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.

1. 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 2025 National Student Survey, students rated HMSM highly in terms of atmosphere, student satisfaction, lecturers, testing/examination, and relevance to the professional field. 86% of graduates would choose this study again!

The distinctive feature 'Small-scale and Intensive Education' has been awarded to HMSM by the Dutch-Flemish accreditation (the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders, NVAO). The assessment panel – made up of representatives from the NVAO and THE-ICE (The International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education) – graded the study programme as GOOD (which is the highest possible score) for each of the four NVAO standards used for the limited accreditation of educational institutes.

The assessment panel also stated that the HMSM met all of the criteria set by THE-ICE. The panel members acknowledge that the study programme continues to deserve the ‘Small-scale and Intensive Education’ distinctive feature, citing its close community, the many extra-curricular activities and the above-average results of graduates as just some of the reasons.

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. Living on campus

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! You will learn to live together with other students and deal with the challenges of sharing a living space. This way, you will develop important skills to become successful in the hospitality industry. You will make new friends and establish relationships, which will transcend into your career and future life.

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. 

4. Our own castle Hotel

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. 

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 (the next step in hospitality), connecting gastronomy, development of a global mindsetand collaboration with alumni. These are points by which the HMSM distinguishes itself both nationally and internationally.

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. The Internship Office will help you to find the location that suits you best. The Hotel 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!

8. Study coach

At the Hotel Management School Maastricht, you will be trained to become a competent hospitality manager. In addition to professional knowledge, personal skills are also essential. That is why we pay a lot of attention to your personal development.

During your studies, you will regularly reflect on yourself and your study progress. With a Personal Development Plan, you will work on skills such as collaboration, planning, giving feedback, and leadership. In addition, you will be assigned a personal study coach who will guide you in developing the right competencies.
 

9. Career prospects

Graduates of the Hotel Management School Maastricht typically find employment quickly. This is because the hospitality industry recognizes HMSM students as well-trained, customer-focused professionals with a strong foundation in hotel management. 

Various sectors

Wherever you go in the world, you will meet alumni of the Hotel Management School Maastricht. Many of them have managerial jobs in the international hotel industry, but our students are also in demand elsewhere. They may, for instance, work in management or consultancy jobs, for healthcare institutions or service companies, in the conference and exhibition sector and in financial services. Banks and insurance companies select our students for their customer-focus. Take a look at some of the positions our graduates hold.

Self-employed

After graduation from the Hotel School, you may opt to start your own business. Your degree will fulfil the requirement of professional competence for starting or taking over a hotel, restaurant or wine merchant company.

International career

If you wish to start an international career, you can apply to many hotel chains for a manager in training programme. Every year, representatives of various hotel chains give presentations on the career opportunities in their organizations.

Our alumni work worldwide, often in management positions within the international hotel industry. But you will also find them in other sectors, such as:

• Consultancy and management in healthcare institutions, service companies, conference and event organizations.
• Banks and insurance companies, which select HMSM graduates for their customer-focused approach.
• Self-empolyed: Many alumni start or take over a hotel, restaurant, or wine business. See this page for more information about alumni-owned restaurants.

Postgraduate study

Do you want to continue studying after graduation? That is possible! You can choose for Postgraduate studies at a university or the Master Facility and Real Estate Management.

 

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!

Application deadline for starting in September 2026 & February 2027:
All candidates: between October 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026.

Already convinced to apply to the Hotel Management School Maastricht?
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