Admission Requirements

Les Roches students want to become future business leaders – to travel and study abroad, and to seek an education that allows them to experience it all.

 

To maintain its world-leading reputation for excellence, Les Roches takes a holistic approach to student admissions, evaluating a range of criteria.

If you have any questions regarding requirements please contact us

Admission criteria

 1. Academic profile 

 Applicants must have successfully completed upper-secondary education or an equivalent qualification that provides access to higher education in the country where it was awarded. 

Accepted qualifications include, but are not limited to: 

  • National senior high school diplomas 
  • International curricula such as the International Baccalaureate or British A-Levels  
  • Vocational or professionally oriented diplomas with a strong academic foundation relevant to the field of study. In those cases, candidates may apply for exemption from the first year of undergraduate study.   

Academic credentials are evaluated in accordance with the Swiss recognition framework (pop up link: Swiss Maturitégymnasiale, fédérale, professionnelle, or spécialisée ) and international recognition frameworks such as (link) ENIC-NARIC.  

 

2. Required application documents 

Curriculum Vitae (CV): including up-to-date personal profile, academic qualifications, languages spoken, work experience, extra-curricular activities, travel and leadership qualities.   

Personal Statement: (300-word essay), signed and dated, highlighting experiences, leadership, areas of development, and future aspirations for a career in the hospitality experience or sports industry, and why the candidate wants to study with Les Roches. 

 

3. Academic transcripts, diplomas and certificates 

  • Applicants in their final year of secondary education may apply for conditional admission based on academic results to date. Submitted transcripts must list: 
  • Courses completed or in progress 
  • Grades achieved 

The institution accepts documents in English, or one of the recognized languages of the campus location. If not, an official notarized translation will be required, to the language the campus accepts.   

 

4. Industry experience and Experiential Year 

Les Roches programs integrate academic learning with professional practice, and students are required to complete an Experiential Year as part of their program. 

Applicants with relevant hospitality or sports industry experience may be eligible for an exemption, subject to program requirements and verification of experience. 

 

5. English language proficiency 

All programs are delivered in English. 

Proof of English proficiency (issued within the last 24 months) is required for: 

  • Non-native English speakers 
  • Applicants who have not completed at least two years of full-time education in English
     

Accepted qualifications include:  

TOEFL iBT* Cambridge** IELTS Academic***
No component under 18 
  • First: grade C
  • Advanced: No component under 160
No component under 5.5 

*The Les Roches Switzerland testing code number is 9827. The Les Roches Marbella testing code number is B941 

**Cambridge: First Certificate Exam (FCE) or Advanced Certificate (CAE). Please also provide statement of results 

***IELTS Academic has four components (writing, reading, speaking, listening) 

For candidates whose English qualification is below the program requirements, depending on their level, Les Roches Crans-Montana and Marbella offer supports. More information about non-degree courses with not credits bearing can be found in the Academic Catalogue.

 

Alternative admission pathway

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 

Applicants who do not meet standard academic admission criteria may be considered through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway, subject to strict eligibility criteria and academic approval. 

 

Eligibility criteria (BSc) 

Applicants may be considered for admission via the alternative pathway if they meet all of the following criteria: 

  • Minimum age of 25 at the time of application 
  • Completion of at least three years of upper-secondary education or vocational training, without having obtained the final diploma 
  • A minimum of five years of verifiable full-time professional experience, preferably in hospitality, tourism, sports, service, or related industries 
  • Demonstrated readiness for Bachelor-level academic study

 

Assessment and selection 

All candidates applying through the Recognition of Prior Learning pathway undergo a structured academic assessment process, which includes: 

  • A written aptitude assessment verifying equivalence to the vocational baccalaureate level 
  • A formal admission interview assessing maturity, motivation, and program alignment 
  • Final review and approval by the Academic Committee 

 

Maintaining academic excellence 

All students admitted through the Recognition of Prior Learning pathway must meet the same academic standards and learning outcomes as traditionally admitted students. Admission through this route is limited to preserve academic quality and cohort balance.

 

Application process

Your journey begins here 

The application process is designed to be clear, personal, and efficient. 

  1. Submit your online application
  2. Upload required documents 
  3. Review and interview schedule 

Each application is reviewed individually. Interviews and written assessments are used to better understand motivation, academic readiness, and alignment with Les Roches’ values. 

 

Decisions and next steps 

Applicants may receive an offer letter or guidance on alternative pathways. All decisions are communicated with clarity and transparency. 

 

Support and accessibility 

Learning differences and inclusive excellence 

Les Roches is committed to inclusive education. Applicants with documented learning differences may be eligible for reasonable academic accommodations, subject to official documentation and academic review. 

Due to the professional and practical nature of certain courses, students must be able to safely and effectively perform essential academic and operational tasks. 

