Travel and tourism courses after graduation: Working in the travel and tourism industry is tailor-made for individuals seeking sought-after career options that are not only rewarding in terms of remuneration but also endow them with exhilarating and enriching experiences. It offers the chance to discover uncharted places, immerse in cultures they’ve never heard of, and taste food they’ve only seen or read about in blogs and magazines.
That said, the demand for skilled professionals in the industry continues to grow across sectors like hospitality, aviation, tour operations, and travel tech, making it the right time for students to enrol in a specialised course after graduation that can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic career. Read the complete blog to learn more about travel and tourism courses after graduation, the entrance exams required, the top colleges, and more.
Top Travel and Tourism Courses After Graduation in India
The travel and tourism industry is growing rapidly, both in India and globally. With better connectivity, rising incomes, and an increasing desire to explore new places, more and more people are travelling for leisure, work, studies, and even medical reasons.
This emerging trend has opened the doors to a multitude of lucrative career opportunities, waiting for one to grab. In other words, in this day and age, it will be a crime if one doesn’t make use of the opportunity and jump right onto the bandwagon. However, before reaping the benefits of the goldmine, one must hone oneself to the brim. There are a couple of specialised courses in this field that can help one thrive in the travel and tourism sector in India.
Here are some of the most popular and rewarding travel and tourism courses you can pursue after graduation:
Master of Tourism Administration
The Master of Tourism Administration is a two-year postgraduate program designed for students who want to build a serious career in the tourism industry. It’s a well-rounded course that combines classroom learning with practical industry exposure.
Whether you want to work with a travel agency, join a tourism board, manage a hotel chain, or lead eco-tourism projects, this program prepares you for leadership roles across the board. Over the span of two years, students will be equipped with the intricacies of tourism operations, destination planning and what not.
MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Students who wish to work in the domain of tourism and hospitality must look into this course. This course is tailor made for those who have an acumen for business and management. During the two year tenure, students will learn the various business subjects with industry knowledge of the world of tourism.
It is ideal for those who yearn for a job that does not demand one to sit behind the desk 24/7, wishes to create real-world experiences, lead teams, and manage operations in resorts, hotels, or even their own travel startup. Other than that, this course equips students with real-life skills by engaging them in real-life experiences such as projects, internships, and live case studies.
Post Graduate Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management
Short on time but want to dive straight into the industry? The PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management might be just what you need. It’s a one-year course that’s all about building practical skills and getting job-ready.
Whether you’re fresh out of college or planning a career change, this program offers solid, industry-focused training. Unlike longer academic degrees, this diploma skips the fluff and focuses on what’s relevant in the real world, tour planning, ticketing, agency management, and more. If you’re someone who believes in hands-on learning and wants to start working quickly, this is a great option.
MA in Tourism Management
The Master of Arts (MA) in Tourism Management is ideal for those who want to dig deeper into the academic and policy-making side of tourism. This two-year program is for students who want to make a difference in how tourism is structured and developed, not just manage it.
It’s a great path if you’re aiming to work in government departments, think tanks, heritage organisations, or even teach and conduct research in this field. The course focuses more on theory, tourism policy, law, sustainability, and research, making it perfect for those who want to be change-makers and thought leaders in the industry.
Certificate Courses (IATA/UFTAA)
For those who want a quick and globally recognized entry into the aviation and travel industry, IATA and UFTAA certification programs are worth exploring. These are short-term courses offered by top international bodies and are especially useful for jobs in airlines, airport operations, or travel agencies.
These courses usually run for a few weeks to a few months, depending on the level. They’re very popular among recent graduates and professionals who want to reskill or upskill. The training is hands-on and job-oriented, with modules on airline ticketing, cargo, GDS systems, customer service, and travel agency operations.
Travel and Tourism Courses After 12th in India
Students who love wandering to new, uncharted places, always in search of something exhilarating, meeting new characters, tasting different cuisine, and also have a knack for planning or organizing things, must opt for a career in travel and tourism, as it might just be their calling.
And the best part? One need not graduate to begin this journey. Right after their 12th, students can choose from a multitude of undergraduate courses that mould them into capable individuals, ready to thrive in the world of tourism, hospitality, and event management. These programs are built to provide students with a solid foundation, covering both theory and hands-on learning, so they are job-ready and confident to step into this exciting industry. That said, here are some of the most popular UG Travel and Tourism courses in India:
| Name of Course | Duration | Annual Fees |
| B.A. in Travel and Tourism Management | 3 Years | ₹30,000 – ₹1.5 Lakhs |
| BBA in Tourism and Hospitality | 3 Years | ₹70,000 – ₹2.5 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Tourism Studies | 3 Years | ₹4,000 – ₹10,000 |
| B.Sc. in Hospitality and Tourism Studies | 3 Years | ₹50,000 – ₹2 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Hotel Management | 4 Years | ₹80,000 – ₹3 Lakhs |
| Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management | 1-2 Years | ₹15,000 – ₹80,000 |
Travel and Tourism Admission After 12th: Eligibility Criteria
Students who wish to pursue travel and tourism courses after 12th must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board. Some institutes require a minimum of 45 to 50% marks. Apart from that, certain universities may conduct entrance exams or personal interviews as part of the admission process for undergraduate programs in this field. Have a look at the eligibility criteria:
- Must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board.
- For some courses, a minimum percentage (usually 45-50%) is required.
- Some universities may conduct entrance exams or interviews.
