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    Study tourism abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying tourism as an international student.

    Find tourism programs

    Explore tourism programs abroad

    See other programs in tourism

    Tourism degrees abroad

    Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, employing hundreds of millions of people all over the world. By studying a tourism degree abroad you’ll get the skills and experience you’ll need for an exciting career in this dynamic industry.

    Tourism degree programs can cover a wide range of disciplines including business, geography, management and finance. You’ll learn about the major trends and developments in tourism around the world and often get the chance to travel and experience tourist attractions in the local area and further afield.

    As an international student, studying abroad will give you a real insight into global tourism management. You can study in tourism hotspots and get firsthand experience of how the industry works, at the same time as expanding your own personal horizons.

    Tourism program structure

    Tourism programs are often offered in combination with other subjects like event management, hospitality or business. In some countries, tourism programs are often referred to as tourism management or international tourism management.

    As an international undergraduate student, there is a range of degree qualifications you can study in tourism including foundation, certificate, diploma and bachelor’s. A BA in tourism will usually take three to four years to complete, and often comes with the option of spending a year abroad or on a work placement.

    If you study in the US, you’ll have the option of studying tourism as a major or minor subject at bachelor’s level. The liberal arts model means you can study a variety of disciplines at the same time as specializing in one or more major subjects.

    You can also study tourism at master’s level as an MA, or as an MSc depending on the precise program you choose. At postgraduate level many programs are offered as a specialization of tourism focusing on things like business, management or marketing.

    Most tourism programs are taught through lectures, seminars and group workshops, but many also include regular field trips to local tourist destinations. The content of every tourism program will be different, but here are some common subjects and modules you can expect to cover:

    • The tourism industry
    • Marketing for tourism
    • Business for tourism
    • Hospitality
    • Tourism and globalization
    • Professional development
    • Sustainable tourism
    • Attraction management
    Tourism program structure

    Tourism programs are often offered in combination with other subjects like event management, hospitality or business. In some countries, tourism programs are often referred to as tourism management or international tourism management.

    As an international undergraduate student, there is a range of degree qualifications you can study in tourism including foundation, certificate, diploma and bachelor’s. A BA in tourism will usually take three to four years to complete, and often comes with the option of spending a year abroad or on a work placement.

    If you study in the US, you’ll have the option of studying tourism as a major or minor subject at bachelor’s level. The liberal arts model means you can study a variety of disciplines at the same time as specializing in one or more major subjects.

    You can also study tourism at master’s level as an MA, or as an MSc depending on the precise program you choose. At postgraduate level many programs are offered as a specialization of tourism focusing on things like business, management or marketing.

    Most tourism programs are taught through lectures, seminars and group workshops, but many also include regular field trips to local tourist destinations. The content of every tourism program will be different, but here are some common subjects and modules you can expect to cover:

    • The tourism industry
    • Marketing for tourism
    • Business for tourism
    • Hospitality
    • Tourism and globalization
    • Professional development
    • Sustainable tourism
    • Attraction management

    Best countries to study tourism

    Best universities to study tourism

    See all universities offering tourism programs

    How to study tourism abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
    Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

    Start your search Get free advice

    Tourism study abroad programs

    Tourism undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in tourism

    • false

      Tourism and Recreation Management - BSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,848 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, August, May
      Show program overview about Tourism and Recreation Management
    • false

      Tourism & Hospitality Management - BSc/BA Black Hills State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,724 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Tourism & Hospitality Management
    • false

      Business Administration: Tourism and Hospitality Management (Penticton Campus) - BBA Okanagan College, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,440 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Business Administration: Tourism and Hospitality Management (Penticton Campus)
    • false

      Business and Management (Tourism Management) - BA (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,910 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Business and Management (Tourism Management)
    • false

      Business and Management with Leisure and Tourism - BSc (Hons) Edge Hill University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      12,250 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Business and Management with Leisure and Tourism
    See all bachelor's degrees in tourism

    Associate in tourism

    • false

      Hospitality and Tourism Management - AASc Southwestern Oregon Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      10,791 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, June, March, January
      Show program overview about Hospitality and Tourism Management
    • false

      Tourism and Hospitality - ASc Black Hills State University, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,422 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Tourism and Hospitality
    See all associate degrees in tourism

    Diploma in tourism

    • false

      Tourism Management - Dip Okanagan College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,160 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Tourism Management
    • false

      Fundamentals of Hospitality and Tourism - Dip Toronto School of Management, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      6,248 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, March, November, September, July, May
      Show program overview about Fundamentals of Hospitality and Tourism
    • false

      Global Tourism & Hospitality Management - AdvDip North Island College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      12,640 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Global Tourism & Hospitality Management
    • false

