Excelia Tourism School

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:

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

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

Note: INR conversion rates can vary

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

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:

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:

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.

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 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:

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:

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, 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:

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

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.

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:

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