Educational programs in tourism and hospitality
- Advantages of Studying Tourism and Hospitality
- Formats and Levels of Tourism and Hospitality Programs
- Top Universities for Tourism and Hospitality
- Additionally Recommended Universities for Tourism and Hospitality
- How to Apply for Tourism and Hospitality Programs
- Language of Instruction and Preparation for Tourism and Hospitality Programs
- Tuition Fee for Tourism and Hospitality Programs
- Scholarships and Grants for Tourism and Hospitality Programs
- Career Prospects After Studying Tourism and Hospitality
- Is It Worth Getting an Education in Tourism and Hospitality?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Certificate - Food and Nutrition Management
George Brown College of Applied Arts and TechnologyFor almost 30 years, George Brown College has provided a highly effective nutrition curriculum. We'll help you hone your cooking chops by educating you about food science, clinical nutrition, human anatomy and physiology, nutritional analysis, and food safety. You'll get hands-on experience and classroom…
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) - Business Management (Tourism)
Arden UniversityThe tourism sector now needs qualified graduates who can found and run successful enterprises that will promote sustainable travel in difficult global conditions. This course will give you an understanding of how the management and marketing of worldwide tourist destinations, visitor attractions,…
Diploma - Esthetician/Spa Management
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, Toronto, CanadaHumber's Esthetician/Spa Management diploma program teaches business and hands-on skills for the $119 billion spa industry (Global Wellness Institute, 2018). On the business side, master the essentials of business writing, marketing, retail operation and day-to-day spa management. Hands-on lessons…
Diploma - Hospitality (Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management)
Durham CollegeJoin one of the world's most promising emerging markets!
A rise in international tourism has been good for the hospitality industry generally, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, cruise ships, casinos, entertainment venues, and meeting centers. Gain the fundamental managerial and operational…
Diploma - Tourism (Destination Marketing)
Durham CollegeMarketers for tourist destinations are experts in a wide range of fields who work together to boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for visitors.
Students in this program gain the skills necessary to maintain high levels of service and quality throughout the entire customer…
Bachelor of Science (Hons) - International Hospitality and Tourism Management
Oxford Brookes UniversityOur International Hospitality and Tourism Management degree is for you if you have a love for hospitality and the drive to achieve. You will graduate from this course with the knowledge, abilities, and qualities needed to manage effectively and morally. A one-year optional paid work placement can…
Diploma - Hospitality
St. Lawrence College, CanadaDo you want an international or domestic job? St. Lawrence College's Hospitality degree prepares you for a dynamic and gratifying career in the diverse and fascinating Hospitality Industry.
All sections of the hospitality industry, including food, beverage, and lodging, need professional…
Diploma - Office Administration (Legal)
St. Lawrence College, CanadaA student who completes the Office Administration - Legal program will receive a diploma , which will open the door to a number of job prospects in both the commercial and public sectors. Graduate employment statistics released in the fall of 2019 ranged from 95% to 100%.
Students will learn…
Diploma - Office Administration (Legal/Health Services)
St. Lawrence College, CanadaA student who completes this program will receive two diplomas: Office Administration - Legal and Office Administration - Health Services, which will open the door to a multitude of employment options in both the commercial and public sectors. Graduate employment statistics released in the fall of…
Diploma - Office Administration (Health Services, Brockville)
St. Lawrence College, CanadaA career in office work is demanding, exciting, and fast-paced. You can be needed to build/maintain a website, create flyers, or create a newsletter in a regular office setting.
Understanding how to use the Internet for information, booking flights, and email processing is unavoidable. You…
Advantages of Studying Tourism and Hospitality
Education in tourism and hospitality opens the doors to one of the most dynamically growing sectors of the global economy. Tourism and hospitality programs teach not only hotel and tourism management but also tourist flow formation, sustainable development, customer service, and cultural competence.
Key advantages:
- High employment demand – after each wave of globalization, the tourism sector requires qualified professionals.
- Practical orientation – programs often include internships, hotel practice, work in tour companies, and event organization.
- International scope – graduates can work in hotels, cruise companies, and travel agencies around the world.
- Career path flexibility – one can develop in hotel, restaurant, tourism infrastructure, or event management.
- Development of soft skills – communication, intercultural understanding, personnel and conflict management, which are in demand regardless of country.
Formats and Levels of Tourism and Hospitality Programs
Typical formats and levels:
- Bachelor’s (3–4 years): fundamental training in hotel management, tourism management, and operational activities.
- Master’s (1–2 years): deeper focus on international tourism, sustainable hospitality, and event management.
- Diploma or certificate programs (6 months – 1 year): for those who want to enter the industry faster through practical courses.
- Online and hybrid formats: especially popular at the Master’s level or in modular courses combining remote and in-person learning.
- Preparatory programs (foundation / pre-master’s): for applicants who need to improve their English or fill knowledge gaps.
