Hotel Management School Maastricht

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Hotel Management School Maastricht - a top hotel school in Europe

Hotel Management School Maastricht (HMSM) is internationally recognized as one of the leading hotel management schools in Europe. Part of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, HMSM has been educating hospitality professionals for over 75 years. Located in Maastricht - the most European city in the Netherlands - the school offers a 4-year English-taught bachelor that combines theory with extensive practical experience in real hotels and restaurants.

What makes HMSM truly unique is its "Living is Learning" concept. First-year students live together in the Student Residence on campus, where they practice hospitality skills in a real-life setting. You also train in the school's own hotel and restaurant, gaining hands-on experience from day one. With an international classroom, strong industry connections, and a campus in the beautiful city of Maastricht, HMSM is the perfect launchpad for a career in hospitality.

 

 

We are Hotel Management School Maastricht

Discover what makes HMSM one of the top hotel management schools in Europe.

 

 

Living in Maastricht as an international student

See what daily life looks like in Maastricht - the most European city in the Netherlands.

 

 

Why students choose HMSM

  • 75+ years of hospitality excellence. HMSM is one of the oldest and most respected hotel management schools in Europe. Graduates work at leading hotel chains, luxury resorts, and hospitality companies worldwide.
  • "Living is Learning" concept. First-year students live in the Student Residence on campus, practicing hospitality in a real-life community. You learn to work together, manage events, and develop professional skills in an authentic setting.
  • Own hotel and restaurant. HMSM has its own training hotel and restaurant where students gain practical experience. You learn by doing - from front office to food and beverage management.
  • Financial support for working students. The Netherlands offers a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.
  • Guaranteed housing for first-year students. Unlike most Dutch universities, HMSM guarantees housing for first-year students in the Student Residence - a high-quality, sustainable housing complex with 390 rooms.
  • International classroom and network. Students come from all over the world, creating a truly international learning environment. You build a global professional network during your studies.
  • Maastricht - a European city. Located at the crossroads of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, Maastricht is one of the most international and charming cities in the Netherlands.

 

 

Study program

HMSM offers one English-taught bachelor program:

  • Bachelor of Hotel Management - 4 years, full-time

The program covers all aspects of hospitality management: marketing, finance, human resources, food and beverage, operations, and strategic management. You complete multiple internships at leading hospitality companies and study one additional foreign language alongside English. The exact study program details available through the Kastu platform can be found at the top of this university description, next to the logo.

HMSM also offers one English-taught master's programme:

  • Master in Facility and Real Estate Management (FREM)

The exact study programme details available through the Kastu platform can be found at the top of this university description, next to the logo.

 

Maastricht - your student city

Maastricht is one of the most unique cities in the Netherlands. Located in the far south, at the border with Belgium and Germany, it has a distinctly European atmosphere. The city is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent food scene, vibrant cultural life, and the annual TEFAF art fair. With cobblestone streets, charming squares, and a mix of Dutch, Belgian, and German influences, Maastricht feels different from any other Dutch city.

The city has a large international student population (thanks to Maastricht University and Zuyd) and offers a rich nightlife, cultural events, and easy access to cities like Aachen (Germany), Liege (Belgium), and Brussels.

 

 

Quick facts

TypePart of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences (HBO)
SpecializationHotel and Hospitality Management
ProgramBachelor of Hotel Management (4 years, English); Master in Facility and Real Estate Management (FREM)
LocationMaastricht (southern Netherlands, border region)
Housing guaranteeYes - for first-year students (Student Residence)
History75+ years of hospitality education
Unique featureOwn training hotel and restaurant on campus

 

 

FAQ

What is the "Living is Learning" concept?

HMSM's "Living is Learning" concept means that first-year students live together in the Student Residence on campus. This is not just housing - it is part of your education. You practice hospitality skills in a real community: organizing events, managing shared spaces, and developing professional and social skills. It is a unique experience that sets HMSM apart from other hotel schools and gives you a head start in the industry.

What career opportunities are there after HMSM?

