
This is part of the Ultimate Guide to Higher Education series. If you'd like to know more about other types of higher education you can pursue, we strongly recommend that you read the guide.
Table of contents
- What is Hotel Management?
- Why Study Hotel Management?
- What jobs can I take as a Hotel Management Course Graduate?
- Dimensions International College – Diploma in Hotel Management
- PSB Academy – Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- STEi Institute – Diploma in Hospitality Management
- MDIS – Professional Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Operations
- Republic Polytechnic – Diploma in Hotel and Hospitality Management
- SIT – Bachelors in Hospitality Business (Honours)
- James Cook University – Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events
- EHL Hospitality Business School – Bachelor of Science in Int’l Hospitality Management
- SISH Institute and Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School – Bachelor’s Degree in International Hotel Management (Top Up)
- Final Thoughts
Singapore was the fifth most visited city in the world pre-pandemic, with 19.1 million visitors in 2019 and numbers recovering to two-thirds to three-quarters of that figure this year.
That, combined with over 430 hotels across Singapore and a tourism industry employment of 65,000 people make hospitality and tourism a rapidly-growing sector worth investing a career into.
But how do we start a career in this industry? We start with hotel management.
Enrolling in a hotel management course not only builds a strong foundation in hospitality management but also opens doors to global opportunities, tapping into Singapore's reputation as a world-class hospitality destination.
Thankfully, because of Singapore’s status as a premier hospitality hub, there are a lot of hotel management courses to choose from.
To simplify your quest for the ideal project management course in Singapore, we've curated a list of reputable hotel management courses that should provide you with insightful commentary, empowering you to kickstart your career in hospitality confidently.
What is Hotel Management?
At its core, hotel management is about efficiently running hotels and similar accommodations. It involves handling various aspects such as supervising staff, managing budgets, ensuring guests have a memorable stay, and maintaining the overall smooth operation of the establishment.
For example, you might find yourself coordinating the check-in and check-out processes, resolving guest complaints, and overseeing housekeeping and dining services.
In Singapore, hotel managers are crucial in maintaining Singapore's esteemed position in the global tourism landscape. They not only ensure operational excellence but also adapt to diverse cultural expectations and continuously evolving travel trends.
Why Study Hotel Management?
There are several reasons to study hotel management in Singapore.
The first is pay – the average pay of a hotel manager is SGD $6,627 per month, and the average growth of people taking on the role is poised to increase by 7% through the next 10 years.
That exceeds most other career pathways.
Secondly, hotel management courses often have a relatively lower level of difficulty compared to certain technical fields, but the opportunities they open are substantial.
Notably, numerous prestigious hotels and resorts in Singapore extend internship opportunities to students. Moreover, the fundamental qualifications obtained from these courses serve as a foundation for initiating a career in various hospitality sectors, irrespective of whether it involves technical, sales, marketing, or customer service roles.
What jobs can I take as a Hotel Management Course Graduate?
Career opportunities for hotel management graduates include:
- Hotel Manager: Oversee hotel operations, ensuring guest satisfaction and managing staff.
- Food and Beverage Director: Responsible for managing all aspects of food and beverage planning and service.
- Event Coordinator: Plan and execute events, managing client expectations and coordinating logistics.
- Front Office Manager: Handle guest relations, oversee front desk operations, and manage room allocations.
- Marketing Manager: Develop marketing strategies to promote the hotel and attract guests.
- Human Resources Manager: Manage staff recruitment, training, and employee relations within the hotel.
- Revenue Manager: Oversee financial aspects, including pricing strategies and revenue optimization.
- Housekeeping Manager: Ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of the hotel premises.
These roles reflect the diverse skill set acquired in hotel management, preparing graduates for a wide range of opportunities in the hospitality industry and beyond.
That being said, let’s delve into the top hotel management courses in Singapore, starting with …
Dimensions International College – Diploma in Hotel Management

Logo taken from Dimensions International College
DIMENSIONS International College, acclaimed for its focus on hospitality and tourism, offers a comprehensive learning experience. Recognized for its excellence with awards in 2017 and 2018, the college prides itself on its industry-relevant curriculum, guided by an expert Hospitality Advisory Board.
