MHTM in Portugal

Why Study MHTM (Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Portugal

1. Vibrant Tourism Industry:

• Tourism Hub: Portugal is a popular tourism destination with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, renowned cuisine, and a warm climate. This provides a practical, real-world backdrop for your studies.
• Diverse Experience: The country offers a mix of experiences from beach resorts to urban tourism in cities like Lisbon and Porto, wine tourism in the Douro Valley, and cultural and historical exploration in places like Sintra and Évora.

2. Quality Education:

• Reputable Institutions: Portugal has several universities and institutes offering well-regarded MHTM programs, often in collaboration with leading hospitality schools worldwide.
• Practical and Theoretical Learning: Courses are designed to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, often including internships, workshops, and seminars with industry professionals.

3. International Environment:

• Diverse Student Body: Portuguese universities attract students from all over the world, providing a multicultural environment that is beneficial for networking and learning from different perspectives.
• Language Skills: While studying, you can improve your Portuguese, a valuable language in the global tourism industry, and most programs are also offered in English to cater to international students.

4. Affordable Cost of Living and Tuition:

• Cost-Effective: Compared to many other Western European countries, Portugal offers a more affordable cost of living and competitive tuition rates for higher education.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid: There are various scholarships and financial aid options available for international students.

5. Strategic Location:

• Gateway to Europe and Beyond: Portugal's strategic location makes it a gateway to Europe and a connection point to Africa and the Americas, ideal for understanding various tourism markets.

6. Cultural Immersion:

• Rich Heritage: Portugal's long and varied history, coupled with its cultural festivities, music, art, and cuisine, offers a deep cultural immersion, enhancing the educational experience.

7. Career Opportunities:

• Dynamic Job Market: The country's robust tourism sector provides a dynamic job market for graduates. There are opportunities within Portugal and through its global connections.
• Entrepreneurship: The supportive environment for start-ups and new tourism ventures makes it an ideal place for budding entrepreneurs.

8. Quality of Life:

• Safe and Friendly: Portugal is known for its high quality of life, friendly locals, and as one of the safest countries in the world.
• Beautiful Scenery and Climate: Enjoy beautiful beaches, charming towns, and a mild climate year-round.

MHTM (Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management) specialization in Portugal

Admission Intake for MHTM (Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Portugal

General Admission Intake Timeline:

1. Early Research (6-12 months before intended start):

   • Start researching different universities and their MHTM programs early.
   • Note the specific requirements for each program, including language proficiency, academic prerequisites, and any required entrance exams or interviews.

2. Application Period (Usually the year before you wish to start):

   • Early Applications: Some universities might have early application deadlines, often between November and January.
   • Main Intake: The primary application period for many programs is typically in the spring, around February to April.
   • Ensure you have all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of undergraduate degree, letters of recommendation, personal statement, proof of language proficiency, and any other required materials.

3. Interviews/Exams (If applicable):

   • Some programs might require you to attend an interview or pass a specific entrance exam. These could be scheduled in the months following your application.

4. Acceptance Letters:

   • If accepted, you'll receive an offer, which you must formally accept, often with a deposit, to secure your place in the program.
   • Acceptance letters can be issued anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after the application deadline, depending on the university.

5. Preparation for Arrival (Months leading up to the start date):

   • Once accepted, begin preparations for your move to Portugal. This includes arranging accommodation, obtaining a visa (if applicable), and getting your finances in order.

6. Program Start (Typically September):

   • Most MHTM programs in Portugal begin in the fall, around September or October. Some universities might also offer a second intake in January or February.

Top 10 Universities in Portugal for MHTM (Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management)

Tuition Fees for MHTM (Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Portugal

Public Universities:

• EU/EEA Students: Tuition fees for EU students at public universities can range from approximately €1,000 to €3,000 per year.
• Non-EU Students: Non-EU students often pay higher tuition fees at public universities, which can range from approximately €3,000 to €7,000 per year or more.

Private Universities:

• Both EU and Non-EU Students: Private institutions generally have higher tuition fees, which can vary widely but might range from €5,000 to €20,000 per year or more.

Cost of Studying MHTM (Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Portugal

Eligibility for doing MHTM (Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Portugal

Academic Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree: You must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, typically in hospitality, tourism, business administration, or a related field. The degree should be from an accredited institution.
2. Minimum Grade: Some programs may specify a minimum grade or classification in your undergraduate degree, such as a 2:1 or equivalent.

Work Experience

1. Relevant Work Experience: While not always mandatory, some programs prefer or require candidates to have relevant work experience in the hospitality or tourism industry. This could range from a few months to several years, depending on the program's focus and level.

Language Proficiency

1. English Proficiency: If the program is taught in English and you're not a native speaker, you will generally need to prove your proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent. Specific score requirements can vary by program.
2. Portuguese Proficiency: If the program is taught in Portuguese, non-native speakers will need to demonstrate proficiency in Portuguese, often through exams like the CAPLE.

