Tourism Studies
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    Tourism Studies

    Vancouver Island University
    Vancouver Island University
    Canada
    Canada, Nanaimo
    Go to Official Website
    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    CAD 21,792 / Year
    Apply DateMarch 31, 2027
    Next IntakeSeptember 8, 2026
    Tourism Studies

    About

    The Tourism Studies Diploma Program

    This program is offered as a mandatory Co-operative Education format with four academic semesters and two paid Co-op placements.

    The focus of this program is on the provision of leisure experiences for domestic and international visitors. The program assesses the impact of tourism on individuals, communities, and the environment in order to develop best practices for sustainable tourism development. The features of the program include the provision of applied skills and knowledge, direct leadership experience, a co-operative education model (paid employment), and small class sizes.

    The program prepares students for career entry; however, students interested in further studies can apply to the Bachelor of Tourism Management degree.

    Disciplines

    Tourism Recreation and Hospitality

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Notes on Admission

    • Field work may require a criminal record check prior to placement.
    • Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
    • All new students must participate in a compulsory orientation held early in the Fall semester.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 60
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 88

    English Program Requirements

    Test
    Minimum score
    TOEFL iBT Paper Edition
    550 (no section below 56)
    TOEFL iBT
    88 (no section below 20), 4.5 (No section below 4.0)
    IELTS (Academic)
    6.5 (no band below 6.0)
    CAEL
    60
    C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
    176 overall
    C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
    176 overall
    English Studies 12 (BC)
    Min. “C”
    Pearson (PTE) Academic
    60 (no section below 60)
    Duolingo English Test
    115 (no band less than 105)
    International Baccalaureate English A1/A2
    Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL) grade 3 or higher
    VIU English Language Centre
    Successful completion of University Preparation Level 5 (UP5) or EAP Level IV on BC EAL articulation
    Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition
    Grade 2 or higher
    Accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction, located in a country that satisfies VIU’s English Language Requirements
    Completion of recognized diploma (minimum 2 years) or degree program
    Accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction, located in a country that satisfies VIU’s English Language Requirements
    Completion of six credits of post-secondary English composition and literature with a minimum grade of “C”
    General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
    English at the O-level with a minimum grade of C or 4
    CAEL online
    60
    Pearson (PTE) Online
    60 (no section below 60)
    TOEFL iBT Home Edition
    88 (no section below 20)
    ILAC Pathway Program
    Successful Completion of Pathway 3.3

    Career

    The management of tourism services is a challenging career in this increasingly leisure-oriented society. Dynamic, creative and innovative people are needed to plan, organize and supervise leisure experiences in a variety of diverse settings. The types of positions that graduates may occupy include the following:

    • Commercial Recreation and Tourism Enterprises, such as private tour companies, leisure-related retail outlets, tourism attractions, health spas, fitness complexes.
    • Adventure Tourism and Park Management, providing nature-based leisure experiences like camping, wilderness experiences, risk recreation, as well as environmental education and managing the resources required for nature-based leisure.
    • Tourism Services, including destination resorts and hotels, theme parks, tourist attractions, convention and meeting business, and special events and festivals.
    • Tour operations, including the packaging, marketing, and operation of tours, tour guiding and interpretation services.

    Co-operative Education

    Hands-on experience in the tourism industry is gained during two terms of Co-operative Education placements. Under the Co-operative Education format, formal supervised work terms are integrated into the total curriculum on a paid basis. Students will benefit from the experience by:

    • relating academic study more effectively to the field of practice;
    • developing a career focus within the tourism industry;
    • gaining valuable practical experience;
    • being able to finance a larger portion of their education.

    Access to Co-operative Education placements is based on students’ GPA (minimum of 2.33 (“C+”) is required) and their willingness to work as a team member with faculty and Co-operative Education staff to find appropriate placements.

    Students in Co-operative Education work terms pay a co-op fee, which is due during the second month of each work term.

    Special Expenses

    Co-op fees are due during the second month of each work term.

    All fees and costs are subject to change without prior notice.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    21,792 / year
    Tourism Studies
    Vancouver Island University
    Vancouver Island University
    Canada

    Canada, Nanaimo

    Go to Official Website
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