Brand Finance’s 2025 report ranks Porsche as the top luxury brand (~$41.1B), followed by Chanel with a 45% brand value surge.
Bain & Company reports a 2–5% dip in global luxury sales (~€364B), with expected growth of 1–3% from 2024 to 2027.
Luxury management is a booming global industry valued at over $350 billion in the previous year, with brands demanding professionals who blend business acumen with refined brand storytelling. As premium markets expand across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, luxury-focused MBAs and master’s programs are becoming top choices for aspirants seeking a glamorous yet strategic career path.
Top universities now offer specialized luxury management courses covering brand management, global retail strategy, and customer experience design. These programs not only provide classroom excellence but also deliver hands-on exposure through internships with elite brands like LVMH, Gucci, and Richemont.
In this guide, explore the best luxury management courses in the world, their curriculum highlights, fees, study abroad, and admission criteria to help you make the right choice in 2025.
Best Luxury Management Courses: Overview
The best luxury management courses skillfully combine core business principles with specialized training in areas such as brand heritage, experiential marketing, and digital transformation.
Notably, over 80% of these programs include international internships with prestigious luxury houses like LVMH and Kering, offering students priceless industry exposure.
To help you compare your options, here's a breakdown of average tuition fees by program type across the top luxury management courses worldwide:
Note: Exchange rates are approximate and may vary.
Leading institutions such as ESSEC, SDA Bocconi, HEC Paris, the London College of Fashion, and the Glion Institute are shaping the future of luxury through innovative, globally recognized programs.
Now, let's discuss the universities offering the best luxury management courses worldwide.
Top 7 Universities Offering Luxury Management Courses in 2025
Luxury is much about storytelling and craftsmanship, driving a rising demand for skilled brand leaders. With over 200top universities in the world, including HEC Paris, finding the right fit is essential.
Whether your goal is brand strategy or luxury marketing, the top luxury management courses worldwide provide the foundation for a career where innovation meets elegance.
Below is a comparison table to review universities, program names, and annual tuition fees:
University
Program Name
Annual Tuition Fees
ESSEC Business School (France)
Executive Master in Luxury Management and Design Innovation (EMiLUX)
EUR 42K (INR 40.1L)
SDA Bocconi (Italy)
Master in Fashion
Experience & Design Management
EUR 40,000 (INR 38.8L)
HEC Paris (France)
MSc in Marketing: Luxury Specialization
EUR 34.5K (INR 33.5L)
Glion Institute (Switzerland)
MSc in Luxury Management & Guest Experience
CHF 61,750 (INR 64.2L)
London College of Fashion (UK)
MA Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Domestic: GBP 14K (INR 16.1L)
International: GBP 29.9K (INR 34.5L)
EMLYON Business School (France)
MSc in Luxury Management & Marketing
EUR 35K (INR 34L)
Istituto Marangoni (Italy/UK)
Master in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management
Domestic: EUR 30.5K (INR 29.6L)
International: EUR 33K (INR 32L)
Note:Exchange rates are approximate and may vary. The tuition fees exclude admission fees, enrollment fees, and VAT (if applicable).
Now, let’s have a look at the eligibility criteria for getting into the top universities for the best luxury management courses.
Eligibility for Top Luxury Management Courses
Luxury brand management courses attract ambitious, like-minded individuals with a passion for high-end brands and strategic business. Institutions like ESSEC offer access to world-class faculty and industry leaders, supported by an impressive 71,000 alumni network that spans over 85 countries.
These networks provide platforms for mentorships, career growth, and global career optionsafter graduation across the luxury sector. Below is a detailed overview of the academic qualifications, English language proficiency levels requirements, and other key prerequisites.
Academic Criteria
Admission requirements for the best luxury management courses vary depending on the level of study: diploma, bachelor's, or master's. Each program level comes with its own set of academic and professional prerequisites, including a minimum GPA score and an academic degree.
Admission criteria also differ depending on whether you’re applying for UG, PG, or professional courses. Let’s take a look at the academic criteria:
Program Level
Academic Requirements
Master's Degree
Recognised university degree (in any discipline)
Professional experience (some universities might ask)
High school completion with strong grades (A-Levels: A-C; IB: 24+ points; CBSE/ISC: 70%+)
US High School GPA: 3.0+)
UK honors degree (2:2 or equivalent)
In addition to academic qualifications, demonstrating proficiency in English is essential for admission to international programs.
English Language Proficiency Criteria
Most institutions require standardized test scores or equivalent qualifications to assess English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL etc). As English is the primary medium of instruction in the majority of best luxury management courses, demonstrating strong language skills is a crucial part of the admissions process.
