Masters in Hospitality Management Abroad: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Hospitality management is a field that provides training to students in managing hotels, resorts, restaurants, tourism businesses, and luxury services. The focus of the course is on customer experience, financial management, business operations, and service excellence. 

With the hospitality industry witnessing a high annual growth rate of 10.24% till 2028, professionals trained in technology, sustainability, and business strategy will be in a great position to reap the benefits.

Masters in Hospitality Management: Overview

A Masters in Hospitality Management will equip you with leadership, business, and operational skills for managing hotels and tourism businesses. It is ideal for those looking to advance in hospitality, event planning, travel, and luxury services.

After completion, you can pursue job roles like Hotel Manager, F&B Manager, Event Director, or Hospitality Consultant in global markets.

Key highlights for Masters in Hospitality Management:

Top Countries to Study Masters in Hospitality Management Abroad

France, Switzerland, and the US are the top three choices for hospitality masters programs due to strong industry ties and post-study work options.

Here are some of the best countries for studying hospitality management abroad.

• Switzerland
  The country is known for top-ranked institutions like EHL, Glion, and Les Roches. It offers strong industry partnerships, hands-on internships, and high employability due to its reputation as the birthplace of modern hospitality education.
• United States
  With institutions like Cornell and FIU, the US provides diverse career opportunities in hotels, resorts, and event management. It also offers OPT work permits for post-study employment.
• United Kingdom
  The UK provides an affordable 1-year master’s program, a 2-year post-study work visa (PSW), and strong industry links with tourism boards and luxury hotels.
• Canada
  Canadian institutions like the Toronto School of Management offer lower tuition fees, high job demand, and easy PR pathways through the 3-year PGWP.
• Australia
  With top universities like Griffith and Blue Mountains, Australia offers a strong job market, a 2-4 year work visa permit, and opportunities for permanent residency.
• France
  Home to Vatel and Institut Paul Bocuse, France is ideal for luxury hospitality careers, with affordable tuition and internships in high-end hotels and restaurants.

Now that you’ve explored the top countries for a masters in hospitality management, let’s look at the best universities offering these programs.

Top Universities to Study Masters in Hospitality Management Abroad

Universities like EHL Switzerland and Cornell University, USA, are among the top institutions known for their practical approach and strong industry ties with leading hotels.

Here are some of the top universities and programs in hospitality management.

After exploring the top master’s programs in hospitality management, let’s look at the eligibility criteria for admission.

Masters in Hospitality Management Abroad: Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Master’s in Hospitality Management, you may need to meet requirements such as academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and visa requirements for international applicants.

Here’s a breakdown of the key admission requirements.

Academic Criteria

Academic requirements include a minimum GPA, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and standardized test scores (if required).

English Language Criteria

Master’s admission in hospitality management requires a minimum score in English language tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo.

Miscellaneous Criteria

Apart from academic and English language requirements, you may also need work experience, recommendation letters, and financial proof for the visa process.

Now that you’ve looked at the requirements for a masters in hospitality management abroad, let’s check out the application process. 

Masters in Hospitality Management: Application Process

Before applying to universities, shortlist your options based on rankings, tuition fees, and career opportunities. Once you have finalized your choices, you can begin the application process.

Here are the steps involved in applying for a Master’s in Hospitality Management.

1. Step 1: Check out the Requirements

Review the program details and ensure you have all the necessary documents required to complete the application form.

2. Step 2: Fill Your Application

• Fill out the online application form on the university’s official website.
• Upload required documents, such as:
  • Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree in hospitality or related fields)
  • English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining career goals and why you chose the program.
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from professors or employers
  • Resume/CV (if work experience is required)
• Pay the application fee and submit it before the deadline.

3. Step 3: Attend an Interview (If Required)

Some universities may conduct an online or in-person interview to assess your suitability for the program.

4. Step 4: Check for Application Status

Check your application status regularly. If accepted, you may receive a formal letter. Some universities may require you to accept by paying a deposit fee.

5. Step 5: Apply for Student Visa

Apply for the country student visa by submitting the following documents:

• University acceptance letter
• Proof of financial ability (bank statements or scholarship proof)
• Valid passport
• Medical insurance (if required)

After reviewing the application process for a Master’s in Hospitality Management abroad, let’s take a look at the costs involved.

Cost of Studying Masters in Hospitality in Different Countries

The cost of studying for a Master’s in Hospitality Management depends on factors such as tuition fees, cost of living, and exchange rates.

