Managing a hotel, telling history to tourists or traveling the world on a cruise ship… Is tourism and hotel management right for you? From the beaches of Antalya to the balloons of Cappadocia, Turkey is a tourism paradise.
1. Why Tourism and Hotel Management Education in Turkey is Advantageous?
Some of the key advantages of studying this program in Turkey include:
1.1 Hands-on Training: Learning Opportunity Out of Classrooms and in the Field
Tourism and hotel management is a field that requires practical training as well as theoretical knowledge. Many universities in Turkey act with this awareness and prepare education programs that offer field experience to their students.
- Internship and Business Experience:
Most tourism faculties have agreements with major hotel chains, resorts and travel agencies in Turkey to offer students compulsory or optional internships. In this way, you can prepare for business life by working in a real business before graduating. - Practical Courses:
Some universities have their own hotel management laboratories. For example, Akdeniz University Tourism Faculty has a training hotel. In this hotel, students receive hands-on training in reception management, kitchen and service areas by serving real customers. - Working with Real Customers:
Students studying in fields such as gastronomy, hotel management or travel agency have the opportunity to work one-on-one with real customers. This makes it easier to adapt to the sector after graduation.
Example: As a tourism student, if you get the opportunity to intern at a luxury hotel in Antalya, you can learn the real booking process, gain guest relations management experience, and build a strong network in the industry.
1.2 Career Opportunities: Chances of Finding a Job Right After Graduation
After studying tourism in Turkey, you can get many job opportunities both domestically and internationally.
- A Globally Valid Profession:
Turkey’s tourism and hotel management programs are prepared in accordance with international standards. English-language faculties give graduates the chance to find jobs on a global scale. - Job Opportunities in International Hotel Chains:
Hotel chains operating worldwide such as Hilton, Marriott, Rixos, Radisson have many branches in Turkey. These hotels train long-term employees, often hiring interns before graduation. - Variety of Career Options:
After studying tourism, you do not have to be limited to hotel management. You can also pursue a career in the following sectors:- Airline Companies (Big brands like THY, Pegasus, Emirates)
- Cruise Ships (Opportunity to travel around the world!)
- Gastronomy and Food and Beverage Management
- Travel Agencies and Tour Operators
- Event and Organization Management
Example: A student who starts working at Rixos Hotel after graduation can be transferred to another branch abroad in a few years and step into an international career.
1.3 Economic Cost: More Affordable Education Fees Compared to Europe
For many students looking to study tourism and hospitality, tuition fees can be a major concern. However, Turkey is one of the countries that offers both quality and affordable education opportunities.
- More Affordable Tuition Fees at State Universities:
Annual tuition fees at state universities with tourism faculties in Turkey range between 500-1,500 dollars, while at private universities this figure can increase to 5,000-15,000 dollars. - Scholarship and Support Programs:
Turkey has many scholarship programs for foreign students. Turkey Scholarships offers full scholarships, including accommodation and living expenses, to students based on academic achievement. - Low Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Turkey, such as housing, food and transportation, is much lower than in Europe or the US. For example:- Monthly dormitory fees: 100-300 dollarsFood costs: 5-10 dollars per dayTransportation cards: 10-20 dollars per month
Example: A student who wins a scholarship in Turkey can cover the cost of his/her education and earn additional income by working part-time.
1.4 Education in Touristic Regions: Opportunity to Study in Holiday Paradises
One of the biggest advantages of studying tourism and hotel management in Turkey is that the training is provided directly in tourism centers.
- Chance to study in touristic cities such as Antalya, Muğla, İzmir:
Most of the tourism faculties are located in touristic cities of Turkey. In this way, students have the opportunity to observe and experience the sector not only in lessons but also in their daily lives. - Training in hotels, resorts and restaurants:
Students studying in these cities can work part-time or complete compulsory internships in hotels just a few kilometers from their schools. - Learning immersed in local culture:
While studying tourism and hotel management, you can also explore Turkey’s cultural diversity. You can specialize in different areas such as boutique hotels in Cappadocia, the yachting industry in Bodrum or gastronomy tourism in Gaziantep.
Example: A student studying at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University can further his/her education by working at a boutique hotel in Bodrum during the summer holidays.
2. 7 Best Tourism and Hotel Management Universities in Turkey
Many universities in Turkey offer tourism and hotel management education, but the following universities stand out in terms of both academic staff and sectoral connections.
Many universities in Turkey offer tourism and hotel management education, but the following universities stand out in terms of both academic staff and sectoral connections.
1. Akdeniz University – Faculty of Tourism (Antalya)
Why Choose It?
