About IMI

IMI — International Management Institute Switzerland — is a private, specialist hospitality & business school based in Kastanienbaum (Luzern). IMI focuses on practical, hands-on hospitality training combined with UK-validated academic awards and strong employer/placement support. IMI highlights high graduate employability and paid internship opportunities.

 

Why study the Certificate in Hotel & Tourism Management at IMI

• It’s designed for school leavers to prepare for degree-level study (practical + academic foundation).

• Direct progression to IMI’s UK-validated BA (Hons) pathways (Hospitality, Business, Culinary).

• Small classes, practical labs (F&B/front-of-house/culinary), and supported paid internships — good for employability and CV building.

 

Level of study

• Certificate (foundation / undergraduate entry level) intended for students who want to progress into IMI’s BA (Hons) degree programmes.

 

Campus location

• Seeacherweg 1, 6047 Kastanienbaum, Luzern (Lake Lucerne area) — IMI’s compact lakeside campus.

 

Mode of learning

• On-campus (face-to-face / practical). The programme mixes classroom theory with practical workshops (kitchens, service labs) and career/intership support. Short programmes may have blended elements, but the Certificate is primarily onsite.

 

Duration of programme

• 22 weeks (one certificate semester). The Certificate semester is a 22-week study block.

 

Credits / points

• 120 credits (total) for the Certificate, with unit breakdown shown on IMI’s programme page:

  • The Hotel, Tourism & Events Industry — 10 credits

  • Introduction to Food & Beverage Service — 20 credits

  • Hospitality Business Basics — 20 credits

  • Hygiene Management — 20 credits

  • Studying at University — 10 credits

  • English for University Studies — 40 credits.

 

Intake dates

• Four starts per year: February, May, August, November (rolling/term-based intakes).

 

Entry criteria (Certificate)

• Minimum: High school certificate / equivalent (GCSEs / O-Levels etc.), 17 years old.

• English: IELTS 4.5 (or equivalent) — confirm exemptions with Admissions.

 

Subjects / programme structure (topics covered)

The Certificate mixes foundation hospitality and academic skills. Key units:

• Hotel, Tourism & Events Industry (intro)

• Food & Beverage Service (practical & theory)

• Hospitality Business Basics (management fundamentals)

• Hygiene & Food Safety Management

• Studying at University (study skills)

• English for University Studies (academic English) — see IMI for exact syllabuses.

 

Disciplines / specialisations (progression options)

After the Certificate you can progress to IMI BA (Hons) top-ups in:

• International Hospitality Business Management

• International Business Management

• International Culinary Management
  (all IMI BA awards are validated by Manchester Metropolitan University, UK).

 

Scholarships offered / funding support

• IMI is unable to offer full scholarships as a private school, but partial / merit or needs-based scholarships and early-enrolment discounts are offered occasionally. Awards are discretionary and depend on a full application + motivation letter; any award appears on the Provisional LOA.

• IMI is recognised by certain national funding schemes (for example Saudi Two Holy Mosques, UAE Ministry listings), so some students access government sponsorship. External scholarships / loans / employer sponsorships are commonly used.

 

Highlights (at a glance)

• Fast pathway: 22-week Certificate that leads to a UK-validated BA (Hons).

• Practical training + paid internships (placements in Switzerland or internationally). IMI promotes strong employer links and career support.

• Small campus, lakeside setting near Lucerne — close to Swiss hospitality employers.

 

Career outcomes

• Completion prepares you for operational and entry-management roles in hotels, F&B, events, tourism and related businesses. Students use the Certificate to progress to a full BA and then into graduate roles; IMI reports strong employability and placement support. (IMI promotes a high graduate employment rate and guaranteed internship assistance).

 

Latest updates / special requirements (notable)

• 2026 Early Enrolment Scholarship promotions and rolling intake schedules are shown on IMI’s pages — availability of partial scholarships varies by intake. Always check the Scholarships page before you apply.

• Internship requirement for BA progression: while the Certificate itself is 22 weeks, to complete a BA (Hons) through IMI you’ll need a minimum of 12 months’ internship placements as part of degree progression. Keep this in mind when planning visas/finances.

 

Fees & typical funding estimates (Certificate)

• Total programme cost (Certificate semester): CHF 19,800 (this is IMI’s stated Certificate Semester total). Breakdown: Registration fee CHF 3,300 + Tuition fee CHF 16,500. Accommodation & meals are additional (22-week semester accommodation ranges ~CHF 2,700–5,750; full-board meal plan ~CHF 2,950 for the semester). Always confirm the exact intake year fees with Admissions as prices can change.

 

Visa requirements & application practicalities (international students)

• After acceptance IMI issues a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) / Provisional LOA (PLOA) which you need to apply for a Swiss student visa/residence permit. IMI advises to allow ~8 weeks for the LOA/visa paperwork and requires payment of first instalment before LOA (see How to Apply). The LOA is required for the visa application; IMI’s Admissions team provides visa support guidance. Check Switzerland’s consulate in your country for required documents (financial proof, medical insurance, accommodation, LOA, passport, photos).

 

Practical application tips

• Apply early (multiple intakes but student visas take time). IMI aims to process applications within ~48 hours but visa steps are separate.

• Prepare: high school certificate, passport, English test (IELTS 4.5 or equivalent), motivation letter (helps for scholarships).

• Budget: tuition + accommodation + meals + insurance + living costs (Switzerland is costly — ask IMI for a sample budget).