NZ · Master's
Victoria University of Wellington
Master of Tourism Management
Victoria University of Wellington
Course Overview
Victoria University of Wellington's Master of Tourism Management is one of the Asia-Pacific's leading tourism postgraduate degrees — housed at the Wellington School of Business and Government, ranked top 200 globally by AACSB and EQUIS double-accredited. The one-year (180-point) programme combines applied tourism strategy, destination management, sustainable tourism, and digital marketing for the visitor economy.
Wellington is the seat of New Zealand's tourism policy infrastructure — Tourism New Zealand, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (tourism portfolio), and Tourism Industry Aotearoa are all based in the capital. Sri Lankan applicants with backgrounds in hotel management (SLIIT, KIU, NSBM), travel agency operations (Aitken Spence, John Keells, Walkers), or tourism authority work (SLTDA, SLTPB) are well-positioned.
The capstone is a 45-point applied research project — recent cohorts have worked with Tourism New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, Auckland Tourism, and major Pacific destinations (Fiji, Cook Islands). New Zealand's 1-year Post-Study Work Visa applies to one-year master's grads, with extension to 3 years for those who pursue further qualifications or qualify under post-graduate pathways.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Recognised bachelor's degree with a B+ average (GPA 3.3/4.0+) in tourism, hospitality, business, management, or a related discipline.
- check_circle Sri Lankan applicants from SLIIT BBA Hospitality, NSBM Tourism Management, University of Colombo Tourism, or Kotelawala Defence University Hospitality degrees are well-recognised.
- check_circle Two years of tourism industry experience preferred but not required.
- check_circle Statement of purpose (1,000 words) on tourism interests and post-graduation plans.
- check_circle Two academic or professional references.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (min 6.0 in each component).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall (min 20 in Writing).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 58 Overall (min 50 in each section).
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution within the last 5 years — most Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degree programmes qualify with an MOI letter from the university registrar.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (NZD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (12 months) | NZD 50,000 | Rs. 9,500,000 |
| Living Expenses (12 months, Wellington) | NZD 22,000 | Rs. 4,180,000 |
| Student Visa + Health Insurance | NZD 1,000 | Rs. 190,000 |
| Total Programme Investment | NZD 73,000 | Rs. 13,870,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the NZ Post-Study Work Visa (1 year for one-year master's). Victoria Wellington Tourism Management grads work at Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Auckland Tourism, Wellington NZ, plus regional tourism organisations and the major NZ hospitality groups (Heritage Hotels, Millennium, CPG). Sri Lankan returnees move into SLTDA, SLTPB, Cinnamon Hotels, Aitken Spence Travels, Jetwing Eco Holdings senior roles. NZ starting tourism manager salary NZD 65,000–80,000.
Related Programs
Master of Tourism
University of Otago
Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH)
Cornell SC Johnson — Nolan School of Hotel Administration
Master of Science in International Hospitality Business
Glion Institute of Higher Education
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