Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management Scholarships Around the World
The global hospitality, travel, and tourism industry is a vibrant and ever-evolving sector that offers dynamic career opportunities across continents. From luxury hotel management and sustainable tourism development to international event planning and culinary arts, this field is ideal for those who are passionate about culture, people, and experiences. However, pursuing a degree in hospitality or tourism management—especially at top global institutions—can come with a significant financial burden.
Fortunately, numerous universities, governments, and organizations offer scholarships specifically tailored for students in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sector. These scholarships not only ease the financial load but also open doors to international internships, networking, and career placements in world-class destinations.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top scholarships in hospitality and tourism management from across the globe.
Top Global Scholarships in Hospitality & Tourism Management
1. Les Roches Global Hospitality Education Scholarships (Switzerland, Spain, China)
- Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
- Eligibility: International students
- Highlights: Les Roches offers merit-based and need-based scholarships for students enrolling in hospitality degrees. Scholarships may cover partial to full tuition and are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, and motivation.
2. Glion Institute of Higher Education Scholarships (Switzerland & UK)
- Level: Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs
- Eligibility: International students with academic merit or financial need
- Benefits: Scholarships include tuition waivers, merit-based awards, and special financial aid for students from developing countries or underrepresented regions.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees – Tourism & Heritage Programs (Europe)
- Level: Master’s
- Eligibility: Students from EU and non-EU countries
- Highlights: The Erasmus Mundus program funds joint master's degrees in tourism, sustainable development, heritage, and related fields. It includes full tuition, living allowance, travel allowance, and insurance.
- Example Program: EMJMD in Tourism Development and Culture
4. Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School Scholarships (Australia)
- Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
- Eligibility: Domestic and international students
- Benefits: Partial scholarships based on merit, leadership, or community involvement. The institution is part of Torrens University and offers practical training in real hospitality environments.
5. Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration Scholarships (USA)
- Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s
- Eligibility: Domestic and international students
- Funding: Need-based and merit-based scholarships available for students in hospitality, real estate, and hotel management.
6. HTMi Scholarship Program (Switzerland)
- Level: Diploma, Bachelor’s, and Master’s
- Eligibility: International students in hospitality and tourism fields
- Highlights: HTMi offers performance-based scholarships that reduce tuition fees for students with strong academic or professional backgrounds.
7. University of Queensland – Tourism Scholarships (Australia)
- Level: Undergraduate
- Programs: Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management
- Eligibility: Australian and international students with academic merit
- Support: Includes the UQ Future Students Scholarship, International High Achievers Scholarship, and UQ Tourism Industry Scholarships.
8. Swiss Education Group Scholarships (Switzerland)
- Includes: César Ritz Colleges, HIM, IHTTI, and SHMS
- Eligibility: International students
- Support: Merit-based and financial need scholarships for students interested in luxury brand management, event planning, culinary arts, and hospitality.
9. ASEAN Tourism Scholarships (Asia-Pacific Region)
- Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
- Eligibility: ASEAN nationals or partner countries
- Focus: Tourism development, heritage management, cultural preservation
- Institutions: Vary depending on the year and country
- Support: Tuition coverage, monthly stipend, travel grants
Why Study Hospitality, Travel & Tourism?
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Global Industry Exposure: Study programs often include international internships, giving real-world experience in top tourist destinations.
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Dynamic Career Options: Hotel management, travel consultancy, event planning, eco-tourism, airline operations, and cruise line management.
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High Employability: With tourism rebounding post-pandemic, skilled graduates are in demand worldwide.
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Cross-Cultural Communication: An immersive way to learn about international customs, customer service, and multicultural environments.
Tips for Securing a Hospitality or Tourism Scholarship
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Start Early: Scholarship deadlines can be 6–12 months before your course begins.
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Highlight Soft Skills: Leadership, communication, adaptability, and teamwork are essential in this field.
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Show Passion: Personal statements should reflect your enthusiasm for travel, hospitality, or community engagement.
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Include Relevant Experience: Internships, part-time jobs in hotels, or event volunteering can add value.
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Apply Widely: Don’t limit yourself to one scholarship or country. Broaden your chances!
Final Thoughts
Hospitality, travel, and tourism are more than just industries—they’re experiences that bring people and cultures together. If you're dreaming of a career that blends service, adventure, and innovation, then pursuing a degree in this field is a solid choice. And with numerous scholarships offered worldwide, your dream can become a reality without breaking the bank.
Whether you're aiming to study in Switzerland's Alps, Australia's coasts, or America's vibrant cities, the right scholarship can help you unlock your full potential. Start exploring, prepare a strong application, and get ready to be a global ambassador of hospitality and change.