If you are an Indian student, Germany can be a place that will provide you a world-class education and great career prospects. Most of the leading public universities in Germany have no tuition fees, and there are many private institutions that also provide English-coached hospitality courses.
With the resurgence of the global hospitality industry after the pandemic, Germany is becoming one of the countries most favoured for studying hotel management. With a 496.1 million overnight in 2024, the German tourism and hospitality industry signals that it is in demand for highly skilled and trained experts.
Further, these are also home to international tourism and conference centres as well with luxury hotel operators such as Marriott, Accor, Hilton and Deutsche Hospitality. In 2024, as per the WTTC, the hospitality industry added €453 billion to Germany’s GDP of 2024, and is expected to grow 5–7% annually due to increasing international arrivals, business travel, and domestic tourism.
India itself is also experiencing a boom in hospitality back home. According to a 2024 PIB report, tourism added ₹19.13 trillion to India’s GDP in 2023 and supports 43 million jobs. The government hopes to attract 100 million foreign tourists by 2047 and, from this backdrop, the demand for global human resources is high.
If you have intentions to study hotel management courses in Germany, now is the time! Hospitality management in Germany will take you far. But how? We will give you everything you need to know to study in Germany in this post.
The blog would also cover students' process of application, fees and other details that would help you make Germany ready! So, to kick off, let me do a brief listing of the types of courses in Hotel management that Germany provides to its international students.
Top Hotel Management Courses in Germany (2025)
Hotel management is a field that combines business administration and cross-cultural service with a particular focus on hospitality.
In Germany, courses in the field of hospitality are designed with both theoretical knowledge and practical training in mind. German programs have the unique characteristic of focusing on learning by doing through internships, industry projects and partnerships with top hotel groups.
For Indians, these programs provide globally acknowledged certificates and exposure to European service standards. Set out below is a compilation of top schools that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees:
B.A. Courses in Hotel Management in Germany
Germany’s B.A. programs in hotel management position students with a global perspective through internships, industry projects, and international exposure. Some of the courses are:
University / Institute
Program Name & Duration
Tuition Fees
(EURO & INR)
SRH Dresden School of Management
B.A. Global Hospitality Management
3 years
4,900 EURO per term
( 4.8 lakhs INR /yearly)
Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)
B.A. (Hons) Tourism & Hospitality Management
3–4 years
9,925–13,250 EURO/yearly
(9,72,000 – 12,99,000 INR /yearly)
EU Business School Munich
B.A. in Leisure & Tourism Management
3 years
7,350 EURO per term
(7.2 lakhsINR per term)
University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE)
B.A. Hotel Management (dual with Hotel Adlon Kempinski)
3.5 years
690 EURO monthly
(67,620 INR monthly)
Deggendorf Institute of Technology
B.A. International Tourism Management
3.5 years
~82 EURO/semester
(~8,036 INR semester)
Fachhochschule Westküste
B.A. International Tourism Management
3.5 years
~91,00EURO /semester
(~8,918 INR semester)
Hochschule Stralsund – UAS
B.A. Leisure & Tourism Management
3 years
~2,170 EURO /semester
(~2,12,660 INR)
Note: Studienkolleg (foundation year) is often required for direct bachelor’s admission at public universities.
Note: These figures are average estimates calculated for reference purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on lifestyle, location, and exchange rate fluctuations.
