Study Abroad

Study Tourism and Hospitality Management in Austria: Courses, Universities and Careers

July 23, 2026

Study Tourism and Hospitality Management in Austria: Courses, Universities and Careers

Austria provides a distinctive environment for studying tourism and hospitality management.

The country combines major cultural destinations such as Vienna and Salzburg with Alpine tourism regions, ski resorts, wellness properties, conference venues, heritage attractions and internationally recognised hotel brands.

For students, this creates opportunities to study tourism not only as a classroom subject but also as an industry operating around them.

Austrian institutions offer tourism-related programmes covering areas such as:

Hotel and hospitality management
Tourism business
Destination management
Sustainable tourism
Event and experience management
Urban tourism
Leisure management
Tourism entrepreneurship
Digital tourism
Visitor-economy management
Hotel operations
Tourism marketing

Many of the strongest programmes are offered by Universities of Applied Sciences and private universities. These institutions frequently combine business education with mandatory internships, company projects, study-abroad opportunities and industry-focused teaching.

However, students must compare programmes carefully.

A course titled Tourism Management may concentrate on destination planning and marketing, while another may focus on hotel operations, entrepreneurship or sustainable development. The teaching language, tuition fees and internship requirements can also differ considerably.

This guide explores some of Austria’s notable tourism and hospitality programmes and explains admissions, costs, practical training and career prospects for Indian students.

Why Study Tourism and Hospitality Management in Austria?

Austria offers students the opportunity to understand tourism across several different environments.

These include:

Urban and cultural tourism
Alpine and winter tourism
Resort and wellness tourism
Hotel and restaurant operations
Conferences and business events
Heritage and attraction management
Sustainable destination development
Rural and nature-based tourism

A student in Vienna can observe city tourism, events and international hospitality. Salzburg provides exposure to heritage, culture and destination management. Innsbruck connects tourism education with Alpine destinations, recreation and outdoor travel.

This variety can make Austria particularly relevant to students who want to understand how tourism businesses and destinations respond to seasonality, sustainability, changing visitor behaviour and international competition.

Other reasons to consider Austria include:

English-taught bachelor’s and master’s options
Practice-oriented Universities of Applied Sciences
Mandatory internships in several programmes
Opportunities to study tourism within active destinations
Access to European exchange and mobility programmes
Programmes combining tourism with business and entrepreneurship
Exposure to sustainability and digital transformation
Comparatively affordable options at selected Universities of Applied Sciences

The suitability of Austria still depends on the individual programme. Some bachelor’s courses are mainly taught in German, while private English-taught options can be considerably more expensive.

Tourism Management vs Hospitality Management

Although the two fields overlap, they do not have exactly the same focus.

Tourism Management

Tourism management commonly covers:

Destination planning
Tourism marketing
Tour operations
Travel distribution
Visitor attractions
Sustainable tourism
Tourism policy
Events
Mobility
Consumer behaviour
Digital tourism platforms

It may lead to roles in destination organisations, tourism boards, travel companies, attractions, event organisations and tourism consulting.

Hospitality Management

Hospitality management focuses more directly on the operation of service businesses such as:

Hotels
Resorts
Restaurants
Food and beverage operations
Guest services
Revenue management
Housekeeping
Front-office operations
Luxury hospitality
Hotel finance
Property development

Some Austrian degrees combine both areas. Others focus more heavily on tourism business, entrepreneurship or destination development.

Students should examine the modules rather than selecting a programme based solely on its title.

Popular Tourism and Hospitality Programmes in Austria

The following programmes illustrate some of the principal options available. They are not presented as an official ranking.

