Struggling To Counter Low Grades? Here's How Indian Students Can Still Get Admission to Top Hospitality Colleges in Switzerland

01 July 2025

Ever wondered if poor grades would be enough to deter you from pursuing hospitality in a nation like Switzerland? Let’s dispel the myth immediately—poor grades may very well not be the end of it. Certainly not in Switzerland, where hospitality studies is globally known for its hands-on learning, global exposure, and business linkage. For Indian students who have an actual interest in hospitality but poor or poor-quality grades, there is still a very distinct way forward.

Switzerland boasts more than 25 world-famous schools of hospitality, including some of the top 10 worldwide-ranked schools. And here’s one thing that you just need to know—most Swiss hospitality schools are more concerned about personality, motivation, and functional competence than about immaculate examination grades. Some of them such as HTMi, Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), and Business and Hotel Management School (BHMS) first seek motivation and industry potential ahead of flawless percentages.

Understand the Swiss Hospitality Education Process

Unlike traditional student-centered systems, Swiss hospitality schools focus on all-around development—a mix of theory and practice. This is welcome news for Indian students who may not have performed well in board exams but are keen to serve, plan, manage, or lead in the hotel and tourism sectors.

There are institutions that provide foundation or preparation courses for those who might require academic support or language. These types of courses fill the gap and lead you to a complete bachelor’s or master’s in hospitality.

And that is still not all. There are institutions that provide credit-based entry programs with freedom to choose courses and proceed.

Step-by-Step Guidance Especially for Students with Low Grades

Choose the Right School

All schools don’t admit on the same terms. Search for Swiss hospitality schools that have career-orientation and admit on foundation programs or interviews and motivation letters instead of top scores.

Play to Your Strengths Beyond Grades

This is your moment to shine with your statement of purpose, personal interview, and extracurriculars. Part-time job in a restaurant? Contributed in a family business? That’s in.

Prepare a Strong Motivation Letter

Swiss schools value passion and honesty. Simply set out the reasons why you want to study hospitality and why you’re ready to develop, learn, and give back.

Language Skills are Relevant

English is studied in every hospitality school, although some will demand IELTS scores (min. 5.5-6.0). If English is not your strong point, take pre-sessional English support courses.

Apply Early and Seek Advice

Early application increases your prospects, particularly for competitive intakes. BCES Admissions Abroad will take you through it all—shortlisting the schools, document filling, and even interview preparation.

Top Swiss Hospitality Schools accepting low graders

Following are some schools that are most famous for offering an open-door policy:

BHMS (Business & Hotel Management School) – Provides two intakes, foundation courses, and professional work experience.

HTMi (Hotel and Tourism Management Institute) – Focus on student development and practical experience.

César Ritz Colleges – Strong industry connections, quality facilities, and flexible entry requirements.

Swiss School of Higher Education (SSHE) – Suitable for students looking for small class sizes and personalized guidance.

Why Switzerland Still Shines

Even if your academic record wasn’t the best, Switzerland offers a level playing field to build your future back up. The country has:

• Paid internships in every semester
• A multicultural environment with students from over 70 countries
• Global placement opportunities after graduation
• Education that blends classroom learning with hotel-level experience

Your marks don’t define you. Your attitude, goals, and willingness to learn do. If you’ve ever imagined yourself managing a luxury resort, running a five-star kitchen, or organizing international events, now is the time to act. Switzerland could be the launchpad for your global hospitality career—no matter your grades.

Let BCES Admissions Abroad lead the way. We’ve placed hundreds of Indian students in the correct hospitality course that not only caters to their scores but also their stories. Call BCES Admissions Abroad today and find out which Swiss school is appropriate for you. We know we all deserve second chances—and so do many Swiss schools.