Professional Program

The entry requirements are as follows: CFC/EFZ (from all industries) / ECG/FMS Certificate.
Students with a Matura qualification are eligible for the Undergraduate Program.
For students wishing to study in English, the required level is: CEFR level B2, TOEFL 550 (80 iBT) or IELTS 5.5 (academic) and Vatel entrance exam in English.

Application: Complete your online application form on www.vatel.ch.
Eligibility: If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be invited to attend the entrance examination.
Invitation: Once the entrance exam fee has been paid, you will receive your exam invitation directly by email.
Exams: Sit the exams remotely.
Results: If you are successful in the entrance examination, you will be invited to schedule your enrolment appointment with Academic Management.
Confirmation: Your admission is confirmed following the enrolment appointment.

The entrance examination is conducted entirely online and consists of two parts:

Written part: Candidates must complete several assessments:
Language multiple-choice tests (French and English for the French-speaking section / English for the English-speaking section);
A multiple-choice test on general hospitality knowledge;
Two personality tests.

Oral part - Admissions interview: This interview lasts approximately 15 minutes.
Do not hesitate to contact the admissions officers for further information.

There is no scholarship program at Vatel Switzerland – École Hôtelière du Valais.

However, in accordance with the Intercantonal Agreement on Contributions for Higher Professional Education Institutions (AES), students from any of the 26 Swiss cantons, Swiss citizens living abroad, citizens of the Principality of Liechtenstein, and permanent residents who have lived in Switzerland for more than two years may be eligible for cantonal contributions, provided they meet the AES eligibility criteria. This contribution can cover up to 40% of the tuition fees.

Furthermore, students residing in France may be eligible for student loans at preferential interest rates offered by Vatel’s partner banks. Eligibility is subject to an assessment of the student’s financial circumstances.

Year 1 : Semester 1 (academic)

Subjects (alternating weeks): Management, Marketing, Human resources, IT/Office tools, Business economics, Sustainable development and CSR, Intercultural management, Professional culture, Self-image, Health and safety, Nutrition, Wine vintages, Foreign languages, F&B and hotel environment, Round tables.

Practical training (alternating weeks): Housekeeping, Restaurant, Bar, Banqueting, Kitchen, Pastry.

Year 1: Semester 2 (internship)

Operational internship in Switzerland (4 months), mandatory for students whose course requires it and optional for holders of CFC/EFZ in hospitality. Remuneration is determined in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement in the Swiss hospitality industry (CHF 2,390.- gross per month).

Year 2: Semester 3 (academic)

Subjects (alternating weeks): Financial management, Strategic marketing, Human resources management, Advanced Excel, Commercial law, Effective communication, Business environment, Documentary monitoring, Tourism economics, Sustainable development and CSR project, Nutrition, Worldwide wine vintages.

Practical training (alternating weeks): Front office, Housekeeping, Restaurant, Bar, Banqueting, Kitchen, Pastry, Event, Marketing, Sustainable development.

Marco Polo Program: Students have the opportunity to take part in the Marco Polo Program, which allows second-year students to study at another Vatel campus abroad to enhance their cultural and linguistic awareness (subject to approval by Academic Management).

Year 2: Semester 4 (internship)

International Operational internship (5 months) with an indicative salary in Europe of ~€500 net per month (internship allowances are for guidance only. They are not binding and may vary between internships and depending on the host country).

Year 3: Semester 5 (academic)

Subjects (alternating weeks): Introduction to cost control, Operational marketing, HR management and leadership, Expert Excel, Taxation, Multicultural team management, Sales and negotiating techniques, Above- and below-the-line communications, Community management, Professional oral communication, Vatel Business Game, Wines, beers and spirits, Geopolitics, Tourism and travel, Foreign languages, Capstone, Project, Round tables.

Practical training (alternating weeks): Front office, Housekeeping, Restaurant, Bar, Banqueting, Kitchen, Pastry, Event, Marketing, Sustainable development.

Year 3: Semester 6 (internship)

Operational or administrative internship in Switzerland or abroad (5/6 months), mandatory for students whose course requires it and optional for holders of CFC/EFZ in hospitality. In Switzerland, remuneration is determined in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement in the Swiss hospitality industry (CHF 2,390.- gross per month). In Europe, the indicative salary is ~€500 net per month. Internship allowances are for guidance only. They are not binding and may vary between internships and depending on the host country.

The Professional Program leading to the Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management, Professional Bachelor is offered exclusively in Switzerland. The course can be taken entirely in French or entirely in English.

The 3-year Professional Program includes:

1^st year: Learning the fundamentals and standards of hospitality service.
A 4-month operational internship in Switzerland in the hospitality industry, mandatory for students whose course requires it and optional for holders of CFC/EFZ in hospitality.

2^nd year: Consolidating professional experience and improving foreign-language skills. A 5-month international operational internship in the hospitality industry.