HMSM graduates work at leading hospitality companies worldwide: international hotel chains (Hilton, Marriott, Accor), luxury resorts, event management companies, cruise lines, and restaurant groups. The hospitality industry is one of the largest employers globally, and HMSM's reputation opens doors everywhere. Many graduates also move into related fields like marketing, consulting, or entrepreneurship - the management skills you learn are transferable to any industry.

Can I work while studying at HMSM?

Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. The hospitality industry in Maastricht and the surrounding region offers many part-time job opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and events. The Netherlands also has a financial support system for working students. Learn more about financial support for students in the Netherlands.

Bachelor

Entry qualification

  • Transcript of Records – If you have not yet completed Secondary School, you must upload a transcript showing your current grades. You can find the transcript template here.
  • Secondary School Leaving Certificate – If you have already completed Secondary School, you do not need to upload a separate transcript. Simply upload your Secondary School Leaving Certificate to the application.

Note: this programme uses a selection procedure. Admission to this programme includes a two-phase selection process. First, applicants submit an online portfolio. Based on the portfolio assessment, selected candidates are invited to Selection Friday, where they complete additional selection activities.

 

Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the country where you completed your previous education.

 

English language requirements

You may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL. University usually allow you to prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:

  • TOEFL iBT*
  • IELTS Academic
  • A Cambridge English qualification
  • A national English examination listed on your secondary school leaving certificate
  • An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
  • Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
  • An International Baccalaureate (IB) or European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
  • Other

Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme, your secondary school qualification and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.

 

*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.

 

Master

Entry qualification

  • ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
  • Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.

Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.

 

Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.

 

English language requirements

Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents: 

  • TOEFL iBT*
  • IELTS Academic
  • A Cambridge English qualification
  • Higher education degree completed in English
  • Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
  • An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
  • Other

Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.

 

*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.

 

Housing at Hotel Management School Maastricht

Great news: Hotel Management School Maastricht guarantees housing for first-year students in the Student Residence. This is a high-quality, sustainable housing complex with 390 rooms, located near the campus. The Student Residence is managed by Holland2Stay and is part of HMSM's "Living is Learning" concept - living together is part of your education.

For second-year and beyond, students find their own accommodation in Maastricht. The city has a well-organized student housing market through Maastricht Housing, the official housing portal for students in Maastricht.

 

 

Student Residence at HMSM

Take a tour of the Student Residence at Hotel Management School Maastricht.

 

 

Your housing options

Student Residence (first year - guaranteed) - three high-quality sustainable buildings with 390 rooms for first-year HMSM students. Managed by Holland2Stay. Living here is part of the "Living is Learning" concept - you practice hospitality skills in a real community.

Maastricht Housing (second year onwards) - the official student housing portal for Maastricht. For a one-time fee, you get access to over 10,000 living spaces. This is the main platform for finding rooms after your first year.

Private housing - websites like Kamernet and HousingAnywhere also list rooms in Maastricht.

 

 

Practical details

  • First-year housing: guaranteed in the Student Residence
  • Maastricht is affordable compared to Amsterdam or Utrecht
  • Typical rent after first year: 400-650 EUR per month
  • The city is compact and walkable - many students cycle everywhere
  • Close to Belgium and Germany - some students live across the border

Remember: the Netherlands has a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.

 

 

FAQ

Is housing really guaranteed for first-year students?

Yes! HMSM guarantees housing for first-year students in the Student Residence. This is a significant advantage - most Dutch universities cannot guarantee accommodation. The Student Residence consists of three modern, sustainable buildings with 390 rooms. Living here is part of your education through the "Living is Learning" concept. You will receive information about booking your room after acceptance.

What happens after the first year?

After your first year, you find your own accommodation in Maastricht. The main platform is Maastricht Housing - the official student housing portal. With over 10,000 living spaces listed, most students find suitable accommodation. Start searching early in your first year, and use the network you build in the Student Residence - many students find rooms through fellow students.

What is the Student Residence like?

The Student Residence is a modern, high-quality housing complex managed by Holland2Stay. It consists of three sustainable buildings in the north of Maastricht, near the campus. Rooms are furnished and designed for student living. The community atmosphere is central - you live with fellow HMSM students from around the world, creating lasting friendships and practicing hospitality skills together.

 

 

For complete information about housing at HMSM, visit the official page.