Checkout the Masters in Hotel Management in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 04, 2025 12:14:09
Program: Master of Business Administration (MBA) with electives or concentrations in hospitality/tourism.
Language: English.
International Student Friendly: Yes.
Note: They offer modern business programs with a focus on service industries.
Program: Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management (under Faculty of Economics and Administration).
Language: Arabic & some English.
Location Bonus: Jeddah is a key city for tourism near the Red Sea.
International Student Friendly: Yes – they have scholarships for international students.
Program: Master’s in Urban Design with tracks related to tourism planning and hospitality.
Language: English.
International Student Friendly: Yes.
Note: Private women’s university with a global outlook. Hospitality-related programs are often tied into design and tourism.
Program: Offers undergraduate degrees in hospitality, but graduates can pursue a Master’s in Business with a hospitality focus.
Language: English.
International Student Friendly: Yes.
Master in Tourism and Event Management
MBA with Hospitality Concentration
Master’s in Business with Service Industry Focus
Language: Most programs are offered in English or bilingual (Arabic/English).
Visas: Saudi Arabia now allows international students with a proper student visa under Vision 2030 reforms.
Scholarships: Some universities (like King Abdulaziz) offer full scholarships covering tuition, housing, and monthly stipend.
Culture: Be prepared for cultural adjustments – rules differ based on gender, attire, and public behavior.
Program Name: Master’s in Tourism and Hotel Management ( )
Faculty: Economics and Administration
Focus: Hospitality management, tourism planning, hotel operations.
Language: Mainly Arabic, but some courses may be available in English.
For International Students: Yes, with scholarship opportunities.
Program Name: MBA with Hospitality/Tourism Management elective courses
Faculty: College of Business Administration
Focus: Business and management principles applied to service industries like hospitality.
Language: English
For International Students: Yes
Program Name: Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning with focus areas in tourism development
Faculty: College of Architecture and Design
Focus: Urban development, tourism infrastructure, hospitality integration
Language: English
For International Students: Yes
Program Name: Master's in Business Administration (MBA) with Hospitality and Tourism electives
Faculty: Business and Law
Focus: Hospitality entrepreneurship, event management, service marketing
Language: English
For International Students: Yes
Program Name: Master’s in Tourism and Antiquities (focus on heritage tourism & hospitality)
Faculty: College of Tourism and Antiquities
Focus: Tourism management, heritage hospitality, strategic planning
Language: Arabic (primarily)
For International Students: Yes, but Arabic proficiency may be required
Requirement: A recognized undergraduate degree (usually in Hospitality, Tourism, Business, Management, or a related field).
Minimum GPA: Varies by university, but generally:
Out of 5.0 scale: At least 3.0
Out of 4.0 scale: At least 2.5
Some programs may accept other degrees if you show relevant work experience or coursework.
English-taught programs:
TOEFL iBT: 70–80+
IELTS: 6.0–6.5+
Alternative: Some universities may have their own English placement tests or allow exemptions for students from English-medium universities.
Arabic-taught programs:
Arabic proficiency may be required (especially at public universities like King Saud or King Abdulaziz).
Some programs, especially MBA-type degrees with hospitality focus, prefer or require 1–2 years of relevant work experience in tourism, hotels, or related sectors.
Not mandatory for all programs.
Typically 2 academic or professional recommendation letters.
A short essay explaining your interest in hotel management, your goals, and why you chose that university.
A valid passport.
Upon admission, the university will help facilitate a student visa for you.
CV/Resume
Academic Transcripts (Translated to Arabic or English)
Health Certificate / Medical Report
Application Fee (if applicable)
Typical Duration: 2 years
Credit Hours: Around 36–42 credit hours, depending on the university and program structure.
Thesis Option: Some programs offer a thesis track and a non-thesis (coursework/project-based) track – which can slightly affect the duration.
Year 1:
Core hospitality and tourism courses
Business or management foundation
Electives based on focus (e.g., hotel operations, event planning, strategic management)
Year 2:
Specialization courses
Research methods or project planning
Final project, internship, or thesis
Some universities include industry internships or practicum semesters, especially in cities like Jeddah or Riyadh, which are key hospitality hubs.
Internship durations are usually 6–12 weeks.
Program: MBA with Hospitality or Tourism Management electives.
Online? Not fully online, but may offer blended courses or evening/weekend formats, especially post-COVID.
Best For: Working professionals who can attend part-time or hybrid formats.
Program: Master’s in Tourism and Hotel Management.
Online? Mostly on-campus, but the university offers some distance learning infrastructure (especially for other degrees), so this could evolve.
Tip: Check if international students can enroll via distance education under special permission.
Program: Not specifically Hotel Management, but offers online graduate programs in Business Administrationwhich may include service industry tracks.
