Where to study hotel management: top schools and programs worldwide

In this article

What makes a great hotel management school
Top regions to study hotel management
Online and hybrid hotel management degrees
What to consider when choosing a school
How to pay for your studies
Career paths after graduation
Choosing the right location for your hotel management studies

Do you have ambitions of managing luxury resorts, launching your own boutique brand or leading global hospitality teams? Hotel management is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers in the world and, for many, it starts with choosing the right place to study. With options spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond, today’s hospitality students have more opportunities than ever to find a program that fits their goals and lifestyle.

Created for those fresh out of school or looking to level up their career, this guide breaks down what makes a great hotel management school, which regions are leading the way and how to find a program that sets you up for success.

What makes a great hotel management school

Hospitality degrees offer varying levels of returns. The best hotel management schools teach theory while also giving you the tools, experience and support to succeed from day one. As you compare programs, it’s worth considering the following factors.

Real-world internships with international brands

An internship is a way to test your skills, build confidence and make industry connections. Top schools have direct links with global hotel groups, enabling you to work with brands such as Four Seasons, Marriott or Mandarin Oriental. Some even help students find internships in luxury resorts, theme parks or city hotels.

Many students at top-ranked schools spend six months interning in different countries, learning how to adapt to different cultures and service expectations.

Global campuses or study-abroad options

Studying hospitality is about understanding people from all walks of life. That’s hard to do if you only stay in one place. The best hotel schools give you the chance to study in more than one country, either through global campuses, exchange programs or short study trips.

This experience can open your mind and improve your job prospects.

For example, a student may start their degree in Spain, spend a semester in Switzerland and intern in Singapore all within one program. That global exposure is a huge advantage when applying to international companies.

Industry-experienced faculty and strong alumni networks

It’s easier to learn from people who’ve actually done the job. Look for programs taught by former GMs, brand directors or consultants. Their stories and advice help you connect classroom learning to the real world. And when the time comes to find a job, having a supportive alumni network of graduates who are working in the industry can open doors.

Some schools invite their successful alumni back to give talks or provide mentoring, which can inspire students and show them what’s possible.

Modern facilities that simulate hotel environments

Practice makes perfect. The best schools have spaces where you can simulate the roles you’ll have in the future, such as training restaurants, mock hotel rooms or reservation systems. It’s one thing to study guest experience on paper, but quite another to manage a full-service lunch or lead a housekeeping team.

In many top schools, students rotate through different roles each semester, from preparing a fine-dining menu to managing event logistics or checking in mock guests using real systems.

Business-focused courses that include marketing, finance and leadership

When running a hotel, you need to understand how to lead teams, manage budgets and attract guests. Great hotel schools combine hospitality know-how with business fundamentals, so you graduate ready to take on real responsibility.

Courses may include hotel investment, revenue management or digital marketing. In some cases, you’ll even work on real business challenges, such as designing a new guest loyalty program or launching a pop-up hotel concept.

Top regions to study hotel management

Some locations specialize in luxury hospitality, while others focus on eco-tourism, tech innovation or culinary arts. Choosing where to study hotel management can shape your entire career. Below, we take a closer look at the top destinations and why they stand out.

Switzerland

Considered the birthplace of hospitality education, this country’s schools are known for their hands-on approach and close links to the luxury industry. From on-campus hotel simulations to partnerships with global brands, the experience is immersive and business focused.

The top schools in Switzerland include Les Roches, Glion and EHL. Hospitality institutions from the country consistently rank among the top 10 globally and employers across the world recognize Swiss degrees for their rigor and quality.

Spain

Combines a world-class tourism sector with a Mediterranean lifestyle that attracts international students year after year. Studying in Spain offers direct access to a growing industry, modern campuses and more affordable tuition compared to northern Europe.

Les Roches Marbella and CETT Barcelona are among the leading institutions in the country.

United States

With thousands of hotels across every category, the US is a hospitality powerhouse. Many schools offer dual majors in hotel management and business administration, which can be ideal if you’re aiming for executive roles in the service industry.

Among the premier schools to look out for are Cornell University and the University of Nevada.

France

Known for its culinary excellence and boutique luxury, France is ideal for students interested in combining hotel operations with food and beverage or lifestyle branding. Many schools also partner with fashion and luxury goods companies.

Institut Paul Bocuse and the Vatel International Business School stand out as top-tier higher education institutions.

United Kingdom

A great base for exploring the European Market, the UK offers a wide selection of hotels and tourism programs with a strong emphasis on customer experience, events and sustainability.

University of Surrey, Glion and Oxford Brookes University are among the best schools in the United Kingdom.

Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong)

If you’re interested in tech innovation, mega-resorts or fast-growing hospitality markets, look to Asia. Courses are typically taught in English and follow Western hospitality education standards, while incorporating Asian business etiquette and cultural nuances.

For those seeking the best schools in Asia, be sure to consider the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and SHATEC Singapore.

Australia and New Zealand

Destinations ideal for students interested in sustainable tourism, adventure travel or resort management. Courses often integrate outdoor education, business skills and community engagement.

Notable institutions in Australia and New Zealand include Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School and the Pacific International Hotel Management School.

Online and hybrid hotel management degrees

More flexible courses allow you to learn at your own pace without compromising academic rigor. If relocating isn’t an option, or you’re a working professional looking to upskill, online and hybrid hotel management programs offer a great alternative.