Course Overview:
This comprehensive diploma program spans 9 months and encompasses a broad range of subjects. These include an understanding of the hospitality industry, food and beverage management, room division operations, hospitality management, finance, and customer service, preparing students for diverse roles in the hospitality sector.
Duration of the Programme:
The program is designed to be completed in 9 months, focusing on institutional training. However, students are allowed up to 18 months to complete the program, accommodating various learning paces.
Accreditation and Industry Recognition:
Graduates will be awarded a diploma by DIMENSIONS International College.
DIMENSIONS International College's Hotel Management courses are recognized for their excellence, having won the Best Private Education Institution Award in Hospitality and Tourism at the JobsCentral Learning T.E.D. Awards in 2017 and 2018. The college's Hospitality and Tourism programs are also endorsed by an in-house Hospitality Advisory Board (HAB).
These accolades affirm the college's commitment to pedagogical quality in hospitality and tourism education.
Programme Cost
- Part-Time student: S$9,148.50
- Full-Time student: S$10,381.68
General Comments
DIMENSIONS is generally a reputable private institution for industry-specific qualifications, and they make a good choice especially given that hotel management is one of their fortes.
Given the program's comprehensive curriculum and industry recognition, we would recommend it to someone seeking foundational education in hotel management. The keyword being foundational – you’re only likely to find much value here if you’re completely new to the industry or management.
Nonetheless, it remains a fact that this is a good springboard for future higher-level qualifications within the sector.
PSB Academy – Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management

Logo taken from PSB Academy
PSB Academy, established in 1964 under Singapore’s Economic Development Board, has evolved into a prominent private education institution in Singapore, known as "Asia's Future Academy."
With a history of enhancing the skills of Singapore's workforce, the academy emphasizes performance in the New Economy. It offers a range of certificate, diploma, degree, and short courses to over 16,000 students from over 50 nationalities annually.
Course Overview
This course aims to equip students with knowledge and practical skills in tourism, leisure, and hospitality.
There are 9 modules in this diploma, which are:
- Academic Reading and Writing 2
- Accommodation Operations
- Communication and Information Systems
- Destination and Tourism Management
- Foodservice Operations and Management
- Macroeconomics
- Marketing for Tourism and Hospitality
- Principles of Accounting
- Principles of Hospitality Management
Duration of the Programme
Students should complete the programme within a year, or 2 years at max.
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
Graduates will receive an IoH-accredited diploma in tourism and hospitality management and can pursue further studies with PSB Academy's university partners, subject to meeting entry requirements.
Accredited by the Institute of Hospitality (IoH), the course provides students with access to valuable online learning resources and the opportunity to connect with a global network in the hospitality industry.
Programme Cost
Singapore-based Students
- Course Fee: S$7,237.60
- Progressing Student Rate (After Rebate): S$6,513.84
- Up to S$250 NTUC UTAP training subsidy available for this programme.
International Students
- Course Fee: S$12,556.80
The reported fees above do not include other mandatory fees, like application and admin fees.
General Comments
A direct competitor to DIMENSIONS’s diploma, PSB Academy also offers a competitive entry-level diploma that can open quite a few doors in the hospitality industry.
Looking at the modules, it does seem that academic writing and research will play a large role in passing most of them. However, given that they have an introductory module on academic writing, it should be alright for most learners.
Like other diploma courses, this is a good springboard for people looking to enter the industry and further studies afterwards, but not as much for people who are already making mid-career transitions to higher positions within the industry.
STEi Institute – Diploma in Hospitality Management

Logo taken from STEi Institute
While most of us would not have heard of STEi Institute, it’s a surprisingly well-accredited training institute for vocational and industry-specific training.
STEi Institute is a Registered Private Education Institution (PEI) with the Committee for Private Education (CPE) and is Edutrust certified with ISO 9001:2008 Certification. This means that it hits all the checkmarks for being a reputable training provider.
Course Overview
The course is split into 2 distinct parts – an academic study portion, and an industrial attachment portion. Depending on whether you take the basic or advanced diploma, modules will be subject to change.