Online? Yes – offers distance learning programs with regional accreditation.
Language: English/Arabic
Best For: Students looking for flexibility + business focus in the service sector.
Semester Starts: August or September
Application Period: Usually February to May
Best time to apply: Early spring (Feb–March) for international students.
Semester Starts: January or February
Application Period: Usually September to November
Not all programs accept spring admissions – more common in private universities.
Intake: Fall only (September)
Application Window for International Students:
December to March
Scholarship Deadline: Usually closes by March 31st
Program: Master’s in Tourism and Hotel Management
Intakes: Fall & possibly Spring
Application Deadlines:
Fall: May to July
Spring (if offered): October to December
Program: MBA with Hospitality/Tourism electives
Intakes: Fall and Spring
Deadlines:
Fall: Around June–July
Spring: Around October–November
Program: Related to tourism, urban development, and business.
Intakes: Fall & Spring
Application Periods:
Fall: Until mid-July
Spring: October–November
Program: MBA with hospitality/tourism components
Program: Master’s in Tourism and Hotel Management
Tuition Fee:
For international students: Fully funded scholarships available
If self-funded: Approx. SAR 30,000–40,000 per year (~USD 8,000–10,500)
Extras: Full scholarships may include housing, health insurance, and monthly stipend
Program: MBA with Hospitality electives
Tuition Fee:
Approx. SAR 96,000–110,000 total (~USD 25,000–29,000) for entire MBA
Payment plans often available (per semester or credit hour)
Language: English
International Students: Accepted (self-funded)
Program: Related master's programs (Urban Design with tourism/hospitality track, MBA)
Tuition Fee:
Approx. SAR 80,000–90,000 total (~USD 21,000–24,000)
Scholarships/Discounts: Available for high GPA or early registration
Language: English
Program: MBA with hospitality/tourism electives
Tuition Fee:
Approx. SAR 90,000–100,000 total (~USD 24,000–26,000)
Flexible payment: Per semester basis
Language: English
Program: Master’s in Tourism and Antiquities (hospitality-related)
Tuition Fee:
For Saudi citizens: Free
For international students: Often scholarship-based (limited paid seats available)
If self-funded: SAR 25,000–35,000 per year (~USD 6,500–9,000)
Public Universities (with self-funding):
SAR 25,000–40,000 per year → SAR 50,000–80,000 total
(USD 13,000–21,000 total for 2 years)
Private Universities (Effat, PSU, Dar Al-Hekma):
SAR 80,000–110,000 total
(USD 21,000–29,000 total)
University Dorms: SAR 8,000–12,000/year
Private Apartment (shared): SAR 18,000–24,000/year
Total (2 years): SAR 16,000–48,000
(USD 4,300–12,800)
SAR 1,000–1,500/month
SAR 12,000–18,000/year
Total (2 years): SAR 24,000–36,000
(USD 6,400–9,600)
Public Transport / Rideshare: SAR 300–500/month
Total (2 years): SAR 7,200–12,000
(USD 1,900–3,200)
SAR 1,000–2,000 per year
Total (2 years): SAR 2,000–4,000
(USD 530–1,060)
Student Visa: SAR 2,000–3,000
Medical Insurance: SAR 2,000/year
Total (2 years): SAR 4,000–7,000
(USD 1,000–1,900)
Type of University |
Total Estimated Cost (SAR) |
Total in USD |
|---|---|---|
|
Public (Self-funded) |
100,000–140,000 |
USD 26,500–37,000 |
|
Private |
140,000–180,000+ |
USD 37,000–48,000+ |
Tuition: Free
Housing: Free (dorms)
Monthly Stipend: ~SAR 900–1,000
Health Insurance & Visa: Free
Your out-of-pocket cost: Possibly zero or very minimal
King Abdulaziz University – Tourism & Hotel Management
Prince Sultan University – MBA with hospitality electives
Effat University / Dar Al-Hekma – MBA or hospitality-related tracks
Bachelor’s degree (preferably in hospitality, tourism, business, or related field)
Minimum GPA (usually 2.5/4.0 or 3.0/5.0)
English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) – unless you studied in English
Personal statement or statement of purpose (SOP)
2 recommendation letters
CV or resume
Document |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree Certificate |
Must be attested and translated (if not in English/Arabic) |
|
Academic Transcripts |
From all post-secondary institutions |
|
Personal Statement / SOP |
Explaining motivation, goals, and interest in hospitality |
|
Recommendation Letters |
Academic or professional |
|
CV or Resume |
Highlight relevant work experience (if any) |
|
English Test Score |
TOEFL/IELTS (or university’s English test) |
|
Passport Copy |
Valid for at least 6 months |
|
Medical Report |
Required for visa later on |
|
Passport-size Photo |
Standard format |
Apply through the university’s online admissions portal
Some public universities (e.g., KAU) have a special scholarship portal for international students
You’ll need to upload all scanned documents and pay an application fee (if required)
Some programs might schedule a virtual interview to assess motivation and language skills
Admission results are usually announced within 1–2 months