Here’s an overview of the cost of studying in different countries for a hospitality management master’s.

Note: The total cost varies based on the university and the cost of living in different cities.

Now that you’ve reviewed the total cost of studying for a Master’s in Hospitality Management in different countries, let’s explore the course structure of the programs.

Masters in Hospitality Management: Course Structure

As a hospitality management student, you will study core subjects like hospitality and service management, along with specializations such as food and beverage management. Most universities also provide internship opportunities with industry leaders.

Here are some of the courses offered in a Master’s in Hospitality Management.

Note: The core subjects and elective courses may vary depending on the program and institution.

Now that you’ve checked out the courses to be studied for a master's in hospitality management, let’s explore the financial aid options.

Masters in Hospitality Management Abroad: Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students planning to pursue a Master’s in Hospitality Management abroad can apply for scholarships like HEST and government-funded programs such as Chevening.

Here are some scholarships. 

After exploring scholarship options for students pursuing a masters in hospitality management abroad, let’s take a look at the course structure for the program.

Potential Job Opportunities after Masters in Hospitality Management

After completing a Master’s in Hospitality Management, you can pursue job roles such as Hotel Manager, Event Manager, and Travel Consultant, among many other opportunities.

Source: Glassdoor, Ambitionbox, Economic Research Institute

Top Recruiters for Masters in Hospitality Management in the World

Top recruiters for hospitality management graduates are hotel chains like Ritz-Carlton and restaurant chains like Jubilant Foods.

Source: Glassdoor, Ambitionbox

Popular Industries Recruiting Masters in Hospitality Management

Industries such as hotel chains, entertainment, and travel companies hire hospitality management graduates for customer service, operations, and management roles.

Now that you’ve explored the job roles and hiring industries after completing a master’s in hospitality management, let’s look at the benefits of studying this degree abroad.

Why Pursue a Masters in Hospitality Management Abroad?

Completing a masters from a top international university increases career prospects, boosts earning potential, and provides exposure to diverse markets.

Here are the benefits of studying hospitality management abroad.

• Global Career Opportunities

After graduation, you can work in international hotel chains, cruise lines, event planning, and luxury brand management. For instance, France has a booming hospitality and tourism industry with high demand for skilled professionals.

• High-paying Salary

Salaries for hospitality management professionals are significantly higher in countries like the USA, UK, Switzerland, and UAE. For instance, a hotel manager in the US earns about $64,000 (INR 56L), whereas the same pays about INR 4.5L in India.

• Immigration Benefits

Many countries offer Post-Study Work Visas, allowing graduates to get experience before applying for permanent residency. For instance, the UK offers a 2-year post-study work visa.

• Specialized Skills

Global universities offer specialized skills like hospitality analytics, revenue management, and digital marketing that make graduates highly employable.

• Global Networking

Through global universities, students can connect with hospitality leaders, luxury hotel executives, and tourism industry professionals. For instance, strong alumni networks of global universities boost career opportunities.

• Internship Opportunities

Global universities partner with luxury hotels, airlines, and tourism boards for internships and placements. For instance, you can intern with top hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, and Fairmont.

After exploring the benefits of studying abroad, let’s go over some key tips to help you choose the right program and university.

Tips for Choosing the Right Program and University

Factors like global ranking, tuition fees, internship opportunities, and post-study work options play a significant role in determining the best university. 

Here are some factors that can help you choose the best university.

• Global Ranking

Look for universities ranked among the top in hospitality management (e.g., QS World Rankings, THE Rankings). Ensure the university has recognized accreditation like AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS for quality education.

• Internship Opportunities

Choose universities that offer mandatory internships with top hotel chains, luxury brands, or tourism companies. Universities with strong industry ties (e.g., Les Roches, Glion, EHL) have better job placements.

• Cost of Studying 

Make sure you consider tuition fees and living costs based on the country. Countries like the USA and the UK have higher tuition fees, while France and Germany have lower expenses.

• Post-study Permits

Check if the country offers a post-study work visa to allow job hunting after graduation. Countries like Australia offer 2–4 years of post-study work rights, helping you work in the country post-study.

• Course Flexibility 

Some courses focus on hotel management, while others offer specializations like event management, tourism, or luxury hospitality. If you are interested in luxury hotels, you can go for EHL or Glion.

• Scholarships and Aid

Learn about the scholarships for international students offered by universities, governments, and private organizations. Choose a university that offers merit-based or need-based scholarships that reduce tuition costs.