M.A. Courses of Hotel Management in Germany
Hotel and hospitality management master's programs in Germany are for postgraduates who are looking to develop their skills and knowledge to become leaders in the worldwide hotel and hospitality industries. Normally 1-2 years in length, these programs are designed to deepen your strategic management and international operations skills, as well as your service innovation:
University / Institute
Program Name
Duration
Tuition Fees
(EURO & INR)
SRH Dresden School of Management
M.A. Hospitality Management & Leadership
(1 or 2 years)
5.750 EURO /year
(5.63 lakhs INR /year)
Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)
M.A. Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management
(1.5 years)
13,250 EURO /year
(12,99,000 INR /year)
EU Business School Munich
Master's in Tourism & Hospitality Management
(1 year (60 ECTS))
5,450 EURO per term
(5,34,000 INR per term)
Deggendorf Institute of Technology
M.A. International Tourism Management
(1.5 years)
~82 EURO/semester
(~8,036 INR semester)
Hochschule Stralsund – UAS
M.A. Tourism Development Strategies
(2 years)
~2,170 EURO /semester
(~2,12,660 INR semester)
Fachhochschule Westküste
M.A. International Tourism Management
(2 years)
~91,00 EURO /semester
(~8,918 INR semester)
Note: These figures are average estimates calculated for reference purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on lifestyle, location, and exchange rate fluctuations.
Hotel Management Courses in Germany: Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Whether you are willing to pursue a bachelor's or a master’s program in hotel management, in Germany, there is a general standard set of eligibility and admission criteria to adhere by. Here’s what Indian students need to know before they apply.
B.A. in Hotel Management – Eligibility & Admission Requirements
An undergraduate program is available in Germany (only) to Indian students who have achieved 10 + 2 level or equivalent from India under an Education Board recognized by the competent authorities in India , including West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
All applicants to the program must have proficiency in English. Academic requirements at public universities will be more stringent than at private universities.
Criteria
Details
Academic Qualification
Class 12 (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards); minimum 55–60%
For Public Universities
1 year of an Indian university or a Studienkolleg (foundation year) may be required
Uni-assist (for public universities) or direct application (private)
Intake Sessions
October (main)
Some universities offer February, April, or May intakes as well.
M.A. in Hotel Management – Eligibility & Admission Requirements
Master's-level hotel programs are intended for alumni who wish to enhance their skills in leadership, operations, or strategic positions for hotel, hospitality, or tourism venues. These programs provide Indian students with an international exposure and a career pathway.
Criteria
Details
Academic Qualification
Recognized Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism, business, or related field
Minimum Score
55–60% or 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 87+ for English-taught programs
B2/C1 for German
Work Experience
Preferred but not mandatory (depends on the university and program)
Direct university portal or Uni-assist (mostly private or applied sciences universities)
Intake Sessions
October and April
Some private universities offer February or May as well
Note:Early applications (3–6 months in advance) are strongly recommended due to visa timelines and limited seats in popular programs.
Scholarships In Germany for Indian Students
Is it possible to study hotel management in Germany on a budget? Yes, there are several scholarships available for Indian students by the German government, Indian bodies, and private universities.
These funding options help cover tuition, living expenses, or both, and are often awarded based on academic merit, need, or early application. The table below outlines key scholarships available for Indian students in 2025.
Scholarship Name
Offered By
Coverage
Eligibility Criteria
Study Abroad Funding
Ministry of Education, India
Up to ₹2,00,000 partial funding
Indian passport holders, merit-based, for select global destinations, incl. Germany
IU University Scholarships
IU International University
Up to 50% tuition discount (online & on-campus)
Based on merit, financial background, or need
SRH University Scholarships
SRH Berlin/Dresden
€1,000–€3,000 (₹98,000 – ₹2,94,000)
grant per year
International students with excellent grades or leadership potential
Living Expenses in Germany: City-Wise Breakdown
The cost of living in Germany differs significantly between cities. The cost of living is high in big cities, such as Munich and Berlin, while small cities like Dresden or Stralsund are cheaper. Below you can find a cost of living guide for Germany, the city-wise break-up of the most prominent student areas:
City
Rent (1-Bedroom Shared or Student Flat)
Food & Groceries
Local Transport (Monthly Pass)
Berlin
€650–€850
(₹63,700 – ₹83,300)
€250–€300
(₹24,500 – ₹29,400)
€86
(₹8,400)
Munich
€850–€1,200
(₹83,300 – ₹1,17,600)
€300–€350
(₹29,400 – ₹34,300)
€70
(₹6,860)
Heidelberg
€500–€700
(₹49,000 – ₹68,600)
€250–€300
(₹24,500 – ₹29,400)
€75
(₹7,350)
Dresden
€450–€600
(₹44,100 – ₹58,800)
€230–€280
(₹22,500 – ₹27,400)
€61
(₹6,000)
Stralsund
€350–€500 (est.)
