10 reasons to choose Hotel Management School Maastricht

Are you ready to conquer the world of hospitality?

For 75 years, Hotel Management School Maastricht has been teaching ambitious students to become leaders in the international hospitality industry. With a strong academic foundation, practical experience, and a global community, HMSM offers everything you need to grow your talent.
Here are 10 reasons why students from all over the world choose HMSM.

International students holding their passports over a table

1. You will live on campus with fellow students

During your first year, you will live on campus with all the other first year students. This experience is both educational as well as a great experience! Within just a few weeks, you'll get to know fellow students from the Netherlands and around the world. Many of the friendships formed on campus last a lifetime. Curious to hear the experience of a student? Read it here.

Since 2020 our first year students live in the brand new and modern Student Residence on campus. The Student Residence consists of three high quality, sustainable building and offers space to 390 first year students. The complex is managed by Holland2Stay and well protected. For your safety and support, there is always an employee present or available.

Your student room will surely surprise you! Your furnished room (16 m2) has a bed (120 cm), a desk, a chair and a large wardrobe. You will have your own bathroom with a sink, a toilet and a shower. Together with 13 to 15 fellow students, you form a community. You will have a living unit with cozy common room containing a fully equipped kitchen, a large dining area and a seating area with TV.

2. International study programme

At Hotel Management School Maastricht, you can choose between a Dutch and an English programme. Our community consists of Dutch and an increasing number of international students. In the English programme, you will work in an international classroom, where you will learn to collaborate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. The programme focuses on the international hospitality industry, with an emphasis on intercultural norms and values and learning foreign languages.

During your studies, you will complete two internships abroad, which is a valuable experience for your career. You will also build an international network and make friends for life!

3. You will learn hospitality through practical and classroom learning

At HMSM, learning goes beyond the classroom. You build a strong foundation in hospitality, management and gastronomy while gaining practical experience from day one.

Name a better place to take your first steps into the world of hospitality than an actual hotel, right on campus?

Château Bethlehem, our better known as the Teaching Hotel is a true piece of local history, renovated in 2010 into a castle hotel. It has 26 unique rooms created by Dutch designers. In this hotel you will have your practical lessons at Rooms Division (Front Office and Housekeeping) and take care of guests in the restaurant L'Étoile.

4. Nationally and internationally accredited

The Hotel Management School Maastricht is internationally recognized as one of the most esteemed hotel management courses and has various national and international certifications.

In the Keuzegids HBO 2026, HMSM scores 4.5 out of 5 stars, with an above-average score for career preparation, progression & graduation rate, program content, and testing & evaluation. We are proud that our bachelor's programme will continue to carry the Top Program quality seal in 2026.
In the 2026 National Student Survey, students rated HMSM highly in terms of atmosphere, student satisfaction, content of the programme, and relevance to the professional field. 82% of graduates would choose this study again!
The distinctive feature 'Small-scale and Intensive Education' has been awarded to HMSM by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).

5. Study and live in Maastricht

Your student experience is about more than lectures and internships. Maastricht is one of the Netherlands’ most popular student cities, combining an international atmosphere with the charm of a historic and walkable city centre.

Located in the heart of Europe, Maastricht is just a short journey from Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. The city is known for its vibrant hospitality scene, with countless restaurants, cafés, cultural events and festivals to explore, while still being compact and easy to navigate.

With thousands of international students, an active student community and a unique Burgundian lifestyle, Maastricht quickly feels like a second home for many students.

Victoria Hamacher [F 2026]

"HMSM is not only a great place to study management and hospitality, but also a place where you grow a lot personally and professionally. During my time at HMSM, I gained valuable skills for my future career, built confidence, and mostly, made friendships that will last a lifetime."

Oliviér Balvers [F 2026]

"It comes with a great opportunity to grow on a professional basis, but especially personally. You have the chance to go way out of your comfort zone, which is where you learn the most."

Kicky Lengers [F 2026]

"I would recommend HMSM because it is an institution that offers a unique network and community you won’t find anywhere else. The school challenges you, pushing you to grow and take responsibility from day one. You are given incredible opportunities that you really have to seize with both hands."

Frederique Nieboer [F 2025]

"HMSM provides the perfect mix of education, experience, and networking, making it an excellent choice for those passionate about hospitality."

Moritz Stehle [F 2025]

"HMSM offers incredible opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. With internships, exchanges, and hands-on projects, you gain real-world experience while developing essential skills. It’s a place where you shape your future and build a strong global network."

Gijs Koopmans [F 2025]

"The program offers many opportunities for self-development within a socially oriented environment. The HMSM is a great next step for those who wish to further develop themselves and grow within the hospitality market."

6. Practical internship

In the second half of the second year (fourth semester) you will complete an internship abroad. In the second half of the second year (fourth semester), you will complete an internship abroad. For five months, you will be working in the Rooms Division or Food & Beverage department of an international hotel. You can choose from countries in Europe or Asia but also the United States or the United Arab Emirates. Read Noah's experience in Thailand.

The Internship Office will help you to find the location that suits you best. The school works closely with well-known companies in the industry, which means we will be able to offer you an internship in which you can realize all your learning goals.

7. Management internship

The last five months of your bachelor's program are devoted to your management internship. This internship can be in the Netherlands or abroad, depending on your track. It can be in a hotel or at another hospitality-related company.

During your management internship, you will carry out a specific assignment and develop essential management skills. This internship is the perfect preparation for your first job, and in some cases, it can even lead directly to a contract with the company where you are doing your internship!

5. Small scale, intensive education

Because we are granted the quality feature of 'smalle-scale, intensive education', we can offer you intensive education where we invest in your personal development and guidance. The prime focus within our small-scale, intensive education is on innovation, connecting gastronomy, development of a global mindsetand collaboration with alumni.

These are points by which the HMSM distinguishes itself both nationally and internationally.

9. Career opportunities

After completing your Hotel Management degree, you can start your career in a variety of positions within the international hospitality industry.

Recent graduates often begin in entry-level roles such as Assistant General Manager, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, Junior Project Manager, Production Assistant, Sales Executive, Recruiter, Coordinator, or Consultant. Depending on your ambitions and career goals, you can progress into management positions.

Read our alumni interviews to learn more about the wide range of career opportunities available to HMSM graduates.

International career

Many hotel groups offer Management Trainee programmes for graduates. Every year, recruiters from leading hotel brands such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Accor visit HMSM to present career opportunities within their organisations.

Continue your studies

Would you like to continue your education after completing your bachelor's degree? You can! Graduates can choose to pursue postgraduate studies at a university or continue their education with the Master Facility and Real Estate Management (FREM) programme.

Entrepreneurship

Do you have an entrepreneurial mind? Starting your own business is also an option. Many HMSM alumni have gone on to open their own hotels, restaurants, or wine businesses. Visit our alumni-owned restaurants page to learn more about hospitality ventures started by HMSM graduates.

10. Starting in September or February

The Hotel Management School Maastricht offers two intake moments per year: you can start in September or February. This gives you the flexibility to adjust your study schedule.
Do you need extra time to prepare, gain work experience, or take a language course? Then you don't have to wait a whole year to start the programme!

Starting in September 2027 & February 2028 apply from October 1, 2026.

Already convinced to apply to the Hotel Management School Maastricht?
Read more about the admission procedure or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for a glimpse into student life!