Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) is a private hospitality school in the Swiss Education Group with two campuses in former hotels: Caux above Montreux and the mountain resort of Leysin, both in the Canton of Vaud. SHMS is not on the list of higher-education institutions accredited under Switzerland's Higher Education Act. Its BA in International Hospitality Management is validated and co-awarded by the University of Derby in the UK. Separately, after the second year students can earn a Swiss Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (ES/HF), according to the school. The programme has four academic semesters and two paid six-month internships. The full 2026/27 cost is $223,430 (CHF 186,500) including housing and meals.
| At a glance | 2026/27 academic year |
|---|---|
| Status | private Swiss Education Group school; not on the swissuniversities list of accredited institutions |
| Who awards the bachelor's | University of Derby (UK), jointly with SHMS |
| Swiss qualification | Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management (ES/HF), according to the school |
| Campuses | Caux (Montreux) and Leysin, Canton of Vaud |
| Bachelor's | 4 semesters + 2 six-month internships, about 3 years |
| Age and English | 17+; IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46 |
| Full BA and ES diploma | $223,430 (CHF 186,500): tuition, housing, meals, infrastructure |
| Confirmation fee | $3,590 (CHF 3,000) within 30 days |
| Next intakes | February 2027, September 2027 |
Who awards the degree and what follows
This is the central question. SHMS bachelor's and master's programmes are approved by the University of Derby: students enrol at SHMS and are registered with the university, get access to its online learning environment, and graduate at award ceremonies held in Switzerland in January and June. The partnership dates from 1998. SHMS itself describes its bachelor's as "validated and co-awarded" by the University of Derby.
SHMS also offers the Swiss Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (ES/HF) in hospitality management, earned after the second year with a capstone project. It is a professional qualification, not a bachelor's, and holders move directly into the final bachelor's semester.
What this means for an international student:
- Work during term. Vaud allows side jobs only for students at universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of teacher education. SHMS is none of these, so do not plan on a term-time job.
- Work after graduation. SEM's six-month job-search permit is for graduates of Swiss higher-education institutions. A British degree earned in Switzerland does not qualify.
- Paid internships within the programme follow a separate rule: the employer requests the permit, work stays within half the study period, and pay meets regional norms.
- Further study. The bachelor's is a University of Derby degree, and Swiss universities assess it as a foreign qualification.
A fuller comparison of Swiss and partner degrees is in Hospitality management in Switzerland.
Who SHMS suits
SHMS fits you if you:
- have finished school with roughly B1–B2 English and want a practical programme straight away;
- accept a British degree plus a Swiss professional qualification instead of a Swiss university degree;
- want internships early: one pathway sends you on placement after a single semester;
- are 17: SHMS admits younger students than EHL or Glion.
Consider alternatives if:
- you need a Swiss accredited degree: EHL within HES-SO, Les Roches and Glion provide one;
- you are counting on term-time work or a post-study job search in Switzerland;
- you need a smaller budget: BHMS in Lucerne runs a shorter, cheaper programme.
How the bachelor's works
Four academic semesters, two six-month internships and one of three specialisations: hospitality management, events or design. Semesters 1 and 2 are in Caux; semesters 3 and 4 are in Leysin.
| Semester | Campus | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caux | food and beverage: service, kitchen, beverages, cost control, design, business communication, a language |
| 2 | Caux | rooms division, housekeeping, revenue, marketing, accounting, event concepts, a language |
| 3 | Leysin | HR and leadership, marketing and branding, project management, research, specialisation; capstone for the ES diploma |
| 4 | Leysin | trends, strategic management, digital marketing, resort and spa management, specialisation, digital portfolio |
Two schedules:
- pathway 1: a year of study, first internship, semester 3, second internship, semester 4;
- pathway 2: one semester, internship, semester 2, internship, then semesters 3 and 4 back to back.
Students learn French or German, which helps on Swiss placements. If your English is below the threshold, SHMS runs a 9- or 18-week Access Foundation programme.
Requirements and application
| Requirement | SHMS condition |
|---|---|
| Age | 17+ |
| Education | completed secondary school; direct entry or credit transfer possible for IB and BTEC |
| English | IELTS Academic 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46; for the visa, the Swiss authorities need a valid TOEFL or IELTS score |
| Documents | school certificate, English certificate, passport copy, CV, motivation letter, references; official English translations |
Steps:
- Register online, set a password and complete the application with documents.
- Pay the application fee via the link in the confirmation email.
- Application review and provisional offer.
- Confirmation fee of $3,590 (CHF 3,000) within 30 days, credited to the first semester.
