About IMI

IMI is a private hospitality & business management school near Lucerne (Kastanienbaum/Horw area). It combines UK-validated academic degrees with Swiss practical training and paid internships; IMI places heavy emphasis on small class sizes, industry links and employability.

 

Why study the BA (Hons) in International Hospitality / Hospitality Business Management at IMI

• You get a UK-validated honours degree (validated by Manchester Metropolitan University) combined with Swiss practical training.

• The course integrates classroom learning, hands-on training and paid industry internships, making it career-focused and CV-relevant.

• IMI promotes strong employer links (global hotel groups) and high graduate employability.

 

Level of study / Award

• Undergraduate — BA (Hons) degree (Honours bachelor). The award is UK-validated (Manchester Metropolitan University for IMI degrees).

 

Campus locations & campus life

• Main teaching campus is in the Lucerne region (Kastanienbaum / Horw). Campus facilities include training kitchens, training restaurant and on-site student services. The area is scenic (Lake Lucerne + Alps) and supports a residential student experience.

 

Mode of learning

• On-campus / in-person delivery with practical training components. Programmes include classroom teaching, skills labs and supervised workplace internships. (IMI runs occasional short online info sessions, but degree delivery is onsite.)

 

Typical duration & credits / programme structure

• Duration: IMI’s BA (Hons) degrees are designed to be completed in under three years (commonly 30–36 months total), using a semester + internship model. Many students progress through a Diploma semester, a Higher Diploma, and then the BA (Hons) year(s). A minimum 12 months of internship/placement is required to complete the BA (Hons).

• Credits: IMI degrees follow UK validation patterns — typical UK honours degrees are 360 UK credits (approx. 120 credits per year). Specific credit totals for progression units are published in IMI programme pages / prospectus

 

Intake dates (next intakes)

• IMI runs multiple intakes per year. Current/specific intakes promoted on the site include November 2025 (last places) and February 2026 as next planned intakes — IMI publishes several intakes across the year (check the site for the intake you want). Always confirm intake deadlines directly with Admissions.

 

Entry criteria (typical, international applicants)

• Undergraduate (BA Hons): High-school diploma / secondary school certificate (or equivalent) such as A-levels, IB, local secondary credentials.

• English language: Proof of English (IELTS or equivalent) is required — submit an IELTS certificate or alternative accepted test. Exact minimum scores depend on the programme and applicant background (IMI’s application guidance lists required documents).

• Documents often requested: academic transcripts, passport copy, CV, motivation letter (~500 words), health declaration; some applicants may need an interview.

 

Subjects / topics & programme structure (modules)

IMI blends business, hospitality operations and management theory with practical skill modules. Examples of typical modules/topics (IMI degree & diploma phases):

• Hospitality business fundamentals, hotel operations, food & beverage management, front office & rooms divisions, service excellence, hygiene & safety, accounting for hospitality, marketing, human resources, events & MICE, entrepreneurship, leadership & strategic management.

• Intensive practical workshops (kitchen, restaurant service) and work-based learning through paid internships. For exact module lists and semester breakdown see the IMI programme pages / prospectus.

 

Disciplines / specialisations offered

• IMI offers BA (Hons) variants in International Hospitality Business Management, International Culinary Management, and International Business Management, plus diplomas and graduate programmes (MSc in Hospitality Management, graduate diplomas). Students can tailor experience via internships and elective units.

 

Scholarships & funding (what IMI offers and practical steps)

• IMI scholarships: IMI operates a range of partial / targeted scholarships and early-enrolment awards; the scholarships page explains the schemes but specific award amounts and eligibility often depend on intake & timing. IMI also signposts country-specific sponsorship options and external funding. For the current, detailed list and eligibility you must request the scholarship brochure or speak with Admissions.

• External funding: Many international students use national government scholarships, private foundations, or international student loan providers. IMI is an approved provider for some national sponsorship programmes (examples vary by country). Third-party scholarships can usually be applied to study at IMI.

 

Highlights & unique selling points

• Strong industry placements (paid internships are integral).

• UK-validated degrees + Swiss practical training experience.

• Small class sizes, career services and global employer network.

 

Career outcomes & employability

• IMI emphasises high employability; their careers service works with major hotel groups (Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Kempinski and others are referenced across placement pages). Typical graduate roles: operations manager, food & beverage manager, event manager, front office manager, revenue/rooms management and entrepreneurship in hospitality.

 

Latest updates / special requirements

• IMI lists multiple intakes (e.g., Nov 2025 and Feb 2026 currently promoted) — availability can change quickly so check the site or ask Admissions. IMI also runs short Summer/Winter programmes and foundation pathways. Always check IMI’s official pages for the most recent intake & campus notices.

 

Fees (overview & how to confirm)

• IMI publishes programme fees by programme and by semester. Example figures (published on IMI Fees page) for degree pathways: BA (Hons) in International Hospitality Business Management shows a total semester figure and a tuition fee example: a BA semester total CHF 28,300 (Registration fee CHF 3,300; Tuition CHF 25,000) — exact totals vary by entry point (diploma vs BA semester) and year. Always request an official fee schedule and payment schedule from Admissions for your intake and nationality.

 

Visa & immigration (practical guidance)

• Student visa / residence permit: After you receive IMI’s Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and pay the registration fee, you apply for a Swiss study visa or residence permit via the Swiss Embassy/Consulate in your country. IMI outlines the visa application steps and mentions the LOA/PLOA process and payment deadlines. Allow several weeks (IMI recommends allowing up to eight weeks for visa processing).

• Working & internship rules: International students in Switzerland may work up to 15 hours/week during term (and full-time in semester breaks), but non-EU/EFTA students usually can only start work after six months of study and internships/placements often require an additional authorization / permit. IMI arranges and supports paid internships but work permits for internships must be organised per Swiss/cantonal rules. Confirm details with IMI Admissions and the local cantonal migration office (Lucerne).