Switzerland’s higher professional education is about to reach a new milestone. The Federal Council has proposed the introduction of the Professional Bachelor and Professional Master as new title additions within the Swiss education system - a change designed to make the country’s renowned practice-oriented qualifications more transparent and internationally comparable.
At EHL Hotel School Passugg, this development is particularly relevant for students and alumni of the Dipl. Hoteliere-Gastronomin HF / Dipl. Hotelier-Gastronom HF degree, one of Switzerland’s most respected hospitality qualifications.
What Is a Professional Bachelor?
A Professional Bachelor is a title addition, not a new degree.
It will be awarded to graduates who have completed a federally recognized, practice-oriented program at Tertiary Level B, such as the HF in Hospitality Management (Dipl. Hoteliere-Gastronomin HF / Dipl. Hotelier-Gastronom HF) offered at EHL Hotel School Passugg.
Academic Bachelor programs at Universities of Applied Sciences (Tertiary Level A), such as the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management at EHL Hospitality Business School, combine applied academic frameworks with experiential learning.
The Professional Bachelor complements these pathways by placing even stronger focus on:
- Operational leadership in day-to-day practice
- Immersive, on-the-job learning
- The development of human and emotional skills through real-world responsibilities - a cornerstone of EHL Passugg’s Affective Hospitality philosophy
This new title makes Swiss higher professional education easier to understand abroad while maintaining its strong practical identity.
How Does It Compare to an Academic Bachelor?
Switzerland’s tertiary education system includes several bachelor-level pathways, each serving different purposes:
| Institution Type | Example | Orientation | ISCED Level |
| College of Higher Education (HF) | Dipl. Hoteliere-Gastronomin HF, Professional Bachelor | Hands-on, work-integrated, practice-driven | Level 6 |
| University of Applied Sciences (UAS) | Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management (EHL Lausanne) | Combines applied science with academic foundations | Level 6 |
| University | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (University of Zurich) | Research-based, theoretical, analytical | Level 6 |
All three sit at Level 6 of the UNESCO ISCED framework, which defines comparable educational levels worldwide, yet they differ in orientation, from practical professional mastery to research-driven academia.
Does the Professional Bachelor Grant ECTS Credits?
No.
Because the Professional Bachelor is not part of the Bologna system, it does not grant ECTS credits and therefore does not provide automatic access to a Master of Science (MSc) or other consecutive Bologna-aligned master programs.
Students who wish to continue toward an academic master’s degree must first complete an academic bachelor, such as the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management at EHL Hospitality Business School.
When Will the Title Be Introduced?
The reform is currently being discussed in the Swiss Parliament.
The Federal Council submitted its proposal on 30 April 2025, and both chambers are expected to deliberate by the end of 2025.
However, official approval and entry into force may take longer, depending on the parliamentary process and administrative implementation.
What Will Change for EHL Passugg Students and Alumni?
For students and graduates of the HF in Hospitality Management:
- Your qualification remains federally recognized.
- You will gain the title addition “Professional Bachelor”, improving visibility and recognition both nationally and internationally.
- The curriculum and duration stay exactly the same - no extra classes, exams, or study time required.
Once enacted, alumni and current graduates of federally recognized HF programs will also be entitled to use the title addition retroactively (e.g., Dipl. Hoteliere-Gastronomin HF, Professional Bachelor).
What Are the Federal Goals Behind This Reform?
The Swiss Federal Council’s “Measures to Strengthen Higher Professional Education” aim to:
- Improve international visibility and recognition of Swiss higher professional education.
- Create clearer comparability between vocational and academic tertiary qualifications.
- Support employability, leadership development, and innovation in practice-based industries such as hospitality, gastronomy, healthcare, and engineering.
International Recognition
While the Professional Bachelor will be officially recognized within Switzerland once the law is enacted, international recognition will vary by country.
Graduates can request equivalency statements via Swiss ENIC or SERI for academic purposes, though in hospitality, employers often value hands-on experience and leadership skills over formal distinctions.
A Step Toward the Future of Swiss Hospitality Education
The introduction of the Professional Bachelor marks an important step in the evolution of Swiss higher professional education, one that reflects the growing recognition of applied expertise, emotional intelligence, and real-world leadership.
"For EHL Hotel School Passugg, this reform reinforces the strength of our HF program and the relevance of the Affective Hospitality mindset our students develop from day one."
- Ulrike Kuhnhenn, Associate Dean & School Director at EHL Hotel School Passugg
As the political process continues, we remain committed to supporting our students, alumni, and partners with transparent information and guidance.
Together, we are shaping the next chapter of Swiss hospitality education - a chapter where practical mastery and human skills stand proudly alongside academic pathways on the global stage.