      Hospitality and Tourism Administration - OCADip Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,531 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Hospitality and Tourism Administration
    • false

      Tourism - Dip Alpha College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,565 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, May, September
      Show program overview about Tourism
    See all undergraduate diplomas in tourism

    Certificate in tourism

    • false

      Business Studies: Tourism and Hospitality Management - Cert Okanagan College, Canada
      • Online

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      14,440 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, September, May
      Show program overview about Business Studies: Tourism and Hospitality Management
    • false

      Global Tourism & Hospitality Management - AdvCert North Island College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      12,640 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, July, May, January
      Show program overview about Global Tourism & Hospitality Management
    • false

      Hospitality and Tourism Administration - Cert California State University, Sacramento, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      16,800 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January
      Show program overview about Hospitality and Tourism Administration
    • false

      Tourism - PBcCert Thompson Rivers University, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      15,080 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Tourism
    See all undergraduate certificates in tourism

    Pathway in tourism

    • false

      International Tourism Management (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      10,900 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about International Tourism Management (Foundation)
    See all undergraduate pathways in tourism

    Tourism graduate programs

    Master's in tourism

    • false

      Aviation and Tourism Business - MHM Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      9,500 EUR

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January
      Show program overview about Aviation and Tourism Business
    • false

      Business Administration (Tourism and Event Management.), MBA - MBA Midway University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,810 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Business Administration (Tourism and Event Management.), MBA
    • false

      Tourism & Hospitality Management (Barcelona/Munich) - MTHM EU Business School, Spain

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      13,800 EUR

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      October, March, January
      Show program overview about Tourism & Hospitality Management (Barcelona/Munich)
    • false

      Business Management: Tourism & Travel - MSc (with foundation) Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,300 EUR

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      May, November, October, August, March, February
      Show program overview about Business Management: Tourism & Travel
    • false

      Entrepreneurship for the Global Hospitality and Tourism Industry - MA César Ritz Colleges, Switzerland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      42,600 CHF

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      July, October, January, April
      Show program overview about Entrepreneurship for the Global Hospitality and Tourism Industry
    See all master's degrees in tourism

    Diploma in tourism

    • false

      Tourism - PDip University of Otago, New Zealand
      • Online

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      31,056 NZD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      February
      Show program overview about Tourism
    • false

      Tourism - OCDip Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,390 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, May, January
      Show program overview about Tourism
    • false

      Tourism - Travel - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      14 months
      Annual tuition fee
      17,052 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Tourism - Travel
    • false

      Tourism and Hospitality Management - PGDip University of California, Riverside Extension, USA

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      9 months
      Annual tuition fee
      18,200 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Tourism and Hospitality Management
    See all postgraduate diplomas in tourism

    Certificate in tourism

    • false

      Food Tourism - PGCert Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      16,531 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Food Tourism
    • false

      Hospitality and Tourism Operations Management - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,376 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Hospitality and Tourism Operations Management
    • false

      Hospitality and Tourism Operations Management - PGCert Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      16,532 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Hospitality and Tourism Operations Management
    • false

      Sustainable Tourism Management - PGCert Central Queensland University, Australia

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      6 months
      Annual tuition fee
      13,920 AUD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      November, July, March
      Show program overview about Sustainable Tourism Management
    • false

      Tourism, Environmental and Cultural Heritage - PGCert University of Tasmania, Australia
      • Online

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      6 months
      Annual tuition fee
      33,450 AUD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      February
      Show program overview about Tourism, Environmental and Cultural Heritage
    See all postgraduate certificates in tourism

    Pathway in tourism

    • false

      Business, Hospitality, Tourism and Social Sciences, Pre-Master’s - PGP University of Brighton, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      13,230 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      June, July, August
      Show program overview about Business, Hospitality, Tourism and Social Sciences, Pre-Master’s
    • false

      Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Pre-Master’s - PGP Bournemouth University, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      13,230 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Pre-Master’s
    • false

      Management, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism, Pre-Masters - PGP University of Surrey, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      6 months
      Annual tuition fee
      11,500 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, February
      Show program overview about Management, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism, Pre-Masters
    See all postgraduate pathways in tourism

    Future tourism careers

    Tourism management graduates are well placed to pursue an exciting career in the tourism industry. There are a wide range of job roles you’ll have the skills to take on, including:

    • Hotel manager
    • Travel representative
    • Tourism officer
    • Travel agent
    • Air cabin crew
    • Tour manager
    • Event manager

    Many tourism degree programs give you the chance to spend a year on placement gaining real-world experience. This is a great way to get a taste for working in the tourism or hospitality industry and could help you work out which role would suit you best. It also means you’ll have valuable experience to put on your CV when you’re looking for a job after university.