EHL – Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne
EHL Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne stands as the world’s leading hospitality management school, recognized for excellence in hotel and hospitality education for over 130 years. Founded in 1893 as the world’s first hotel school, EHL has consistently ranked as the number one hospitality business school by QS World University Rankings for Hospitality and Leisure Management. This prestigious institution attracts more than 3,300 students from 123 countries.
Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, EHL offers a unique learning environment that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical industry experience. The institution is renowned for its innovative curriculum, world-class faculty, and strong partnerships with leading hospitality companies. With additional campuses in Chur-Passugg, Switzerland and Singapore, EHL provides international education options within a consistent framework of Swiss hospitality excellence.
The institution is particularly renowned for its distinctive approach combining hands-on hospitality experience with rigorous business education. EHL’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Berceau des Sens, serves as both a training ground and a symbol of culinary excellence. For South African students aspiring to international hospitality careers, EHL represents an unparalleled opportunity.
EHL operates on a two-intake model with program start dates in February and September. For the February 2026 intake, applications must be submitted by December 15, 2025. The September 2026 intake has a final application deadline of June 15, 2026, for non-visa applicants and May 31, 2026, for applicants requiring Swiss student visas.
South African students should note that visa application timelines are critical—processing can take up to three months. Applications are processed on a rolling basis. The online evaluation process, including the 20-minute video interview and analytical aptitude test, typically occurs within 2-3 weeks of application submission.
For EHL Campus Singapore, intake dates follow the same February and September schedule. Prospective South African applicants should consult the official EHL website or contact admissions directly to confirm exact deadlines.
EHL’s bachelor’s degree costs approximately CHF 70,807 for the complete three-year program. All fees are in Swiss Francs (CHF). Beyond tuition, budget for on-campus accommodation (CHF 3,800 to CHF 5,600 per semester) and a mandatory food and beverage plan (from CHF 1,300 per month). Total annual expenses typically range from CHF 20,000 to CHF 25,000.
The Master of Science in Hospitality Management costs CHF 30,500 in tuition plus CHF 9,000 in compulsory additional fees. All applicants must submit a CHF 6,000 deposit within 15 days of admission, followed by a CHF 5,000 enrollment deposit, both credited against tuition.
South African students should note that Swiss Franc exchange rates impact total cost in Rand. Payment schedules can be arranged to distribute costs across semesters. Students are advised to confirm current fee structures directly with the admissions office.
EHL’s admission requirements for the Bachelor’s degree include successful completion of secondary school final examinations qualifying for university admission. South African students must provide their National Senior Certificate with strong subject grades. EHL favors analytical and quantitative skills such as Mathematics, Economics, or sciences. Minimum age is 18, and applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at C1 level (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Advanced English, or EHL’s own test).
Shortlisted candidates complete an online evaluation: a 20-minute structured video interview and a computer-based analytical and quantitative aptitude test. The interview assesses motivation, communication skills, and cultural awareness.
All applicants must provide a completed application form, certified secondary school transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, and a personal statement. The Common App platform is available for applicants. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate excellent academic records, strong English skills, and relevant hospitality experience.
EHL Campus Lausanne is the flagship location in Switzerland, positioned on Lake Geneva. The campus provides modern classrooms, laboratory kitchens, student residence halls, the renowned Berceau des Sens Michelin-starred restaurant, and recreational facilities serving 3,300+ students. Lausanne offers immediate access to Switzerland’s dynamic hospitality industry with countless internship opportunities.
EHL Campus Passugg in Chur-Passugg is housed in a restored Belle Epoque hotel in eastern Switzerland’s premier tourism region, home to the highest concentration of 4-star and 5-star hotels. The campus specializes in experiential learning within a luxury hospitality ecosystem.
EHL Campus Singapore represents the institution’s gateway to Asia-Pacific markets. Singapore combines Swiss hospitality excellence with Asian business dynamism, with 120+ nationalities represented. South African students choosing Singapore benefit from English-language instruction, international peer cohorts, and career prospects in the world’s fastest-growing hospitality markets.
South African students can apply through the official EHL online application portal (ehl.edu) or through Common App. The application process is entirely digital. Begin by creating an account, then complete the form specifying your preferred campus (Lausanne or Singapore), intake date, and program specialization.
