Excelia Tourism School

Excelia Tourism School has 3 campuses and provides students with immersive learning experiences across three French locations: Paris, La Rochelle, and Tours. Each campus is carefully designed to reflect the spirit of its region and to support your academic, professional, and personal development through campus environments and industry connections. 

Now, let’s explore all three campuses and their features in detail.

Paris Campus

• A modern 4 000 m² “Industry 5.0” campus in Cachan featuring hi-tech creative zones, collaborative studios, and green areas.
• Strategically located with excellent public transport links, the campus offers easy access to internships and professional events in greater Paris.
• On-campus career events link you with leading tourism and hospitality firms, alongside accommodation assistance for comfortable student living.

La Rochelle Campus

• Nestled between the Atlantic coast and historic old town, this eco-friendly campus supports sustainable projects and field-based learning.
• Facilities include collaborative learning hubs and industry-standard labs set against a maritime backdrop and rich cultural life.
• First-year “Eductour” visits give hands-on exposure to local tourism professionals and businesses.

Tours Campus

• Opened in 2020, the new 5300 m² bioclimatic campus in the Loire Valley aims to house up to 2000 students, embedding sustainability in its design.
• Weaving historical charm with modern innovation, it offers flexible study spaces, rooftop terraces, and smart classrooms in a UNESCO‑listed region.
• Ideal for hospitality, tourism, and management students, Tours offers broad program options and strong local business links, all within a short TGV ride from Paris.

Now, let’s see how well Excelia Tourism School does in rankings.

In 2024, Excelia ranked #6 in France for its Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management and #9 in France for overall student experience among specialized hospitality schools. It does well in global rankings too, as Excelia Tourism School ranking is 101 - 150 in QS World rankings. 

These Excelia Tourism School rankings reflect a strong emphasis on experiential learning and practical career alignment. It has positioned itself among Europe’s leading specialized schools as it stands out for its academic rigor, high student satisfaction, and strong industry links across tourism, hospitality, and event management sectors.

Here’s an overview of the rankings:

Category	Ranking
QS World University Rankings by Subject – Hospitality & Leisure Management	Ranked between 101–150 globally
Eduniversal 2024 – Bachelor in Tourism & Hospitality Management	6th in France among top 20 programs
Speak & Act 2024 – Student Experience	9th among specialized hospitality and tourism schools
Eduniversal 2024 – MSc International Hospitality	12th in France for master’s programs

Now, let’s explore the admissions process at Excelia Tourism School.

Excelia Tourism School has a selective admissions process that ensures high-quality education in hospitality and tourism management. Applicants must meet language proficiency requirements, including an appropriate IELTS Band score, along with specific academic qualifications.

Excelia Tourism School is the 1st French school of its type to receive UNWTO.TedQual certification, and is recognised internationally for its expertise and the quality of its programmes. 

Here's a detailed list of admission requirements and documents you should keep ready while applying to Excelia Tourism School.

Admission Requirements

The university evaluates each application comprehensively, ensuring that academic preparation aligns with your chosen specialization in tourism and hospitality. Understanding the admission process and requirements like GPA, in detail will help you prepare effectively for the application season.

You can also demonstrate relevant experience in tourism, hospitality, or related fields, as well as meet language proficiency standards, to strengthen your application for admission.

Academic Qualification

To join Year 1 of the Bachelors, you need to have a High School qualification and successfully pass the entrance test, which includes a formal application and a motivation interview. To join Year 1 of the MSc, you need to have 3 years of higher education and to join Year 2, you need to have already validated 4 years of higher education.

Here's a general overview of what Excelia Tourism School looks for in terms of academic background across program levels:

Program Level	Qualification Requirement	Academic Transcripts
Bachelor	High School diploma or international equivalent (Bac+0)	Applicants must provide original or certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates
Master Year 1	Bachelor's degree or 3 years of validated higher education (Bac+3)	Applicants must provide original or certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates
Master Year 2	4 years of validated higher education (Bac+4)	Applicants must provide original or certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates
Direct Entry	Previous tourism/hospitality education or relevant professional experience	Portfolio of relevant work experience certificate may be required

You can also join the programme directly in Year 2 or Year 3 with appropriate academic credentials and successful assessment by the selection panel. 

