Master of Tourism and Travel Management [MTTM]

The Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM) is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the School of Tourism Studies (STS), Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala. The programme spans 4 semesters and requires students to earn 84 credits for completion. It offers specialisations in Aviation Management, Tour Operations, and Health Tourism, making it one of the few PG tourism programmes in India with a dedicated health tourism track. The total fee for the programme is Rs. 57,345 (including a one-time study tour fee of Rs. 12,160). Admission is through the MGU Common Admission Test (CAT-MGU), a national-level entrance examination. The programme is popular among graduates seeking careers in the rapidly growing travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality sectors, particularly in Kerala, which is one of India's top tourist destinations.

Admission for the 2026-27 academic year is currently ongoing. The MGU CAT 2026 application window opened on 20 February 2026 and has been extended till 30 April 2026. The entrance examination is scheduled from 23 to 26 May 2026. Results are expected in May 2026, followed by an interview/group discussion round, rank list publication, and commencement of classes (dates to be announced by the department).

Key Points

• The MTTM programme is offered directly by the School of Tourism Studies (STS) at the MGU main campus, Priyadarshini Hills, Kottayam - not through affiliated colleges.
• The programme offers three specialisations: Aviation Management, Tour Operations, and Health Tourism, with students choosing their specialisation in the third semester.
• A mandatory Study Tour is conducted during the second semester; students are required to submit a Tour Report as part of their evaluation.
• Students study a foreign language (French or German) during the second and third semesters as a compulsory component.
• A two-month compulsory Tourism Industry Study (TIS) internship is undertaken in the fourth semester at a tourism-related organisation aligned with the student's specialisation.
• The programme has a total intake of 20 seats for the State Quota, with an additional 20% of sanctioned seats for the All India Quota and 25% for the International Quota.
• The School of Tourism Studies has strong industry linkages with major employers including Thomas Cook, TUI, Club Mahindra, IndiGo Airlines, and several leading travel companies in Kerala and the Gulf.

MGU MTTM Fees

Fee Structure

• The Study Tour / Familiarisation Trip Fee of Rs. 12,160 is a one-time charge included in the Semester 2 fee.
• Participation in the study tour is compulsory for all students.
• Fees are subject to revision from time to time as per university norms.
• E-Grantz financial assistance is available for students from SC, ST, and OEC communities.
• Students should apply through the E-Grantz portal (egrantz.kerala.gov.in) at the beginning of the academic year.
• As per UGC Guidelines (implemented by MGU vide Order No. 5805/AC A1/2024/MGU dated 28.06.2024): Full refund of fees is applicable for cancellations up to 30 September of the admission year.
• Cancellations between 01 October and 31 October attract a deduction of not more than Rs. 1,000 as processing fee.
• For cancellations after 31 October, the refund is as per the UGC Notification of October 2018 (100% if 15+ days before last admission date; 90% if less than 15 days before; 80% if within 15 days after; 50% if 16-30 days after; 0% if more than 30 days after the last admission date).
• No EMI facility is officially offered; students may explore education loan options through their respective banks.

MGU MTTM Admission 2026

Important Dates

Source: Official MGU CAT portal - cat.mgu.ac.in

MGU CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

• The entrance test carries 80 marks (objective) + 20 marks (descriptive essay) = 100 marks total.
• The rank list is prepared based on entrance test marks (80%) and interview (20%).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (10+2+3, including professional degrees) with a minimum of 50% marks in any discipline from Mahatma Gandhi University or any other university recognised by MGU.
• SC/ST candidates are eligible for relaxation in the minimum marks requirement as per university norms.
• There is no upper age limit for applying to the MTTM programme.

Admission Process

• Register online at cat.mgu.ac.in and pay the application fee before 30 April 2026.
• Download the hall ticket from 06 May 2026 onwards.
• Appear for the MGU CAT 2026 entrance examination (23-26 May 2026, offline mode).
• Shortlisted candidates will be called for an Interview / Group Discussion / Written Test (dates to be announced by the School of Tourism Studies).
• A rank list is prepared based on entrance test marks (80%) and interview performance (20%).
• Admission and fee payment as per the rank list and allotment schedule announced by the university.
• 20 seats are available under the State Quota; additional seats are available under the All India Quota (20% of sanctioned seats) and International Quota (25% of sanctioned seats).

