FAQ

Admission


  • What are the admission requirements for: Diploma and Bachelor Degree
    18 years of age or over
    High-school diploma/certificate
    English language proficiency of TOEFL 500 or IELTS 5 or OOPT 50+
    Applicants without an IELTS or TOEFL test score may take the OOPT online test free of charge.
  • What are the admission requirements for: Postgraduate Degree
    A Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university or education institution. Management experience in the hospitality, tourism and service industries will also be considered and is assessed on an individual basis
    Recommended minimum age of 22 years
    English language proficiency of TOEFL 550 IELTS 6.0 or OOPT 70+
    Applicants without an IELTS or TOEFL test score may take the OOPT online test free of charge.
  • What are the admission requirements for: Master Degree
    Applicants need to have successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management and all its course modules. The Master programmes have the same entry requirements as the Postgraduate Diploma
  • Do all of my application materials need to be in English?
    Yes, all of your application documents must be provided in English. Education transcripts will need to be translated into English and certified.
  • How long does the enrolment process take?
    The length of the process can vary depending on the country from which you apply. We suggest you allow three months for your enrolment application and visa processing
  • When is the new student application deadline?
    Students can be accepted right up until the start of the programme, however students requiring a visa will need to allow up to eight weeks for the visa
  • Are there any scholarships available?
    Scholarships are awarded for the last term of studies in the Bachelor programme. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance.
    See Application Package page 3.
  • What does the standard package include?
    Course fees: The course fees are based on the standard number of study credits required for each programme. Swiss students and permanent residents of Switzerland are eligible for a reduction per term. For more information, contact the admission office.
    Accommodation: The programme package offers accommodation as follows:
    - Le Bouveret Campus: Double standard room
    - Lucerne Campus: Double standard room
    - Brig Campus: Single deluxe room
    Alternative options are available.
    Please visit the Campus section for more details.
    Meals: Students are offered the following meal plans:
    - Le Bouveret Campus: Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday; on weekends, brunch and dinner
    - Lucerne Campus: Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday; on weekends, brunch and dinner
    - Brig Campus: Lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday; on weekends, complementary equipped kitchens are available for students to cook
  • What do the additional charges include?
    The additional charges include:
    Enrolment fees
    Induction weekend
    Access to academic guidance and study support
    Access to online library
    Books
    Teaching material
    Student Counsellor
    Uniform
    Wireless Internet connection
    Use of campus recreational facilities
    Residence permit
    Residency taxes
    Health insurance
    Student card
    Industry visits
    Internship services
    Career and alumni services
    VAT
    Rent of the school’s mobile phone
    With the school’s mobile phone, students will be allowed unlimited free calling to any of their fellow students, as well as discounted rates on calls abroad
  • What facilities do you have?
    Our campuses offer formal dining room, cafeteria, lounge bar and student club. The campuses in Le Bouveret and Brig offer fitness room, outdoor sports and leisure grounds, laundry facilities, student car parks and more
    For more information

Programmes


  • Are the degrees recognized?
    Our programmes are recognized worldwide. The Higher Diploma in Hotel & Restaurant Management as well as the Bachelor and Master of International Business, are accredited by the Swiss State of Valais. The accreditation authority is the "Conseil de la Formation et de la Recherche Universitaires (CoFRU)", established under the auspices of the State of Valais Department of Education, Culture and Sport, Switzerland.
    Bachelor students graduate with a Washington State University degree. The College of Business within Washington State University is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and repeatedly ranked among the best business programmes worldwide.
    All Master courses are validated by Manchester Metropolitan University (UK). Students in these courses therefore receive both Swiss and British recognized diplomas. MMU is highly regarded throughout the world for its contribution to hospitality and tourism research. It has been ranked among the best universities worldwide.
    Furthermore, we are the only Swiss hotel school to have United Nations World Tourism Organization accreditation for all of our programmes.
    Accreditation and Recognition page
  • How should I decide which programme should I take?
    Just finished school?
    Consider our Higher Diploma or Bachelor programme
    About to graduate with a Bachelor or a higher education qualification?
    Check out our accelerated Postgraduate and Masters programmes
    Still not sure what the best option is?
    Discuss your options with our admissions team admissions@ritz.edu
  • Do I have to wear a uniform?
    Business attire is required for all students at all times. We suggest you bring at least two business suits. A service uniform is provided for practical sessions such as service, kitchen and showmanship classes.
  • What if my English language is not proficient enough?
    Those who do not have the required English level can consider the English Foundation Programme according to their situation.
    English Foundation Programme
  • How many students are there in the classrooms?
    Small class sizes are offered with usually not more than 25 students per class
  • How long are the programmes?
    English Foundation Programme: from 4 to 20 weeks
    Higher Diploma in Hotel & Restaurant Management: 6 terms plus 2 x 6 months internship
    Bachelor of International Business in Hotel & Tourism Management: 8 terms, plus 3 x 6 months internship (2 compulsory Internships plus 1 optional)
    Postgraduate Diploma in International Hospitality Management: 3 terms, plus 6 months optional internship
    Master of International Business in Hotel & Tourism Management: Postgraduate programme, plus 1 extra term
    Master of Science in International Hospitality Management: Postgraduate programme, plus 1 extra term
  • What will my class schedule be like?
    The number of hours per week will vary according to the programme and electives chosen by each student. Classes are usually scheduled between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday
  • What study material will I receive?
    You will receive a full syllabus, lecture handouts and access to the E-learning platform. Full library access and a reading list are provided for course books
  • What support does the school provide if I’m having difficulties with my studies?
    Every student has a faculty member as a personal adviser who supports and advises each student during their studies. Weekly study workshops are also offered. We also encourage study mentoring with other students
  • How can I transfer from another school and will I receive transfer credits for the subjects already taken?
    If you would like to transfer to César Ritz Colleges please contact the Admissions Team so that they can assess your transfer credits and advise you in your application process
  • When do the examinations take place?
    Mid-term tests generally take place during weeks 5 to 6, while final tests are in weeks 10 to 11