If accepted, you'll receive:
Admission letter
Scholarship confirmation (if applicable)
Instructions for next steps
The university may help you process your student visa through the Ministry of Education
Documents usually needed:
Admission letter
Passport
Medical checkup results
Police clearance (sometimes)
Arrange for accommodation (dorms or off-campus)
Book your flight
Get your academic and personal documents in hard copy
Prepare for cultural and academic orientation
Covers:
Full tuition
Free accommodation (dorms)
Monthly stipend (~SAR 900–1,000)
Free health insurance
Airfare (entry + return)
Eligibility:
Non-Saudi students with a bachelor’s degree in a related field
Strong academic record
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Available For: Master’s in Tourism and Hotel Management
Covers:
Full tuition
Monthly allowance
Health insurance
On-campus housing
Eligibility:
Excellent academic background
Arabic may be required for some programs
Relevant Program: Master’s in Tourism and Antiquities (with hospitality/tourism focus)
Covers:
Full tuition at partner universities in Saudi Arabia
Living expenses
Medical insurance and travel
Eligibility:
Citizens of IsDB member countries or Muslim communities worldwide
Strong academic background and commitment to community service
Applicable Universities: King Abdulaziz University, KSU, and others
For: International students applying to public universities in Saudi Arabia
Covers:
Tuition fees
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Books and medical coverage
How it works: Students apply through the university’s scholarship portal; the university nominates candidates to the Ministry
Type: Partial scholarships or fee waivers
Covers: 10%–30% of tuition fees
Eligibility:
High GPA in bachelor’s degree
Strong English skills
For: MBA with hospitality or tourism electives
Type: Partial tuition coverage for high-achieving students
Covers: 15%–40% of total tuition fees
For: Women only (these are private women’s universities in Jeddah)
Eligibility:
Strong academic record
Community service or leadership may help
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Good GPA (typically 3.0+ out of 4.0 or equivalent)
TOEFL or IELTS for English programs
Passport copy
Medical clearance
Academic transcripts (translated)
Personal statement or research proposal
Apply early (ideally January–March for Fall intake)
Tailor your personal statement to show why you're passionate about hospitality and how it aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 (tourism development)
Highlight leadership, service, or work experience in hospitality
Maintain all academic documents in both Arabic and English if possible
Positions:
Hotel Manager / Assistant General Manager
Front Office Manager
Guest Relations Manager
Rooms Division Manager
Employers:
International chains (Hilton, Marriott, Accor, IHG, etc.)
Luxury resorts in Riyadh, Jeddah, NEOM, Red Sea, AlUla
Positions:
Destination Manager
Tourism Project Consultant
Cultural Tourism Coordinator
Ecotourism or Heritage Site Manager
Employers:
Saudi Tourism Authority, Ministry of Tourism
Giga-projects (NEOM, Red Sea Project, AlUla Development)
Positions:
Event Director
Convention Services Manager
Banquet/Event Sales Executive
Employers:
Convention centers, exhibition halls, and event planning firms
MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) sector is booming in Saudi
Positions:
Restaurant Manager
Food & Beverage Director
Operations Manager
Employers:
Fine dining restaurants, hotel restaurants, catering companies
New hospitality hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah, and tourist cities
Positions:
Hospitality Analyst
Revenue Manager
Business Development Consultant
Employers:
Hospitality consulting firms
Real estate developers & investment firms in tourism sector
Positions:
Lecturer in Hospitality or Tourism Management
Researcher in sustainable tourism, service innovation, or cultural heritage
Employers:
Universities (public and private)
Hospitality training institutes or government tourism initiatives
Luxury & Eco-Tourism (Red Sea, AlUla)
Mega Events & Sports Tourism (e.g. F1, Riyadh Season)
Smart Hotels & Tech Integration (NEOM, futuristic hotels)
Hajj & Umrah Services (hospitality for religious tourism)
Role |
Salary Range (Monthly) |
|---|---|
|
Entry-level Hotel Manager |
SAR 8,000–12,000 |
|
Mid-level Tourism Executive |
SAR 12,000–18,000 |
|
Event/Conference Manager |
SAR 10,000–16,000 |
|
Senior Hospitality Consultant |
SAR 18,000–30,000+ |
|
Lecturer / Academic Role |
SAR 12,000–20,000 |
Career services centers
Industry partnerships with hotel chains
Internships and on-the-job training
Networking events with tourism authorities and hotel brands
Apply for sponsorship through an employer
Be hired directly by hospitality companies who will process a work visa
Apply through initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 Talent Programs