Top 10 Colleges for Travel and Tourism in India
India houses several prestigious institutions offering travel and tourism courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These colleges are known for their experienced faculty, global exposure, internships, and placement support. Have a look.
| Name of College | Location | Popular Courses | Annual Fees |
| Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) | Gwalior (Head Office) + Regional Centers | BBA, MBA in Tourism and Travel | ₹80,000 – ₹1.2 Lakhs |
| Christ University | Bengaluru | BBA, MBA | ₹1.2 – ₹2.5 Lakhs |
| Amity University | Noida + Other Campuses | BA, BBA | ₹1 – ₹3 Lakhs |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | MA in Tourism Management | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 (Govt. Subsidized) |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | PG Diploma in Tourism and Travel | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Pondicherry University | Pondicherry | MBA in Tourism | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Punjab | BTTM, MTTM | ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 Lakhs |
| IGNOU | Distance Learning | BA, MA | ₹4,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Kurukshetra University | Haryana | BTTM, MTTM | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Thomas Cook Centre of Learning | Mumbai | Professional Certifications | ₹20,000 – ₹75,000 (per certification) |
Travel and Tourism After Graduation: Top Exams in 2025
Individuals who are planning to pursue a career in travel and tourism after their graduation must get into a good college that offers a designated course for their masters. And this can only be achieved when one clears their entrance exams. Entrance exams for travel and tourism are usually designed to gauge an individual’s aptitude, general awareness, communication skills, and knowledge related to tourism and hospitality. Preparing for such exams can give one a serious competitive edge whether they are eyeing for a master’s, a diploma, or an MBA in tourism management.
Go through the following list of exams if you’re serious about building a solid career in this exciting industry.
| Name of Exam | Details |
| NCHMCT JEE | This exam is conducted for admission into BSc Hospitality and Hotel Administration. It is Applicable to IHMs and other affiliated institutions. |
| IITTM Admission Test (IGNTU-IITTM) | This exam is for BBA and MBA programs in Tourism and Travel Management offered by IITTM. |
| CUET (Common University Entrance Test) | This exam is accepted by many central universities for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in tourism. |
| MAH BHMCT CET | It is conducted by Maharashtra CET Cell for admission into Hotel Management and Tourism courses in Maharashtra. |
| UPSEE BHMCT | This exam is conducted for Hotel Management and Tourism programs in Uttar Pradesh colleges. |
| IATA Foundation Course Entry | This direct admission is based on merit or interviews. It is an international certification which enhances a student’s global employment prospects. |
| Some Other Useful Exams | CAT, MAT, XAT for MBA in TourismDUET for Delhi University coursesISSNET for Tata Institute of Social Sciences (Tourism-related MA programs) |
What Can You Do with a Travel and Tourism Degree In India?
Travel and Tourism Career Scope in India: Students interested in exploring new places and stepping into a world full of exciting and meaningful opportunities should definitely pursue a career in Travel and Tourism. Not only is the sector emerging as one of the most lucrative and rewarding in terms of remuneration, but it will also help one experience different places, cultures, ethnicities, and much more. With a degree in this field, one can build a career across a wide range of industries like airlines, luxury hotels, cruise liners, travel agencies, tour operators, event management firms, and even government-run tourism departments.
What sets this industry apart is its demand for people who are great with communication, know how to plan well, can handle customers with ease, and are sensitive to different cultures. And with tourism booming again, both globally and here in India, the need for skilled professionals is growing like never before. That said, here are some of the most sought-after professions in the travel and tourism industry that you should look into.
| Name of Profession | Annual Salary (Average) |
| Travel Consultant/Agent | ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 Lakhs |
| Tour Manager/Guide | ₹3 – ₹5 Lakhs |
| Airline Ground Staff | ₹3 – ₹6 Lakhs |
| Cabin Crew | ₹5 – ₹10 Lakhs |
| Event and MICE Planner | 4 – ₹8 Lakhs |
| Hotel Management Role | ₹5 – ₹9 Lakhs |
| Tourism Officer | ₹4 – ₹7 Lakhs |
| Travel Blogger/Influencer | ₹3 – ₹12 Lakhs |
| Cruise Line Management | ₹6 – ₹12 Lakhs |
| Destination Manager | ₹5 – ₹9 Lakhs |
| Entrepreneur (Travel Startups) | ₹5 – ₹20+ Lakhs |
So that was all about Travel and tourism courses after graduation. We hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic. That said, students who are passionate about cultures, people, and destinations should definitely make a career for themselves in the said industry. Read the following FAQs to bolster your understanding of the topic.
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FAQs
What are the best travel and tourism courses to pursue after graduation in India?
Some of the top travel and tourism courses after graduation in India include MBA in Travel and Tourism Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management, MA in Travel and Tourism, PGDM in Tourism and Hospitality Management and Certificate courses in Aviation/ Ticketing/ Tour Operations.
What is the eligibility criteria for pursuing postgraduate travel and tourism courses?
Students who wish to pursue postgraduate courses in travel and tourism must complete their bachelor’s degree first. There are some institutes that conduct entrance exams or personal interviews, while others offer admission based on merit or graduation marks.
What is the career scope after completing travel and tourism courses in India?
Students who complete their travel and tourism course in India can seek some of the most sought-after job roles, such as those of a Travel Consultant, Tour Manager, Airline Customer Service Executive, and Tourism Marketing Manager.
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