Study at École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)
The world’s oldest and most prestigious hospitality school
Founded in 1893 in Lausanne, Switzerland, the École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) was the world’s first hospitality management school and has remained the global benchmark of the field. It consistently ranks #1 in the QS World University Rankings for hospitality and leisure management, and its degrees are recognised across the hotel groups, restaurant chains, luxury houses and consulting firms that hire its graduates.
EHL is now part of EHL Group, with its main campus in Lausanne plus campuses in Passugg (Switzerland) and Singapore. About 3,500 students from 120+ nationalities study there at any time, with English as the primary language of instruction at the bachelor and master level.
Programmes
The flagship is the four-year Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management : a programme that combines a year of hands-on culinary, service and operational training (the “Preparatory Year”) with three years of management coursework and two paid internships. Internships are integral, not optional, and place students inside leading hotels, restaurants and hospitality businesses worldwide.
EHL also offers Master’s programmes (in Global Hospitality Business, in Hospitality Management, and in Wine & Hospitality Management), an MBA, and shorter executive education courses.
Related reading: Choosing your hotel management course.
How do I apply?
EHL has its own application portal, separate from UCAS or any national platform. The application is rolling, meaning you can apply throughout the year, but earlier rounds have more available seats and better internship choices.
What the application includes
- Online application form on the EHL portal
- School transcripts and predicted (or final) results
- A motivation letter explaining your interest in hospitality
- A CV / résumé
- Proof of English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79 minimum)
- One or two recommendation letters depending on profile
- An online interview with EHL admissions
Selection criteria
EHL looks for genuine motivation toward hospitality, not just strong grades. Candidates are assessed on academic record, English level, motivation, personality fit for the service industry, and prior work or volunteer experience that shows curiosity and people skills. The interview matters : it’s where admissions test whether the candidate would thrive in EHL’s intensive, internship-heavy programme.
Tuition fees and living costs
EHL is a private school, and fees reflect that. As a guide for international students at the bachelor level (figures evolve each year : confirm on the official EHL fees page before budgeting):
- Preparatory Year: approximately CHF 40,000-45,000, including the uniform and culinary kit
- Following three university years: approximately CHF 30,000-35,000 per year
- Total Bachelor cost: roughly CHF 130,000-150,000 over four years
- Living in Lausanne: CHF 1,500-2,500 per month for accommodation, food and personal expenses
Paid internships during the bachelor cycle offset part of these costs. EHL offers some need-based financial aid and merit scholarships; consult the EHL admissions team directly to see what you qualify for.
Why students choose EHL
EHL graduates have one of the highest employment rates of any business school worldwide : typically over 90% have a job offer at graduation, often before. The alumni network is global and tight; the school’s reputation opens doors at brands like Four Seasons, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Louis Vuitton, McKinsey, and large hotel investment funds.
The trade-off is intensity. The Preparatory Year in particular is demanding : long hours in kitchens, restaurants and front-office training. Students who succeed at EHL tend to be the ones who genuinely enjoy hospitality work, not just the brand.
To go further, read our guide: Interview with Valentine, student at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).
When should I start preparing?
For an autumn start, applying by the previous winter (December or January) gives you the best chance at a preferred intake and internship round. EHL also has spring intakes for the Preparatory Year, with earlier application windows.
It’s worth picking up hospitality experience before applying : even a few months of front-of-house or kitchen work shows admissions that you’ve tested the field. EHL is the kind of school where matching your interests to its programme matters as much as having strong grades.
For more detail, see also: University of St. Gallen (HSG): Admissions & Fees.
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