Upload certified copies of your National Senior Certificate, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency test results, and a personal statement (typically 250-400 words). Shortlisted candidates complete an online evaluation: a structured video interview and analytical aptitude test. Successful candidates receive a conditional admission offer, finalized upon submission of the CHF 6,000 deposit.
Key tips for South African candidates: Apply early for visa processing. Ensure English proficiency is documented (TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge Advanced English with C1 minimum). Contact admissions at admissions@ehl.ch for South African credential evaluation or visa procedures.
EHL Campus Lausanne: Route de Berne 301, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
Admissions: admissions@ehl.ch
Telephone: +41 21 785 11 11 (Mon-Fri, 08:00-17:00 CET)
Reception: reception@ehl.ch
Common App support: commonapp@ehl.ch
EHL also operates Campus Passugg in Chur-Passugg, Switzerland and EHL Campus Singapore. The institution maintains a robust student support system assisting international students with accommodation, visa processing, orientation, and cultural integration.
South African students seeking detailed information about specific programs or financial aid should schedule a virtual consultation with an EHL admissions counselor. Response times to inquiries are typically 2-3 business days.
EHL is an international hospitality management school based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is not a South African institution and is not listed on the NSFAS institution register. NSFAS funding is available only at South Africa’s 26 public universities and 50 public TVET colleges. South African students studying at EHL cannot use NSFAS to pay for their fees.
EHL Scholarships and Financial Aid
EHL provides financial support through the Fondation des bourses et prêts d’honneur EHL:
Partial Scholarships
Grants that do not require repayment, allocated to cover part of tuition fees, mandatory study expenses, or living costs. Available to students who demonstrate financial need and commitment to hospitality management.
Honorary Loans
Interest-free loans (0%) covering tuition, mandatory expenses, or living costs. Repayment begins after graduation.
Additional awards for Bachelor students:
| Award | Amount |
|---|---|
| Partial Tuition Waiver (applied to Preparatory Year fees) | CHF 5,000 – CHF 20,000 |
| Academic Excellence Award (merit-based, applied at time of application) | CHF 2,500 – CHF 7,500 |
Annual tuition for the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management is CHF 23,940. A non-refundable deposit of CHF 6,000 is due within 15 days of admission confirmation.
Eligible students apply for financial aid through the scholarship foundation portal as part of the admissions process.
Alternative Funding Options
- Bursaries open for applications in South Africa — FundiConnect’s directory of currently open bursaries
- How to fund your studies in South Africa — overview of funding options including bursaries, loans, and scholarships
EHL offers comprehensive hospitality management degree programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management is a three-year program with five specialized tracks: Leadership and Management, Advanced Marketing and Luxury Management, Finance and Real Estate, Entrepreneurial Ventures and Corporate Innovation, or an Interdisciplinary track.
The Master of Science in Hospitality Management (MiHM) is an intensive 18-month program with specializations in Digital Innovation, Financial Management, Food Service Leadership, and Luxury Hospitality. EHL also offers an MBA in Hospitality and Service Industries, the Master in Global Hospitality Business, and specialized programs for experienced professionals.
EHL also provides professional vocational diplomas, specialized certificates, and executive education programs. The institution’s two-year associate degree in culinary arts is taught by Michelin-starred chefs. All programs integrate real-world case studies, industry partnerships, and experiential learning through internships.
EHL offers multiple scholarship and financial aid programs. The EHL Fondation supports equal-opportunity access, having awarded 123 scholarships in 2023. For master’s students, EHL offers 10 full financial aid packages covering entire tuition (CHF 39,500 each).
International applicants may qualify for the Michel Reybier Hospitality Golden Vines EHL MSc Hospitality Scholarship, specifically supporting BIPOC and BAME students. Additional need-based scholarships partially cover tuition and living costs. Visit the EHL Scholarship Portal at ehlscholarship.com for current opportunities.
South African students should also explore government bursaries, corporate sponsorships from hospitality companies, and educational loans. The average total cost over three years ranges from CHF 100,000-130,000, making comprehensive funding strategies essential. Inquire about scholarship eligibility during initial contact with admissions, as certain awards have early deadlines.