Who is this degree program suitable for?

• For people who want to learn through hands-on experience and take on responsibility.
  The dual study program is designed for people who want to actively shape their professional future in the hotel or hospitality industry. It is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy working with people, are interested in business operations, and want to gain practical experience before completing their studies.
• For high school graduates and those with a Matura or equivalent:
  The dual study program is a good fit if, after completing your Matura, an apprenticeship with a Matura, or a vocational matriculation exam, you want not only to study but also to gain hands-on experience at the same time. You’ll gain guidance, gain professional experience, and become familiar with different areas of hotel operations.
• For experienced professionals and career changers
  Even if you’ve already gained some professional experience or want to switch to the hospitality industry, the dual study program can be a suitable next step. You’ll combine an academic degree with structured professional development within the company.
• For current employees in the hotel industry
  The dual program is also a great option for people who are already working in a hotel and wish to pursue further academic qualifications. The prerequisite is that the company is a suitable practical partner and can meet the requirements of the dual study program.

Here´s what you´ll learn during your studies

During the program, you’ll combine the fundamentals of business administration with the diverse demands of modern hotel management. You’ll learn how to manage hotel operations efficiently, actively shape guest experiences, and develop operational processes in a sustainable manner.

Key course content includes, among other things:

• Hotel Operations Management (Front Office, Housekeeping, Reservations, Food & Beverage, Spa, Banquet, and Event Management)
• Service Quality, Guest Experience, and Quality Management
• Marketing, Sales, and Revenue Management
• People Management, Leadership, and Change and Conflict Management
• Accounting, Controlling, and Finance
• Hotel Real Estate and Architectural Fundamentals
• Business Software, Business Intelligence, and Analytics
• Business English and English for Hotel Management
• Practical projects, field trips, academic research, and the bachelor’s thesis

Thanks to the close connection with your partner hotel, you can apply much of the course content directly in a practical setting. Ideally, your Bachelor’s thesis will address a specific issue from your partner hotel, thereby deepening the integration of theory and practice through the end of your studies.

Download the curriculum

How the Dual Study Program Works

• Clear Structure: 12 Weeks of Theory, 12 Weeks of Practical
  Training The program follows a clear schedule and begins on September 1. Theory phases at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and practical training phases at the partner hotel alternate on a regular basis.
• Theory Phase at CU Carinthia
  University of Applied Sciences You’ll study on the Villach campus, attend classes, work on projects, and build your knowledge of business administration and the hotel industry. All exams take place during the study phase. The theory phases always run from September through November and from March through May.
• Practical Phase at the Partner Hotel
  You will then transition to working at the hotel. There, you will actively participate in operations, become familiar with various departments, and take on more responsible tasks as you gain experience. The practical phases take place from December through February and from June through August.
• Step-by-Step Increase in Responsibility
  The practical phases build systematically on one another over the course of the six semesters: At the beginning, the focus is on operational duties; later, administrative, coordinative, and, where applicable, strategic tasks are added. 

Here´s how the application process works

The application process for the dual Bachelor’s program in Hotel Management consists of five steps. CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences will guide you through the process from the application to your admission offer.

1. Apply Online 
   Apply online and submit your application materials. These include information about your educational and professional background, as well as a statement of purpose in which you explain your motivation for the dual degree program and your interest in the hospitality industry.
    
2. Admissions Interview
   After reviewing your documents and admission requirements, we’ll invite you to an online admissions interview.
    
3. Select Partner Companies 
   You will then select the partner companies that particularly interest you. CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences will subsequently forward your application documents to the companies you have chosen.
    
4. Selection Interview at the Partner Company 
   The respective partner company conducts its own selection process and decides whether to offer you the internship position.
    
5. Admission Offer
   You will receive your admission offer as soon as both CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and a participating partner company have approved your application.

Note: Since the number of internship positions is limited, we recommend applying early.

General Information About the Program

For more information on admission requirements, the training contract, nostrification and recognition, the admissions process, examination regulations and grading, ECTS credits, and the academic calendar, please refer to the General Study Information.