(₹34,300 – ₹49,000)
€200–€250 (est.)
(₹19,600 – ₹24,500)
€50 (est.)
(₹4,900)
Source: Numbeo
Note: These figures are average estimates calculated for reference purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on lifestyle, location, and exchange rate fluctuations.
Visa Process To Pursue Hotel Management Courses in Germany
Indian students applying for hotel management in Germany must get a German Student Visa (Type D). The process involves:
Get a letter of admission from an accredited German university or college.
Get a blocked account with at least €11,208 (~₹1.10 crore). Blocked account amount for one year's living expenses (min. €11.208) and the option to sign up online.
Get health insurance compliant with the regulations of Germany, right for your entry date.
Fill out the VIDEX form online and print it.
Once the German Embassy answers your query, use the answer to schedule the Visa appointment through VFS Global. Be present in scheduled appointments for biometric and document submission. You need to submit:
Document
Details
Valid Passport
At least 12 months' validity beyond the intended stay
University Admission Letter
From a recognized German institution
Proof of Financial Resources
Blocked Account confirmation for €11,208(~₹1.10 crore)
Proof of Health Insurance
Public (e.g., TK, AOK) or private insurance covering the entire stay
Completed Visa Application Form (VIDEX)
Available online on the German Mission website
Academic Transcripts & Certificates
Including 10th, 12th, and any university-level qualifications
H3: Work Visa for Hotel Management Courses in Germany
After pursuing a hotel management degree programme in Germany, Indian students can apply for a post-study work visa ,officially called the Residence Permit for Job-Seeking Graduates. This enables them to live in Germany and look for a job related to their studies, such as in hotels and resorts, travel agencies or event management.
Step 1: Finish Your Degree: Graduate from an accredited German university or university of applied sciences with a Bachelor's in hotel, tourism or hospitality management.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents:
Valid passport
University degree certificate or provisional letter of completion
Proof of financial means (approx. €934(₹91,359)/month or blocked account)
Valid health insurance
Rental contract or address registration (Meldebescheinigung)
Biometric passport photo
Completed the residence permit application form
Step 3: Book an appointment: Call the nearest Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) in your city of residence. Make an appointment far in advance of the expiration of your current student residence visa.
Step 4: Submit your application: Bring your complete application to your appointment. Pay the application fee (which is around €100/₹9,780). You may be issued a temporary certificate while your application is being reviewed.
Step 5: Get Your 18-Month Residence Permit: Once the application is accepted, you will then get an 18-month residence permit to look for a job (where you can work full-time while looking for a qualified job).
Step 6: Switch to Long Term Work Visa: Now after getting a relevant job offer (like from hospitality, events, travel, and stuff), you can apply for a German Work Visa or EU Blue Card for PR based on your salary and employer.
Note: Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your student visa/residence permit expires.
Job Opportunities in Hotel Management Courses in Germany
Germany’s hospitality and tourism industry is one of the largest in Europe, with more than 2.4 million people working in the sector, the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) has said.