For the basic diploma, the academic study portion is split into 8 modules and an industrial attachment module:
- HM1001 English for Hospitality
- HM1002 Food Nutrition and Product Knowledge
- HM1003 Bar Service and Knowledge
- HM1004 Food and Beverage Operations
- HM1005 Principles of Front Office Operations
- HM1006 Hospitality Information Systems
- HM1007 Conference and Events Operations
- HM1018 Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism 1
- HM1019 Industrial Attachment (IA)
The advanced diploma shares the same structure, with 8 academic study module and an industrial attachment module:
- HM2008 Wine Service and Knowledge
- HM2009 Restaurant Showmanship
- HM2010 Housekeeping Operations
- HM2011 Financial Accounting
- HM2018 Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism 2
- HM2020 Hospitality Management
- HM2021 Human Resource Management
- HM2022 Tourism Management
- HM2019 Industrial Attachment (IA)
Duration of the Programme
This is a full-time programme, with 6 months of academic study and 6 months of industrial attachment. The course therefore takes 1 year to complete.
The time it takes to complete both normal and advanced diploma courses are the same.
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
Graduates will receive a diploma or advanced diploma in hospitality management and can pursue further studies with STEi Insitute’s university partners, subject to meeting entry requirements.
Programme Cost
Programme costs are the same for normal and advanced diploma courses.
Fees for local students will be $7500 for either course, and fees for international students are $8000 for either course.
General Comments
From all the diploma offerings for hotel management, STEi Institute seems to offer the most practical knowledge and is the only one with a compulsory internship that lasts half the course length.
The modules are also very operations-focused and focuses solely on hotel management and nothing else, touching on all the aspects of running a proper lodging. It also gives you insight into many different aspects, allowing you to narrow your interests if you want to in future.
If you’re looking for a higher-level course, then perhaps this is not the course for you. However, if you plan on running your own hotel or Airbnb business in the future, this seems to be the best hotel management course by a mile compared to the rest.
MDIS – Professional Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Operations

Logo taken from MDIS
MDIS is familiar to most of us and is known locally for its comprehensive programmes in tourism, hospitality, and events management.
Within hospitality and hotel management, MDIS provides a range of courses in this field, including Higher Diplomas, Bachelor's Degrees, and Master's Degrees. These programs are designed to give students both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
For instance, the Higher Diploma in Tourism, Hospitality, and Events Management and the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in International Tourism and Hospitality Management (Top-Up) are notable programs offered in partnership with the University of Sunderland.
This post, however, focuses on the Professional Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Operations, which is internally awarded by MDIS.
Course Overview
The course consists of 2 parts: a module-based academic study programme and a 6-month internship. During the academic portion of the diploma course, modules covered are the following:
Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Industry
- Front Office Operations
- Housekeeping Operations
- Food and Beverage Knowledge
- Food and Beverage Operations
- Principles of Communication
Duration of the Programme
The full-time programme lasts 13 months, inclusive of a 6-month internship.
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
Graduates will receive a Professional Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Operations from MDIS.
All lecturers are experienced within the hotel management field, and you can see their full profiles here.
Programme Cost
Tuition fees are at $5,076, with additional fees of $805-915 in non-tuition fees.
General Comments
MDIS is a rather reputable education provider, and this course provides everything you need to know about running a hotel business and its operations.
The fact that it provides a substantial 6-month internship is also a plus point combined with its relatively lower cost.
That said, if you’re looking to learn only about the operational side of hotel management, then this course fits the bill, especially if you already have some experience in the non-operational aspects. This course is therefore also suited for people who want to start their own hospitality or hotel business.
Republic Polytechnic – Diploma in Hotel and Hospitality Management

Logo taken from RP
Although most of our local polytechnics have hospitality management courses, the one that stands out in this sector is RP.
This is because its School of Hospitality (SOH) is the only dedicated hospitality school among the 5 local polytechnics.
Not only does SOH offer a unique blend of industry-aligned programs and hands-on learning approaches, but it also emphasises real-world learning, with experienced lecturers and state-of-the-art facilities, including training kitchens and wellness centers that provide a real-world learning environment.
