Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland

About Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland

Over the past 30 years, César Ritz Colleges has built a trusted reputation delivering courses in tourism and hospitality management. Built on the philosophy of César Ritz (1850-1918), founder of the famous Ritz hotels, the school takes pride in offering an education based on the quality and excellence of Swiss hospitality traditions. The school adopts a student-centred approach, fostering personal development and entrepreneurship.

Bachelor’s students earn a double Swiss and American degree through a unique partnership with the University of Washington (USA). At Master’s level, the academic programmes are validated by the University of Derby (UK).

The campuses of César Ritz Colleges are located in both French- and German-speaking Switzerland.

As a member of the Swiss Education Group, a world-leading hospitality education network, César Ritz Colleges is 100% Swiss-owned, ensuring that students receive a first-rate Swiss education.

Three locations, two degrees, one curriculum

César Ritz Colleges offers its students a dynamic environment in which to study and live. The three campuses are located in Le Bouveret (near Montreux), Lucerne and Brig.

The Le Bouveret and Lucerne campuses are also home to the Culinary Arts Academy, an internationally renowned institute for culinary education. This unique partnership allows students of César Ritz Colleges to gain real-life experience in the gastronomic aspects of hospitality.

A wide range of outstanding academic courses is on offer, with qualifications ranging from Diploma to Master’s level.

Bachelor’s students graduate with a Swiss and American degree, combining practical and managerial skills with strategic knowledge. Specialisations in international business, entrepreneurship, culinary arts, tourism and sustainability management are delivered to tailor the course to students’ individual aspirations. Students can choose to start their studies in Le Bouveret or Lucerne. During their final year, all students are based in Brig.

The Master’s programmes are designed for candidates with extensive work experience who are seeking new prospects in the international hospitality industry. The school’s Master’s courses are validated by the University of Derby (UK). The programmes furnish students with a blend of skills and knowledge in hospitality and tourism management and entrepreneurship, with the development of a personal business plan in the final year. A wide choice of specialisations allows students to concentrate on their field of interest. Master’s courses are delivered in Brig.

All courses are taught in English. For students who need to improve their language skills before commencing their studies, the school provides an English Foundation Programme based at the Le Bouveret campus.

César Ritz Colleges has four intakes per year: in January, April, July and October.

Quality and excellence in education

César Ritz Colleges enjoys a long-standing reputation for quality and excellence in education. Partnerships with worldwide leading academic institutions ensure that students’ qualifications are internationally transferable.

César Ritz Colleges is the only Swiss hotel school to receive the prestigious TedQual certification from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The school is also a member of the Swiss Hotel School Association (ASEH) and the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (CHRIE), and is certified by eduQua, the Swiss quality label for further education institutions.

All curricula combine theoretical courses with practical internships and are designed to meet the needs of hospitality employers. Graduates are prepared for the world of work thanks to an excellent understanding of the hospitality industry and extensive practical experience gained through internship placements (minimum of 8 to 12 months during the first two years).

Over the years, César Ritz Colleges has established strong links with leading hospitality businesses. The internship office works diligently to place students in different establishments throughout Switzerland and worldwide, mostly in four- and five-star hotels.

The faculty consists of internationally recognised practitioners with both academic and industry experience. They share a firm commitment to excellence and a passion for hospitality education.

High-profile guest lecturers are regularly invited to endorse seminars in their field of expertise.

They provide valuable feedback allowing programmes to remain industry-relevant. Field trips to hotels, trade fairs and international corporate headquarters complete the practice-oriented approach. 

Managers sought by the hotel industry

César Ritz Colleges provides its students with the skills future managers require to succeed in the fast-growing hospitality and tourism industry.

Twice a year, students are given the opportunity to meet more than 60 hospitality leaders from around the world at the International Recruitment Forum (IRF) organised by the Swiss Education Group in Montreux, Switzerland. This two-day event is considered an unmissable opportunity, allowing students to network with future employers and explore career opportunities before they complete their studies.

The careers team provides guidance based on the strengths, work experience and career aspirations of each student. An innovative online recruitment platform connects international recruiters with students to offer them a flying start in the global business.

Business planning for future entrepreneurs

The school’s focus on practice has led to the development of an entrepreneurship course. In their final year of study, students develop their own business plan, which is then ready to be implemented after graduation. Students can also participate in the prestigious global Business Plan Competition, organised by Washington State University. Every year, a team from César Ritz Colleges travels to the United States to present their project to a panel of 50 judges, including entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and bankers. In 2013, the team from César Ritz Colleges won!

An inspiring setting for hospitality training

César Ritz Colleges is committed to offering its students the most authentic and stimulating learning environment possible. All campuses reflect the reality of the hospitality industry through a combination of historic buildings and state-of-the-art training facilities. Students learn in fully equipped lecture theatres, cutting-edge school kitchens and formal dining rooms. They put their newly acquired skills to practical use on and off campus on special occasions and at community service events. Each campus has its own library, study rooms and leisure facilities.

César Ritz Colleges brings technological advances to the classroom and furnishes students with the skills required in the workplace today. Each student receives a tablet on arrival, as well as access to an extensive collection of electronic resources.

Exceptional quality of life

Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland offers exceptional quality of life, a safe environment, some of the world's finest landscapes and the cultural heritage of a multilingual population. Student life is not only about studying, and sightseeing excursions and course-relevant trips are organised throughout Switzerland and Europe, enabling students to experience different cultures, connect with fellow students and find inspiration for future career choices.

Broad cultural diversity and an extensive network that goes beyond studies

At César Ritz Colleges, internationalism begins on campus, where around NNN students of over 60 different nationalities study and live together.

After graduation, César Ritz Colleges’ graduates become part of the Swiss Education Group alumni network, which brings together over 20,000 graduates worldwide. It comprises 28 chapters in 25 countries. Regular meetings allow alumni to stay in touch, network and ultimately enhance their careers.