Biodiversity and Natural Beauty: Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests and imposing volcanoes to beautiful beaches. This makes it an ideal learning environment for students interested in ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices.
Sustainable Tourism Practices: Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainable tourism. The country's commitment to conservation and sustainability provides students with practical examples and case studies on successful sustainable tourism, which is increasingly valued worldwide.
Cultural Immersion: Costa Rica's rich culture and friendly populace offer an immersive environment for international students. The country's "Pura Vida" lifestyle can provide insights into hospitality management and creating memorable experiences for tourists.
Tourism-Driven Economy: Tourism is one of the largest sectors in Costa Rica's economy. Studying in a tourism-driven economy allows students to understand and learn from the industry's direct impact on the country's development and local communities.
Practical Learning Opportunities: Many courses offer practical learning experiences through internships and collaboration with local businesses in the tourism sector. This hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing students for their future careers.
International Networking: Studying in a popular tourist destination allows students to meet professionals from around the world, providing opportunities to build a global network of contacts in the industry.
Language Skills: While the primary language is Spanish, many programs are offered in English. However, living and studying in Costa Rica provides a great opportunity to improve or learn Spanish, a significant asset in the global hospitality industry.
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Tourism |
Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Eco-Tourism, Community-Based Tourism |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Hotel Management |
Hotel Administration, Resort Management |
|
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Bachelor in Event Management |
Event Planning, Conference Management |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Bachelor in Tourism Management |
Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism |
|
Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador (UISIL) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism |
Hotel Management, Tourism Marketing |
|
ULACIT |
Bachelor in International Hotel Management |
Hotel Operations, Tourism Development |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Master in Tourism Management |
Strategic Tourism Planning, Sustainable Tourism Development |
University |
Course Program |
Level |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Tourism |
Bachelor |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Bachelor |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Hotel Management |
Bachelor |
Spanish, Some courses in English |
4 years |
|
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Bachelor in Event Management |
Bachelor |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Bachelor in Tourism Management |
Bachelor |
English |
4 years |
|
Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador (UISIL) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism |
Bachelor |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
ULACIT |
Bachelor in International Hotel Management |
Bachelor |
English |
4 years |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Master in Tourism Management |
Master |
Spanish, Some courses in English |
2 years |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Tourism |
Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Eco-Tourism, Community-Based Tourism |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Hotel Management |
Hotel Administration, Resort Management |
Spanish, Some courses in English |
4 years |
|
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Bachelor in Event Management |
Event Planning, Conference Management |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Bachelor in Tourism Management |
Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism |
English |
4 years |
|
Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador (UISIL) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism |
Hotel Management, Tourism Marketing |
Spanish |
4 years |
|
ULACIT |
Bachelor in International Hotel Management |
Hotel Operations, Tourism Development |
English |
4 years |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Master in Tourism |
Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Master in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Eco-Tourism, Community-Based Tourism |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Master in Tourism Management |
Strategic Tourism Planning, Sustainable Tourism Development |
Spanish, Some courses in English |
2 years |
|
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Master in Event Management |
Event Planning, Conference Management |
Spanish |
2 years |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Master in Tourism Management |
Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism |
English |
2 years |
|
ULACIT |
Master in International Hotel Management |
Hotel Operations, Tourism Development |
English |
2 years |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
PhD in Tourism |
Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
PhD in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Eco-Tourism, Community-Based Tourism |
Spanish |
3-5 years |
|
ULACIT |
PhD in International Hotel Management |
Hotel Operations, Tourism Development |
English |
3-5 years |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Diploma in Hotel Management |
Hotel Administration, Resort Management |
Spanish, Some courses in English |
1-2 years |
|
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Diploma in Event Management |
Event Planning, Conference Management |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador (UISIL) |
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism |
Hotel Management, Tourism Marketing |
Spanish |
1-2 years |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Diploma in Tourism Management |
Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism |
English |
1-2 years |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Language of Instruction |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Short-term Course in Hotel Management |
Hotel Administration, Resort Management |
Spanish, Some courses in English |
6 months - 1 year |
|
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Short-term Course in Event Management |
Event Planning, Conference Management |
Spanish |
6 months - 1 year |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Short-term Course in Tourism Management |
Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism |
English |
6 months - 1 year |
|
Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) |
