota."
Mathias Schneider - Sweden - 2013 graduate
General Manager
Gimo Herrgård, Sweden
"I chose SHMS because it's a school that sets you apart from typical universities. From the beginning, I loved the lectures, the people, and I felt completely at home. With all the real-world experiences on campus, the classes are tangible and prepare students for real life."
Constanze Engelhardt - Greece - 2019 graduate
Recruiting Manager
Hirmer Hospitality
"The campuses are the perfect setting to immerse yourself into the world of hospitality. You live and breathe the industry surrounded by like-minded students from around the globe. It is this multicultural experience, colored by the tradition of Swiss excellence, that sets this place apart."
Markos Chaidemenos - Greece - 2007 graduate
Managing Director
Canaves Oia Luxury Hotels, Santorini
Tuition Fees
Education That Pays Off
Find out what’s included, what support you can expect, and how your investment opens doors worldwide.
Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management
Tuition & Fees:
CHF CHF 178 000 (3 years / 6–7 terms)
Where This Program Can Take You
A prestigious pathway for ambitious students to become global hospitality leaders, manage luxury hotels, or build their own international business
What’s Included:
Internship Value: Monthly gross salary in Switzerland can reach CHF 2,350*
Scholarships Available: Merit-based scholarships up to 20%
*Average gross salary. Amounts may vary by placement.
- Tuition, accommodation, meals
- Uniforms, course materials
- Infrastructure costs, Student services, Arrival in Switzerland, Insurance and social assistance
- Career support & 2 paid internships
Master of Arts / Master of Science in International Hospitality Management
Tuition & Fees:
CHF 49 800 (M.A. on-campus) / CHF 23 200 (M.Sc. online-only)
Where This Program Can Take You
Designed for professionals and graduates who want to fast-track into senior roles at leading hotel brands or launch their own ventures
What’s Included:
Internship Value: Monthly gross salary in Switzerland can reach CHF 2,350*
Scholarships Available: Merit-based scholarships up to 20%
*Average gross salary. Amounts may vary by placement.
- Tuition, accommodation, meals
- Uniforms, course materials
- Infrastructure costs, Student services, Arrival in Switzerland, Insurance and social assistance
- Career support & 1 paid internships
Swiss Professional Diploma (Hotel / Resort / Spa Management)
Tuition & Fees:
CHF 42 100 (1 year / typically 2 terms)
Where This Program Can Take You
Ideal for motivated individuals looking to start a successful career in hospitality with fast access to international internships and job placements
What’s Included:
Internship Value: Monthly gross salary in Switzerland can reach CHF 2,350*
Scholarships Available: Merit-based scholarships up to 20%
*Average gross salary. Amounts may vary by placement.
- Tuition, accommodation, meals
- Uniforms, course materials
- Infrastructure costs, Student services, Arrival in Switzerland, Insurance and social assistance
- Career support & 1 paid internships
Executive Master in Hospitality Leadership
Tuition & Fees:
CHF 19 800 (Online / 1 year)
Where This Program Can Take You
Built for working professionals in India and globally who want to lead hotel groups, grow hospitality businesses, or move into top executive roles
What’s Included:
Internship Value: Monthly gross salary in Switzerland can reach CHF 2,350*
Scholarships Available: Merit-based scholarships up to 20%
*Average gross salary. Amounts may vary by placement.
- Tuition & access to online learning platform
- Faculty support, career guidance, and alumni network access
- Optional in-person module on campus (additional fee)
Designed for experienced professionals ready to accelerate into leadership roles, the SHMS Master’s portfolio blends strategic management, innovation, and hands-on expertise shaped by the world’s top hospitality ecosystem.
Next intake
Advance Your Global Hospitality Career with a Swiss Master’s Degree
February & September 2026
Duration
Master’s Programs: 1 year | Postgraduate Diploma: 1 term + internship
Location
Caux & Leysin
SPECIALIZATIONS
Hospitality Management, Event Management, or Design Management
Why Students Around the World Choose SHMS
Explore Our Programs
• Specialize Your Path – Focus on Hospitality Management, Event Management, or Design Management, supported by two paid internships for practical experience
• Swiss Hospitality Tradition – Live and learn in historic palace hotels while mastering both classic and future-focused hospitality practices
• Leadership & Business Skills – Build expertise in management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship to drive innovation in the industry
• Global Recognition – Graduate with two internationally respected degrees: SHMS Switzerland and the University of Derby, UK
• International Community – Study alongside peers from 100+ countries and join a network of 45,000+ alumni worldwide
Discover the SHMS graduate pathways designed to accelerate your career, build advanced management skills, and open doors to global hospitality leadership.
Top-ranked hospitality education
Recognised as one of the world’s Top 4 hospitality schools (QS 2026).
Leadership and management excellence
Future ready preparation for senior roles across hospitality and luxury sectors.
Iconic Swiss palace learning environment
Hands-on training in real-world hospitality settings that build confidence and professionalism.
A truly global community
Join 45,000+ alumni and classmates from over 100 nationalities.
Career pathways & global mobility
Benefit from leading industry partnerships and Switzerland’s international reputation.
What You’ll Gain from Your SHMS Graduate Program
Our one-year MA in International Hospitality Business Management helps you advance your career through future-ready leadership skills and three tailored specializations. You’ll build expertise in hospitality management and gain practical experience through partnerships and internships with leading global brands.
