A BA in International Hospitality Business Management provides future leaders with essential skills in service excellence, operations management, and global business strategies.
These six programs offer comprehensive training through mandatory internships, worldwide exposure, top-tier accreditation, and proven alumni success records.
Whether you’re seeking Swiss precision, global mobility, or specialized industry connections, these programs deliver the foundation you need to thrive in the dynamic hospitality sector.
What to Look for in the Best BA International Hospitality Business Management Programs
Before diving into specific programs, prospective students should evaluate several key factors when choosing their hospitality education path.
Look for schools with strong industry partnerships that guarantee internship placements, internationally recognized accreditation that opens global doors, and curricula that balance practical operational skills with strategic business acumen.
The best programs also offer multicultural learning environments and access to extensive alumni networks across major hospitality brands worldwide.
Top 6 Best Bachelor’s Programs in International Hospitality Business Management
1. SHMS – BA in International Hospitality Business Management
SHMS offers a three-year BA dual-accredited by the Swiss government and the University of Derby (UK), ranked 3rd in QS 2025 rankings and achieving 2nd place for employer reputation in the 2025 QS Rankings.
During the SHMS hospitality degree journey, students complete two mandatory industry internships alongside leadership modules and multilingual learning opportunities across stunning campuses in Caux and Leysin.
The program combines traditional Swiss hospitality excellence with modern business trends, preparing graduates with cross-cultural skills and real-world experience for international careers.
The dual accreditation ensures graduates receive recognition from both Swiss educational authorities and the UK higher education system, providing exceptional flexibility for career advancement.
Students also have the option to earn a Swiss Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education, adding another layer of professional qualification to their academic credentials.
Key Differentiator: Best Swiss dual accreditation with compulsory international internships and exceptional employer reputation rankings.
2. École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) – BSc International Hospitality Management
EHL has been ranked the world’s best hotel management school by QS World University Rankings for Hospitality and Leisure Management for seven consecutive years through 2025, achieving a perfect 100/100 score in employer reputation.
This four-year BSc program features two six-month internships and maintains Swiss federal educational standards while operating from campuses in Lausanne, Singapore, and Chur-Passugg.
The curriculum emphasizes both academic rigor and hands-on experience, with students managing their own Michelin-starred restaurant on campus. EHL welcomes over 3,400 students representing approximately 120 nationalities, creating an exceptionally diverse learning environment.
Key Differentiator: Trusted global leader with seven consecutive years as #1 worldwide and unmatched employer reputation.
3. Glion Institute of Higher Education – BBA International Hospitality Business
Glion ranks #6 globally in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for Hospitality & Leisure Management, with a Top 3 ranking specifically for Employer Reputation.
This four-year program spans Switzerland and the UK, offering students exceptional global campus experiences with five academic semesters combined with two six-month professional internships.
Students engage in practical arts training, simulated hotel development projects, and applied business coursework, with 98% of job-seeking graduates receiving one or more employment offers on graduation day. The program includes three career-focused specializations in the final year, allowing students to tailor their education to specific industry interests.
Key Differentiator: Top-rated for applied global campus experiences with exceptional graduate employability rates.
4. Les Roches – BA in Global Hospitality Management
Les Roches ranks #2 in QS World University Rankings for Hospitality & Leisure Management 2025, with 94% of career-seeking students receiving one or more job offers on graduation day.
This comprehensive program includes two professional internships, English instruction across multiple campus locations, and strong employer engagement initiatives. Students can study in Switzerland, Spain, or the UAE with international campus transfer opportunities.
The curriculum covers core operational areas including Guest Relations, Food & Beverage, and Hotel Operations, with students creating and operating real restaurant concepts during their studies.
Key Differentiator: Best for immediate industry readiness with exceptional employer connections and multi-campus flexibility.
5. César Ritz Colleges – BSc Hospitality Business Management
César Ritz Colleges ranks 5th in the 2025 QS rankings and holds federal accreditation from the Swiss Accreditation Council (SAC) as a University of Applied Science Institute. This four-year Swiss BSc features two global internships, comprehensive Swiss accreditation, and leadership training with extensive alumni network support.
The school maintains small class sizes with 90% of faculty holding PhD degrees, and 92% of alumni hold management positions or start their own businesses within five years of graduation. Students benefit from partnerships with prestigious organizations, including Ritz Paris, Evian Resort, and Switzerland Tourism.
Key Differentiator: Trusted Swiss BA with robust global internship placements and exceptional alumni career advancement rates.
6. Open-Source Option: Cornell eCommons Hospitality Materials
Cornell University’s eCommons platform provides free access to extensive hospitality management resources, including case studies, operational guides, and industry research papers.
While not a degree program, these materials serve as valuable supplementary resources for bachelor’s-level coursework across all hospitality disciplines. The collection includes peer-reviewed research, industry best practices, and theoretical frameworks that complement formal education programs.
Students pursuing formal degrees can leverage these resources to deepen their understanding of hospitality management principles and stay current with industry developments.
Key Differentiator: Best open-source supplement for foundational hospitality business knowledge and ongoing professional development.
Making Your Choice: Next Steps for Hospitality Education Success
Selecting the right BA in International Hospitality Business Management program requires careful consideration of your career goals, financial resources, and preferred learning environment.
Each of these programs offers unique advantages, from SHMS’s dual accreditation and EHL’s global reputation to Glion’s employability focus and Les Roches’ industry connections.
Start by researching application deadlines for September 2025 intake periods, as many top programs have limited enrollment capacity. Consider visiting campus open days to experience the learning environment firsthand and connect with current students and faculty.
For students focused on academic preparation and test-taking strategies, developing strong study habits early will serve you well throughout these intensive programs. Additionally, exploring effective study techniques can help you excel in the demanding academic and practical components of hospitality education.
The global hospitality industry offers tremendous opportunities for passionate, well-trained professionals. Whether you choose Swiss excellence, international mobility, or specialized focus areas, these bachelor’s programs provide the foundation for a rewarding career in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
Take the first step toward your hospitality leadership journey by researching these programs in detail and connecting with their admissions teams today.