Study at Glion Institute of Higher Education
Glion, one of the world’s leading hospitality and luxury management schools, in Switzerland
Glion Institute of Higher Education
Glion Institute of Higher Education is one of the world’s leading schools for hospitality, luxury and event management. Founded in 1962 on a hillside above Montreux, looking out over Lake Geneva and the French Alps, Glion has spent more than six decades training the managers and entrepreneurs who run the global hospitality and luxury industries. Today it teaches students from close to 100 nationalities across three campuses, two in Switzerland (Glion, above Montreux, and Bulle) and one in London, and is consistently ranked among the top three institutions in the world for hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
What sets Glion apart is the “Swiss model” of hospitality education: degrees that combine rigorous academic teaching with practical, hands-on learning and long professional internships, so graduates leave with both a diploma and real industry experience.
Official website: glion.edu
To go further, read our guide: Glion Institute of Higher Education: Admissions & Fees.
Programmes
Glion’s flagship programme is its Bachelor of Business Administration in International Hospitality Business, a career-focused degree that blends management theory (finance, marketing, operations, strategy) with practical training in restaurants, kitchens and front-of-house service during the first year. From the second year, students specialise : for example in luxury brand management, real estate and finance, or events. The bachelor includes two professional internships, one operational and one in management, which are central to the Swiss approach.
At graduate level, Glion offers Master’s degrees in fields such as luxury management and guest experience, real estate finance, and hospitality entrepreneurship. All programmes are taught in English, in small cohorts, with a strong emphasis on employability: on-campus career fairs regularly bring in recruiters from leading hotel groups, luxury houses, consulting firms and banks.
How do I apply?
What the application includes
Applications are made directly to Glion. A complete file typically includes your academic transcripts and diploma (or predicted grades), a CV, a personal statement explaining your interest in hospitality and luxury, one or more references, and proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL) if English is not your first language. Some candidates are invited to a short interview.
Selection criteria
Glion looks for more than grades. Admissions tutors want to see genuine motivation for a service-driven, people-facing industry, international curiosity, and the maturity to thrive in an internship early in the programme. A well-argued motivation letter and evidence of leadership, work experience or extracurricular engagement can make a real difference.
Tuition fees and living costs
Glion is a premium private institution, and tuition reflects that : it is a significant investment, comparable to other top Swiss hospitality schools. Switzerland also has a high cost of living, so budget for accommodation, meals and insurance on top of fees; some programmes include on-campus accommodation for part of the course. Because exact fees and scholarship options change each year, always confirm the current figures and available financial aid on Glion’s official website before you apply.
On the same topic, see our article: Study in Switzerland.
Why students choose Glion
Students choose Glion for its reputation, its network and its outcomes. The school is ranked among the world’s best for hospitality and leisure management, and its alumni hold leadership positions in hotels, luxury brands, finance and consulting across the globe. The combination of a recognised Swiss degree, two professional internships and a powerful international alumni network means graduates are highly employable : a large share receive job offers around graduation. For students who want a global career in hospitality, luxury or events, Glion is one of the strongest launchpads available.
To go further, read our guide: Choosing your hotel management course.
Campus, location and student life
Studying at Glion means living in one of Europe’s most striking settings. The historic Glion campus sits on a mountainside above Montreux, a short train ride from Lausanne and Geneva, with views over Lake Geneva and the Alps; the Bulle campus, in the canton of Fribourg, offers modern facilities including training restaurants and event spaces. Both immerse students in a genuinely international community, with classmates from around 100 countries. Campus life blends academic study with the practical rhythm of hospitality : students run real service operations, organise events and build the professional habits the industry expects. Switzerland’s central location also makes it easy to travel across Europe during breaks.
For more detail, see also: Interview with Valentine, student at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).
When should I start preparing?
Ideally, begin 12 to 18 months before your intended start date. That gives you time to sit an English test if needed, write a strong motivation letter, line up references and meet deadlines for your preferred intake. Starting early also leaves room to strengthen your profile, for instance through relevant work experience or extracurricular activities, which is exactly the kind of support Your Dream School provides.
For more detail, see also: University of St. Gallen (HSG): Admissions & Fees.
Ready to apply to Glion?
Whether you are just starting to explore your options or already preparing your file, our admissions coaches can help you build a competitive application. Get in touch with Your Dream School for a first conversation about your project.
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