Job opportunities are available in leading hotel chains, boutique hotels and resorts, event companies, tourism boards, and international cruise liners. Here are the positions that you will find:
Job Role
Approximate Annual Salary (EUR)
Approx. Salary in INR
Front Office Manager
€36K– €50K
₹32.76 lakhs – ₹45.50 lakhs
Guest Relations Executive
€30T– €35T
₹27.30 lakhs – ₹31.85 lakhs
Food & Beverage Supervisor
€12,000T – €36,000T
₹91,000 lakhs – ₹2.73 lakhs
Sales & Marketing Associate
€37T – €54T
₹33.67 lakhs – ₹49.14 lakhs
Event Coordinator
€35T – €42T
₹31.85 lakhs – ₹38.22 lakhs
Source: Glassdoor Note: These figures are average estimates calculated for reference purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on lifestyle, location, and exchange rate fluctuations.
It also imposes an enormous financial burden on students when the cost of fees at state colleges is virtually zero and the cost of living is moderate.
On the other hand, even though Switzerland is a hot destination for hospitality, the expenses go through the roof. In Germany, it is a combination of quality academics, industry-linked training, and in-built internships in an organized, cost-efficient set-up.
Graduates are also automatically eligible for an 18-month post-study work visa, as well as access to the wider EU job market and growing demand within Germany’s own tourism and hospitality industry. So, if the UK and Canada are providing the inclined types, Germany is revenue-driven by long-haul employability and cost-of-living concerns, which still makes it viable and an investment in the future.
Conclusion
In Germany, there are many opportunities to work in hospitality. With its educational standard, low or no tuition fee, and broad post-study work possibilities, it offers long-term career benefits.
Speaking of career opportunities, upGrad can be your best friend to help you get ready for life overseas. Expert counselling, extensive insights on the German education system, with upGrad, your journey is future-ready. Begin your journey of global hospitality with upGrad. Speak to our experts for a free 1:1 counselling session right now!
FAQs
Can I study Hotel Management in Germany, free of charge?
Public universities in Germany do not require you to pay tuition fees, nor do they for international students. Scholarships and part-time jobs can defray costs.
Can I work part-time while studying hotel management in Germany?
Yes, international students can work up to 120 full or 240 half days annually. Many hospitality students take part-time jobs in hotels or events to gain experience, provided it fits within legal work limits and doesn’t affect their academic schedule.
What’s the difference between hospitality and tourism management in Germany?
Hospitality management focuses on hotel operations, while tourism management deals with travel planning and destination marketing. In Germany, many programs require a 6-month internship for practical experience.
What is an APS certificate, and why is it necessary?
The APS (Academic Assessment Centre) certificate proves the legitimacy of Indian academic papers while applying to German universities. After November 2022, it is important to add your APS certificate to the visa application.
Is hotel management in a German university valid in any other country?
Yes, German university degrees are recognized worldwide, especially those offered under the Bologna process. Graduates can pursue hospitality opportunities in the EU, the UK, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.
What are the jobs in cruise lines after completing hotel management in Germany?
Alumni have the opportunity to apply to work with high-profile cruise lines like AIDA, TUI, and international luxury liners in guest relations, F&B service, and event coordinating departments. Germany’s location
What is the highest post in hotel management?
The top position to hold in hotel management is generally the GM of a grand hotel or resort. For people with a lengthy track record in the industry, they can move up into regional and corporate leadership roles such as Director of Operations, Vice President of Hospitality, or CEO of a hotel group or chain.
What is the difference between an MS in Hospitality Management and an MBA in Hospitality?
A Master’s in Hospitality Management is a program that delves deeply into the practice of managing and developing the operations of hotels, motels, and other hotel industry-related organizations. On the other hand, an MBA in Hospitality is more general, including both business administration and hospitality.
Are employee perks common in hospitality roles?
Yes. Many jobs offer extras such as free meals, staff accommodation, bonuses, and healthcare benefits, significantly boosting overall compensation.
What is the DAAD scholarship and who is eligible?
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers scholarships to outstanding international students. Eligibility includes a strong academic record, a motivation letter, and usually German or English proficiency, depending on the course language.
Do private universities in Germany require Studienkolleg?
No. Most private universities accept students directly after Class 12 and do not require Studienkolleg, especially for English-taught programs in hotel management.
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