Tourism is a rapidly growing industry, and degree programs related to it are becoming increasingly popular. One specific program with a high student population is hotel management.
Unlike other hospitality-related programs, hotel management is hyper-focused on learning how to effectively operate hotels – from managing the staff to maintaining the facilities. It teaches you valuable administrative and practical skills, like management, guest services, marketing, and sanitation.
Hotel management is rare, and very few schools offer it, most of them private institutions. Because of this, many students opt to enroll in its sister programs, Hospitality Management and Tourism Management, as they teach the same set of foundational skills.
As a student, you get to work in fully-functioning hotels to test drive your abilities. You might get internships from luxury hotels and average inns to acquire varied work experiences. It is an enjoyable discipline to study especially if you like traveling, interacting with people, and problem-solving. The career opportunities waiting for you are bountiful, too.
But just like any other educational pursuit, studying the program can be costly. The modern facilities that schools have to build – like university hotels and restaurants – can hike up tuition fees immensely.
Luckily, there are plenty of schools that offer tuition-free education. Check out this list for some free hotel management schools with no tuition.
How do the academic programs and curriculum of these free hotel management schools compare to those of traditional universities?
When it comes to the free tuition schools and the traditional schools that require tuition, it can be clearly stated that they offer the same values and resources, and the main difference is that the free tuition schools are financed by the government or non-profit organizations that want to support the education system. The academic programs and curriculum do not depend on tuition but on guidelines set by the government and the university board. A direction that is quite sought after when it comes to hotel management is “hospitality and tourism management.” Besides that direction, you may find other courses that are in line with your interests if you look at all the available courses that we have.
Free Hotel Management Schools
1. University of Stavanger
The University of Stavanger (UiS) is the first free hotel management school we will discuss in this guide. It is an innovative school in Norway known for the impactful research it produces in the fields of healthcare and education. It is also recognized as the best school for hotel management in the country, offering an excellent program at the Bachelor’s level. The degree is offered only in the Norwegian language.
As a state university, UiS does not charge tuition fees. All students, regardless of nationality and economic status, can study here for free. You will only need to pay a semester fee before the start of each semester to cover administrative costs. International students will also need to prepare thorough documentation of financial ability. Living in Norway can be expensive, so you need to prove that you have the means to pay for rent and other living expenses while pursuing your studies.
2. Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences
The Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences in Germany is best known for its programs in Business and Engineering. It works closely with partner companies and universities to craft relevant curricula that blend theoretical studies and practical experience.
If you are an aspiring hotel manager, you can benefit from this future-oriented curriculum as you study the 3-year BA in Hotel and Restaurant Management. The said program is taught partially in English and partially in German.
Students from EU/EEA countries do not have to pay tuition fees at Heilbronn. International students, on the other hand, must pay tuition fees amounting to EUR 1,500 per semester. This is quite an affordable amount compared to other universities in Germany. You also get to live in an amazing city and enjoy top-notch facilities at the school. All students – Europeans or otherwise – must pay the semester fee, which amounts to EUR 154. The semester fee covers administrative costs, student services, and your student union contribution.
3. LAB University of Applied Sciences
Another free hotel management school, the LAB University of Applied Sciences is an institution that specializes in business, engineering, and health programs. It is one of the biggest schools for applied sciences in Finland.
LAB offers a BA in Hospitality Management that lasts 3.5 years. It trains you on all the foundational skills you need to be a hotel manager, plus some skills in restaurant and tourism services. Lectures, group work, and individual projects are teaching methods used regularly by professors. This degree program is delivered in the English language.
Education in Finland is state-funded. Students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland benefit from this and gain admission to LAB without paying tuition fees. International students must pay tuition fees of EUR 8,000 per year for the hospitality management degree.
4. Lapland University of Applied Sciences
- Free Tuition Fee Link
- Free to: Students from EU/EEA countries & Switzerland, International students who study in Finnish
Another institute in Finland known for having excellent hospitality programs is Lapland University of Applied Sciences. It operates in three campuses: Kemi, Tornio, and Rovaniemi. What makes this school unique is that it emphasizes sustainability in all its degree programs, including those related to the tourism business.
Hotel management at Lapland is offered through the BA in Hospitality Management degree program. It is a 3.5-year study that features a practical and work-oriented curriculum. Lapland is a tourist-rich region, making it a good location for students who aspire to work in the industry. The university cooperates with local businesses for internships, projects, and research.
Students from EU/EEA countries & Switzerland can study at Lapland with no tuition fees. You just need to send a copy of your passport to the admissions officer to be exempt from paying. If you are an international student, you can also enjoy tuition-free education if you study the program in Finnish. If you don’t qualify for any of these exemptions, you must pay the tuition fee of EUR 8,000 per year.
5. Maria Curie-Sklodowska University
The Marie Curie-Sklodowska University in Poland started as an institute specializing in medical science education. It is located in the city of Lublin and is known locally as Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej (UMCS). Throughout the years, this free hospitality management school has developed more programs and is now able to offer education across a wide array of disciplines, including tourism.
Aspiring hotel managers at UMCS study Tourism Management. This Bachelor’s degree program aims to train students to become competent leaders in the fast-paced and dynamic tourism sector. The curriculum balances learning in theory and practice, so students spend the same amount of time in lectures and workshops.
Polish citizens enjoy tuition-free education at UMCS. International students must pay a standard fee of EUR 2,000 and an extra fee of EUR 200 for each year of study. The extra fee covers administrative costs. It is possible to pay these fees in installments if you secure approval from the university rector.
We hope this article on free hotel management schools was informative and helpful. Make sure to check out the Available Hospitality and Tourism Management Programs for International Students!