Top Universities for Tourism and Hospitality
| University Name | Program Name | Tuition fee for international students | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne | Hospitality Management | ~ 40 000 CHF/year | One of the most prestigious hospitality institutes in the world with a strong international reputation. |
| Cornell University | Hotel Administration | ~ 60 000 USD/year | A leader in hospitality education with a strong alumni network. |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Hospitality Management | ~ 35 000 USD/year | One of the best U.S. programs closely linked to the entertainment industry. |
| Les Roches | Global Hospitality Management | ~ 35 000–45 000 CHF/year | Private school focused on practice and international internships. |
| Glion Institute of Higher Education | International Hospitality Management | ~ 45 000 CHF/year | Focus on luxury hotels, premium brands, and international chains. |
Additionally Recommended Universities for Tourism and Hospitality
| University Name | Program Name | Tuition fee for international students | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Institute of Management IMI | International Hospitality and Tourism Management (Certificate) | 19 800 CHF (6 months) | Certificate program in Switzerland providing a practical foundation in hospitality and event management. |
| EU Business School | Bachelor – Hospitality Management / Leisure and Tourism | 14 700 EUR/year | The program develops management skills in hotels, leisure organizations, and tourism. |
| BSBI | Master – Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management | 13 920 EUR/year | An advanced Master’s with a focus on event organization and sustainable tourism. |
How to Apply for Tourism and Hospitality Programs
Admission procedure:
- Choose a university and program, study the curriculum, specializations, and internships.
- Prepare documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned end of studies
- High school certificate / Bachelor’s diploma with transcript
- Resume (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters (if required)
- Portfolio / project description (if the program includes practical components)
- Language test: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo (for English-taught programs).
- Additional tasks / interview: essay, interview, or hospitality-related case assignments.
- Submit the application through the university portal or centralized system.
- Wait for the admission decision, accept the offer and apply for a student visa.
It is optimal to start preparation 6–9 months before the session begins to have time for tests and document collection.
Language of Instruction and Preparation for Tourism and Hospitality Programs
Most programs are taught in English. For students with insufficient level, preparation courses, foundation or pre-master’s programs are often offered, including academic English and introductory subjects in tourism and hospitality.
Some European or Asian universities offer tracks in local languages or bilingual programs gradually transitioning to English. Programs related to service and hospitality often require communication, speech service, and customer experience management skills.
Tuition Fee for Tourism and Hospitality Programs
Approximate price ranges:
- In Switzerland: 30 000–45 000 CHF per year
- In Europe (Germany, Spain, etc.): 9 000–20 000 EUR
- In the USA / UK: 25 000–50 000 USD / GBP
Additional expenses:
- Accommodation: 600–1 500 in local currency per month
- Food: 300–600 in local currency per month
- Study materials, uniform, equipment: 100–300 in local currency per month
- Transport and insurance: 100–200 in local currency per month
- Medical insurance: 500–1 000 per year
Scholarships and Grants for Tourism and Hospitality Programs
International students can expect the following types of support:
- Academic scholarships for high grades
- Financial aid based on family income
- Motivation and leadership scholarships – for activity, projects, and participation in industry initiatives
- University grants – internal support programs for international students
- Assistant and research positions – helping faculties and participating in hospitality projects
Examples of common scholarship and grant names: Merit-based Scholarship, International Excellence Award, Hospitality Research Grant, Teaching Assistantship. Applications are usually submitted along with the program application – 3–6 months before the start of studies.
Career Prospects After Studying Tourism and Hospitality
Possible directions:
- Hotel and resort management
- Event operations management
- Travel agency and destination management
- Cruise industry, aviation, cultural tourism
- Restaurant and hospitality service management
- Tourism consulting and project management
Major employers: international hotel chains, resort complexes, travel companies, event and exhibition organizations, cruise lines. Students often do internships directly in the industry – this allows them to start their careers immediately after graduation.
Is It Worth Getting an Education in Tourism and Hospitality?
Yes, it is a promising and vibrant field. Tourism remains a strong economic sector, and service quality is becoming increasingly important. Studying abroad provides access to best practices, international experience, networks, and industry standards.
Choosing a country with moderate costs and student support can make such education a worthwhile investment. Strong hospitality schools exist in Switzerland, Europe, Asia, and the USA – and graduates gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What skills are important for admission to tourism and hospitality programs?
Communication skills, cultural awareness, ability to work with clients, basic management knowledge, and an interest in the service industry are required.
2. Can I apply for tourism and hospitality programs without experience?
Yes – many Bachelor’s programs accept beginners, especially those who show motivation and readiness to learn.
3. What is the minimum tuition fee for tourism and hospitality programs?
In Europe, programs can be found from 9 000 EUR/year, in Switzerland – around 30 000 CHF, in the USA and the UK – significantly higher.
4. Where is it easier for international students to get a scholarship for tourism and hospitality programs?
Universities in Switzerland, Germany, the UK, as well as some in Asia and Australia, often have internal grants and scholarships for international students.
5. Can students work while studying in tourism and hospitality programs?
Yes – many countries allow part-time work. Students also often get paid internships in hotels, events, and travel companies, combining income with practical experience.