 

Academic and language support for success 

Comprehensive academic advising, language support, and student services are available to ensure each student is positioned for success throughout their studies. 

Minimum age

21 years old

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree

Professional Hospitality Experience

Work experience is a plus but not required

English Level 

Must be proficient enough for higher education studies. English language exam scores (issued within 24 months prior to the intended intake) are required for non-native speakers, or those who have not spent at least 2 years in full time English Education at University level prior to the intake.

Minimum English language exam scores:

TOEFL* IELTS Academic** Cambridge***
All Master’s programs at all campuses 80 (internet-based) Average 6.0 and minimum 5.5 in each component FCE: grade A (minimum  180 points)

CAE: grade C (minimum 180 points)

*The Les Roches Switzerland testing code number is 9827

The Les Roches Marbella testing code number is B941

**IELTS Academic has four component (writing, reading, speaking, listening)

***Cambridge: First Certificate Exam (FCE) or Advanced Certificate (CAE)- please also provide statement of results

Students with learning differences

Les Roches will assist students with learning differences in assessing their potential to enter and succeed at the school. The physical nature of service or kitchen practical courses requires students to be able to perform a wide range of duties similar to those performed in the industry.

Students with certain learning differences, such as dyslexia, are accommodated with appropriate support, additional time to complete examinations and special test conditions. Applicants should write to the School for further information and requests for support should be accompanied by official documentation detailing the diagnosis.

Minimum age

  • 28 for the Executive MBA
  • Minimum age requirement not applicable for other Executive programs provided that all other admission requirements are met

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree desirable

Professional Experience

  • Five years for Executive MAS and Executive DAS in Hotel Management.
  • Eight years for the Executive MBA.
  • Three years for Executive DAS in F&B

English Level 

Must be proficient enough for higher education studies. English language exam scores (issued within 24 months prior to the intended intake) are required for non-native speakers, or those who have not spent at least 2 years working in a company where English is the primary language prior to the intake.

Minimum English language exam scores:

TOEFL* IELTS Academic** Cambridge***
All Executive programs at all campuses 80 (internet-based) Average 6.0 and minimum 5.5 in each component FCE: grade A (minimum  180 points)

CAE: grade C (minimum 180 points)

*The Les Roches Switzerland testing code number is 9827

The Les Roches Marbella testing code number is B941

**IELTS Academic has four component (writing, reading, speaking, listening)

***Cambridge: First Certificate Exam (FCE) or Advanced Certificate (CAE)- please also provide statement of results

Students with learning differences

Les Roches will assist students with learning differences in assessing their potential to enter and succeed at the school. The physical nature of service or kitchen practical courses requires students to be able to perform a wide range of duties similar to those performed in the industry.

Students with certain learning differences, such as dyslexia, are accommodated with appropriate support, additional time to complete examinations and special test conditions. Applicants should write to the School for further information and requests for support should be accompanied by official documentation detailing the diagnosis.

Minimum age

  • 23 for the MBA
  • 21 for the Master of Advanced Studies in Hospitality Management and all the Diplomas of Advanced Studies

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree mandatory for the MBA and desirable for the other programs.

Professional Hospitality Experience

  • Two years for the MBA
  • For all the Advanced Studies Programs
    With a Bachelor’s degree: minimum 2 years experience.
    Without a Bachelor’s degree: minimum 5 years experience

English Level

Must be proficient enough for higher education studies. English language exam scores (issued within 24 months prior to the intended intake) are required for non-native speakers, or those who have not spent at least 2 years in full time English education at university level prior to the intake.

Minimum English language exam scores:

TOEFL* IELTS Academic** Cambridge***
Postgraduate & Postexperience Programs 80 (internet-based) Average 6.0 and minimum 5.5 in each component FCE: grade A
(minimum 180 points)CAE: grade C (minimum 180 points)

* The Les Roches Switzerland TOEFL testing code number is 9827

**IELTS Academic has four component (writing, reading, speaking, listening)

***Cambridge: First Certificate Exam (FCE) or Advanced Certificate (CAE)- please also provide statement of results

Students with learning differences

Les Roches will assist students with learning differences in assessing their potential to enter and succeed at the school. The physical nature of service or kitchen practical courses requires students to be able to perform a wide range of duties similar to those performed in the industry.

Students with certain learning differences, such as dyslexia, are accommodated with appropriate support, additional time to complete examinations and special test conditions. Applicants should write to the School for further information and requests for support should be accompanied by official documentation detailing the diagnosis.

Candidates can apply for direct entry into the Les Roches bachelor’s programs. Your precise entry point will be determined by a credit mapping process undertaken by the institution’s academic management. Please contact us for further guidance.

There are no admission criteria for our online courses. You will need to provide proof of ID, in the form of a CV and copy of the photo page of your passport, at the point of sign up to the course.

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