In this article
- École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) 2025: applying, costs and scholarships
- Why choose EHL?
- Programs popular with French-speaking applicants
- 2025 admissions: what EHL assesses
- Recommended 2025 timeline
- Costs and a realistic budget
École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) 2025: applying, costs and scholarships
Everything you need for a successful EHL application in 2025: what admissions looks for, the timeline, required documents, a realistic budget, financial aid options and practical tips to strengthen your application.
To learn more, read our guide: Studying at HEC Lausanne: Programs, Admission and Fees.
Why choose EHL?
- A global leader in hospitality management, with a strong operational and managerial focus.
- An experiential approach (projects, real-world cases, workshops, training restaurants and hotels) and an international alumni network.
- Career paths in hotels and restaurants, luxury, finance, events, tech, consulting and real estate.
For an overview, see Studying at École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL). To see how EHL compares with institutions in the English-speaking world, see also Top 10 Universities in the UK (useful for comparing teaching approaches, employer reputation and networks).
Programs popular with French-speaking applicants
Bachelor in International Hospitality Management
- Core curriculum in management, finance, marketing, operations and customer experience.
- Long integrated internships and applied projects with partner companies.
- Taught mainly in English (with exposure to French on campus and through projects).
Master’s and advanced programs
- Possible focus areas: strategy, asset management, data/analytics, F&B, luxury.
- Higher expectations in quantitative, analytical and leadership skills.
2025 admissions: what EHL assesses
- Academic potential: strong results and steady progress.
- Soft skills: customer service, leadership, communication, teamwork.
- Fit with hospitality: an understanding of the industry’s careers and clear motivation.
- International mindset: cultural openness, languages, mobility.
Typical documents and steps
- Online application: transcripts/grades, the diploma you are currently working toward, CV, motivation essay(s), references (if requested).
- Proof of language proficiency (mostly English): recognized tests or school-based equivalents, depending on your background.
- Remote assessment/interview: role-play scenarios and a conversation about your motivation.
Tip: structure your essays like a personal business case (problem → actions → results → lessons learned). Show the concrete impact of your experiences (simple figures, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency).
Also worth reading: Getting into ETH Zurich: Requirements, Applications and Funding.
Recommended 2025 timeline
- January–March: profile review, program choice, language test plan, first essay drafts.
- April–May: finalize your application, submit it to EHL, prepare for the interview (90-second pitch, STAR stories).
- June–August: decisions, scholarships, housing, visa/insurance if needed.
- September–October: start of the fall semester (or spring intake, depending on the program).
Costs and a realistic budget
Your total budget includes:
- Tuition fees (depending on the program and year).
- Cost of living in Switzerland: housing, transport, food.
- Insurance, supplies, field trips, travel.
Put together a multi-source funding plan: family savings, EHL/external scholarships, foundations, student loans, a manageable student job. To map out your options, see Scholarships & Funding: Studying Abroad.
Also worth reading: Studying at Glion: Programs, Admission and Fees.
Scholarships and financial aid (common options)
- Institutional scholarships (based on profile and need).
- Industry foundations/associations, public/local schemes.
- Student loans (guarantees, deferred repayment), sponsorship from local businesses.
- On-campus jobs compatible with your academic workload.
Build a well-argued application (detailed budget, CV, letters, evidence of merit/need). Plan ahead for deadlines to avoid the “good application, bad timing” trap.
On the same topic, see our article: Glion: Admission & Scholarships.
A winning profile and tips
- Service mindset: show empathy and attention to detail through real situations.
- Leadership: engage, mobilize, deliver (quantified examples, testimonials).
- Business acumen: show a basic understanding of a P&L, RevPAR and product mix.
- Operational creativity: process innovation, digitalization, customer experience.
- Languages: strengthen your English and, if possible, a third language that will be useful for your career.
Useful Your Dream School resources
FAQ
What level of English should you aim for at EHL?
You are expected to have an excellent level of English (for classes, projects and the international environment). Depending on the program, recognized tests or school-based equivalents may be required.
Do you need hospitality experience?
It isn’t mandatory, but it’s a real advantage. Show your exposure to service (internships, volunteering, projects) and what you learned from it.
What is the interview like?
The interview is structured around your motivation, simple case studies and your experience. Prepare STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and a clear 90-second pitch.
Can you work a student job alongside your studies to help with costs?
Yes, as long as the job remains compatible with your academic workload. Favor supervised on-campus jobs. Avoid jeopardizing your grades or your ability to settle in.
When should you apply?
As early as possible in 2025. Places and scholarships are easier to secure in the early application round. Also plan ahead for housing, insurance and any visa paperwork.
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Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam co-founded Your Dream School in 2018. Since then the company has coached more than 1,000 students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
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