Now, let’s discuss the language proficiency requirements.

Language Proficiency

For programs taught in English, international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through standardized testing. The level required is B2. 

If you are applying for a programme taught in English but your native language is not English, you are required to provide proof of language proficiency by means of an official English language test such as TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS or other Cambridge exams.

Here are the minimum accepted scores for programs at Excelia Tourism School:

Test	Average Score (Bachelor)	Average Score (Master)
IELTS	Band 6.0	Band 6.5
TOEFL	75	85
TOEIC	750	800
Cambridge English	First Certificate (FCE)	Advanced (CAE)
BULATS	B2 Level	B2+ Level

Note: Scores for admission can vary for competitive programs

Programs are available in both French or 100% in English. Students have the opportunity to learn 3 foreign languages. Now, let’s discuss the competitive score requirements.

Competitive Exams

Excelia Tourism School does not generally require standardized entrance exams like GRE or GMAT for most programs. The entrance process includes a formal application and a motivation interview. The selection panel assesses applications looking for highly motivated applicants.

However, some program-specific evaluations may apply:

Program	Exam Requirement
Bachelor Programs	Entrance test and motivation interview required
Master Programs	Application assessment and interview process
Professional Experience Track	Portfolio review and professional background evaluation

Now, let’s discuss the visa requirements for international students.

Visa Requirements

To study at Excelia Tourism School as an international student, you'll need to obtain appropriate France student visa documentation. It is necessary to start the visa process early to avoid any delays and processing complications.

The process begins once you receive your acceptance letter from Excelia Tourism School. Here's a quick overview:

Requirement	Details
Valid Passport	Should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in France
Acceptance Letter	Official acceptance letter from Excelia Tourism School
Proof of Financial Support	Minimum of €7,380 (INR 6.6L) per year to cover living expenses
Campus France Registration	Complete Campus France application process in your home country
Visa Interview	Schedule and attend your France student visa interview at French embassy or consulate
Health Insurance	Mandatory health coverage during study duration (European Health Insurance or private coverage)

Now, let's take a look at application deadlines for Excelia Tourism School.

Excelia Hotel & Tourism School offers 8 degrees in both Bachelors and Masters in hotel management along with specialized programmes in tourism, leisure, masters in hospitality management, event management and destination management. 

Excelia Hotel & Tourism School was the first French School of its type to receive UNWTO.TedQual certification, and is recognised internationally for its expertise and the quality of its programmes.

Here's a comprehensive look at the programs available at Excelia Tourism School:

Program Level	Available Programs
Master Programs	Master of Science (MSc) in Destination Development Strategies through Tourism Master of Science (MSc) in Transformation & Innovation Strategies for Tourism Master of Science (MSc) in International Hotel Management Master of Science (MSc) in Design Strategies for New Tourism Products Master of Science (MSc) in Event Management and F&B Services Master of Science (MSc) in Social Responsibility & Inclusion Strategies for Tourism
Bachelor Programs	Bachelor in Hospitality - Tourism Management Track  Bachelor in Hospitality - Hotel Management Track

All programs are designed to provide hands-on experience and industry connections, preparing students for leadership roles in the global tourism and hospitality sector.

Now, let’s explore the tuition fees at Excelia Tourism School.

Budgeting effectively is crucial when preparing for international education. At Excelia Tourism School, your cost of studying in Europe (approx €606 - €1,125 or INR 60.3K - 1.12L) can be less than the cost of studying in the USA (approx $1,982 - $2,382 or INR 1.71L - 2.05L). 

It encompasses both academic fees and everyday living expenses including student accommodation abroad, transport, food, and miscellaneous costs. 

For overseas students, tuition fees can range from €8,980 - €27,100 (INR 7.5L - 22.5L)  and daily expenses generally account for approximately 35% to 45% of the complete annual budget, varying based on personal lifestyle preferences and housing arrangements.

Below is a comprehensive cost breakdown:

Program	Yearly Academic Fees (EUR)	Yearly Academic Fees (INR)
Tourism Management	€8,980 - €9,750	INR 7.5L - INR 8.1L
Hotel Management	€8,980 - €9,750	INR 7.5L - INR 8.1L
International Hotel Management	€24,900 - €27,100	INR 20.7L - INR 22.5L

Note: INR conversion rates can vary

Now, let's examine the living expenses in France.