Located in Antalya, Turkey’s most touristic city, Akdeniz University Faculty of Tourism stands out with its direct access to the industry. Students have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in the field by making direct contact with luxury hotels, resorts and travel agencies during the training process.
Features:
✔ Collaborations with 5-star hotels and compulsory internship programs
✔ English and Turkish education options
✔ Practical training opportunities thanks to the university’s own practice hotel
2. Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University – Faculty of Tourism (Muğla)
Why Choose It?
Known for its proximity to tourist centers such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University is one of the few faculties offering special courses in marine tourism and yachting.
Features:
✔ Marine tourism and yachting courses
✔ Extensive internship opportunities in hotels and resorts in the region
✔ Special programs on cultural heritage tourism and ecotourism
3. Antalya Bilim University – Faculty of Tourism (Antalya)
Why Choose It?
As a private university, Antalya Bilim University stands out with its modern education methods and international academic staff. It offers an attractive option especially for students who want to study in English.
Features:
✔ Full English education
✔ Joint projects with international hotel chains
✔ Exchange programs and Erasmus opportunities abroad
4. Izmir Katip Çelebi University – Faculty of Tourism (Izmir)
Why it should be preferred
Izmir has a great potential in the tourism sector in terms of both accommodation and gastronomy. Izmir Katip Çelebi University has a strong academic staff in the field of gastronomy and culinary arts as well as hotel management education.
Features:
✔ Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts
✔ Courses on city hotel management and congress tourism
✔ Collaborations with Turkey’s largest tourism organizations
5. Cappadocia University – Tourism Management and Guidance (Nevşehir)
Why it should be preferred
Located in a touristic region like Cappadocia, Cappadocia University offers an ideal option for students who want to specialize in tourist guiding and boutique hotel management.
Features:
✔ Special lectures on cultural tourism and sustainable tourism
✔ Practical training on air balloon tourism management and boutique hotel management
✔ Field studies in UNESCO World Heritage sites
6. Balıkesir University – Faculty of Tourism (Balıkesir)
Why it should be preferred
One of Turkey’s well-established tourism faculties, Balıkesir University is known for its strong academic programs in hotel and accommodation management.
Features:
✔ Practical training kitchen and hospitality laboratories
✔ Sustainable tourism studies and eco-tourism projects
✔ Industry connections offering a wide range of job opportunities for graduates
7. Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University – Faculty of Tourism (Ankara)
Why Preferred?
Hacı Bayram Veli University, located in the capital Ankara, offers a good alternative for students interested in studying tourism economics, destination management and congress tourism.
Features:
✔ Tourism economics and destination management courses
✔ Career opportunities in international organizations and the public sector
✔ Academic research focusing on cultural and historical tourism
3. How to Apply to the Department of Tourism and Hotel Management in Turkey
To study this program in Turkey, you must follow these steps:
Applying to a tourism and hotel management program in Turkey is similar to the application process for other university programs, although some universities may require additional requirements or exams specific to this field. Below, we have detailed the application process for local and international students who wish to study tourism and hotel management in Turkey.
3.1 General Application Process
To study tourism and hotel management in Turkey, you should follow these steps:
- Prepare your high school diploma and transcript.
- Check if language proficiency certificate is required.
- Perform your registration process through the online application systems of universities.
- Pay the required application fees and upload your documents.
- Some universities may have interviews or additional exams, find out the details.
3.2 Are There Special Applications for Tourism and Hospitality?
There is no special central exam or separate application process for tourism and hotel management education in Turkey, but some universities may set additional criteria for certain fields. Here are some sections and additional requirements:
Special Requirements for the Department of Tourist Guidance
The following requirements may sometimes be required of students applying for tourist guiding programs:
- Language Proficiency: Knowledge of at least one foreign language such as English, German, French is required.
- Interview or Language Test: Some universities in Turkey may conduct interviews to test the language skills of guidance students.
- TÜRSAB Approved Internship Obligation: There may be an obligation to do an internship in certain tourism agencies before graduation.
To become a professional tourist guide in Turkey, you can check out the certification programs determined by TÜRSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies).
Special Requirements for the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts
Some universities may require the following conditions for students who want to study in this department:
- Skill Exam: Some universities may have exams that measure basic culinary skills for the culinary department.
- Portfolio or Interview: If you have previous kitchen experience, you may be asked for a portfolio or work samples.
- Prerequisites for Practical Courses: Preliminary training such as hygiene and food safety may be mandatory.
Special Requirements for the Department of Hotel Management and Tourism Management
- Mandatory Internship Program: Most tourism faculties require 1 to 2 semesters of mandatory internship.