Certificate in Hospitality Operations |
Front Office Operations, Housekeeping |
Spanish |
6 months |
|
ULACIT |
Short-term Course in International Hotel Management |
Hotel Operations, Tourism Development |
English |
6 months - 1 year |
University |
Course Program |
Level |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Tourism |
Bachelor |
Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism |
|
|
Master in Tourism |
Master |
Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism |
|
|
PhD in Tourism |
PhD |
Sustainable Tourism, Ecotourism |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Bachelor |
Eco-Tourism, Community-Based Tourism |
|
|
Master in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Master |
Eco-Tourism, Community-Based Tourism |
|
|
PhD in Sustainable Tourism Management |
PhD |
Eco-Tourism, Community-Based Tourism |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Hotel Management |
Bachelor |
Hotel Administration, Resort Management |
|
|
Master in Tourism Management |
Master |
Strategic Tourism Planning, Sustainable Tourism Development |
|
|
Diploma in Hotel Management |
Diploma |
Hotel Administration, Resort Management |
|
|
Short-term Course in Hotel Management |
Short-term |
Hotel Administration, Resort Management |
|
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Bachelor in Event Management |
Bachelor |
Event Planning, Conference Management |
|
|
Master in Event Management |
Master |
Event Planning, Conference Management |
|
|
Diploma in Event Management |
Diploma |
Event Planning, Conference Management |
|
|
Short-term Course in Event Management |
Short-term |
Event Planning, Conference Management |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Bachelor in Tourism Management |
Bachelor |
Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism |
|
|
Master in Tourism Management |
Master |
Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism |
|
|
Diploma in Tourism Management |
Diploma |
Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism |
|
|
Short-term Course in Tourism Management |
Short-term |
Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism |
|
Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador (UISIL) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism |
Bachelor |
Hotel Management, Tourism Marketing |
|
|
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism |
Diploma |
Hotel Management, Tourism Marketing |
|
Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) |
Certificate in Hospitality Operations |
Certificate |
Front Office Operations, Housekeeping |
|
ULACIT |
Bachelor in International Hotel Management |
Bachelor |
Hotel Operations, Tourism Development |
|
|
Master in International Hotel Management |
Master |
Hotel Operations, Tourism Development |
|
|
PhD in International Hotel Management |
PhD |
Hotel Operations, Tourism Development |
|
|
Short-term Course in International Hotel Management |
Short-term |
Hotel Operations, Tourism Development |
University |
Course Program |
Level |
Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Tourism |
Bachelor |
February, August |
|
|
Master in Tourism |
Master |
February, August |
|
|
PhD in Tourism |
PhD |
February, August |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Bachelor |
February, August |
|
|
Master in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Master |
February, August |
|
|
PhD in Sustainable Tourism Management |
PhD |
February, August |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Hotel Management |
Bachelor |
January, July |
|
|
Master in Tourism Management |
Master |
January, July |
|
|
Diploma in Hotel Management |
Diploma |
Rolling Admissions |
|
|
Short-term Course in Hotel Management |
Short-term |
Rolling Admissions |
|
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Bachelor in Event Management |
Bachelor |
January, July |
|
|
Master in Event Management |
Master |
January, July |
|
|
Diploma in Event Management |
Diploma |
Rolling Admissions |
|
|
Short-term Course in Event Management |
Short-term |
Rolling Admissions |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Bachelor in Tourism Management |
Bachelor |
January, July |
|
|
Master in Tourism Management |
Master |
January, July |
|
|
Diploma in Tourism Management |
Diploma |
Rolling Admissions |
|
|
Short-term Course in Tourism Management |
Short-term |
Rolling Admissions |
|
Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador (UISIL) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism |
Bachelor |
January, July |
|
|
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism |
Diploma |
Rolling Admissions |
|
Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) |
Certificate in Hospitality Operations |
Certificate |
January, July |
|
ULACIT |
Bachelor in International Hotel Management |
Bachelor |
January, July |
|
|
Master in International Hotel Management |
Master |
January, July |
|
|
PhD in International Hotel Management |
PhD |
January, July |
|
|
Short-term Course in International Hotel Management |
Short-term |
Rolling Admissions |
University |
Course Program |
Level |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Tourism |
Bachelor |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
|
|
Master in Tourism |
Master |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
|
PhD in Tourism |
PhD |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Bachelor |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
|
Master in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Master |
$2,500 - $4,500 |
|
|
PhD in Sustainable Tourism Management |
PhD |
$3,000 - $5,500 |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Hotel Management |
Bachelor |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
Master in Tourism Management |
Master |
$3,500 - $6,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Hotel Management |
Diploma |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
|
|
Short-term Course in Hotel Management |
Short-term |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Bachelor in Event Management |
Bachelor |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
Master in Event Management |
Master |
$3,500 - $6,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Event Management |
Diploma |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
|
|
Short-term Course in Event Management |
Short-term |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Bachelor in Tourism Management |
Bachelor |
$3,000 - $5,500 |
|
|
Master in Tourism Management |
Master |
$3,500 - $6,500 |
|
|
Diploma in Tourism Management |
Diploma |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
|
|
Short-term Course in Tourism Management |
Short-term |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador (UISIL) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism |
Bachelor |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism |
Diploma |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
|
Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) |
