Launch Your Global Career in Hospitality & Business 

A Swiss Bachelor’s Degree with flexible entry requirements

Switzerland has long been recognised as the global benchmark in hospitality education. With its tradition of precision, professionalism, and innovation, the country continues to attract students from around the world who aspire to lead in the hospitality and service industries. Now, a unique collaboration between two renowned Swiss institutions, SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), offers international students a powerful academic journey that combines real-world skills with academic depth, culminating in a fully accredited Swiss Bachelor’s degree.

ONE PROGRAMME – TWO QUALIFICATIONS

This innovative 4 to 4.5-year programme allows students to earn two prestigious Swiss qualifications: the Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management from SHL and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with a focus on International Business and Sustainability from HSLU.

The journey is seamless; students begin with 90 ECTS credits at SHL, where they immerse themselves in the DNA of Swiss hospitality and acquire the essential skills to run and lead a business, they then continue with 90 ECTS credits at HSLU, where they deepen their expertise in international business, tourism, and sustainability. The result is a graduate who is both operationally accomplished and strategically equipped to navigate the complexities of global business with the added value of holding a Swiss Bachelor’s degree that is internationally recognised and academically rigorous.

FLEXIBLE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Unlike many traditional Swiss university programmes, this academic route does not require students to have completed the Swiss Maturité (Matura) or studied specific subjects in high school – whether through the IB, A Levels, or another international qualification. This avoids students needing to have advanced Maths or Science. Instead, it focuses on what truly matters in the hospitality world: social skills, emotional intelligence, and a passion for service. This opens the door to a broader range of students who may not fit the mould of conventional academic pathways but who possess the qualities that define great leaders in hospitality and business.

Thanks to its strong practice-oriented approach on campus and two paid industry
internships, the programme is ideal for students who thrive in dynamic, hands-on environments. It is designed for those who enjoy working with people, solving real-world challenges, and making a tangible impact, while still benefiting from the academic rigour and international recognition of a Swiss Bachelor’s degree. This degree not only meets the highest educational standards in Switzerland but also provides a solid foundation for further academic study or global career advancement.

A COMPELLING ALTERNATIVE FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES

For parents of international school students, this programme offers a compelling alternative to traditional university routes. Their children can pursue a globally respected, first-class education in a safe, multicultural setting, without the pressure of meeting rigid academic prerequisites.

With English or German as the language of instruction, a strong emphasis on personal development, and an employability rate among SHL graduates exceeding 99%, this pathway is perfectly suited for global citizens aiming to build meaningful management careers in hospitality, tourism, or business. The inclusion of a Swiss Bachelor’s degree ensures that graduates are not only employable but also academically competitive on an international scale.

A LAUNCHPAD FOR GLOBAL CAREERS

Graduates of this programme will be highly sought after—not just in hotels and resorts, but in a wide range of sectors including consulting, entrepreneurship, event management, and business. The combination of Swiss precision, international exposure, and practical leadership skills opens doors across industries and continents. Whether they choose to work in New York, Dubai, Singapore, or Zurich, they carry with them the credibility of two Swiss institutions and the confidence that comes from mastering both the art and science of hospitality and management. Most importantly, they graduate with a Swiss Bachelor’s degree that is recognised and respected by employers and academic institutions around the world.

EXCELLENCE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

In a world where education is becoming increasingly specialised and competitive, this Swiss academic pathway stands out for its balanced entry requirements, relevance, and excellence. The programme’s hands-on nature offers international students a chance to thrive—academically, professionally, and personally—without compromising on their strengths or passions. It is a launchpad into global leadership, built on the values of hospitality, innovation, and Swiss quality, and anchored by a Swiss Bachelor’s degree that opens doors to a lifetime of opportunity.

For more details about SHL and this unique academic pathway visit www.shl.ch.