Institution	Programme	Level	Teaching Language	Main Focus
FHWien der WKW	Tourism & Hospitality Management	Bachelor’s	German, with some English modules	Tourism business, hospitality and practical training
FHWien der WKW	Urban Tourism & Visitor Economy Management	Master’s	English	City tourism and visitor-economy strategy
FH Salzburg	Innovation & Management in Tourism	Master’s	English	Innovation, destination management and sustainable tourism
MCI Innsbruck	Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business	Bachelor’s	English option available	Tourism business, entrepreneurship and Alpine tourism
MCI Innsbruck	Entrepreneurship & Tourism	Master’s	Programme-specific tracks	Entrepreneurship, tourism development and management
IMC Krems	Tourism and Leisure Management	Bachelor’s	English	Business administration and tourism management
Modul University Vienna	Tourism and Hospitality Management	Bachelor’s	English	International tourism and hospitality business
Modul University Vienna	Tourism, Hotel Management and Operations	Bachelor’s	English	Hotel operations and hospitality leadership
Modul University Vienna	International Tourism Management	Master’s	English	Global tourism strategy, sustainability and management

Applicants should verify current programme structures, deadlines and fees directly with the institution before applying.

1. Tourism & Hospitality Management at FHWien der WKW

FHWien der WKW in Vienna offers a bachelor’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management.

The programme combines business administration with tourism-industry knowledge, business English and professional skills.

Students can choose between:

A full-time programme
A dual-study model combining academic study with ongoing professional experience

In the full-time route, students complete a mandatory internship of at least 700 hours during the fourth semester. In the dual programme, students generally spend part of the week at the university and part with a practical partner from the third semester onwards. (fh-wien.ac.at)

Teaching Language

The bachelor’s programme is taught mainly in German, with approximately 25% of its courses delivered in English. Indian applicants therefore need to check the current German-language admission requirement before applying. (fh-wien.ac.at)

Main Study Areas

The course may include areas such as:

Tourism economics
Hospitality management
Marketing
Finance
Human-resource management
Destination management
Event management
Business English
Digitalisation
Sustainability
Customer experience
Tourism law

Tuition Fee

FHWien currently lists a tuition fee of €363.36 per semester, excluding the compulsory Austrian Students’ Union contribution. (fh-wien.ac.at)

Students should verify whether separate tuition rules apply to their nationality during the relevant intake.

Who Is It Best For?

This programme may suit students who:

Have strong German proficiency
Want a practical bachelor’s degree
Prefer studying in Vienna
Want structured work experience
Are interested in hotel, tourism or event management
Value close contact with industry practitioners

FHWien states that a substantial share of its teaching staff comes directly from business, supporting the programme’s applied orientation. (fh-wien.ac.at)

Urban Tourism & Visitor Economy Management at FHWien

FHWien also offers an English-taught master’s programme in Urban Tourism & Visitor Economy Management.

The programme focuses on how heavily visited cities manage tourism while balancing the needs of:

Visitors
Residents
Businesses
Local authorities
Cultural institutions
Mobility providers
Event organisers

It may be particularly relevant to students interested in city tourism, destination strategy, visitor flows and sustainable urban development. (fh-wien.ac.at)

2. Innovation & Management in Tourism at FH Salzburg

FH Salzburg offers an English-taught master’s degree in Innovation & Management in Tourism.

The programme is designed for students who want to develop and manage new approaches within tourism businesses and destinations.

Its curriculum covers areas such as:

Tourism innovation
Strategic management
Leadership
Change management
Destination and attraction management
Hospitality
Sustainable tourism
Digital transformation
Tourism research
Organisational development
International tourism markets

FH Salzburg’s curriculum also addresses current industry challenges such as sustainability and food-waste reduction in gastronomy and hospitality. (fh-salzburg.ac.at)

Teaching Language

The programme is fully taught in English.

FH Salzburg states that an English-language certificate is not necessarily mandatory at the initial application stage, but students need at least B2 English to follow the programme effectively. C1 is recommended. (fh-salzburg.ac.at)

Career Direction

The programme prepares students for managerial roles in areas such as:

Hotels and hospitality companies
Destination-management organisations
Tourism attractions
Tourism associations
Tour operators
Consulting
Tourism innovation
Sustainable destination development

These career pathways are identified by FH Salzburg as relevant outcomes of the programme. (fh-salzburg.ac.at)

Who Is It Best For?

This programme may suit applicants who already hold a relevant bachelor’s degree and want to move towards:

Tourism leadership
Innovation management
Destination development
Sustainable tourism
Consulting
Tourism entrepreneurship

Salzburg’s position as an internationally recognised cultural destination also provides a relevant environment for studying visitor management and tourism development.