Certificate in Hospitality Operations |
Certificate |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
ULACIT |
Bachelor in International Hotel Management |
Bachelor |
$3,500 - $6,000 |
|
|
Master in International Hotel Management |
Master |
$4,000 - $7,000 |
|
|
PhD in International Hotel Management |
PhD |
$4,500 - $8,000 |
|
|
Short-term Course in International Hotel Management |
Short-term |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
University |
Course Program |
Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
Bachelor in Tourism |
Bachelor |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
|
Master in Tourism |
Master |
Bachelor's degree in related field, proficiency in Spanish |
|
|
PhD in Tourism |
PhD |
Master's degree in related field, research proposal, proficiency in Spanish |
|
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
Bachelor in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Bachelor |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
|
Master in Sustainable Tourism Management |
Master |
Bachelor's degree in related field, proficiency in Spanish |
|
|
PhD in Sustainable Tourism Management |
PhD |
Master's degree in related field, research proposal, proficiency in Spanish |
|
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
Bachelor in Hotel Management |
Bachelor |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish and English |
|
|
Master in Tourism Management |
Master |
Bachelor's degree in related field, proficiency in Spanish and English |
|
|
Diploma in Hotel Management |
Diploma |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
|
Short-term Course in Hotel Management |
Short-term |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Bachelor in Event Management |
Bachelor |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
|
Master in Event Management |
Master |
Bachelor's degree in related field, proficiency in Spanish |
|
|
Diploma in Event Management |
Diploma |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
|
Short-term Course in Event Management |
Short-term |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
Universidad Veritas |
Bachelor in Tourism Management |
Bachelor |
High school diploma, proficiency in English |
|
|
Master in Tourism Management |
Master |
Bachelor's degree in related field, proficiency in English |
|
|
Diploma in Tourism Management |
Diploma |
High school diploma, proficiency in English |
|
|
Short-term Course in Tourism Management |
Short-term |
High school diploma, proficiency in English |
|
Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador (UISIL) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism |
Bachelor |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
|
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism |
Diploma |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) |
Certificate in Hospitality Operations |
Certificate |
High school diploma, proficiency in Spanish |
|
ULACIT |
Bachelor in International Hotel Management |
Bachelor |
High school diploma, proficiency in English |
|
|
Master in International Hotel Management |
Master |
Bachelor's degree in related field, proficiency in English |
|
|
PhD in International Hotel Management |
PhD |
Master's degree in related field, research proposal, proficiency in English |
|
|
Short-term Course in International Hotel Management |
Short-term |
High school diploma, proficiency in English |
Scholarship Name |
University |
Course Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FUNIBER Scholarships |
Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) |
All levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD) |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition |
|
CRUSA Scholarships |
Universidad Nacional (UNA) |
All levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD) |
Costa Rican nationals, academic excellence |
Tuition, living expenses |
|
CONARE Scholarships |
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
All levels (Bachelor, Master) |
Academic merit, financial need |
Tuition fees |
|
Universidad Interamericana Scholarships |
Universidad Interamericana (UIA) |
Bachelor in Event Management, Master in Event Management |
Academic performance, financial need |
Partial tuition |
|
Universidad Veritas Scholarships |
Universidad Veritas |
Bachelor in Tourism Management, Master in Tourism Management |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Tuition reduction |
|
UISIL Merit Scholarships |
Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador (UISIL) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism, Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism |
Academic performance |
Partial tuition |
|
INA Financial Aid |
Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) |
Certificate in Hospitality Operations |
Low-income students |
Tuition, materials |
|
ULACIT Scholarships |
ULACIT |
All levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD) |
Academic excellence, leadership qualities |
Tuition, partial living expenses |
|
OAS Academic Scholarship Program |
Multiple universities (UCR, UNA, etc.) |
All levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD) |
Member state nationals, academic excellence |
Tuition, living expenses, travel costs |
|
MEP Scholarships |
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica |
All levels (Bachelor, Master) |
Costa Rican nationals, academic merit |
Tuition fees, books, materials |
Career Role |
Industry |
Average Salary (per year) |
Potential Employers |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hotel Manager |
Hospitality |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
Hotels, Resorts, Boutique Hotels |
|
Event Planner |
Events |
$20,000 - $35,000 |
Event Planning Companies, Corporations, Non-profits |
|
Tour Operator |
Tourism |
$18,000 - $30,000 |
Tour Companies, Travel Agencies |
|
Travel Consultant |
Tourism |
$15,000 - $28,000 |
Travel Agencies, Tour Operators |
|
Sustainable Tourism Consultant |
Tourism, Environmental |
$22,000 - $40,000 |
Consultancy Firms, NGOs |
|
Resort Manager |
Hospitality |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
Resorts, Luxury Hotels |
|
Marketing Manager |
Hospitality, Tourism |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
Hotels, Tour Companies, Event Firms |
|
Cruise Director |
Tourism, Hospitality |
$35,000 - $55,000 |
Cruise Lines |
|
Conference Coordinator |
Events |
$20,000 - $35,000 |
Convention Centers, Corporations |
|
Ecotourism Guide |
Tourism |
$15,000 - $25,000 |
Ecotourism Companies, National Parks |
|
Food and Beverage Manager |
Hospitality |
$25,000 - $40,000 |
Restaurants, Hotels, Resorts |
|
Front Office Manager |
Hospitality |
$20,000 - $35,000 |
Hotels, Resorts, Boutique Hotels |
|
Destination Manager |
Tourism |
$22,000 - $38,000 |
Destination Management Companies |
|
Hospitality Trainer |
Education, Hospitality |
$18,000 - $30,000 |
Educational Institutions, Large Hotels |
|
Guest Relations Manager |
Hospitality |
$20,000 - $35,000 |
Hotels, Resorts |