RP also has strong industry ties with partners that characterise its diploma program, and has also established the Hospitality Solutions Centre (HSC) to share expertise and knowledge of best practices within the sector.
Course Overview
Apart from general modules like communication, critical thinking, and innovation, RP’s diploma curriculum also covers:
- Discipline-specific modules in financial accounting, marketing, and hospitality management
- Specialised modules in digital marketing, guest service management, and housekeeping
- An industry immersion programme OR
- A project-based industry orientation programme
For the full list of modules, you can read their course brochure here.
Duration of the Programme
Like other diploma programmes from local polytechnics, this course lasts 3 years.
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
Graduates will receive a Diploma in Hotel and Hospitality Management issued by RP.
Graduates can also further pursue a Specialist Diploma in Hospitality Business Management should they wish to, under their lifelong learning programmes.
Graduates are also permitted to take advance standing of up to one year in related degree programmes, from:
- National University of Singapore
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore Management University
- Singapore Institute of Technology
- Ecole hotelière de Lausanne (EHL)
- International College of Hotel Management
- The University of Adelaide
- The University of Queensland
- University of New South Wales
Although it’s generally known that local polytechnic diplomas are well-recognised, RP’s SOH stands out for its network of 41 industry partners, which include standouts like InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Spa and Wellness Association and The Ritz-Carlton, making the student experience heavily grounded in practicality.
Programme Cost
Course fees are listed in the table below:

Table taken from RP
General Comments
If you’re looking for a diploma-level course with real-world exposure, this is a solid option to consider especially if you’re a Singaporean or PR since you can offset course fees with the MOE tuition grant.
Fees aside, the fact that you’re studying in a specialised school for hospitality is a huge boon, alongside the industry partners that you’ll be exposed to.
Overall, if you’re interested in hospitality, this is a good course to consider alongside the private education diploma options outlined in this list.
SIT – Bachelors in Hospitality Business (Honours)

Logo taken from SIT
By now, SIT is quite a household name and a public autonomous university in Singapore known for its industry-focused, applied degree programmes.
Especially for hospitality and tourism, SIT was the first university in Singapore to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with two major international hotel groups – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Millennium & Copthorne Hotels PLC (M&C).
In addition, another major feature of SIT’s approach to education is its Integrated Work-Study Programme (IWSP), where students work full-time for about eight to twelve months with hospitality and events organizations.
Course Overview
This is currently the only direct honours degree for hospitality business available in Singapore.
It is a full-time course that requires you to take 141 credits of core modules that include business accounting, law, marketing and quantitative analysis, 24 credits of specialization modules (in Integrated Resort (IR) management, tourism, or events and entrepreneurship) and 15 credits in university modules.
For the entire module list, please visit the SIT website here.
Duration of the Programme
Since this is a direct honours programme, it will take 4 years to complete.
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
Graduates will receive a industry-recognised bachelor’s degree with honours from SIT.
The degree programme is heavily accredited and has extensive links to most of the major employers in the hospitality industry. Partners include the Pan Pacific Hotel Group, Resorts World Cruises, the Singapore Tourism Board, Raffles Hotel Singapore, and Vegas Sands Groups, all of which have their CEOs in SIT’s Industry Advisory Committee from this course.
In addition, with many industry partners and the IWSP being an actual full-time position for 8 months for students in partner companies, it’s safe to say that SIT is deeply embedded and recognised in hospitality education.
Programme Cost
Fees for SIT are cohort-based, which means you pay slightly different amounts depending on what year you matriculate. These prices are as of 12 December 2023.
Subsidised fees are about $27,900 (Singapore Citizens), $53,100 (Singapore PRs), and $72,900 (International Students). Without subsidies, the course costs $110,906.
General Comments
If you’re serious about beginning a career in hospitality management, then this is one of the best hotel management courses in Singapore, hands down.
Not only will you be getting a degree from a local university, but you’ll also almost certainly secure both hard and soft skills to be employable. After all, with 90% of their students securing meaningful employment after graduation, it’s likely you will be the same as well.
