Frequently asked questions

At BHMS, we're committed to preparing you for a successful career through a unique educational model in which each academic semester is followed by a 4–6-month internship placement.

Our extensive network of Swiss and international industry partners guarantees you will gain real-world experience and a competitive edge in the job market. 

Yes, our career services team will help you secure internship positions in the hospitality sector, carefully considering your prior experience, language skills, and career aspirations.

All new students will attend a CV and interview skills workshop. Subsequently, each student will have a one-on-one meeting with the internship placement officer to discuss their preferences for CVs. Following this, the internship process begins, where your CV will be introduced to various employers. If you are invited for an interview, the internship team will provide precise details and, if requested, additional interview practice to help you secure your dream internship.

After graduation, we are here to help you explore your options, whether you choose to return home or participate in special programmes for young graduates in Europe, the Middle East, and the USA.

Our esteemed alumni have ventured into remarkable career paths worldwide, attaining prominent positions across diverse sectors and industries, leaving their unique mark in the world. Explore some of their inspiring stories on our blog.

During your internship, accommodation is either provided by the employer or, if unavailable (e.g., in major cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Geneva), the internship team assists you in finding accommodation and facilitates contract signing, often in the local language.

The amount of money you will have left after your internship depends on its location and the provisions made by your employer. If your internship is in the countryside and your employer provides accommodation and meals, you might have around CHF 1,500 left after deductions for taxes, meals, and insurance. However, if you prefer to live in big cities without accommodation, you typically have around CHF 800-1,000 remaining after paying taxes and rent. This amount can be used to cover your living expenses, such as meals and transportation. Your spending habits will determine how much money you can save. If saving money is a priority for you during the internship, inform the internship team during your first meeting so they can guide you towards placements that best suit your needs.

If your internship is in Lucerne and your employer does not provide accommodation, you can rent a room at one of the BHMS accommodations, subject to availability, at a monthly rate.

All three-year bachelor's programmes include three compulsory internships, which can be completed in Switzerland or worldwide. Alternatively, students can study for two full semesters and then undertake a longer internship of at least eight months. 

The Postgraduate Diploma programmes also require a mandatory internship. MSc and MBA students can choose to do an internship in Switzerland or abroad alongside their master's thesis.

 Ten-week programmes do not include an internship.

Yes, international internships are possible wherever a student can secure the necessary visa/work permit. It is also possible to do your internship in your home country. The internship team will support you with the necessary paperwork for the internship abroad.

Our main employers are within the hospitality industry, where we can ensure both the learning outcomes for students and their placement with basic local language knowledge. We also accept internships in other fields, provided they are related to the students' studies.

For internships outside the hospitality sector in Switzerland, we must adhere to the migration office laws of each canton. Typically, fluency in the local language is required for these back-office positions. Additionally, students need to be proactive, as many large companies only accept online applications. The minimum salary for internships in Switzerland is not guaranteed if the placement is outside of hospitality.

Internships abroad depend on visa requirements, and often companies do not provide accommodation, making the salaries insufficient to cover living costs. However, the hospitality industry is vast, with numerous sub-departments where students can gain experience and training in areas such as marketing, sales, reservations, finance, HR, and events, provided they speak the local language fluently and have previous work experience.

Yes, BHMS fees include the rental of all necessary course materials, which must be returned in good condition upon completion of the studies.

Application fee: Pay within 10 days of receiving your letter of acceptance.
First-year fees: Pay as soon as your visa is approved and, at the latest, before your first term begins. 
Subsequent years: Benefit from an early payment discount if you pay more than 90 days before the start of term. 

• Tuition and career services (internship and job placement support)
• Accommodation: 3-4 bed shared apartment (upgrade your room at an additional cost)
• Meals: Three meals a day during the week, two meals a day on weekends, holidays, and term breaks)
• Health insurance: covers accident, illness, and medical treatment
• Visa and administrative support
• Culinary uniform and knives

Students requiring a visa to study in Switzerland are not permitted to work outside of the internships included in their study programmes.

To obtain a student visa for Switzerland, you must meet the requirements outlined by your hometown's nearest Swiss Embassy or consulate. These requirements typically include providing proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution, demonstrating financial capability to support yourself during your stay, and fulfilling any specific criteria outlined by Swiss immigration authorities.

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to process visas for citizens of non-European Union states and 4 to 6 weeks for citizens of European Union states.

In case of visa rejection for any legitimate reason, you will be entitled to a refund of your initial payment and all paid fees minus CHF 500 for administration fees. The refund will be issued within 90 days of the official visa being rejected by the Swiss authorities.

Our student counselor is available for any personal or medical assistance required. If needed,  they will arrange a doctor's appointment for you.

It’s important to look the part, which is why all students are expected to adhere to the business dress code standard in the hospitality industry. This typically consists of a dark suit, shirt, and tie for male students, while female students are recommended to wear dark pants or a skirt with a blouse, jacket, and dark closed-toe shoes. On a loan basis, culinary students are provided with full chef uniforms for their practical classes. 

Zurich Airport is a 45-minute drive from BHMS. We offer airport pick-up services for new students arriving at Zurich Airport.

It is possible to purchase a one-way ticket, but buying a return ticket with an open date may be more cost-effective.