3. Tourism Programmes at MCI Innsbruck

MCI Innsbruck offers tourism programmes within one of Austria’s most distinctive Alpine destinations.

Its English-taught bachelor’s option in Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business combines business studies with tourism, entrepreneurship and leisure management.

The programme generally includes:

Business fundamentals
Tourism management
Alpine tourism
Entrepreneurship
Marketing
Sustainable tourism
Service design
International tourism
A mandatory professional internship
International study opportunities

MCI’s programme information indicates that the bachelor’s course includes a compulsory internship and an international semester. (mci.edu)

Why Innsbruck Is Relevant

Innsbruck is located within Tyrol, a region closely associated with:

Alpine tourism
Winter sports
Outdoor recreation
Resort management
Mountain destinations
Sustainable regional tourism

This allows students to examine tourism in a setting where seasonality, destination branding and outdoor experiences have direct economic importance.

Entrepreneurship & Tourism Master’s

MCI also offers a master’s programme in Entrepreneurship & Tourism.

The course combines theory with practice and may include themes such as:

International tourism markets
Sustainable tourism development
Service design
Entrepreneurship
Destination strategy
Innovation
Alpine tourism

Admission normally requires a relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification containing sufficient tourism- or business-related coursework. (mci.edu)

Who Is MCI Best For?

MCI may be suitable for students interested in:

Tourism entrepreneurship
Alpine and leisure tourism
Destination development
Resort management
Sustainable tourism
International tourism business
Starting or managing a tourism enterprise

Applicants should verify the exact teaching language, tuition classification and admission process for their selected track.

4. Tourism and Leisure Management at IMC Krems

IMC Krems offers an English-taught bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Leisure Management.

The programme combines tourism with business administration and is designed to prepare students for local and international management roles.

IMC states that the programme has maintained close relationships with the tourism sector for more than 30 years. (imc.ac.at)

Main Study Areas

The curriculum may include:

Tourism business
Management
Marketing
Finance
Service management
Leisure industries
Destination management
International tourism
Digital business
Sustainability
Research and analytics

Teaching Language

The programme is taught in English, making it potentially suitable for Indian applicants who do not yet have the German level required for a German-taught bachelor’s degree.

Practical Training

IMC’s applied programmes place strong emphasis on practical training and international exposure.

Students should verify the current internship duration and semester placement on the official programme page for their intake.

Who Is It Best For?

This programme may suit students who want:

A fully English-taught bachelor’s degree
A combination of tourism and business
An applied University of Applied Sciences environment
International exposure
A smaller student city near Vienna

Krems is located within a region known for culture, wine tourism and river-based travel, creating a different tourism environment from Vienna or Innsbruck.

5. Tourism and Hospitality at Modul University Vienna

Modul University Vienna is a private English-language university with a strong focus on tourism, hospitality, sustainability and international business.

It offers several relevant degrees.

BBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management

This is a six-semester bachelor’s degree designed for students entering after secondary school.

The programme combines:

Business fundamentals
Tourism management
Hospitality
Marketing
Sustainability
Digitalisation
International management

The current tuition fee listed by Modul University is €9,000 per semester. (modul.ac.at)

BBA in Tourism, Hotel Management and Operations

This eight-semester programme places greater emphasis on operational hospitality and hotel management.

It may include specialisations such as:

Hotel management
Smart tourism and hospitality
Event and experience management

The programme carries 240 ECTS, and the current published tuition fee is €9,000 per semester. (modul.ac.at)

MSc in International Tourism Management

Modul University’s English-taught MSc in International Tourism Management is a 120-ECTS postgraduate programme.

It is suitable for students interested in:

International tourism strategy
Destination management
Tourism policy
Sustainability
Hospitality management
Digital transformation
Research and consulting

The current tuition fee is listed as €7,000 per semester. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree of at least three years or an equivalent qualification. (modul.ac.at)

Who Is Modul University Best For?

Modul may suit students who:

Want a fully English-taught programme in Vienna
Prefer an international private-university environment
Want a strong hospitality or tourism specialisation
Can manage substantially higher tuition fees
Are interested in international hotel or tourism management

Students must compare the total cost carefully. Private-university tuition is significantly higher than the fees at many Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences.

