How to Study Tourism and Hospitality Management in Canada?

Want to build your career in vibrant tourism and hospitality industry? Given the expanding hospitality sector and premier education in Canada, there’s no better place to kickstart your career! There are exciting career paths to explore in student experience-from hotel management to event management, resort operations to culinary arts.

From business administration to food service operations, these programs integrate solid management training with management and leadership education in finance to prepare students for meeting employers’ needs. Check out popular courses, flexible learning options, and scholarships that can take you through the career path inside the hospitality industry in Canada! 

15 Top University for Tourism and Hospitality Management Courses in Canada

Did you know? Canada’s tourism and hospitality industry contributes over $90 billion to the economy annually, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors. With millions of tourists visiting every year, the demand for skilled professionals in hotel management, event planning, food and beverage operations, and tourism management is higher than ever. This makes Canada a great choice for international students looking to build a management career in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Below is a curated list of 15 top universities in Canada for 2025, offering hospitality management programs, degrees in tourism and hospitality, and diploma programs to prepare students for a thriving career:

University	Courses	Average Tuition Fees (CAD/year)	Average Salary (CAD/year)	Exams Required
University of Guelph	Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management	$25,000 – $30,000	$45,000 – $50,000	IELTS, TOEFL
George Brown College	Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management	$14,000 – $16,000	$40,000 – $45,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Humber College	Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management	$17,000 – $19,000	$45,000 – $50,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Ryerson University	Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management	$27,000 – $29,000	$50,000 – $55,000	IELTS, TOEFL
University of Calgary	Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management	$18,000 – $20,000	$50,000 – $55,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Niagara College	Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management	$15,000 – $17,000	$40,000 – $45,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Fanshawe College	Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Operations Management	$15,000 – $17,000	$40,000 – $45,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Seneca College	Diploma in Tourism – Services Management	$15,000 – $17,000	$40,000 – $45,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Vancouver Island University	Bachelor of Hospitality Management	$18,000 – $20,000	$45,000 – $50,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Thompson Rivers University	Bachelor of Tourism Management	$18,000 – $20,000	$45,000 – $50,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Cape Breton University	Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management	$17,000 – $19,000	$45,000 – $50,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Douglas College	Diploma in Hospitality Management	$16,000 – $18,000	$40,000 – $45,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Algonquin College	Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management	$15,000 – $17,000	$40,000 – $45,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Mount Saint Vincent University	Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management	$16,000 – $18,000	$45,000 – $50,000	IELTS, TOEFL
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)	Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management	$20,000 – $22,000	$45,000 – $50,000	IELTS, TOEFL

What are the Admission Requirements for Tourism and Hospitality Management in Canada?

With a booming hospitality sector, leading universities and colleges offer programs in tourism and hospitality management that prepare students for leadership in the very fields of global hospitality, event management, food and beverage operations, and travel and tourism.

Students should be aware of these essential requirements of studying hospitality courses in Canada

1. Academic Qualifications

Applicants must meet the educational criteria based on their program level

• For diploma programs: High school diploma or equivalent.
• For bachelor’s degrees: Minimum 70%-80% in high school (or equivalent qualification).
• For graduate certificate programs: A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business management, hospitality and culinary arts, or tourism operations.

2. English Language Proficiency

International students must prove English proficiency through tests like:

• IELTS: 6.0 – 7.0 overall (with no band below 6.0)
• TOEFL: 80 – 100 (depending on the institution)
• Some universities offer alternative language pathways or conditional admission for students who need further English training.

3. Work Experience (For Graduate Programs)

Some graduate certificate programs and advanced hospitality management programs require 1-2 years of experience in the tourism industry, hospitality business, or service industry.

4. Supporting Documents

Students must submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation, and a resume showcasing management skills, leadership skills, and experiential learning.

5. Financial Requirements

Applicants must provide proof of financial stability to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, with scholarships available for eligible students.

6. Entrance Exams (For Some Programs)

Certain universities and top hospitality and tourism programs may require standardized test scores like SAT, ACT, or GMAT for admission.

7. Application Deadlines & Fees

Programs in hospitality and culinary arts, travel and tourism, and business management have Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May) intakes, with application fees ranging from $50 – $150 CAD.

How to Apply for the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program in Canada?

If you want to study in Canada and build a career within the hospitality industry, applying for a hospitality and tourism management program is the first step. Canada is a great choice due to its multicultural society, dynamic hospitality sector, and entrepreneurial opportunities in areas like tour companies, risk management, and Canadian hotel management. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

1. Choose a College or University

Research institutions offering tourism and hospitality programs, such as bachelor of business administration, management diploma, or a hospitality and tourism management diploma. Look for programs that meet the demands of employers and provide both theoretical courses and practical training.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements

Ensure you meet the admission requirements, including high school completion for diplomas or a bachelor’s degree for graduate programs. Some institutions may also require work experience in the fields of tourism or financial management.

3. Prepare Required Documents

Gather important documents like academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), resume, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).

4. Submit Online Application

Apply through the official college or university website or centralized platforms like Ontario Colleges or ApplyAlberta. Be mindful of deadlines for Canada for international students.

5. Pay Application Fees

Application fees typically range between $50 – $150 CAD, depending on the institution and the degree program.

6. Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid

Explore funding options, including merit-based scholarships and financial management support, to reduce tuition costs.

7. Receive Your Offer Letter

If accepted, you’ll receive an offer letter from the institution, allowing you to proceed with the student visa application.

8. Apply for a Study Permit

Submit your study permit application to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), along with proof of acceptance and financial support.

5 Essential Tips for International Students to Successfully Study Hospitality Management in Canada

If you’re planning to enroll in a tourism and hospitality management program, Canada offers some of the best tourism courses and management degrees to prepare you for a successful career in tourism.

As an international student, here are five essential tips to help you navigate Canada’s hospitality sector and secure the best career opportunities.

1. Choose the Right Hospitality Program

With various degrees in Canada, selecting a program that prepares you for success is crucial. Look for universities that emphasize experiential learning and offer specialization options in Canadian hospitality, hotel management, or tourism operations.

2. Gain Practical Experience with Internships

Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and network with industry professionals. Many universities partner with leading hotels, restaurants, and tourism companies to provide real-world training, boosting your employability.

3. Improve Your Communication and Leadership Skills

Know that tourism is a people-centric industry, and strong communication and leadership skills are essential for success. Participating in workshops and networking events will help you develop confidence and stand out in Canada’s hospitality sector.

4. Join a Study Abroad Consultant

For a smooth application process, work with a study abroad consultant like Ambitio, which helps with perfect profile building and ensures you land an offer letter from your dream university. Expert guidance can help you navigate admission processes, scholarships, and visa applications efficiently.

5. Stay Updated on Industry Trends

The tourism and hospitality industry is constantly evolving, with new trends in sustainable tourism, digital booking platforms, and customer service technologies. Staying informed about industry shifts will give you a competitive edge in your career in tourism.

Conclusion

Choosing to study tourism and hospitality management in Canada is more than just earning a degree—it’s about stepping into a dynamic industry where experience matters as much as education. The right program prepares you for real-world challenges, from managing global hospitality operations to shaping memorable customer experiences.

If you’re serious about building a standout profile and securing top university offers, Ambitio Pro can help you get there. Why guess your next step when you can plan it like a pro? Contact us today and start shaping your future in hospitality!

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