Institut Le Rosey, tucked away in Rolle, Switzerland, isn’t just a school—it’s a lifestyle for the ultra-wealthy, with annual tuition topping $175,000, outstripping most Ivy League fees. A rare documentary by Y-Kollektiv, now viral with over 3 million views, pulls back the curtain on this exclusive haven, founded in 1880, where billionaire heirs and royals from over 70 countries are shaped into global elites.
Unlike typical schools, Le Rosey’s 460 students split their year between two campuses: Rolle by Lake Geneva for spring and autumn, and Gstaad in the Swiss Alps for winter. The Gstaad stint includes skiing three afternoons a week—a tradition since 1916—alongside options like ice hockey or curling. The school’s 150 teachers ensure a tight-knit, diverse community, with five applicants vying for each spot despite the steep cost.
Life at Le Rosey is disciplined yet luxurious. Students rise at 6:30 a.m., sleep by 10:30 p.m., and share simple rooms with desks and beds, a stark contrast to their lavish homes. Security is tight—students check in every half hour outdoors, and those with parents in Gstaad get two family dinners weekly. The Paul & Henri Carnal Hall, a $62 million futuristic auditorium, hosts top-tier concerts and theater, while a 125-foot yacht, Fleur d’Eau, sits on Lake Geneva for exclusive use.
Beyond academics, students dive into robotics, product design, and music, with professional-led choirs and orchestras. A new innovation hub lets them intern with startups on campus, blending business and tech skills. Cafeterias resemble upscale restaurants, with formal attire required and boys and girls seated separately. Designer brands—Fendi, Chanel, Dior—are as common as backpacks elsewhere.
Le Rosey, dubbed the “School of Kings,” blends elite networking with rigorous education, preparing students not just to inherit wealth but to create it.