Other Tourism-Related Study Options

Students can also explore programmes in related fields such as:

Event management
International business
Sustainability management
Wine business
Digital marketing
Experience design
Hotel operations
Culinary entrepreneurship
Sports and leisure management

For example, IMC Krems offers an English-taught International Wine Business bachelor’s programme with opportunities for practical training in wine tourism, marketing, sales and related activities. (imc.ac.at)

A broader business degree may also be appropriate for students who want to work in tourism without limiting themselves to one industry.

Eligibility for Indian Students

Admission requirements depend on whether the student is applying for a bachelor’s or master’s programme.

Bachelor’s Eligibility

Indian applicants generally need:

A recognised Class 12 qualification
Required academic subjects
Proof of English or German proficiency
Passport
Motivation letter
Curriculum vitae where requested
Legalised academic documents
Official translations where required
Successful completion of the institution’s admission process

Universities of Applied Sciences may use:

Interviews
Aptitude tests
English assessments
General reasoning tests
Group exercises
Programme-specific assignments

FHWien’s bachelor’s admission test, for example, assesses areas including logical, verbal and numerical reasoning as well as English-language ability. (fh-wien.ac.at)

Students applying to German-taught programmes must satisfy the institution’s German-language requirement.

Master’s Eligibility

Applicants normally need:

A relevant bachelor’s degree
A qualification from a recognised institution
Sufficient business, tourism or hospitality coursework
Proof of English proficiency
Motivation letter
Curriculum vitae
Complete transcripts
Admission interview where required

Relevant bachelor’s backgrounds may include:

Tourism management
Hospitality management
Hotel management
Business administration
International business
Economics
Leisure management
Event management
Marketing
Related social-science fields

Students from unrelated disciplines may be rejected or asked to complete supplementary courses.

Are Three-Year Indian Bachelor’s Degrees Accepted?

A relevant three-year Indian bachelor’s degree may be considered for admission to an Austrian tourism master’s programme.

The institution will normally evaluate:

Recognition of the awarding university
Duration of study
Academic credits
Relevance of subjects
Business and management content
Tourism or hospitality modules
Internship experience
Academic level

Acceptance is not automatic. Students should provide detailed transcripts and syllabi where requested.

English and German Language Requirements

English-Taught Programmes

English-taught programmes may require evidence such as:

IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
Cambridge English
Another accepted B2 certificate
An institutional interview or assessment

The exact requirement varies.

FH Salzburg states that B2 English is required to understand its tourism master’s programme, while C1 is recommended. (fh-salzburg.ac.at)

Some institutions may assess English during the admission interview instead of requiring a separate certificate.

German-Taught Programmes

German-taught courses may require B2 or C1 German.

Students should verify whether the certificate is needed:

At application
Before the admission test
Before enrolment
Before beginning classes

Is German Important for Tourism Careers?

Yes.

Even when the degree is taught entirely in English, German can be highly valuable for internships and employment.

Tourism and hospitality involve frequent communication with:

Guests
Suppliers
Local authorities
Hotel teams
Restaurants
Destination organisations
Event partners
Transport providers

A student may find some English-speaking opportunities in international hotels or tourism companies, especially in Vienna. However, German can considerably expand the available job market.

A practical target is:

A1 or A2 before arrival
B1 during the first part of the degree
B2 before major internships or graduation

Customer-facing and managerial positions may require stronger German.

Tuition Fees

Tuition costs vary significantly by institution.

Institution Type	Indicative Tuition Structure
Selected Universities of Applied Sciences	From approximately €363.36 per semester, depending on institution and nationality
Other UAS programmes	May charge higher non-EU fees
Private universities	Can charge several thousand euros per semester
Modul University Vienna	Currently €7,000–€9,000 per semester for the programmes discussed

FHWien currently lists €363.36 per semester for its Tourism & Hospitality Management bachelor’s programme. Modul University lists €9,000 per semester for its relevant bachelor’s programmes and €7,000 per semester for its International Tourism Management master’s. (fh-wien.ac.at) (modul.ac.at)

Students must confirm:

The fee for non-EU applicants
Application fees
Tuition deposits
Austrian Students’ Union contribution
Internship-related expenses
Study-trip costs
Uniform or equipment expenses
Exchange-semester costs

A low tuition fee does not guarantee a low total cost. Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck can have higher housing costs than smaller Austrian study locations.