Excelia Tourism School offers a range of scholarships through the Excelia Scholarship Programme. These scholarships reward academic merit, early application commitment, and exceptional student profiles, and they're available to new students across various tourism and hospitality programs.

The awards can range from €1,000 - €3,000 (INR 92,000 - 2.76L) including tuition fee discounts. These can significantly lower tuition fees, making it easier for international students to study tourism and hospitality in France without a heavy financial burden.

Now, let's look at some of the internal scholarships available for students at Excelia Tourism School.

Internal Scholarships

Excelia provides several scholarships like Early Enrolment and Merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for during the admissions process. 

Some are one-time awards offering tuition fee discounts like €1,000-1,500 (INR 92,000-1.38L) while others provide ongoing financial support based on academic excellence and professional motivation.

Here's a breakdown of key internal scholarships:

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
Early Enrolment Scholarship	Merit-Based	Eligibility: Students who complete the entire application process by the deadline.  Benefits: 5% discount from first year tuition fees (approximately €1,000-1,500 or INR 92K-1.38L).
Merit-based Scholarship	Merit-Based	Eligibility: Students with proven academic excellence, extra-curricular activities, clear professional goals and motivation to study at Excelia.  Benefits: Varies based on student profile (typically €2,000-3,000 or INR 1.84L-2.76L).
Excelia Foundation Scholarship	Need-Based/Merit	Eligibility: Students demonstrating financial need and commitment to diversity, disability support, or responsible entrepreneurship initiatives.  Benefits: Partial tuition support and project funding
Academic Excellence Award	Merit-Based	Eligibility: Top-performing international students in tourism and hospitality programs with outstanding academic records.  Benefits: Tuition fee reduction of €1,500-2,500 (INR 1.38L-2.30L).

Now, let's explore some of the external scholarships available for international students at Excelia Tourism School.

External Scholarships

In addition to internal scholarships, international students can apply for several external scholarships like the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme and Erasmus+ mobility grants. Some external scholarships are also fully funded scholarships for Indian students. 

Below is a list of select external scholarships that international students may be eligible for:

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme	Merit-Based	Eligibility: Master's and PhD students from priority countries pursuing studies in France. Benefits: Monthly allowance of €1,181 (INR 1.17L) for Master's students, covers tuition and living expenses (total value up to €30,000 or INR 27.6L).
Erasmus+ Mobility Grant	Exchange Program	Eligibility: EU and partner country students participating in exchange programs within Europe. Benefits: Monthly allowance of €300-600 (INR 27.6K-55.2K) depending on destination country.
Conseil Régional Nouvelle-Aquitaine Grant	Regional Support	Eligibility: International students enrolled in Nouvelle-Aquitaine region institutions including Excelia. Benefits: Living allowance and mobility support (varies by program).
Franco-German Youth Office Scholarship	Mobility Support	Eligibility: Students participating in Franco-German exchange programs and internships. Benefits: Travel allowance and monthly stipend up to €1,000 (INR 92K) per month.

Now, let's explore after study student outcomes and placement support for international students.

Placement at Excelia Tourism School

Excelia Tourism School offers ample career support through its Talent Centre, designed to connect students with internships, interview preparations, work-study options (alternance), and graduate roles in tourism, hospitality, events, and luxury sectors. 

With tailored coaching, industry insights, and a global alumni network, the school ensures you're career-ready from arrival. 

Here are some key highlights of Excelia’s career outcomes and support:

• Strong International Placement: Graduates access placement paths through exclusive job and internship offers shared via the Excelia Alumni network of over 42,000 professionals .
• Expert Career Coaching: Includes personal CV refinement, mock interviews, job search strategies, and negotiations, all led by industry mentors .
• On-Time Internships: 9–17 months of mandatory internships supported by the Talent Centre, placing students in hotels, travel tech firms, luxury resorts, and event management companies .
• Industry Events & Networking: Campus-hosted career fairs, panels with tourism companies, and alumni meetups help students build valuable professional networks even before graduation.

These resources aim to smooth your transition from academics to employment, giving you practical experience and connections from day one.