Career


  • How do I get an internship?
    Our career team will work with you to find a suitable internship position. We have a 100% success rate for finding student internships in Switzerland with more than 80% of our students placed in four and five star hotels
    Career Section
  • How much will I get paid on Internship?
    Students completing their internship in Switzerland are paid a minimum, legal wage. (currently around CHF 2,200.-)
  • What are my career options after graduating?
    Our dedicated career team works with one single objective: to ensure that each of our students has access to the best possible opportunities within the hospitality industry.
    During the course of the year César Ritz Colleges Switzerland is visited by leading multinationals representing more than 1,000 hotels, cruise ships and other hospitality organizations.
    Twice a year, you are given the opportunity to meet with hospitality industry leaders from around the world at the International Recruitment Forum.
    We also have an extensive network of industry contacts that regularly recruit our graduates, over 10,000 alumni recruiting current students and each year organize a career trip to tourism 'hotspots'.
  • Can I work in a part time job while I’m studying?
    Finding part time employment that can fit with your class schedule can be difficult. Some students may be able to find part-time work on campus. The Master of Science can be studied part-time over 12 months
  • What careers can graduates expect?
    Visit our Career Section to find out in what fields our graduates work.

Personal


  • What activities can I do during free time?
    There are many facilities available such as gym, lounge, TV room, pool table, table tennis, table soccer, football field, basket ball court, bikes, wine club and community work. Find out more about activities
  • Will I have any free time to do some travelling?
    Yes, the transport and tourism infrastructure are among the best in the world making it very easy and comfortable to travel around the country. Major Swiss cities are located within one to three hours by train, boat or car! Centrally located in Europe, Switzerland gives students the opportunity to visit and experience other European cities, such as Paris, London and Milan!
  • What type of accommodation do you have?
    Le Bouveret Campus
    Double standard room (included in the standard package)
    Double deluxe room Single standard room (available at an additional charge)
    Single deluxe room (available at an additional charge)
    Single superior deluxe room (available at an additional charge)
    Lucerne Campus
    Double standard room (included in the standard package)
    Double deluxe room (available at an additional charge)
    Single standard room (available at an additional charge)
    Single deluxe room (available at an additional charge)
    Brig Campus
    Single deluxe rooms (included in the Standard Package)
    Single superior deluxe rooms (available at an additional charge)
    Students in Brig who are allocated double room accommodation will receive a financial refund
  • How much is the monthly living cost?
    Depending on your lifestyle and the country you are from, you should budget a minimum of CHF 400 per month for living expenses.
  • How should I apply for health insurance?
    When you arrive on campus our staff will help you complete your health insurance forms. If you already have a European health insurance policy, please bring full details and proof of your policy.
  • What if I get sick during the study?
    If you are sick at any time, we will help you find medical treatment. You will need to pay for your treatment and make a claim with the insurance company afterwards. Please note that dental fees are not generally included.
  • Can I have a pet?
    Unfortunately we cannot allow pets in the student living quarters.
  • Can I do my own laundry?
    There are laundry facilities on each campus where you pay for the washing machines and tumble dryers but line drying and ironing facilities are provided free of charge.
  • Do I need to clean my room?
    You should keep your room clean and tidy. The housekeeping team will clean the room once a week. All your bed linen is provided and will be professionally laundered once a week.
  • Where should I put my luggage during the break?
    You will need to vacate your room and store your luggage in the storage room during term break.
  • What personal items should I bring?
    See our recommended packing list on page 7 of our Welcome brochure

Miscellaneous


  • Do I need a computer/laptop?
    Yes, bring a laptop if you have one. There are computers available on campus school or you can take advantage of our laptop and software package prices when you arrive.
    See IT flyer
  • Which type of electronic plug should I use in Switzerland?
    All electronic devices will need to work with a 220 volt Swiss plug.
  • Can I open a bank account in Switzerland?
    We have a partnership with UBS Bank who will assist you in opening a student bank account during your first week on campus.
  • If I have more questions, whom should I contact?
    Call us in +41 24 482 88 12 or visit this link for information request

Four intakes per year

Enrol at a time that works for you, choosing from four start dates throughout the year, in January, April, July or October.

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