Hotel Management School in Switzerland

IMI University Centre - International Hotel, Tourism and Culinary Management:
The International Hotel Management Institute (IMI) is a leading hotel management school in Switzerland offering a selection of internationally-recognised certificate, diploma and bachelor degree programs in the areas of tourism, hospitality, culinary arts and events management, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in International Hotel Management. Our highly specialized hospitality and tourism management institution provides opportunities for talented individuals from around the world to take up professional positions in the world’s largest industry. The language of instruction is English.

Email: Contact us here     ( or request a callback ).

IMI is located in Lucerne in north-central Switzerland (a German-speaking region of Switzerland), ideally situated only an hour's drive from Zurich, in the centre of Europe. The closest international airport is in Zurich, with connections to cities around the world. Lucerne is served by excellent road and rail links, and just 180km from Geneva and 65km from Berne.

IMI has various accreditation, memberships and validation agreements:

* Our British academic partner, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) validates all of our courses ranging from the Certificate to the newly validated Masters in Business Administration (MBA). This means that students studying these courses at IMI will receive a stand-alone certificate from Manchester Metropolitan University with full international recognition, as well a separate certificate from IMI.

* The Swiss Private School Register - The purpose of this Register is to certify high standards of educational services and thereby demonstrate the integrity and credibility of the registered private schools to the public, to authorities and to students.

* BAC (British Accreditation Council) accreditation is regarded by students, agents and governments throughout the world as a very reliable guide to educational quality within the private sector.

* The quality of  the courses we deliver is also regulated by the UK's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). 

* IMI has been awarded the top level of QQQ from Swiss Tourism. There are ONLY 3 Hotel Management Schools which have been accredited with this label of superior quality. 

* IMI is certified by EDUQUA for all its programmes. EDUQUA is the leading quality label in Switzerland for higher education and accredits over 880 schools, institutes and academies throughout the country.

* IMI is certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). which is the world's largest developer and publisher of international standards. IMI was one of the first Swiss Colleges to meet ISO's exacting standards of 9001:2000 showing that its commitment to continual improvement in quality.

* National Memberships:  Swiss Federation of Private Schools; Luzerne Tourism; Schweiz Tourismus.

* International Memberships:  AEHT - Association Européenne des Ecoles d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme (European Association of Hotel and Tourism Schools), PATA - Pacific Asia Travel Association and Institute of Hospitality.

Established in 1990, we are one of Switzerlands oldest Hotel Management Schools. In addition, we are among the very few Hotel Schools which is 100% Swiss owned. IMI is a highly specialized hospitality and tourism management institution which educates and trains individuals from around the globe. We provide internationally recognized certificate, diploma, bachelor degree and master's degree qualifications, excellent career prospects and quality training. In any one semester at IMI, there are around 35 different nationalities represented. We strictly regulate the mix of the student body to ensure that no one country or culture dominates and that every student gets a truly international experience.

At IMI, we offer a range of internationally-recognised certificate, diploma, bachelor degree and master's degree programs in the areas of tourism, hospitality and events management: 

- Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honours Courses in International Hotel & / or Tourism & / or Events Management (2.5 years)
- MBA in International Hospitality Management (12 months direct entry which includes 6 months residency only)
- IMI Higher Diplomas & Diploma HE (Higher Education) Courses
- IMI Diploma in International Hotel and Tourism Management (5 months)
- Certificate in International Hotel and Tourism Management (5 months)
- English language preparatory courses for international students
- Additional language courses:  All courses are taught through English. However students additionally sign up for a 3rd language (French, German, French or Spanish).

Please see the Programs page for a full list of programs.

* The Internship is an opportunity for the student to put the theoretical skills they gain during their studies into practical use.

* After each academic semester, students have an opportunity to do an Internship of 5- 6 months in Switzerland, or as an alternative during 6-24 months abroad.

* Undergraduate students must complete at least one Internship period during their studies. However, they can chose to do so after any academic semester up to the BA level.

Accommodation:
While studying at IMI, students are accommodated in single or twin rooms, with a breathtaking view of either Lake Lucerne, or the Alps. We do have 180+ on-campus rooms and 80+ off campus in town (12 minutes by bus). We suggest new students to be on campus and if later they wish more proximity to the city, they may consider one of 3 off campus living options.

- All our rooms are equipped with TV and refrigerators and most with a direct phone line where students can be reached directly in their rooms.