Living Costs

Austria’s official Study in Austria guidance estimates average student living costs at approximately €1,400 per month, although actual expenses vary by location and lifestyle. (studyinaustria.at)

Students should budget for:

Accommodation
Food
Health insurance
Local transportation
Mobile and internet expenses
Study materials
Personal expenses
Residence-permit costs
Initial rental deposit
Internship travel
Emergency funds

Tourism students should also check whether the curriculum includes mandatory study trips, international excursions or an internship in another city.

Internships and Practical Training

Internships are a major advantage of studying tourism and hospitality at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences.

Depending on the programme, students may complete practical training in:

Hotels
Resorts
Destination-management organisations
Travel agencies
Tour operators
Event companies
Airlines
Visitor attractions
Tourism boards
Conference centres
Mobility companies
Restaurants
Leisure businesses

FHWien’s full-time bachelor’s programme includes a mandatory internship of at least 700 hours, while its dual route combines study with regular work experience from the third semester. (fh-wien.ac.at)

MCI’s English tourism bachelor’s also includes a mandatory internship in Austria or abroad. (mci.edu)

Are Internships Paid?

Internship payment depends on:

Employer
Type of contract
Number of hours
Collective agreement
Country
Programme structure
Whether the placement is compulsory

Students should not assume that every internship is paid.

Before accepting an offer, confirm:

Monthly compensation
Working hours
Accommodation support
Meals
Insurance
Travel expenses
Internship supervision
Academic credit
Contract terms

Does the University Find the Internship?

The amount of institutional support varies.

Some universities provide:

Industry partner lists
Career fairs
Internship portals
Application workshops
CV reviews
Employer introductions
Placement coordinators

Other programmes expect students to find a suitable employer independently, subject to academic approval.

An internship should never be treated as a guaranteed future job.

Career Opportunities

A tourism or hospitality degree can lead to opportunities across several sectors.

Hotel and Resort Careers

Possible roles include:

Front-office manager
Rooms-division manager
Guest-relations manager
Food and beverage manager
Revenue-management analyst
Hotel sales manager
Operations manager
Resort manager
Hotel-development analyst

Tourism and Destination Careers

Graduates may work as:

Destination manager
Tourism-development officer
Tourism marketing executive
Visitor-economy coordinator
Sustainable-tourism consultant
Tourism research analyst
Product-development manager
Travel operations manager

Events and Attractions

Possible roles include:

Event manager
Conference coordinator
Exhibition manager
Attraction manager
Festival coordinator
Visitor-experience manager
Cultural-tourism officer

Travel and Mobility

Graduates may explore:

Tour operations
Travel consulting
Airline services
Cruise operations
Mobility management
Distribution and booking platforms
Online travel companies

Marketing and Digital Tourism

Possible careers include:

Tourism digital-marketing specialist
Social-media manager
Brand manager
Customer-experience analyst
E-commerce manager
Tourism content strategist
Market-research analyst

Entrepreneurship

Graduates may establish or manage:

Travel companies
Boutique accommodation
Tourism-technology ventures
Event businesses
Food-tourism experiences
Destination services
Wellness or leisure businesses

Entrepreneurship still requires capital, legal planning, market research and residence permission. A degree alone does not guarantee business success.

Skills Employers May Expect

Tourism employers often look for a combination of business and interpersonal skills.

These may include:

Guest communication
Service orientation
Problem solving
Business English
German or another European language
Sales
Digital marketing
Revenue management
Data analysis
Team leadership
Financial awareness
Cultural sensitivity
Crisis management
Sustainability knowledge

Students should use internships and projects to build evidence of these skills.

Can Indian Students Work While Studying?

Indian students holding a Residence Permit – Student may receive permission to work for up to 20 hours per week.

The employer must apply for the work permit through Austria’s Public Employment Service before employment begins. The permit can be issued without a labour-market check within this limit. (oead.at)

Tourism students may find part-time opportunities in:

Hotels
Restaurants
Events
Guest services
Tourism attractions
Retail
Administration

However, job availability depends on German proficiency, experience, location and season.

