NZ · Master's
University of Otago
Master of Tourism
University of Otago
Course Overview
Otago's Department of Tourism is the oldest tourism research department in Australasia (founded 1989) and ranks in the global top 30 for Hospitality and Leisure Management in QS World Rankings by Subject. The Master of Tourism is delivered partly in Dunedin and partly via field studies in Queenstown — the world's adventure-tourism capital. Modules include sustainable tourism, destination marketing, indigenous and Maori cultural tourism, tourism policy and planning, plus a research dissertation supervised by faculty publishing in Annals of Tourism Research and Journal of Sustainable Tourism.
Sri Lankan applicants — particularly those moving into senior roles at SLTDA (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority), Sri Lankan Airlines, Cinnamon Hotels, Heritance, John Keells Hotels, or PMI Maldives — choose Otago Tourism for the policy-research depth (relevant to Sri Lanka's post-Easter and post-COVID destination recovery) and the New Zealand sustainable-tourism case-study access (Tongariro, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Maori cultural tourism). The MTour is a frequent Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship target. Returnees take Director-level posts at SLTDA, Cinnamon Group strategy teams, and IFC tourism-finance pipelines.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (any discipline) from a recognised Sri Lankan university — minimum B average (2:2 / GPA 2.8+).
- check_circle Relevant work experience in tourism / hospitality / aviation preferred but not mandatory.
- check_circle Personal statement (1,000 words) outlining tourism interests and research questions.
- check_circle Two academic / professional references.
- check_circle CV detailing relevant experience.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (min 6.0 in each band).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 95 Overall.
- check_circle PTE Academic: 58 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (NZD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | NZD 41,000 | Rs. 7,790,000 |
| Living Expenses (12 months, Dunedin / Queenstown) | NZD 18,000 | Rs. 3,420,000 |
| Student Visa & Insurance | NZD 1,500 | Rs. 285,000 |
| Field Study Costs | NZD 1,000 | Rs. 190,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | NZD 61,500 | Rs. 11,685,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 3-year Post-Study Work Visa. Top hirers: Tourism New Zealand, Auckland Tourism, Christchurch Convention Bureau, Air New Zealand strategy team, plus international consulting firms with tourism practices. Sri Lankan returnees take Director / GM posts at SLTDA, Sri Lankan Airlines route planning, Cinnamon Hotels strategy, Heritance brand management. NZ tourism manager salary: NZD 70,000-95,000.
Related Programs
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Victoria University of Wellington
Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH)
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Master of Science in International Hospitality Business
Glion Institute of Higher Education
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