Specializations
Specializations offer students a targeted approach that allows them to become experts in their chosen field, mastering the nuances and best practices of that particular industry niche. Our Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management program offers students three specialized tracks of study:
- Hotel Management
- Luxury Brand Management
- Event Management
Curriculum Structure
The MA in International Hospitality Business Management program is structured into two semesters, with the first semester focusing on fine-tuning students’ skills at an executive and managerial level, while the second semester is dedicated to an integrated business project or dissertation with an optional internship to strengthen your expertise in the specialization of your choice.
Semester 1 - Caux
In the first semester, students delve into key aspects of hotel operations, food and beverage management, business leadership, and marketing strategies.
Shared courses
- Hotel Operations Management
- Food and Beverage Management
- Developing Business Leadership Skills
- Wine and Beverage Management
- Marketing Management
- Evidence-Based Learning
Semester 2 - Off-campus
This semester is centered around applying the knowledge and skills students have acquired in the program to real-world scenarios in the hospitality industry.
Integrated Business Project
- Duration: 5 months
- Work closely with a hospitality organization to tackle a specific challenge or opportunity in the industry.
Internship (Optional)
- Apply the concepts and theories learned in the classroom to real-life situations while also building valuable industry connections.
Career Opportunities with a Hospitality Management Degree
The MA in International Hospitality Business Management prepares graduates for leadership roles across luxury hospitality and service-driven industries. Career paths include:
- General Manager
- Hotel Operations Manager
- Event Manager
- Guest Relations Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Luxury Hotel Manager
- Revenue Manager
Beyond hotels, SHMS graduates progress into leadership roles in luxury retail, real estate, tourism, corporate services, and education.
The Skills and Experience That Elevate Your Career
The Master of Science in International Hospitality Management at SHMS prepares you for leadership in a fast-evolving global industry. The program develops essential management abilities while integrating modern technological skills to shape forward-thinking hospitality professionals. You’ll learn how innovative practices and digital tools enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, and help you stay ahead of industry trends.
Curriculum Structure
Our MS in International Hospitality Management program is structured across two semesters, with the first semester focusing on developing core business and hospitality skills and the second semester dedicated to an integrated business project or dissertation.
Semester 1 - Leysin
The first semester concentrates on enhancing fundamental business and hospitality skills through five core modules and four elective modules.
Core modules
- Developing Skills for Business Leadership Evidence-Based
- Learning
- Innovative Technology-Driven Value Creation
- Strategic Directions
- Managing Risk and Uncertainty
- Strategic Experience Design and Operations
Elective modules
- Content and Social Media Strategies
- Data-Driven Analytics and Decision-Making Strategies
- Strategic Revenue Management
- Strategic Hospitality Design and Entrepreneurship
Semester 2 - Off-campus
The second semester is dedicated to research, allowing students to thoroughly explore a specific area of interest and become true experts in their chosen topic.
Integrated Business Project
- Duration: 5 months
- Engage in extensive research, apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, and become industry experts in your chosen area of study.
Career Opportunities with a Hospitality Management Degree
The Master of Science in International Hospitality Management prepares graduates for analytical, research-driven, and strategic leadership roles across hospitality and service-driven industries. Career paths include:
- Operational Consultant
- Financial Consultant
- Industry Researcher
- Hospitality Designer
- Assets Manager
- Broker
- Project Manager
Beyond hotels, SHMS graduates progress into leadership roles in luxury retail, real estate, tourism, corporate services, and education.
Your Pathway to Advanced Hospitality Leadership
Our PGD in International Hotel, Resort, and Spa Management provides a clear entry route into hospitality for experienced professionals. Students develop operational and leadership skills across service, cuisine, spa management, events, F&B, and finance. A global internship offers practical experience and industry connections, preparing graduates for advanced hospitality roles or further study in SHMS master’s programs.
Curriculum Structure
This Postgraduate Diploma program for hospitality management is structured into two semesters, during which students will acquire the essential skills and hands-on experience in service excellence, international cuisine, and spa management. Have the chance to apply knowledge while gaining exposure to diverse cultures and management practices through academic projects and an internship.
Semester 1 - Leysin
The first semester is structured around nine core modules and three intensive six-week concept labs.
Each module immerses students in essential skills, with specialized training in service excellence, international cuisine, and spa management. Throughout the 18-week semester, students participate in three specialized concept labs.
Each lab is conducted over a six-week period, allowing students to immerse themselves in a specific area of study. The labs are designed to provide practical, hands-on experience that directly ties into real-world applications, directly enhancing the skills of these specific hospitality sectors.
Core modules
- Food and Beverage Management Principles
- Front Office Management Principles
- Finance and Yield Management Principles
- Event Planning and Organization
- Human Resource Management
- Business Market Research
- Digital Sales and Marketing
- Concept Lab - The Art of Service, Fundamentals of International Cuisine, and Spa and Guest Services
- Language (French or German) and Academic English Skills
Semester 2 - Worldwide
By being placed in an international environment through this internship, students are exposed to different cultures, work practices, and management styles, broadening their perspective of the global hospitality industry.
Internship
- Duration: 6 months
- Apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the first semester while gaining real-world experience working in leading hotels, resorts, restaurants, or other hospitality businesses.
Career Outlook with a PD in Hospitality Management
The Postgraduate Diploma in International Hotel, Resort, and Spa Management prepares graduates for supervisory and entry-level management roles across global hospitality environments. Career paths include:
- Spa Manager
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Event Planner
- Front Office Manager
- Accommodation Manager
- Catering Manager
Beyond hotels, SHMS graduates progress into leadership roles in luxury retail, real estate, tourism, corporate services, and education.