Top Recruiters

Excelia graduates find opportunities across Europe in hospitality, tourism, and luxury brands. The typical salary range for tourism graduates in France is €42,000–€53,000 per year (INR 36.3L–45.8L), with Paris roles averaging €47,750 (INR 41.2L) annually. Top earners can make up to €58,000 (INR 50L). 

Key employers hiring Excelia alumni include:

• Hospitality & Events: Major hotel groups, luxury resorts, event management firms
• Tourism Operators: International tourism boards, tour councils, travel tech firms
• Luxury & Wine Tourism: Boutique hotels, wine tourism estates, destination agencies
• Outdoor & Sustainable Tourism: Eco-tourism operators, adventure and wellness retreats
• Corporate & Lean Startups: Firms specializing in hospitality tech, revenue management, and digital tourism platforms

Now, let’s discuss student life at Excelia Tourism School.

Excelia Tourism School offers an exciting and globally-focused student experience that extends well beyond the classroom. With 25% international students from 80 nationalities and over 50 student clubs, the campus atmosphere encourages cross-cultural friendships and practical learning partnerships across all three locations.

Let’s explore and discuss the various clubs and activities available for students at Excelia. 

Clubs & Student Organizations

• 50+ active clubs: ranging from professional tourism associations to arts, sports, and sustainability groups, all led by students .
• Humacité© & Climacité© initiatives: Engage students in long-term humanitarian and climate-action projects, collaborating with over 300 partner NGOs .
• XL Blue Walk: An annual multi-day outdoor challenge combining teamwork, skill workshops, and reflection, designed to develop leadership in real-world settings.

Events & Cultural Activities

• Masterclasses & industry speakers bring global tourism professionals to share current trends and insights.
• Eductours – field visits to key tourism sites and partner organizations in Year 1, helping students network and experience the industry first-hand.
• Disney College Program – exclusive exchange with Disney World Florida and a paid internship to gain hands-on hospitality experience .

Wellness & Experience

• Multilingual support in French, English, and 3rd lan­guage, with sign language mandatory, fostering inclusivity and cultural competence.
• Academic expatriation in Year 2 – a compulsory study term abroad at partner institutions, preparing students for global careers.
• On-campus community coaching – volunteer platforms and peer support networks help new students navigate academic life and local cultural adaptation.

Now, let’s discuss some of the notable alumni from Excelia Tourism School.

Excelia Tourism School, with its 3,000 graduates and a globally-connected alumni network, has produced professionals who are thriving in tourism, hospitality, events, and luxury fields around the world. 

Below are some standout alumni whose journeys reflect the practical and industry-centered education Excelia provides:

Name	Field	Contribution
Karan Bajaj	Hospitality Management	General Manager at boutique hotels in Scotland, previously at Grand Hyatt Dubai
Rashi Jakhete	Adventure & Destination Tourism	Sales & Production Manager at Allibert Trekking in the French Alps
Julien Dubois	Event Project Management	Chef de Projet at Ici La Terre, leading large-scale events and mentoring alumni
Christelle Bercheny	Leisure & Sporting Activities	CEO of Groupe Thoiry, a renowned wildlife and leisure park
Cyrélice Harabetian	Event Management	Event Manager at Prochaine Escale, organizing international event experiences
Raphaël Pelé	Hotel Management	Assistant Director at Hôtel Mercure Vieux-Port La Rochelle

Now, let’s explore how Excelia compares to other universities like Institut Lyfe and Schiller International University.

Excelia is best suited for future professionals in tourism, hospitality, events, and luxury sectors looking for deep experiential learning and strong career outcomes. Institut Lyfe is ideal for students aiming for culinary, pastry or hospitality operations with dual French-English instruction and small cohorts. 

Schiller International University appeals to those seeking a U.S.-style, globally mobile education with flexible intakes and multi-campus experiences. 

