Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
SHMS English scores
From SHMS's BA in International Hospitality Management page and MSc in International Hospitality Management page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| BA in International Hospitality Management | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 46 or equivalent |
| MSc in International Hospitality Management | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 60 or equivalent |
Other tests and the visa rule
Both pages say "or equivalent" without naming PTE or Duolingo, and the application asks for proof of English such as TOEFL or IELTS. For the visa, SHMS says the Swiss authorities need a valid TOEFL or IELTS score not older than one year, so plan on one of those two if you need a visa.
The BA is validated and co-awarded by the University of Derby in the UK.
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Entry to the MSc, and the English Foundation Program
The MSc needs an SHMS Postgraduate Diploma, or a recognised bachelor's (minimum 2.2) with honours in hospitality or events management, or five years of managerial or supervisory work in the industry plus an interview. If your English is below the required level, SHMS's English Foundation Program can bring it up first.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SHMS programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does SHMS need for the BA?+
IELTS Academic 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46, or equivalent.
What IELTS does SHMS need for the MSc?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 60, or equivalent.
How recent must my IELTS be for a Swiss student visa?+
SHMS says the Swiss authorities need a valid TOEFL or IELTS score not older than one year.
Does SHMS accept Duolingo?+
SHMS's programme pages name only IELTS and TOEFL "or equivalent", and the visa rule names TOEFL or IELTS, so check with SHMS before relying on Duolingo.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Switzerland
- César Ritz Colleges IELTS requirement
- BHMS IELTS requirement
- How long is IELTS valid?
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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