However, we’d recommend this only if you’re dead serious about joining the industry or know what you want already, because the commitment level is extremely high. Nonetheless, this is a course worth joining if you want to succeed, and it does give you everything you need to do just that.
James Cook University – Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events

Logo taken from JCU
Among private education institutions, James Cook University is one of the most well-regarded universities in the areas of Business, Information Technology, Psychology, Education, Science, Commerce, Accounting, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Games Design, Tourism, and Hospitality.
Established in 2003, the Singapore campus is part of JCU Australia's internationalization efforts, offering a suite of university-level programs and courses, including those in Tourism and Hospitality.
Course Overview
The degree programme is a full-time course that requires completion of 72 credit points worth of modules. These are not limited to, but include:
- Introduction to Tourism, Hospitality, and Events Management
- Accounting for Decision Making
- Principles of Data Analysis for Business
- Introduction to Management Concepts and Application or Leadership and Ethics in Tourism Management
- Professional and Academic Skills for Business
- Marketing Matters
- Business Law
- Managing People Tourism and Leisure Management
- Conference and Events Management
- Evidence Based Business Decision Making
- Food and Beverage Management
- Project Management Innovation for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
- Futures Experience Design for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
- Revenue and Yield Management
- Visitor and Crowd Behaviour Management
- Hospitality Operations Management
- Destination Management and Planning
- Professional Internship or Multidisciplinary Project or Independent Project
Duration of the Programme
The course lasts 2 years full-time, with 6 trimesters.
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
Graduates will receive a bachelor’s degree in tourism, hospitality and events from James Cook University upon successful completion of the programme.
JCU Singapore's commitment to quality education is evident through its EduTrust Star accreditation, the highest level of quality assurance for private education institutions in Singapore. This award is a testament to the university's outstanding educational and student welfare standards.
Programme Cost
Costs reflected here are as of December 2023, and do not include GST or additional fees.
- S$62,208 (International)
- S$59,616 (Domestic)
General Comments
JCU is quite reputable here, but this degree is relatively new compared to the degree programmes they’re known for, like psychology. However, the course curriculum appears to be quite rigorous and covers many other areas aside from hotel management.
The downside of this course is the same as most other degrees – in that they don’t exactly provide much in the way of practical experience other than a potential internship.
Based on the competition, JCU is great if you’d like a degree to open pathways within the industry, if you’re interested in research via the capstone project, or if you already have secured employment with an organisation you want to work with. If not, we’d suggest looking around a bit more to see what fits your needs better.
EHL Hospitality Business School – Bachelor of Science in Int’l Hospitality Management

Logo taken from EHL
EHL (Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne) Hospitality Business School is the first (and probably, only) school on our list that specializes exclusively in hotel management and hospitality.
EHL is recognized as the world's best university in hospitality education, as per QS World University Rankings, and the school's approach to education combines Swiss values of academic rigor with innovation and creativity in modern hospitality management.
EHL's Singapore campus, located in the upscale neighbourhood of Lady Hill Road, is the school's first international campus outside Switzerland. This campus offers courses not only for students but also for working professionals looking to enhance their skills in the hospitality sector.
Course Overview
The course takes place over 3 full-time years, each with their own focus:
- Preparatory Year (on EHL Campus Lausanne): Applied learning + Operational Internship
- Year 2: Management theory classes + Administrative Internship
- Year 3: Strategic business and elective classes
Throughout the list, you will be exposed to different modules and aspects of hotel and hospitality management, including but not limited to:
- Financial Accounting
- Micro and Macroeconomics
- Financial Analysis and Statistics
- Foreign Languages
- Rooms Division Management
- Operations Management
- Customer Information and Distribution Channels Management
- Talent Management
You will also be expected to fulfil 2 more requirements. The first is at least 2 internships – 1 in the prep year and 1 in year 2 – and the second is a final project which can involve a business project or a thesis.
Note that you need to attend the preparatory year on campus in Switzerland.
Duration of the Programme
The programme lasts 3 years, with options to top-up with a Swiss Professional Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management on EHL Campus Passugg in Switzerland.
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
Graduates will receive a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Business issued by EHL Hospitality Business School.