MGU MTTM Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

• E-Grantz is the primary financial assistance scheme for SC/ST/OEC students in Kerala; applications open at the start of each academic year.
• The non-creamy layer certificate for SEBC/OBC scholarships must not be older than 12 months at the time of application.
• MGU offers several merit-cum-means scholarships (ASPIRE, INSPIRE, THANMA, ACQUIRE) for deserving students; details are available at the university scholarship office.
• Students are advised to check the National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in) for updated deadlines and amounts each academic year.

MGU MTTM Placement 2026

Placement Highlights

• Placement data is sourced from the official School of Tourism Studies website (sts.mgu.ac.in/placements).
• The school has active placement linkages with 25+ companies across Kerala, India, and the Gulf region.
• Some alumni have also established their own travel companies and tourism ventures.

MGU MTTM FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the State Quota and All India Quota seats in MTTM at MGU?

Ans. The MTTM programme at MGU's School of Tourism Studies has a total sanctioned intake of 20 seats under the State Quota, which is open to candidates from Kerala and other states who apply through the MGU CAT. In addition, 20% of the sanctioned seats (approximately 4 seats) are reserved under the All India Open Quota for candidates from across India, and 25% of sanctioned seats (approximately 5 seats) are available under the International Quota for foreign nationals and NRIs. All candidates - whether applying under the State, All India, or International Quota - must appear for the MGU CAT entrance examination and the subsequent interview round.

Ques. What are the three specialisations offered in MTTM at MGU, and how do I choose one?

Ans. The MTTM programme offers three specialisations: Aviation Management, Tour Operations, and Health Tourism. Students choose their specialisation at the beginning of the third semester, within ten days of the commencement of the semester. The choice is based on the student's preference and aptitude, as well as the availability of faculty and facilities at the School of Tourism Studies. The elective courses for the chosen specialisation are spread across the third and fourth semesters (15 courses in total). Students are advised to research each specialisation carefully before making their choice, as it significantly shapes their career trajectory.

Ques. Is the study tour and foreign language study compulsory in MTTM at MGU?

Ans. Yes, both are compulsory components of the MTTM programme. The Study Tour / Familiarisation Trip is conducted during the second semester, and students must participate and submit a Tour Report as part of their evaluation. The cost of the study tour (Rs. 12,160) is included in the Semester 2 fee. Additionally, students must study a foreign language - either French or German - during the second and third semesters. This is a compulsory course and is evaluated through a viva voce (25%) and end-semester examination (50%). These components are designed to give students practical exposure to the tourism industry and enhance their employability in international markets.

Ques. What is the Tourism Industry Study (TIS) internship in the fourth semester, and how is it evaluated?

Ans. The Tourism Industry Study (TIS) is a compulsory two-month internship that all MTTM students must complete during the fourth semester. The internship must be done at a tourism-related organisation aligned with the student's chosen specialisation (Aviation Management, Tour Operations, or Health Tourism), under the supervision of an executive allotted by the organisation. Students must obtain an attendance certificate from the organisation and submit a comprehensive project report. The TIS Report is evaluated by two examiners - the supervising faculty and an external examiner appointed by the School's Faculty Council. There is also a Comprehensive Viva Voce at the end of the fourth semester, conducted by a board that includes an external expert. The grading is done by consensus of the board.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing MTTM from MGU's School of Tourism Studies?

Ans. MTTM graduates from MGU's School of Tourism Studies have a strong track record of placements in the travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality sectors. Alumni have been placed with leading companies such as Thomas Cook, TUI, Club Mahindra, IndiGo Airlines, Akbar Holidays, and several Gulf-based travel firms. Common job roles include Tour Manager, Travel Consultant, Holiday Consultant, Airport Operations Officer, Operations Manager, and Business Development Executive. Several alumni have also established their own travel companies and tourism ventures. Given Kerala's position as one of India's premier tourist destinations and the growing global demand for health tourism and aviation professionals, MTTM graduates from MGU are well-positioned for both domestic and international careers.

Ques. Can I apply for MTTM at MGU if my graduation is not in tourism or hospitality?

Ans. Yes, the MTTM programme at MGU is open to graduates from any discipline, provided they hold a Bachelor's degree (10+2+3) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised university. There is no requirement for the undergraduate degree to be in tourism, hospitality, or a related field. This makes the programme accessible to graduates from arts, science, commerce, engineering, and other streams who wish to transition into the tourism and travel management sector. However, candidates with a background in tourism, hospitality, or travel management may have an advantage in the entrance test, particularly in the Travel Geography section.