Below are the common exams for studying abroad Luxury Management courses and the minimum scores typically required for admission:
Note: These scores are standard benchmarks for most top universities, but regional variations may apply. Always verify specific requirements with your chosen institution.
After academics and language scores, let’s now explore what other factors can contribute to eligibility criteria.
Miscellaneous Criteria
Beyond academic and language qualifications, institutions may have additional criteria, such as work experience or a portfolio. Hence, reviewing program details is essential. Applicants should also prepare the following documents and materials:
Requirement
Details
Work Experience
Not mandatory for UGs, some master's programs require 2-6 years of relevant experience.
Proof of Funds
Bank statements showing ability to cover tuition and living expenses
Valid passport, CAS letter from UK university required, academic transcripts, recent photographs, and other supporting documents as specified by the B-school.
Once you're familiar with the eligibility criteria, the next step is to understand the admission process for these programs.
Admission Process for the Top Luxury Management Courses Worldwide
The global luxury sector is growing rapidly, creating demand for professionals who can combine strategic business knowledge with a refined understanding of luxury branding, customer journey, and innovation.
To gain entry into top-tier luxury management programs, you must check your eligibility and then apply and submit documents, demonstrating competence and industry readiness.
Research and Shortlist Programs: Identify programs aligned with your goals. Compare schools like HEC Paris, SDA Bocconi, ESSEC, London College of Fashion, and Glion based on curriculum, rankings, internships, fees, and support services.
Check Eligibility Criteria: Confirm academic qualifications (A-Levels, IB, etc.), English test requirements (IELTS/TOEFL), and whether a portfolio or work experience is needed.
Prepare Required Documents: Gather academic transcripts, test scores, SOP, CV, recommendation letters, and proof of funds. For creative programs, include a portfolio if required.
Submit Applications: Apply through university portals or central systems. Upload documents, pay fees, and track deadlines and application status.
Attend Interviews or Additional Assessments: Some programs may require interviews or portfolio reviews. Be ready to discuss your goals and understanding of the luxury industry.
Await Admission Results: Decisions usually take 4–12 weeks. Monitor portals for updates and respond promptly to offers or requests for additional information.
Accept the Offer and Apply for a Visa: Accept your offer and apply for a student visa. Arrange housing and travel insurance and attend orientation sessions to prepare for relocation.
With the admission journey sorted, the next step is to understand the scholarships awarded for each of the luxury management education programs worldwide.
Luxury Management Courses: Financial Aid and Scholarships
A wide range of scholarships and financial aid helps offset the high cost of luxury management education. Last year, over 25% of international students at top luxury B-schools received some form of financial assistance.
Governments, universities, and private organizations offer scholarships, often based on merit, need, or diversity. The table below explores the scholarship name, provider, and benefits.
Scholarship Name
Given By
Benefits
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
French Government
EUR 1,181 (INR 1.15L)
Bocconi Graduate Merit Awards
SDA Bocconi (Italy)
Full tuition and fees waiver, approximately EUR 14,000 (INR 13.6L) per year
up to 30% reduction in the tuition fees of the 1st year
Note:Exchange rates are approximate and may vary. Scholarship availability, eligibility, and benefits may vary by year and program. Always check the official university or provider website for the latest details.
Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid and scholarship options, let’s discuss the career prospects and industry outlook for architecture graduates in London.
Career Prospects after Completing Luxury Management Courses
As a career path, luxury brand management is creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding. Entry-level brand managers earn EUR 35,000 to EUR 50,000 (INR 34L to 48.5L) gross per year, while senior roles can reach EUR 150,000 (INR 1.5cr) annually.
The table below summarizes the top job roles available for luxury management graduates:
Job Role
Average Annual Salary (EUR)
Average Annual Salary (INR)
Luxury Brand Manager
EUR 42K
INR 41L
Retail Director
EUR 131K
INR 1.2CR
Communications Specialist
EUR 40K
INR 39L
Brand Manager
EUR 60K
INR 58.1L
Product Manager
EUR 72K
INR 69.7L
Client Relationship Manager
EUR 62K
INR 60L
Source: Glassdoor, SalaryExpert
Note: Salaries are approximate and may vary based on experience and establishment. Currency conversion may vary slightly depending on market rates.
Now, let us discuss the top recruiters worldwide for luxury management studies.
Top Recruiters Worldwide for Luxury Management Professionals
Luxury management graduates are highly desired by global brands across fashion, beauty, hospitality, and lifestyle sectors. For instance, a fashion designer at Gucci in Italy with 4–6 years of experience earns approximately EUR 45,000 (INR 43.6L) annually.
At Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, salaries range from around GBP 12,277 (INR 14.1L) per year for entry-level roles like Sales executive to up to GBP 167,580 (INR 1.93cr) annually for senior positions such as Vice President of Digital.
Below is a table highlighting the top recruiters worldwide for luxury management courses:
With a clear understanding of the career prospects and top recruiters in the global luxury sector, let’s now explore how to select the best university for top luxury management courses worldwide.
How Do You Select the Best University for Luxury Management?
Choosing the right university for a luxury management degree is a critical step that shapes your future in this high-value, highly competitive industry. Beyond global rankings and brand names, it is essential to evaluate institutions based on industry relevance, accreditation, and global exposure.
After discussing strategies for choosing a university that aligns with your career goals and interests, let's now look at how upGrad can support your journey towards pursuing the best luxury management courses in top universities.
How Can upGrad Help You Pursue a Luxury Management Course?
Planning to pursue a luxury management course abroad? From shortlisting top universities to preparing your visa and securing post-graduation opportunities, upGrad supports every step of your journey with expert guidance, personalized mentorship, and career services customized to the luxury industry.
University Shortlisting: Get personalized support to find top universities that match your goals, budget, and luxury specialization, with strong brand tie-ups and global exposure.
Application Assistance: Receive expert help with SOPs, LORs, and resumes to create a strong application that meets international standards.
Visa Support: Handle the visa process confidently with detailed checklists, expert guidance, and preparation for interviews and documentation.
Language and Culture Prep: Settle in faster with language training and cultural orientation to help you adjust to academic and social life abroad.
Career Services: Get personalized job search help, interview prep, and direct access to global luxury brands for post-MBA roles.
The most suitable degrees include an MBA in Luxury Brand Management or a Master’s in Fashion and Luxury Marketing. These programs blend branding, business, and consumer psychology. Some also pursue diplomas from niche fashion or design schools. A background in business or fashion helps but isn’t mandatory.
What is the highest salary in luxury brand management?
Senior executives in global luxury brands can earn salaries of $150,000–$200,000 (INR 1.25 crore-INR1.66 crore) per year or more. Positions like Global Brand Director or VP of Luxury Retail often come with high bonuses. Location and brand value influence the pay. Cities like Paris, New York, and Dubai offer premium salaries.
Which country is the best to study luxury brand management?
France and Italy top the list due to their legacy brands and proximity to luxury hubs. The UK and Switzerland also host reputed programs with strong industry ties. Emerging luxury markets like Singapore and the UAE offer strategic advantages. Your choice should match career goals and language preferences.
How do I get into luxury brand management?
Start with a bachelor’s in business, fashion, or marketing. Follow it up with a luxury-focused MBA or diploma to gain industry-specific skills. Interning at a luxury brand boosts your portfolio. Networking at events and building an understanding of luxury culture also matters.
Is luxury brand management only for fashion careers?
Not at all. Luxury brand management spans across fashion, hospitality, automobiles, watches, jewelry, and premium real estate. The key is managing high-value branding and consumer experience. Professionals can shift between luxury sectors with core branding and strategy skills.
Can I enter luxury brand management without a fashion background?
Yes, you can enter this field with a background in business, marketing, or even communications. Passion for luxury, understanding consumer behavior, and storytelling ability are essential. Many top professionals didn’t start in fashion but built strong branding careers in the luxury sector.
What skills are needed for a career in luxury brand management?
Professionals need skills in brand storytelling, digital and retail marketing, consumer psychology, and customer relationship management. Soft skills like emotional intelligence and cross-cultural communication are crucial. Language proficiency and global awareness are big advantages.
Is prior work experience necessary to pursue a luxury management degree?
It depends on the program, many accept fresh graduates, while others prefer 1–2 years of experience. A background in retail, marketing, or design adds value. Even internships at fashion houses or luxury hotels can strengthen your application and industry exposure.
What are the biggest challenges in luxury brand management?
Key challenges include maintaining exclusivity while scaling globally, appealing to Gen Z buyers, and adapting to digital trends. Brands must uphold heritage without losing relevance. Cultural sensitivity and personalisation are vital in luxury consumer relationships.
Are luxury brand management jobs available outside of Europe?
Yes, opportunities are growing in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and North America. Cities like Dubai, Shanghai, and Mumbai are becoming luxury hotspots. Localized marketing expertise is in high demand. Many global brands hire regional experts for brand expansion.
What is the difference between brand management and luxury brand management?
Brand management focuses on broad marketing strategies for mass-market goods. Luxury brand management deals with exclusivity, heritage, and experiential branding. The goal is to create desire, not just sales. It emphasizes emotion, storytelling, and aspirational value.
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