Part-time employment should be treated as supplementary income, not as the primary method of financing the degree.

Staying in Austria After Graduation

Eligible third-country students who complete an Austrian degree may extend their Residence Permit – Student once for an additional 12 months to search for suitable employment or establish a business. (oead.at)

To remain longer, the graduate must qualify for an appropriate work or residence status.

Students should understand that:

Graduation does not automatically create a work permit
A suitable job may be needed
The role should match the qualification
Salary and residence conditions apply
German can improve employability substantially

Tourism can be seasonal, and entry-level roles may not always satisfy long-term residence requirements. Students should build management, digital, analytical or specialised skills that can support progression beyond basic operational positions.

Which Austrian City Is Best for Tourism Students?

Vienna

Vienna may suit students interested in:

Urban tourism
International hotels
Conferences
Cultural attractions
Luxury hospitality
Airline and mobility businesses
International tourism organisations

Institutions include FHWien der WKW and Modul University Vienna.

Salzburg

Salzburg is relevant for:

Cultural tourism
Heritage attractions
Destination management
Events
Sustainable tourism
Hospitality

FH Salzburg offers the English-taught Innovation & Management in Tourism master’s.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck may be ideal for students interested in:

Alpine tourism
Ski and winter destinations
Outdoor recreation
Resort management
Sports tourism
Sustainable mountain tourism

MCI is the city’s main institution for specialised tourism business education.

Krems

Krems offers a smaller-city environment connected to:

Cultural tourism
Wine tourism
River tourism
Regional destination development

IMC Krems offers an English-taught Tourism and Leisure Management bachelor’s programme.

How to Choose the Right Programme

Before applying, compare the following factors.

1. Course Orientation

Determine whether the programme focuses on:

Tourism strategy
Hotel operations
Entrepreneurship
Destination management
Sustainability
Events
Leisure
Urban tourism

2. Language of Instruction

A website may be available in English even when the degree is mainly taught in German.

3. Internship Structure

Confirm:

Whether it is compulsory
Its duration
Whether the university assists with placement
Whether it can be completed abroad
Whether German is normally required

4. Tuition Fees

Compare the exact fee for Indian or non-EU students.

5. City and Industry Environment

The city should align with the tourism sector you want to experience.

6. Career Level

A general tourism degree may prepare students for broad roles, while a hotel-operations programme may be more specialised.

7. Return on Investment

Consider the total cost, not only the university’s reputation.

Recommended Application Timeline

10–12 Months Before the Intake

Research courses and universities
Check teaching language
Review academic eligibility
Begin English or German preparation
Compare tuition fees

8–10 Months Before the Intake

Complete language tests
Collect academic documents
Prepare the CV and motivation letter
Research admission interviews and tests

6–8 Months Before the Intake

Submit applications
Complete entrance procedures
Prepare financial documents
Begin residence-permit planning

After Admission

Accept the offer
Pay required fees or deposits
Arrange proof of funds
Apply for the Residence Permit – Student
Search for accommodation
Plan health insurance
Prepare for departure

Universities of Applied Sciences can have limited places and earlier non-EU deadlines. Indian students should avoid waiting until the final application date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing Tourism Only Because You Enjoy Travelling

Tourism management involves finance, operations, marketing, staffing, data, regulation and customer service.

2. Confusing Hospitality with Tourism

Check whether the course actually teaches hotel operations if that is your goal.

3. Ignoring German

English may be sufficient for admission but not for many guest-facing jobs.

4. Assuming Every Internship Is Paid

Compensation varies by employer and programme.

5. Selecting a Private University Without Comparing Costs

Private tuition can be many times higher than UAS tuition.

6. Applying with a Generic Motivation Letter

Explain why the specific curriculum and destination match your career plan.

7. Depending Entirely on Part-Time Work

Tourism employment can be seasonal and language-dependent.

8. Focusing Only on Hotel Jobs

Tourism degrees can also lead to careers in destinations, events, technology, marketing and consulting.

9. Ignoring Working Hours

Hospitality careers can involve evenings, weekends and holiday periods.