Most online programs offer:

Remote coursework with part-time options
Digital case studies and business simulations
Opportunities to visit campus or attend in-person residencies

Online learning is best suited to motivated learners who are comfortable with self-directed study. Some programs offer hybrid formats that include optional internships, allowing you to gain practical experience while studying remotely.

Build your hospitality skills on your own schedule

Online and hybrid hotel management degrees enable you to study without putting your career goals on hold.

Les Roches’ hospitality management degree

What to consider when choosing a school

To narrow down your options, take time to compare what each school offers beyond the brochure. These factors can shape your entire educational experience and your career.

Internships and industry links

Hands-on learning is essential in hospitality. Look for programs that include guaranteed internships, offer a wide range of placement partners or preferably both. Whether you intern at a resort, a global chain or a boutique property, real-world experience can really set you apart when it comes to landing a full-time role.

The key questions to ask during an interview are:

Is the internship paid or unpaid?
Can I choose my location?
What kind of employers partner with the school?

Internships may span guest services, event planning, front office operations or even food and beverage management. A few schools also move students through multiple departments to give them broader exposure across operations.

Campus facilities and student support

Modern training environments prepare you for everything you’ll encounter in your career, from sales and marketing to back-of-house logistics. Look for schools that simulate real hotel operations, such as running a mock restaurant or managing check-ins at a practice front desk. Many also include tech labs where you learn hotel management systems or financial tools.

Support matters too, especially if you’re studying abroad. Choose schools that offer visa guidance, language assistance and mentorship options from day one. Other things to consider include:

Student-to-faculty ratio
Access to career coaching or guest speakers
Orientation and academic support for international students

Accreditation and reputation

A recognized degree can open more doors. Accreditation by bodies such as NECHE, AACSB, NEASC or THE-ICE ensures the program meets global academic and industry standards. Rankings, recruiter activity and alumni success also help you judge the school’s standing. Make sure to check:

Where alumni are working
Awards or rankings the school has received
Recruiters who visit campus each year

Some hotel management institutions also publish career placement rates, showing how many of their students land roles in hospitality, real estate or tourism within six months of graduation.

How to pay for your studies

Hotel management programs abroad can be expensive, but there are ways to make them more affordable.

Scholarships

Many schools offer scholarships based on grades, leadership or need. These might cover part of your tuition or include living stipends. Some are offered through partnerships with tourism boards or service industry organizations.

It’s worth applying early as many scholarship deadlines are months before the start of term.

Paid internships

If your program includes a placement that pays, it can help offset costs significantly. In some cases, internships come with meals and housing, which eases the financial load.

Government and employer funding

Some students receive grants or loans from their home countries to study abroad. Others are sponsored by current employers, especially those pursuing executive education or advanced degrees in hospitality management.

Career paths after graduation

The versatility of a hospitality degree helps open doors to industries focused on service, experience and operations, making it one of the most transferable qualifications globally. Whether you’re passionate about luxury travel, tech, sustainability or branding, your skills can take you in many directions.

Luxury resorts and boutique hotels

Graduates drawn to refined experiences and personalized service can step into roles such as guest experience manager, operations assistant or front desk supervisor at high-end properties. Many move into leadership positions or manage projects related to revenue management, exclusive guest experiences or bespoke hospitality service design.

Cruise lines and airlines

Operators of cruises and air transport hire hotel-trained professionals to manage everything from food and beverage to guest experiences and entertainment. Airlines and cruise lines value graduates with a background in hospitality and tourism management for lounge services, flight coordination and VIP programs.

Event planning and brand partnerships

Hospitality skills apply directly to meeting and event management. You may plan destination weddings, product launches or corporate retreats. Some graduates work in tourism marketing or join branding teams that create customer experiences at, for example, concerts or trade shows.

Hospitality real estate

Students interested in finance or real estate management often move into investment or development roles. They evaluate hospitality assets, oversee hotel renovation projects or manage mixed-use developments.

Customer experience and loyalty programs

Whether it’s a hotel group or a fintech brand, many companies hire hospitality grads to build out guest journeys, handle customer relationship management or design loyalty strategies that create long-term value.

Other emerging fields for hospitality graduates include:

Sustainable tourism roles with eco-resorts, NGOs or travel consultancies
Hotel tech startups focused on digital marketing or service automation
Luxury goods or fashion, managing retail experiences or global partnerships
Hospitality education and leadership development
Entrepreneurship, for example, launching wellness retreats, boutique hotels or experiential travel platforms

Some graduates specialize in niche areas such as risk management, destination marketing or human resource management in the service industry. Others pursue advanced studies in business management, often through executive education programs, or take on roles in leisure management or tourism experience strategy.

Choosing the right location for your hotel management studies

Where you study influences both what you’re taught in the classroom and the opportunities that surround it. Whether you’re drawn to luxury tourism in Paris, tech-forward hospitality in Singapore or eco-lodges in New Zealand, your location can shape your career path.

Studying in a hospitality hub gives you access to real-world projects, mentorship from industry leaders and proximity to major employers. Many of the world’s top programs offer immersive experiences like site visits, operational training and networking events that reflect the local market’s strengths.

Ultimately, the best location is one that aligns with your career goals, lifestyle preferences and the kind of hospitality professional you want to become.