TO PREPARE FOR THE MBA
FOUNDATION YEAR
For students holding a two-year Diploma degree (in any major)
LOCATION
Courses taught on our campuses in Bordeaux (France)
LANGUAGES
English or French
DURATION
1 year
CREDITS
60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)
INTERNSHIP
1 (4 months minimum)
INTAKE
In September
Education goals
A year combining practical training, professional culture and core business topics like Marketing, Human Resources and Management. You will also be introduced to the operational departments of the Hospitality Industry.
An international internship will test your adaptability and complete the year.
OVERVIEW OF COURSES
SEMESTER 1: ACADEMIC
Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Corporate Taxation, Computer Sciences, Legal Culture, Tourism & Travelling, Business Economics, Nutrition, Wine Vintages, Professional Culture, Managerial Theories, Self-Image, Negotiation, Multicultural Management, Foreign Language I, Foreign Language II, Food & Beverage Environment, Hotel
Environment, Practical Applications, Company Discovery Tours
SEMESTER 2: INTERNSHIP
• Operational internship in a company inside or outside Europe
• Duration: 4 months (minimum)
• Remuneration: depends on host country and host company
• In France: about €600 per month after tax. Stipend for reference only**
**These internship conditions are for reference only. They are not binding and can change from one internship to another, according to the host company.
MBA GATEWAY PROGRAM
For students holding a Bachelor in Hospitality/Business/Management or equivalent (with 1 or 2 of the fundamental subjects is missing)
LOCATION
Courses taught on our campuses in Bordeaux (France)
LANGUAGES
English
DURATION
5 weeks
INTAKE
September 1, 2026
Education goals
A short refresher program covering intensified courses in Management (Finance, Marketing, Human Resources) and Professional culture in Hospitality to acquire in 5 weeks the necessary skills and culture required to succeed in the MBA program in International Hotel Management.
OVERVIEW OF COURSES
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
120 hours of intensive courses:
• Finance for non-financial managers
• Marketing fundamentals
• Human Resources basics
• Professional culture in Hospitality
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
• Courses & group projects
• Continuous assessment
• No final exam
Key figures
> MBA success rate in 2024-2025: 100% – 100% of our students sat the exams (excluding interruptions during training)
> Dropout rate for MBA program in 2024-2025 : 0,05%
> WSET 2 success rate in 2024-2025: 100%
> WSET 3 success rate in 2024-2025: 45.8%
TESTIMONIAL
Zoé LOOT, Foundation Year Student
“The professors are also professionals in activities. They are there to share what they learned for themselves in the business world, so the classes aren’t just about theory.
That’s what I liked the best about my foundation year at Vatel. Ms. Mispelblom’s experience really helped getting a better understanding and appreciation of the world of
wine and wine making. In addition, our professional practical trainings gave me the chance to see how multiple establishments operate in the real world. An advantage since it’s important in this field to fit in and adapt to your work environment.”
Chat with a student
From mid november , you can be put in touch with international students during virtual open days oron request.
He/she will be able to accompany you, answer all your questions and above all share his/her experience!
Get in touch with the International Admissions department for more information.
MAIN JOBS & POSITIONS
Build your international career in a blooming industry as there are so many career opportunities
> MBA employment rate in 2023-2024: 95.6% (based on 90% of respondents) > to learn more
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND SPAS:
Hotel and Restaurant Director, Food and Beverage Manager, Front Office Manager, Concierge…
SALES AND MARKETING:
Sales and Marketing Director, Brand Manager, Sales/Export manager…
EXECUTIVE AND MANAGING BOARD:
Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer…
TOURISM, EVENT, BANQUETS AND CONFERENCES:
Event Coordination Manager, Tourism Manager, Communication Manager…
FINANCE, ADVISORY, HUMAN RESOURCES:
Human Resources Assistant, Accoutant…
Salary: about €39k within a year after graduation.
ADMISSIONS & FEES
To apply for one of those programs at Vatel Bordeaux, applicants must follow the application process available here and comply with the appropriate entry requirements:
• Depending on your background:
- For Foundation Year: minimum 2-year degree / diploma (in any major)
- For MBA Gateway program: Bachelor’s degree in management or equivalent (with one or two of the 3 fundamental subjects is missing: Management / Marketing / HR) + 6 months of professional experience in the hotel/restaurant industry
• To study in English: Equivalent to IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, TOEIC 835 points, CAE C1 first or FCE 180 points
• To study in French: Equivalent to CEFR B2: DELF / TCF B2 (minimum) DALF C1 (recommended)
All the fees are available here.