3^rd year: Learning management and decision-making skills.
A 5 to 6-month operational or administrative internship (or pre-employment placement) in Switzerland or abroad. Mandatory for students whose course requires it and optional for holders of CFC/EFZ in hospitality.

Internships are paid according to the regulations of the host country. Vatel assists students find all three internships, either in Switzerland or abroad.

To help you find your 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd year internships, Vatel relies on:

The Internship Office provides you with internship offers from partner companies that match your profile.
Its international network: Vatel helps you find an internship through more than its 55 campuses and 50,000 alumni.
Its partnerships: Agreements with major hotel groups facilitate internships abroad.

Marco Polo is a program that allows students to study abroad at another Vatel school for one year during their second year of the Professional Program.

Students remain connected to their home campus while joining another campus for an entire academic year, combining one semester of classes in the language of the host campus with one semester of an international internship. Students may complete their internship in the host country.

It is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your CV with both academic and professional international experience, improve your language skills, and gain an understanding of international hospitality standards.

To join the Marco Polo program, students must meet certain academic requirements. The Academic Affairs Department therefore reserves the right to approve or decline a student’s participation in the program.

Vatel’s teaching approach emphasizes hands-on learning, with dedicated training weeks that immerse students in real-world professional environments. A vibrant hub of learning and activity, the Vatel Switzerland – École Hôtelière du Valais campus enables students to apply their academic knowledge to the day-to-day realities of the hospitality industry. This practical experience prepares them to become future managers and leaders in Switzerland and around the world.

Objective: To put theoretical lessons into practice and develop your skills in service, management and customer relations directly from the first year.

Location: Unique in Switzerland, our campus brings together modern classrooms, a student residence and a fully renovated 4* Superior hotel, complete with a restaurant and conference centre, all on one site.

By alternating between weeks of classroom-based learning and practical training, Vatel prepares you for the realities of the workplace from the very first year.

Organization: You will hold various roles (kitchen, accommodation, events, etc.) and work the same hours as industry professionals.

Supervision: You will be supervised by teaching personnel and permanent industry professionals (chefs, maître d’hôtel, etc.). Your assessment will cover both your technical skills and your professional attitude. 

Progression: Your responsibilities increase each year. From an introductory role in the first year, to partial supervision of a team in the second year, right through to full responsibility for a team in the third year.

This approach enables you to gain professional experience, work directly with real clients and develop the essential skills required in the sector.

Yes, the Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management, Professional Bachelor is a ES/HF diploma recognized by the Swiss Confederation.

With the Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management, Professional Bachelor recognized by the Swiss Confederation, you can progress to a wide range of senior roles in management and operations within the hospitality sector, as well as in the luxury, tourism, sport and events industries, both in Switzerland and internationally.

Hospitality: From reception (reception manager, concierge) to rooms divison (head of housekeeping).
Food and Beverage: Front-of-house roles (head waiter, sommelier) or back-of-house roles (chef de partie).
Tourism and events: You could become an events organizer, a conference manager or work in travel agencies.
Other opportunities: Managing spas, casinos and cruise ships, and even starting your own business, are all options.

The Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Hospitality Management, Professional Bachelor ensures rapid career progression thanks to its balance of theory, practice and international networking.

Early career (0–2 years): You start in operational roles such as Reception supervisor, events coordinator, HR assistant or maître d’hôtel.
Mid-level roles (2–5 years’ experience): You’ll move into managerial roles, such as Reception Manager or F&B manager.
Senior roles (5–10 years’ experience): You will progress to management positions, such as Hotel Manager or Operations Manager.
Executive roles (10+ years’ experience): You can become a General manager or set up your own company.

Thanks to the Professional Program, you can quickly progress to positions of responsibility. This progression is made possible by:
The practical experience gained during internship and practical training weeks.
The Vatel network of more than 50,000 alumni worldwide.
Opportunities for international mobility, particularly through the Marco Polo Program

Student life at Vatel is designed to be dynamic and supportive, combining academic learning, professional experience and social activities.

The Student Life Association plays a key role in creating a strong sense of community by organizing activities that encourage students to connect and build lasting relationships.

Vatel also encourages students to take part in charitable and community initiatives, reflecting the school’s core values of kindness, openness and solidarity.

Vatel Switzerland offers a comprehensive accommodation solution through its on-site student residence, located at the heart of the school and hotel complex. With approximately 60 rooms, available either in single or shared occupancy, the residence allows students to live just a few steps from their classrooms and directly within the 4* Superior training hotel.

The rooms are fully equipped with Wi-Fi, TV, and a private bathroom. The accommodation package includes cleaning and bed linen. To make daily life easier, residents have a full-board package at the campus cafeteria.

Furthermore, the proximity of Martigny city centre also provides private accommodation options for students who prefer greater independence.