- After payment, the enrolment letter for your visa.
- The rest of the first semester is due six weeks before the start.
SHMS advises allowing 8–12 weeks between application and start if you need a visa and stresses that the Swiss authorities decide.
Fees for 2026/27
| Item | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $39,650 (CHF 33,100) | $38,580 (CHF 32,200) | $38,580 (CHF 32,200) | $39,770 (CHF 33,200) | $156,580 (CHF 130,700) |
| Housing (standard double room) | $4,430 (CHF 3,700) | $4,430 (CHF 3,700) | $4,430 (CHF 3,700) | $4,430 (CHF 3,700) | $17,730 (CHF 14,800) |
| Meals | $3,710 (CHF 3,100) | $3,710 (CHF 3,100) | $3,710 (CHF 3,100) | $3,710 (CHF 3,100) | $14,860 (CHF 12,400) |
| Infrastructure and services | $9,340 (CHF 7,800) | $8,270 (CHF 6,900) | $7,790 (CHF 6,500) | $8,870 (CHF 7,400) | $34,260 (CHF 28,600) |
| Total | $57,150 (CHF 47,700) | $54,990 (CHF 45,900) | $54,510 (CHF 45,500) | $56,790 (CHF 47,400) | $223,430 (CHF 186,500) |
The summary card on the same page shows $221,880 (CHF 185,200), CHF 1,300 less than the itemised total. Confirm the figure on your invoice.
No school fees are charged during internships, though insurance for that period is deducted from the deposit.
Extras:
- a $2,400 (CHF 2,000) security deposit, from which items such as internship-period health insurance are deducted; the balance is refunded six months after your last academic term;
- optional cancellation insurance at $490 (CHF 410) per term, reimbursing up to CHF 15,000 per term for insured events;
- parking $550 (CHF 460) per term; airport transfers $260 (CHF 220) to Caux or $310 (CHF 260) to Leysin;
- room upgrades at the school's rates.
A 2% early-payment discount applies when you pay in full 90 days before term, calculated on tuition, standard housing and meals. Scholarships are limited, first come first served, apply to tuition only and cannot be combined with other reductions.
Access Foundation: 9 weeks $14,860 (CHF 12,400), 18 weeks $29,830 (CHF 24,900), including housing and meals.
Internships
SHMS markets both internships as fully assured. In practice the school runs the placement process, but students obtain a position through interviews with employers, as at other Swiss Education Group schools. Careers services help with CVs and interview preparation.
According to the school, Swiss internship pay can reach $2,820 (CHF 2,350) a month gross. That is a ceiling, not a promised amount, and conditions abroad depend on the country. In Switzerland the employer requests the internship permit, and work may start only once it is granted.
Master's and other programmes
| Programme, 2026/27 | Format | Full cost |
|---|---|---|
| MA in International Hospitality Business Management, 18 weeks | 1 campus semester + independent study | $60,980 (CHF 50,900) |
| MA in International Hospitality Business Management, 36 weeks | 2 semesters + independent study | $76,550 (CHF 63,900) |
| MSc in International Hospitality Management | 1 semester + internship | $60,980 (CHF 50,900) |
| MBA Global | 12 months | $58,940 (CHF 49,200) |
| Postgraduate Diploma to Master of Advanced Studies | 1 year | $53,310 (CHF 44,500) |
The MA and MSc are also University of Derby-approved programmes. Age, experience and English requirements are listed on each programme page.
Visa and residence permit
Russian residents apply for a national D visa at the Swiss Embassy in Moscow (appointments via moscow.visa@eda.admin.ch, fee RUB 8,700), which also serves residents of Belarus and Uzbekistan. Residents of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan apply in Astana. Vaud's Service de la population decides.
For private-school students, Vaud requires:
- that the school is recognised by the canton;
- proof that at least the first semester is paid, or the school's confirmation that you can pay it;
- funds for the whole study period or a solvent financial sponsor;
- a written commitment to leave Switzerland after studies, plus a motivation letter, study plan and CV.
For students under 18, a document from the legal representative naming who has custody is required.
Russian citizens should note Swiss sanctions: Article 20 of Ordinance SR 946.231.176.72 bars banks from accepting deposits above $119,800 (CHF 100,000) from Russian nationals and residents without a Swiss, EEA or UK residence permit. Legal payment routes: How to pay for studies abroad from Russia. Visa procedure: Swiss student visa.
