Hospitality professionals manage operations across hotels, restaurants, events, tourism attractions, airlines, and cruise ships. Formal study in hospitality management can prepare students for careers in one of the world’s broadest service sectors.
There are many roles you can pursue, including chef, event specialist, housekeeping director, hotel manager, and tour guide, to name a few. As technology advances and lifestyles evolve, hospitality professionals must adapt quickly to guests’ changing tastes and preferences.
Hospitality management schools provide foundational knowledge for running related businesses through academic coursework, practical training, and internships. By the end of your studies, you can be better prepared to enter the industry and contribute meaningfully. Strong foundational knowledge can also help you pursue management roles as your experience grows.
Whether you’re aiming to work at a luxury brand or operate your own budget-friendly alternative, choosing the right school is an important decision. If you’re planning to study in Europe, here are some of its best hospitality management schools.
Top Hospitality Management Schools in Europe
1. Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne
- Study Program
- Location: Switzerland | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA
Among the best hospitality management schools in Europe, EHL Hospitality Business School, also known for its historic name Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, is the world’s first hotel school. It was founded in 1893 and remains one of the leading institutions for hospitality management education. EHL is ranked No. 1 worldwide for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
EHL offers the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management, Master in Global Hospitality Business, Master in Hospitality Management, MBA in Hospitality, and Master in Wine and Hospitality.
In Europe, EHL’s Swiss campuses are located in Lausanne and Passugg. The Lausanne campus is known for its modern hospitality facilities, while the Passugg campus is located in the Swiss Alps. EHL also has a campus in Singapore, giving students access to an additional international study environment.
2. Oxford Brookes University
First founded as the Oxford School of Art in 1865, Oxford Brookes University (OBU) in the UK has a long history in higher education. Its Hospitality and Leisure Management subject area is ranked among the top hospitality subjects in the world, placing 29th globally and 2nd in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
OBU offers BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management, MSc Global Events Management, MSc International Hospitality, Events and Tourism Management, and MSc International Hotel and Tourism Management. Research degrees in hospitality, tourism, and events management are also available.
Aside from having a student-centered and interactive curriculum, OBU is also recognized as one of Europe’s leading hospitality management schools because of its strong industry links and practical approach to learning. The Bacchus Mentoring Programme connects hospitality, tourism, and events students with experienced industry professionals who can support career development. The program involves more than 200 industry executives, many of whom are alumni, as mentors for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
3. University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is one of the UK’s strongest institutions for hospitality and tourism studies. Surrey Hospitality and Tourism Management is ranked 1st in the UK and 18th in the world for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. It is also ranked 3rd in the world for hospitality and tourism management in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025.
For undergraduates, this top hospitality management institution offers BSc International Event Management, BSc International Hospitality Management, BSc International Hospitality and Tourism Management, and BSc International Tourism Management. Surrey’s hospitality and tourism courses emphasize management, technology, innovation, sustainability, and data skills.
For postgraduates, the school offers MSc Air Transport Management, MSc International Events Management, MSc International Hotel Management, MSc International Tourism Management, and MSc Strategic Hotel Management. Surrey also offers a Ph.D. in Hospitality, Tourism, Transport and Events for students interested in research.
4. Glion Institute of Higher Education
Glion Institute of Higher Education is internationally recognized for hospitality and luxury business education. It is ranked No. 3 worldwide for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Glion has campuses in Glion-sur-Montreux, Bulle, and London.
Glion offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Business. The curriculum combines practical instruction, academic learning, and professional experience, including two internships and one on-the-job experience. In the final year, students choose from three career-focused specializations: Luxury Brand Strategy, International Hotel Development and Finance, and Guest Experience and Event Management.
Postgraduate students can choose from several career-focused master’s programs. Glion offers the Master of Science in Hospitality Business Leadership, Master of Science in Hospitality, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Master of Science in Luxury Management and Guest Experience, and Master of Science in Real Estate, Finance and Hotel Development.
5. Business and Hotel Management School
- Study Program
- Location: Switzerland | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Another one of Europe’s best hospitality management schools, BHMS Business & Hotel Management School in Switzerland is known for its applied approach to hospitality and business education. BHMS is ranked No. 12 globally for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
BHMS offers the BA in Hotel & Hospitality Management and the MSc in International Hospitality Business Management. The bachelor’s program is structured around alternating academic semesters and internships, with internship semesters in years one, two, and three. The MSc in International Hospitality Business Management is a 12-month program that includes six months of on-campus study followed by a research project, with an optional internship.
6. Les Roches Global Hospitality Education
- Study Program
- Location: Switzerland, Spain | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA
Les Roches became a hotel and tourism school in 1979 and has established itself as one of the world’s leading hospitality institutions. It is ranked No. 2 worldwide for Hospitality and Leisure Management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. Its European campuses are in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, and Marbella, Spain, and it also operates a campus in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
For undergraduates, Les Roches offers a Bachelor of Science in Global Hospitality Management. The four-year program includes practical arts, two internships, and five specialization options. Students can also access study-abroad options across Les Roches and partner campuses, depending on availability.
More specialized options are available for postgraduates at Les Roches. You can choose from the MBA in Global Hospitality Management, MSc International Hotel Management, MSc Marketing and Management for Luxury Tourism, MSc International Hospitality Management, or other hospitality-related graduate and executive programs.
7. Middlesex University
Middlesex University in the UK has a diverse international community, with students and staff from more than 150 countries. Studying in a multicultural environment can help hospitality and tourism students develop a global perspective.
Middlesex University offers BSc International Tourism Management, which blends business management, marketing, events management, and tourism in a global context. The course is offered at the Hendon campus and includes work placement opportunities, including a 36-week full-time work placement module.
For postgraduates, the school offers MSc International Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management. This program prepares students for specialist careers in destination management, place marketing, event management, and global tourism operations. Middlesex also offers MPhil/PhD Tourism for students who want to pursue research in areas such as sustainable tourism, heritage, and the visitor economy.
FAQs about Studying Hospitality Management
Is a Degree in Hospitality Management Worth It?
A hospitality management degree can be worth it if the program offers a strong mix of business education, practical training, industry exposure, and career support. Programs that combine hospitality operations with management, finance, marketing, technology, sustainability, and internships can help students prepare for a wider range of careers than entry-level work experience alone.
We hope that you found this article on the best hospitality management schools in Europe informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out Available Programs for International Students in Europe!
