Bachelor program

Admission to the Bachelor program is open to holders of a CESS (Certificate of Higher Secondary Education) in Belgium, a High School Diploma / Baccalaureate, or an equivalent credential, whether they come from general, technical, or vocational tracks (hospitality, culinary arts, services). Selection is based on an application review, skills tests, and a motivation interview designed to evaluate the candidate's professional goals. Finally, industry professionals with significant experience can also access the program through the Validation of Prior Learning (VAE) framework.

• Written Part: Candidates must complete several tests, regardless of the campus: language questionnaires (French and English for the French-track program; English test for the English-track program), a general hospitality culture questionnaire, and two personality tests.
• Oral Part: A motivation interview lasting approximately 15 minutes. Depending on the campus, these evaluations take place in person or remotely. The total duration for these tests is estimated at 3 hours.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, tuition fees for Vatel’s Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management in Belgium are €12,000 per year, plus €450 in annual registration fees. Payment can be made monthly or quarterly, from July 1 to June 30. Tuition fees are subject to change from year to year.

Marco Polo is a programme that allows you to study abroad for one year at another Vatel school during the second year of your undergraduate programme.

You remain connected to your home campus while joining another Vatel campus for a full academic year, combining one semester of classes taught in the language of the host campus with one semester of an international internship. You may complete your internship in the host country.

It is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your CV with both academic and professional international experience, improve your language skills, and gain a better understanding of international hospitality standards.

To join the Marco Polo programme, students must meet certain academic criteria. The Academic Affairs Department therefore reserves the right to approve or decline their participation in the programme.

1st Year: Learning basics and service standards. 4-month internship in hospitality-related roles.

2nd Year: Consolidating experience and perfecting a foreign language. 5-month international internship.

3rd Year: Learning management and decision-making. 4-month management internship (optional).

Internships are mandatory and paid. Vatel assists you in finding internships for your 1st and 2nd years, whether in Europe or abroad.

Vatel’s educational approach is based on a practical learning model, where experiential learning weeks immerse you in real-life professional situations.

Objective: Put theoretical knowledge into practice and develop your service, management, and customer relationship skills from the very first year.

Locations: These practical training weeks take place in partner hotels.

VATEL Brussels is a private institution that prepares students for Level 6 and Level 7 qualifications registered in the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP code, certified by the French State). The institution, its training programs, and its degrees are not officially recognized by the French Community of Belgium. However, thanks to the Europass Diploma Supplement, your skills are highlighted consistently across Europe, facilitating access to management positions worldwide.

Student life on a Vatel campus is designed to be vibrant and supportive, combining studies, professional practice, and social gatherings. The Student Government (BDE) plays a central role by organizing numerous events, such as orientation weekends, parties, and sports tournaments. Vatel also encourages its students to get involved in community service and outreach initiatives.

Vatel's Bachelor Program opens doors to a wide range of operational roles within the hospitality, food and beverage, tourism, and event management sectors, both in Europe and internationally.

Hotels: From reception (reception manager, concierge) to rooms divison (head of housekeeping).
Food and Beverage: Front-of-house roles (head waiter, sommelier) or back-of-house roles (chef de partie).
Tourism and events: You could become an events organiser, a conference manager or work in travel agencies.
Other opportunities: Managing spas, casinos and cruise ships, and even starting your own business, are all options.

This program paves the way for rapid career advancement into management positions, such as hotel manager or operations director, after gaining a few years of professional experience.

The application process for Vatel's Bachelor's program differs based on the type of enrollment. 

Application: Complete the application form online.
Eligibility: If your application is deemed eligible, you will be invited to take the entrance exam.
Invitation: Once the entrance exam fees have been paid, you will receive your exam invitation directly by email.
Exams: Take the entrance exams (either on campus or remotely).
Results: You will be invited to schedule an appointment with the Academic Affairs Department to finalize your enrollment.
Final Approval: Your admission is confirmed following an administrative appointment.

Year 1 : Semester 1 (academic)
Subjects : Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Microsoft Office Tools, Business Economics, Corporate Culture, Self-Image, Health and Safety, Nutrition, Wine Vintages, Hotel Visits, Foreign Language I: French, Foreign Language II, F&B Environment, Hospitality Industry Environment, Professional Practice at Campus Training Facilities, Introduction to Sustainable Development & Corporate Social Responsibility, Intercultural Management
Practice : Housekeeping, Restaurant, Bar, Banqueting, Kitchen, Pastry

Year 1: Semester 2 (Internship)
Vatel offers a 5/6 month operational internship with compensation that varies by location. For internships within Europe, the stipend is €500 net per month, along with full board*.

Year 2: Semester 3 (academic)
Subjects : Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Advanced Excel, Legal Culture, Tourism Economics, Business Environment, Documentary & Strategic Monitoring, Oral Communication, Nutrition, Worldwide Wine Vintages, Foreign Language I: French, Foreign Language II, Professional Practice at Campus Training Facilities, Vatel Sustainable Development Project
Practice : Housekeeping, Restaurant, Bar, Banqueting, Kitchen, Pastry

Option to participate in the Marco Polo program, which allows you to study at another Vatel campus abroad.

Year 2 : Semester 4 (Internship)
Operational internship in Europe or abroad (6 months), with conditions similar to Year 1

Year 3: Semester 5 (academic)
Subjects: Introduction to Cost Control, Marketing, Human Resources, Taxation, Expert Excel, Multicultural Management, Hospitality Sales, Wine, Beer and Spirits, Geopolitics, Tourism and Travel, Sales & Negotiation, Foreign Language I: French, Foreign Language II, Managerial Experience, Business Game, Professional Communication, Community Management, Expertise Week

Year 3 : Semester 6 (optional Internship)
An operational or administrative internship (5/6 months) in Europe or abroad

* Internship allowances are for guidance only. They are not binding and may vary between internships and depending on the host country.