SHMS, BHMS and Les Roches
| Criterion | SHMS | BHMS | Les Roches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss legal status | not accredited as a higher-education institution | not accredited as a higher-education institution | university of applied sciences institute |
| Bachelor's awarded by | University of Derby with SHMS | BHMS with Robert Gordon University (UK) | the school itself |
| Swiss qualification in the programme | ES/HF diploma after year 2 | see the BHMS profile | none separate; the school's BSc |
| English | IELTS 5.5 | IELTS 5.5 | IELTS 5.5 |
| Full cost | $223,430 (CHF 186,500) with housing and meals | about $139,930 (CHF 116,800) on 2026 rates, with housing and meals for study semesters | $270,730 (CHF 225,975) with housing and board |
| Term-time work | not allowed by the canton | not allowed by the canton | confirm with the canton |
Timeline for a September 2027 start
- Autumn 2026 to winter 2027: take IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46; you will need a valid score for the visa too.
- By April: apply with documents and a motivation letter.
- After the provisional offer: pay $3,590 (CHF 3,000) within 30 days.
- May–June: apply for the D visa with the enrolment letter and proof of payment.
- Six weeks before the start: pay the rest of the first semester.
- September: arrive in Caux and register with the commune.
Common mistakes
- Treating SHMS as an accredited Swiss university. The bachelor's is a University of Derby degree, and the Swiss qualification is the professional ES/HF diploma.
- Planning a term-time job. Vaud does not grant one to students of private schools without higher-education status.
- Reading the internship promise as a placement without interviews.
- Taking the English test too early. The visa needs a valid certificate.
- Comparing with EHL on annual price: SHMS includes housing and meals, EHL does not.
FAQ
How much does SHMS cost?
The BA with the Swiss ES diploma costs $223,430 (CHF 186,500) in 2026/27 for four academic semesters, covering tuition, standard housing, meals and infrastructure. The $2,400 (CHF 2,000) deposit and personal expenses are extra.
Who awards the SHMS bachelor's degree?
The BA in International Hospitality Management is validated and co-awarded by the University of Derby in the UK, together with SHMS. After the second year students can also earn the Swiss federal ES/HF diploma in hospitality management, according to the school.
Is SHMS an accredited Swiss university?
No. SHMS does not appear on the swissuniversities list of accredited institutions. Its Swiss qualification is the federal professional ES/HF diploma, and its bachelor's is a University of Derby degree.
What English level does SHMS require?
IELTS Academic 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46. For the visa, Swiss authorities want a valid TOEFL or IELTS score. If your level is lower, the 9- or 18-week Access Foundation programme is available.
What is the minimum age for SHMS?
- For students under 18, Vaud requires a document from the legal representative naming who has custody before issuing the permit.
Does SHMS find internships for its students?
The school organises placements, but students obtain them through employer interviews. SHMS says interns in Switzerland can earn up to $2,820 (CHF 2,350) a month gross.
How can StudyU help with an SHMS application?
Comparing SHMS with accredited schools, preparing the motivation letter and checking your documents and visa file are provided under an agreement with StudyU. SHMS decides on admission, and Vaud's Service de la population decides on the permit.
Sources
- SHMS: fees and semester breakdown, 2026/27
- SHMS: BA in International Hospitality Management, requirements and intakes
- SHMS: admissions, confirmation fee and visa
- University of Derby: SHMS as an academic partner and approved programmes
- swissuniversities: accredited Swiss higher-education institutions
- Canton of Vaud: stays for study, private schools and side jobs
- SEM: directives on foreign nationals, study, internships and job search (PDF)
- Swiss Embassy in Russia: where to apply for a D visa, fees; Swiss Embassy in Kazakhstan
- Fedlex: Ordinance SR 946.231.176.72, Article 20, consolidated version of 21.09.2026
- Les Roches: 2027 fees for comparison (PDF)
- Dollar amounts use the ECB reference rate of 30.09.2026 (€1 = $1.1355 = CHF 0.9478, so CHF 1 ≈ $1.1980), rounded to $10. Facts checked on 01.10.2026.
For an overview, see Study in Switzerland, Hospitality management in Switzerland and Bachelor's in Switzerland. If you are weighing SHMS's British degree against a Swiss accredited school, send us a request.
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.
Next steps
- EHL Hospitality Business School (Lausanne): HES-SO Degree, Fees and Admission
- Les Roches Crans-Montana: Swiss Campus, Degree, 2027 Fees and Admission
- Studying in Switzerland for international applicants
- Bachelor's Degrees in Switzerland: Entry Routes, Language and Costs for International Students
- Hospitality Management in Switzerland: Schools, Degrees, Fees and Paid Internships
- How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026
