Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all students will have their own room in the Student Residence in the first year, so you don't need to worry about finding accommodation. You can read more about our Student Residence here. 

In the main building of the Student Residence the reception, postal service, gym, hangout and launderette are situated.

Please have a look at this page for the most up to date overview of the costs. 

The procedure was updated as of September 2025 to align with changes in society and with the ongoing development of our school. It reflects our identity, values, and strategy, and ensures that we select students who fit with our curriculum and with the profile of international hospitality professionals we aim to educate.

Yes, you can absolutely try to pass the selection again! You can try to pass the selection one time per academic year. This means that if you were unsuccessful for the intake of September, then you may apply again between October 1st and May 1st for the intake of September/ February the year after.

No, admission chances are based on one single ranking. Applying earlier does not increase your chances of being admitted. However, September places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying earlier gives you a better chance to start in September, rather than in February. 

No. Admission chances are the same for both. The selection procedure is identical, and there is one overall ranking. Your choice of language of instruction (English or Dutch) has no impact on whether you are admitted.

All students must study an additional language (German, Spanish, or French). If your second foreign language is not one of these, and Dutch is not your native language, you may take Dutch (beginner level) as your additional language.

You must submit your language certificate two months before the start of your studies (1 July for September intake). If you cannot meet this deadline, you may start in February, provided you submit the certificate at least two months before that intake.

No. You do not need to have your final diploma yet when you apply. We make conditional offers based on your current transcripts, motivation, and selection results. Once you have graduated and submitted your final diploma and language certificates, your conditional offer will be confirmed as a definite admission. 

We have one single ranking for the entire academic year, but selections occur at multiple moments throughout the academic year. 

After each selection round, all candidates who have applied up to that point are re-ranked based on the results available at that time. At the beginning of the academic year, this ranking is still incomplete, because not all candidates have applied or been assessed yet. This is why a final decision cannot be made for all candidates straight away.

When the ranking is updated, candidates ranked at the top at that stage may receive an offer. Candidates whose results are clearly below the required level are rejected. Between these two groups, some candidates remain “on hold”.

Being “on hold” is not a negative decision and does not mean that something is wrong with the application. This means that at that stage of the process, the candidate’s results are in the middle of the ranking, and a clearer view of the overall candidate pool is still needed before making a final decision.
As the academic year progresses and more selection moments occur, the overall picture becomes clearer. This allows the cut-off point for making offers to be refined and additional offers to be made over time.

Each time offers are made, including after each Selection Friday, candidates are informed about the status of their application. Candidates who are “on hold “may still receive an offer later in the academic year.

If you have learning disabilities or special needs (such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, or other documented conditions), please inform us by contacting the selection team at selectionhmsm@zuyd.nl. We will do our best to provide appropriate accommodations during the selection procedure. 

Phase 1 is a holistic assessment. We combine several elements into one overall score: 

• your academic profile (relevant grades and transcripts, with bonus points for progression, higher complexity level, or hospitality-related subjects); 
• your structured CV (extracurricular activities, languages, achievements, work or voluntary experience, all supported by proof); 
• up to three references (from teachers, coaches, or supervisors); 
• your motivation video, where you also reflect on your Global Mind competences. 

The 780 highest-ranked candidates from Phase 1 are invited to Phase 2. 

Yes. We review your results in key subjects and look at progression, level of complexity, and relevance to hospitality. However, grades are only one element. Your overall profile, motivation, experiences, and references are equally important. 

No. Work experience is not mandatory. But we value any relevant service or hospitality experience — whether paid work, voluntary work, internships, or community service. All experiences must be supported with proof (for fairness, we can only value what can be documented).

Upload documents that allow us to verify the information you entered in your application. Each document should clearly show the name, date, and duration (if applicable). Examples include certificates, contracts, transcripts, or official confirmations. A recommendation letter can also be valid if it contains this information.

We want to ensure a fair process for all applicants. That means we can only take into account achievements, experiences, and qualifications that can be documented with valid proof or certificates.

We always look at the whole picture. If working alongside school is not common, you can show relevant experience in other ways: volunteering, tutoring, community projects, or student associations. Valid proof is required. And keep in mind that we do not only consider work experience — we also look at your grades, your references, and your motivation video.

Only upload recommendation letters in the online platform if they serve as proof of what you describe in your application. For example, confirming work experience or special achievements. Otherwise, we do not accept recommendation letters. References are collected through our standardised reference form, which we send directly to up to three referees whose names you provide in the Phase 1 platform.

No. In Phase 1 you will be asked to provide details about your grades, hospitality experience, extra diplomas, languages, and achievements. This information replaces a CV. This way, it allows us to assess all candidates fairly and consistently. 

Phase 2 is a two-way process: it allows us to get to know you better, and it allows you to get to know HMSM and our campus. It includes: 

• a numeracy test (scored); 
• the Innovative Business Challenge (group work, not scored, but reflected on in the interview); 
• a pitch & interview (scored). 

Your final ranking is based on the numeracy test and the interview. 

Each year, approximately 780 candidates are invited to Phase 2. This is about twice the number of available places. In total, 390 places are offered in the Bachelor programme each year. 

• Reflect on your motivation for hospitality and for HMSM. 
• Refresh your numeracy skills. 
• Learn about the school and the hospitality field. 
• Be ready to collaborate in the group challenge and reflect on your contribution. 

Show communication, self-awareness, and alignment with HMSM values. 

We encourage candidates to attend on campus, but an online option is available for accessibility reasons (e.g. documented medical reasons or other valid circumstances). In addition, applicants who live more than four hours away by public transport from our campus may request to complete Phase 2 online. The online sessions are held on the same dates as the on-campus selection. 

You must inform us at least 48 hours in advance. If the reason is valid and beyond your control (e.g. illness, travel disruption), we may offer you another date if places are still available.

Candidates with dyslexia are entitled to extra time on the numeracy test. The other Phase 2 activities are not written exams.

No, you don't need to bring this yourself. Both are provided during the assessment. You will complete the numeracy test on a laptop from the hotelschool, and the calculator is included digitally in the assessment programme.

The last 5 months of your education at Hotel Management School Maastricht are reserved for your management internship. This internship will take place in the Netherlands or abroad. Depending on your chosen profile you will do your internship at a hotel or another hospitality related company. A specific internship assignment will be one of your duties. The management internship is the perfect preparation for your first real job. It is not uncommon for companies to offer their interns a fixed position when they finish.