10. Assuming Graduation Guarantees Austrian Employment

Employment depends on skills, language ability, experience and residence rules.

How SPAN International Supports Austria Applicants

Choosing a tourism or hospitality programme requires careful comparison of curriculum, language, internships, tuition and career outcomes.

SPAN International supports eligible students with:

Academic-profile assessment
Course and institution shortlisting
Tourism and hospitality programme comparisons
English and German requirement checks
Application-timeline planning
Motivation-letter guidance
Academic-document preparation
Admission-test and interview guidance
Financial planning
Austria residence-permit assistance
Accommodation support
Pre-departure orientation

Our team helps students select a programme that matches their academic background, budget and preferred tourism career.

Final Thoughts

Austria can be an excellent destination for students interested in tourism and hospitality management.

The country offers programmes connected to:

Urban tourism in Vienna
Culture and heritage in Salzburg
Alpine tourism in Innsbruck
Regional and wine tourism around Krems
International hotel and tourism management

The best programme depends on your career objective.

Choose FHWien der WKW when you want applied tourism and hospitality education with substantial practical training and have the required German proficiency.

Choose FH Salzburg when you want an English-taught master’s focused on innovation, sustainability and destination management.

Choose MCI Innsbruck when you are interested in entrepreneurship, Alpine tourism and leisure business.

Choose IMC Krems when you want an English-taught, business-focused tourism bachelor’s in a University of Applied Sciences environment.

Choose Modul University Vienna when you want specialised English-taught hospitality or international tourism education and can manage private-university tuition.

Before applying, answer five questions:

Is the programme focused on tourism, hospitality or both?
Is it fully taught in English?
How much practical training is included?
Can I realistically manage the total tuition and living costs?
Does the course prepare me for the role I want after graduation?

A strong tourism degree should offer more than an attractive study destination. It should provide business knowledge, practical experience, language development and a clear pathway towards professional growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austria good for tourism and hospitality studies?

Yes. Austria offers tourism programmes covering hospitality, destination management, sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship, urban tourism and Alpine tourism.

Are tourism courses available in English?

Yes. English-taught options include programmes at FH Salzburg, MCI Innsbruck, IMC Krems and Modul University Vienna. FHWien’s bachelor’s programme is mainly taught in German.

Which Austrian university is best for hospitality management?

The best choice depends on the student’s budget and goals. FHWien provides applied tourism and hospitality training, while Modul University offers specialised private English-taught hospitality programmes.

Which programme is best for sustainable tourism?

FH Salzburg’s Innovation & Management in Tourism master’s and MCI’s tourism programmes include sustainability-related content.

Can Indian students study tourism in Austria after Class 12?

Yes, provided their Class 12 qualification is accepted and they meet the programme’s language and admission requirements.

Can students with a three-year bachelor’s degree apply for a tourism master’s?

A relevant three-year Indian degree may be considered. The institution will assess the academic content, credits and relevance of the qualification.

Is German required?

German is required for mainly German-taught programmes. It may not be an admission requirement for fully English-taught degrees, but it is highly valuable for internships and employment.

Do tourism programmes include internships?

Many Universities of Applied Sciences include compulsory internships or professional training. The duration and placement process vary by programme.

Are tourism internships paid in Austria?

Some are paid, while others may be unpaid or provide limited compensation. Students must check the employer’s contract.

How much does it cost to study tourism in Austria?

Selected UAS programmes may start around €363.36 per semester, while private programmes can cost €7,000–€9,000 per semester. Living costs must be added separately.

Can students work part-time?

Eligible Indian students holding a Residence Permit – Student may receive permission to work for up to 20 hours per week. The employer must apply for the required permit. (oead.at)

What careers are available after graduation?

Possible roles include hotel manager, destination manager, tourism marketer, event manager, revenue analyst, tour-operations manager and sustainable-tourism consultant.

Can graduates stay in Austria after completing the degree?

Eligible graduates may extend their student residence permit for 12 months to search for suitable employment or establish a business. (oead.at)

Can SPAN International help with tourism and hospitality applications?

Yes. SPAN International supports eligible students with course selection, university applications, language planning, finances, residence permits, accommodation and pre-departure preparation.