EHL is celebrated as the world's best university in hospitality education according to QS World University Rankings, and its strong ties with the hospitality industry are evident in its global professional network, the EHL Alliance, which unites academic and industry players with the resources of the EHL Group.
Therefore, it’s safe to say you’re in good hands with EHL.
Programme Cost
Tuition fees for the Singapore campus costs $156,060 payable in three instalments. This includes GST, communal services, miscellaneous fees for F&B and printing.
When applying to the Lausanne campus, fees are different – so visit this site for more information.
General Comments
This is one of the most prestigious schools in the industry, and their prices certainly reflect that. Other selling points that help EHL stand out include a global education since you need to shuttle between both EHL campuses, and international internship opportunities.
However, within the Singapore context, EHL seems to be on par with other recognised private institutions for hotel management and hospitality.
As such, EHL seems to be the most suitable if you want to have an internationally reputable degree, or if you’re thinking about expanding your career overseas. If not, there are other local options that are worth considering.
SISH Institute and Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School – Bachelor’s Degree in International Hotel Management (Top Up)

Logo taken from SISH Institute
In partnership with Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School, local private education provider SISH Institute is also offering a specialised degree in International Hotel Management.
Part of KinderWorld International Group, SISH Institute offers a range of accredited courses in hospitality and aviation, spanning from certificates to MBA programs. Its partner school, Vatel, is also a well-known hospitality and tourism school, with an enrolment of over 9,000 students in 50 branches across the world.
Vatel was also awarded the “Best Hospitality Management School” in the 17th Worldwide Hospitality Awards in 2017.
Course Overview
The course can be completed either full or part-time, and consists of a 9-month coursework period with modules and a 6-month industrial attachment period.
There are 15 modules spanning multiple aspects of hotel management. The following is a brief primer on general topics covered throughout the course:
- Cost Control
- Marketing
- HR
- Taxation
- IT Applications
- Project Management
- Geopolitics
- Wine, Beer and Spirits
- Multicultural Management
- Business Communications and Negotiations
- French as a Foreign Language
For the full list of modules, you can visit their details page here.
It’s also important to note that this is a top-up degree – so you’ll need prior experience or a 2-year bachelor’s degree in a hospitality-related field as a prerequisite to register. You can check the full list of prerequisites on their website.
Duration of the Programme
By default, the course lasts 15 months regardless of full or part-time – 9 months of academic modules and 6 months of attachment. However, this depends on learners’ aptitude and abilities. The maximum candidature is 24 months (2 years).
Accreditation and Industry Recognition
Graduates will receive a Bachelor’s Degree in International Hotel Management from Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School.
Although relatively unknown in Singapore, Vatel is consistently voted as one of the top hospitality schools, with QS World University Rankings placing them as 1st in France and 11th globally within the industry. In addition, SISH Institute is also EduTrust certified, making them a reputable provider of private education.
Programme Cost
Course fees are as follows:
- Singaporean: $13,300 (excluding $108 application fee)
- International: $17,500 (excluding $355 application fee)
This excludes miscellaneous fees.
General Comments
Like the previous entry in our list, this is taught by a specialty school, so what you can expect is a lot more depth in terms of what you’ll learn.
In addition, since the course is solely about hotel management, it’s likely that you’ll benefit the most if you’re already working your way up in a hotel chain, or if you intend to further a career in hospitality in that sector.
The downside, however, is that because it’s limited solely to hotel management, other aspects of hospitality and tourism are not covered in-depth. This means that the value of this degree is likely to diminish if you apply for other positions outside hotel management.
Final Thoughts
As we have journeyed through the diverse and dynamic world of hotel management education in Singapore, it's clear that the opportunities in this field are both vast and varied.
From foundational diplomas to comprehensive degree programs, each institution we explored offers unique strengths, catering to various career aspirations within the hospitality industry. Each of these educational paths also reflect the multifaceted nature of hotel management.
Whether it's overseeing hotel operations, managing food and beverage services, coordinating events, or developing marketing strategies, a career in hotel management is as challenging as it is rewarding.
Keep levelling up!