Choose academic English, not just general English
Most leading business and hotel management schools in Switzerland teach in English. To improve your English, I would advise against taking a standard language course. Instead, if available, enroll in an academic English course offered by your chosen university.
Many Swiss business and hotel management schools and universities provide English courses to help applicants meet their admission requirements. In some cases, an IELTS exam is required. In others, English proficiency is assessed during the admission interview, through the application documents, or by taking an internal English test.
The best ways to improve your English
Recent high school graduates
Attend your chosen university’s summer school or enroll in its academic English preparation program. This allows you to improve your language skills while becoming familiar with the academic environment, teaching style and campus life.
Working professionals and vocational students
Benedict School offers excellent English courses and language labs that are particularly well suited to independent learners, working professionals and students preparing for vocational education.
Recommended English preparation options
Explore these official summer, academic English and language-learning options. Program details, dates and entry requirements may change, so use the links below to check the latest information directly with each institution.
BHMS Summer Program
📍 Lucerne, Switzerland
This short summer experience is designed for international students aged 16–20 who want to discover hospitality, business, culinary arts and Swiss campus life. One-week programs combine morning learning sessions with cultural and recreational activities in and around Lucerne.
Visit the official program page →BHMS Preparatory English Programme
📍 Lucerne, Switzerland
This preparatory course helps future BHMS students strengthen listening, speaking, reading and writing before beginning their academic program. It is particularly useful for applicants who need to reach the required English level and become comfortable with university-style communication.
Visit the official program page →Swiss Education Academy Summer Programs
📍 Montreux, Switzerland
The Swiss Business & Hospitality Camp introduces students aged 16–20 to entrepreneurship, leadership, luxury communication and Swiss hospitality. Classes and practical activities take place on the Montreux campus, complemented by excursions and opportunities to meet students from around the world.
Visit the official program page →Swiss Education Academy Language Camp
📍 Leysin, Switzerland
This Alpine summer camp is designed mainly for students aged 10–16 and offers English, French or German classes. Language learning is combined with sports, excursions and international camp life, helping students build confidence through practical daily use.
Visit the official program page →Glion Pathway to English Proficiency
📍 Glion-sur-Montreux and Bulle, Switzerland
Glion’s pathway provides intensive English classes during the first semester for students who need additional language preparation. The course develops communication skills and academic confidence within an international hospitality-education environment.
Visit the official program page →Les Roches English Programs (IHELP)
📍 Crans-Montana, Switzerland
The six-week Intensive Hospitality English Language Program is a pre-sessional option for students preparing to study at Les Roches. It combines tailored English teaching and hospitality terminology with specialist seminars and exposure to hotels and restaurants.
Visit the official program page →Benedict School Language Courses
📍 Zurich and other Swiss locations, with online options
Benedict offers flexible language learning for students, vocational learners and working professionals, including intensive and individually tailored courses. Its Zurich campus is especially convenient for people who want to combine language study with professional or academic plans in Switzerland.
Visit the official school website →English at Swiss public universities
English is also the primary language of instruction for many master’s programs at Swiss public universities, making it worthwhile to check whether your preferred university offers academic English courses as well.
Swiss national languagesDo you need German, French or Italian?
As for Switzerland’s national languages—German, French and Italian—they are generally not admission requirements for bachelor’s or master’s programs at the leading business and hotel management schools. However, they may be required for admission to vocational schools and, in some cases, public universities.
Important for internships and long-term career plans: If you want to secure a good internship or remain in Switzerland after graduation, even business and hotel management students should learn at least a basic level of German or French. This is why many schools—particularly BHMS—have incorporated a Swiss national language into their curriculum. This proves especially valuable during internships, where students often interact with local colleagues, customers and clients.
My personal recommendation
In my personal experience, after helping more than 100 students succeed in Switzerland, some of the best language instruction is available at Benedict School, particularly at its Zurich campus. The school also offers online courses and language labs, allowing students to learn a third or even a fourth language.
Continue planning your studies in Switzerland
Language preparation is one part of a successful Swiss study plan. Explore the pathways below to compare short programs, degree options and career-focused training.
Swiss Summer Camps
Experience campus life, academic workshops and language immersion before committing to a full degree.
Explore summer camps →Swiss Universities & Hospitality Schools
Compare English-taught business and hospitality degrees, internships and leading institutions.
Explore universities →Swiss Vocational Programs
Discover practical EFZ, HF and professional education routes—usually taught in German, French or Italian.
Explore vocational programs →Language of instruction and admission requirements
The language of instruction varies considerably depending on the type of institution and level of study. The table below provides a practical overview.
| Institution Type | Summer & Bachelor’s Programs | Master’s Programs | Typical Admission Language Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business & Hotel Management Schools Private universities and universities of applied sciences | Exclusively in English. German or French is generally not an admission requirement, but it is a significant advantage for internships and work. | Exclusively in English. German or French is generally not an admission requirement, but it is a significant advantage for internships and work. | English proficiency demonstrated through IELTS, TOEFL, the Duolingo English Test, an internal test, or an admissions interview, depending on the school. |
| Swiss Public (State) Universities | Usually taught in the local language—German, French or Italian—depending on the canton and university. | Many master’s programs are taught in English, particularly in business, economics, hospitality, engineering and science. A local language may still be required for admission to certain programs. | Bachelor’s: usually the local language. Master’s: usually English for international programs, although requirements vary. |
| Vocational Schools & Professional Education EFZ, HF and related programs | Mostly taught in German or French, and occasionally in Italian in Ticino. | Traditional master’s degrees are generally not offered; advanced professional programs are usually taught in the regional language. | Proficiency in the local language is normally required, most commonly German or French. |
Requirements vary by institution and program, so applicants should always confirm the current language criteria directly with their chosen school or university.
Find the right language course for your Swiss plans
Get personalised guidance on academic English, IELTS preparation, German or French courses, and the language level you may need for admission, internships and work.
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