Introduction

Hospitality and tourism are among the world’s fastest-growing industries, projected to generate millions of new jobs in the next decade. From luxury hotels in Switzerland to thriving hospitality hubs in Canada and the UAE, demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. Yet, for many aspiring students—especially from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East—the cost of obtaining a world-class hospitality education is a major obstacle.

That’s where fully funded hospitality and tourism scholarships come in. For 2025, leading institutions in Switzerland, Canada, and the UAE are offering scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and even include paid internships—a unique chance to gain both academic knowledge and real-world experience.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top scholarship opportunities available, why they matter, what makes them unique, and how you can secure one.

Why Hospitality & Tourism Scholarships Matter

Hospitality is more than just managing hotels—it’s about cultural exchange, economic growth, and shaping guest experiences across the globe. Tourism contributes over 10% of global GDP, making it a cornerstone of international development.

For students from developing regions like Africa and Asia, scholarships:

• Remove financial barriers to elite education.

• Provide access to international career pathways.

• Offer internships that build practical skills and global networks.

• Empower graduates to return home and uplift local tourism industries.

Simply put, these scholarships are not just about education—they are about unlocking global opportunities.

Spotlight: 2025 Scholarship Opportunities

Let’s break down the three leading destinations—Switzerland, Canada, and UAE—and their top scholarships.

1. Switzerland: Global Leader in Hospitality Education

Switzerland is famous as the birthplace of hospitality education. Institutions like the École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) and Glion Institute of Higher Education consistently rank among the best in the world.

Scholarship Highlights (2025):

• Coverage: Full tuition + housing allowance.

• Internship: Paid industry placement at luxury hotels (Four Seasons, Marriott, etc.).

• Eligibility: Open to international students, preference for developing nations.

• Duration: 2–3 years depending on program.

Switzerland’s edge? Its practical training model, where students rotate between classroom learning and hands-on experience.

2. Canada: Diverse and Inclusive Hospitality Opportunities

Canada’s tourism industry is thriving, supported by its multicultural society and vibrant cities. Institutions like University of Guelph (School of Hospitality, Food & Tourism Management) and George Brown College are known globally.

Scholarship Highlights (2025):

• Coverage: Full tuition + CAD $10,000 annual stipend.

• Internship: Paid placements in resorts, travel agencies, and culinary programs.

• Eligibility: International students with strong academic and leadership backgrounds.

• Extra Advantage: Pathways to work permits after graduation.

For many African and Asian students, Canada is especially appealing because of its post-graduation work opportunities.

3. UAE: Hospitality Hub of the Middle East

With world-class attractions like Burj Khalifa and Expo City Dubai, the UAE has become a tourism powerhouse. Universities such as Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management are rising stars in global hospitality education.

Scholarship Highlights (2025):

• Coverage: Full tuition + accommodation + travel grant.

• Internship: Guaranteed placements in luxury properties like Jumeirah and Atlantis.

• Eligibility: Open to all regions; strong focus on students from Asia and Africa.

• Unique Factor: Exposure to Middle Eastern tourism innovation.

The UAE combines modern infrastructure with rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal training ground for future leaders in hospitality.

Comparative Table: Scholarships in Switzerland, Canada & UAE