- English Proficiency: Since hotel management and international tourism management departments generally teach in English, a language certificate may be mandatory.
3.3 Tourism Education in Turkey for Foreign Students Application
If you are a foreign student, you can apply through the Foreign National Student Examination (YÖS) or international exams.
Required Documents:
- High school diploma (translated into Turkish and notarized)
- Passport photocopy
- Exam results such as YÖS, SAT, ACT (varies according to the university)
- Language proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS or TÖMER)
- Motivational letter (compulsory in some universities)
- Reference letters (may be required in some private universities)
Tip: Many universities have scholarship programs for foreign students who want to study tourism in Turkey. Check out the Turkey Scholarships program to discover scholarship opportunities to cover your education costs.
4. Post-Graduation Career Opportunities
After graduating from this field, you can follow these career paths:
Tourism and hotel management education offers graduates a wide range of careers. There are many different sectors where you can work in Turkey or internationally. Whether you manage a hotel or open your own restaurant, this sector offers dynamic and lucrative career opportunities. Here are the most popular career paths you can consider after graduation:
4.1 Hotel Manager: Become a Leader in the Hospitality Industry
Hospitality is one of the largest areas of the tourism sector. From five-star hotels to boutique hotels, every property needs a good manager. If you are confident in your leadership skills and care about customer satisfaction, hotel management could be the perfect career for you.
- Featured Job Opportunities:
- Managerial positions in international hotel chains such as Hilton, Rixos, Marriott, Radisson.
- Operations and marketing management in resorts and resort hotels.
- Management in boutique hotels or city hotels.
Tip: To be successful in the hospitality industry, it is a great advantage to learn the functioning of the departments during your internship. Therefore, you can make a strong entry into the sector by doing your compulsory internships in big hotel chains during your education process.
4.2 Tour Guide: A Great Opportunity to Discover New Cultures
Tour guiding is a great profession for those who love traveling and exploring different cultures. Turkey’s rich historical and natural beauties constitute a great working area for tour guides.
- Featured Fields:
- Cultural and Historical Tourism: You can work as a guide in touristic areas such as Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale.
- Adventure and Nature Tourism: You can work for companies that organize trekking, rafting and mountaineering tours.
- Cruise Guiding: You can travel the world as a guide on international cruises.
To become a professional tour guide in Turkey, you can participate in certification programs determined by TÜRSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies).
4.3 Gastronomy Expert: Specialize in Culinary Arts
Gastronomy is a growing career field for students studying tourism and hotel management. Turkey offers great opportunities for gastronomy graduates as it has one of the richest culinary cultures in the world.
- Featured Career Options:
- Managerial Positions in Restaurant and Hotel Kitchens: You can work in Michelin-starred restaurants and large hotel kitchens.
- Food Consulting: You can provide menu development and business consultancy to restaurants.
- Open Your Own Business: You can start your own restaurant, cafeteria or catering company.
Tip: While studying gastronomy, you can get international culinary certificates to improve yourself in culinary arts.
4.4 Cruise and Airline Companies: Opportunity to Work While Traveling
If you love traveling by sea and air, you can find work in these sectors with your tourism degree. Airline and cruise companies offer tourism and hospitality graduates a variety of career opportunities in areas such as customer relations, cabin services and organization management.
- Featured Job Opportunities:
- Airline Companies: You can work as cabin crew or ground handling staff in major airline companies such as THY, Pegasus, Emirates.
- Cruise Ships: You can pursue a career in hotel management, restaurant management and tour organization on luxury cruise ships.
- Duty-Free Shops and Lounge Services: You can work in luxury retail or special passenger services at airports.
If you are considering a career in the airline industry, you can check out Turkish Airlines’ career page for current job postings.
Tourism and Hotel Management Education in Turkey is Waiting for You!
Studying tourism and hotel management in Turkey is a great opportunity for an international career. We have compiled the best universities, application process and career opportunities for you.
Contact Road to Study for more information about applications and start your dream education!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to those who study Tourism and Hotel Management for 2 years?
Graduates can work as management candidates or staff in hotels, agencies, tour companies, airlines and cruise companies.
What are tourism activities in Turkey?
Cultural tourism, sea tourism, health tourism, winter tourism, faith tourism and congress tourism are the main activities.
How many TL salary does Tourism Management get?
According to the salary data of Kariyer.net users, the average Hotel Manager salary is 46,200 TL per month. The lowest shared Hotel Manager salary is 37,000 TL, while the highest is 76,100 TL.
How many years is Tourism and Hotel Management a program?
This program is at the associate degree level and lasts 2 years (4 semesters); some universities also have a compulsory internship.