Letters of Recommendation

1. Academic and Professional References: Most programs will ask for letters of recommendation from either academic tutors or employers who can attest to your suitability for graduate study and your experience in the field.

Statement of Purpose

1. Motivation Letter: A statement of purpose or motivation letter is usually required, outlining your reasons for choosing the program, your career objectives, and how the program fits into your professional goals.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

1. Updated CV: An up-to-date CV detailing your educational background, work experience, skills, and any other relevant information.

Interview

1. Personal Interview: Some programs may require a personal interview, either in person or via video conferencing, as part of the admissions process.

Application Form and Fee

1. Completed Application: A completed application form is required, and some universities might charge a non-refundable application fee.

Documents Required for MHTM (Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Portugal

1. Application Form: A completed and signed application form, usually submitted online through the university's application portal.

2. Bachelor's Degree Certificate: An official certificate or diploma from your undergraduate program, often needing to be translated into English or Portuguese if it's in another language.

3. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts detailing your courses and grades from your undergraduate education. Like the degree certificate, these may need to be translated if not in English or Portuguese.

4. Proof of Language Proficiency:

   • English: If the program is taught in English and it's not your first language, typically TOEFL or IELTS scores are accepted.
   • Portuguese: If the program is taught in Portuguese, you might need to provide certification like the CAPLE.

5. Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV that includes your educational background, work experience, skills, achievements, and any relevant hospitality or tourism experience.

6. Letter of Intent or Statement of Purpose: A personal essay explaining why you want to study MHTM, your career objectives, and why you're a good fit for the program.

7. Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two or more letters from academic or professional referees who can attest to your qualifications and suitability for graduate study.

8. Work Experience Certificates: If required or if you're leveraging your professional background as part of your application, provide letters or certificates from employers detailing your role and responsibilities.

9. Passport Copy: A copy of your valid passport, usually the page containing your photo and personal details.

10. Passport-Sized Photos: Some applications may request a certain number of recent photos.

11. Application Fee: Proof of payment of the application fee, if applicable.

12. Additional Documents (if applicable):

    • Portfolio: For programs with a practical or creative component, you might need to submit a portfolio of relevant work.
    • Research Proposal: Particularly for research-focused or thesis-oriented programs, a proposal outlining your research interests might be required.

Scholarships for MHTM (Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Portugal

1. University-Specific Scholarships

• Institutional Scholarships: Many universities offer their own scholarships to attract international students. These can be merit-based, need-based, or focused on specific regions or backgrounds.
• Program-Specific Scholarships: Some MHTM programs may have their own set of scholarships, grants, or fellowships specifically for students enrolling in that program.

2. Portuguese Government Scholarships

• The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT): This organization frequently offers scholarships and funding for international students pursuing higher education in Portugal.
• Santander Universities Scholarships: Often in collaboration with Portuguese universities, offering scholarships to students from certain countries.

3. International Organizations

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees: If the MHTM program is part of an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master, you might be eligible for an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which is quite competitive and covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.
• Fulbright Program: For U.S. citizens, the Fulbright Program offers various scholarships for studying abroad, including in Portugal.

4. Private Foundations and Organizations

• Gulbenkian Foundation: Known for supporting educational initiatives, including scholarships for students in various fields.
• Rotary International: Offers scholarships for graduate students to study abroad, which can be applicable to MHTM programs.

Jobs and Salary after MHTM (Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Portugal

Common Career Paths

1. Hotel Manager: Overseeing the operation of a hotel, resort, or lodging establishment, ensuring guest satisfaction, managing staff, and financial management.

2. Tourism Consultant: Advising tourism boards, travel companies, or government agencies on strategies to attract tourists, develop tourism products, or improve services.

3. Event and Conference Manager: Organizing and managing events, conferences, and meetings, handling everything from conception to execution.

4. Restaurant Manager: Running the daily operations of a restaurant, including staff management, customer service, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

5. Travel Agency Manager: Managing a travel agency, creating travel packages, coordinating with service providers, and catering to client travel needs.

6. Marketing Manager: Specializing in marketing for hotels, resorts, travel agencies, or tourist attractions, focusing on promoting services and increasing customer engagement.

Salary Expectations

The salaries for MHTM graduates can vary widely depending on the exact position, experience level, and size and type of employer. Here are some approximate annual salary ranges for Portugal:

• Hotel Manager: €20,000 - €40,000
• Tourism Consultant: €18,000 - €35,000
• Event and Conference Manager: €19,000 - €37,000
• Restaurant Manager: €16,000 - €30,000
• Travel Agency Manager: €18,000 - €35,000
• Marketing Manager: €20,000 - €40,000