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Parameters	Excelia Tourism School	Institut Lyfe (Lyon)	Schiller International University
QS World Ranking	101 - 150	51 - 100	NA
Type	Private, specialist in tourism & hospitality	Private, business & event management focused	Private, American-style global university
Tuition Fees	BSc: €9,500–€10,500 / yr (INR 8.1–8.9L)  MSc: €11,000–€13,000 / yr (INR 9.4–11.1L)	Early-bird: €8,000–€9,000 / yr (INR 6.8–7.6L) Standard: €10,000 / yr (INR 8.5L)	Bachelor: $18,000 / yr (INR 15.5L)  Master: $20,000 / yr (INR 17.2L)
Popular programs	Tourism Hospitality management	Business management Event leadership Communication	Liberal arts Business Hospitality International relations
Intake and Flexibility	One intake per year (September)	One intake per year (September)	Three intakes (Fall, Spring, Summer)
International Student Support	Dedicated International Office, one-on-one visa assistance, bilingual coaching	Small cohort, personal academic advising, French-language bootcamps	Student support in Florida, France, Germany, visa, housing, career services
Graduate Salary	€42–53k / yr (INR 36–46L)	€38–48k / yr (INR 32–42L)	$44–56k / yr (INR 38–49L)
Internship & Placement Support	9–17 months internship built into curriculum, career coaching, alumni network	Business projects and internships in Lyon, career counseling	Internships part of course, job assistance at each campus

Each university has its own advantages. Choose the one best suited based on your learning style, budget, and long-term career plans.

Submitting your application on time is essential at Excelia Tourism School. The school has one main intake in France with classes starting in September, with international applicants encouraged to apply well in advance to ensure proper visa processing time.

Based on the official start dates for 2025-2026:

Course Type	Intake Period	Start Date
Bachelor Programs	September January	Year 2: 5th September 2025 Year 4: 5th January 2026
Master Programs	September	Year 1: 8th September 2025 Year 2: 2nd September 2025

Note: The application fee is €50 (INR 4.9K) for international students. 

Now, let's explore some of the popular programs available at Excelia Tourism School.

France provides exceptional educational value along with moderate costs of living when compared to other Western European nations. International students typically require EUR 1,192 – 1,962 or INR 1.18L – INR 1.95L monthly to manage essential living costs in France. 

Here's a detailed monthly expense breakdown for international students:

Cost Category	Monthly Budget (EUR)	Monthly Budget (INR)
Transportation	EUR 62	INR 6.1K
Food & Daily Groceries	EUR 200 – 300	INR 19.9K – INR 29.8K
Private Housing	EUR 430 – 800	INR 42.8K – INR 79.6K
Student Residence	EUR 400 – 600	INR 39.8K – INR 59.7K
Entertainment & Personal Items	EUR 100 – 200	INR 9.9K – INR 19.9K
Monthly Total	EUR 1,192 – 1,962	INR 1.18L – INR 1.95L

Note: INR conversion rates can vary

To cover these costs, international applicants must show proof of financial capacity to cover annual living expenses, ranging from EUR 11,000 to EUR 17,000 (INR 9.1L – INR 14.1L).

Next, let's discover the scholarship opportunities available for prospective students.

As a not-for-profit establishment, Excelia is one of the very few schools to reinvest 100% of tuition fees in the quality of its programmes and projects. Tuition fees at Excelia Tourism School are competitively priced for European standards, with costs varying by program level and duration.

The Excelia fees for these courses are EUR 9,200 - 27,100 (INR 8.71L - 25.66L), depending on the specific program and year of study.

Here's an estimated range of annual tuition fees for international students:

Program	Annual Tuition (EUR)	Annual Tuition (INR)
MSc in Destination Development Strategies	€11,500 - €14,500	INR 10.9L - INR 13.8L
MSc in International Hotel Management	€11,500 - €14,500	INR 10.9L - INR 13.8L
MSc in Transformation & Innovation Strategies	€11,500 - €14,500	INR 10.9L - INR 13.8L
MSc in Event Management and F&B Services	€11,500 - €14,500	INR 10.9L - INR 13.8L
Bachelor in Hospitality - Tourism Management	€9,200 - €11,500	INR 8.7L - INR 10.9L
Bachelor in Hospitality - Hotel Management	€9,200 - €11,500	INR 8.7L - INR 10.9L

Note: These figures and INR conversion rates can vary and are provided as a guide. They are subject to change every year. 

Now, let's explore the total cost of studying at Excelia Tourism School including living expenses and other associated costs.