Tourism Schools and Programs in Uruguay

Tourism Studies in Uruguay

Tourism in Uruguay is studied either as a university degree in its own right or as a specialisation built on a business and management degree. Teaching is in Spanish. The public Universidad de la República (Udelar) runs the country's Licenciatura en Turismo outside the capital, while private universities in Montevideo approach the sector through management studies.

How the degree is organised

The first university degree in Uruguay is the licenciatura. Udelar's Licenciatura en Turismo is an undergraduate programme that treats tourism as an economic and sociocultural phenomenon, according to its Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación, and follows the 2014 curriculum (Plan de Estudios 2014). It is not taught in Montevideo but at two regional centres: the Centro Universitario Regional del Este (CURE) in Maldonado and the CENUR Litoral Norte in Salto.

Udelar describes itself as public, autonomous and free of charge, and has existed since 1849. Private universities charge fees and are recognised by the Ministerio de Educación y Cultura (MEC), which also recognises each degree and curriculum individually.

Admission and language

Entry to the Udelar degree requires a completed bachillerato (upper secondary school) in any of its orientations, an equivalent technical qualification from UTU, or previous university studies. The faculty has a procedure for the validation of earlier studies (reválidas), so applicants with foreign secondary or university studies should contact it before enrolling.

At Universidad ORT Uruguay, enrolment is done online: the applicant registers at the university's admissions site, and the place is confirmed once 10 % of the first instalment is paid within 72 business hours of the confirmation e-mail. An advisory meeting, online or in person, covers the fees and available scholarships. The university is currently enrolling for courses that start in March 2027.

Where to study

The one school listed here for tourism in Uruguay is Universidad ORT Uruguay, a private university with two campuses in Montevideo (Centro and Pocitos). ORT began in Uruguay in 1942 as a technical school, was recognised as a university by the MEC in 1996 and is part of the international World ORT network. The MEC's list of recognised ORT degrees (updated May 2019) does not include a degree named tourism; the related qualification is the Licenciatura en Gerencia y Administración, with orientations in marketing, financial administration, strategic management and agribusiness. Students whose aim is hotel or tourism management should ask the university which current courses cover the sector.

Students who want a degree specifically in tourism will find it at Udelar in Maldonado or Salto.

Residence for foreign students

Uruguay's migration office (Dirección Nacional de Migración) grants temporary residence to foreigners of any nationality who settle in the country for work, study or other legal reasons, for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years, renewable. Nationals of Mercosur member and associated states, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela, can apply for Mercosur temporary residence of up to 2 years. Foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised and, where necessary, translated into Spanish; documents issued by Brazil are exempt from this. The official page was last updated on 12 March 2026; check it before applying.

Careers

Graduates work in hotels, travel agencies, event and conference organisation, destination promotion and public tourism bodies. The Ministerio de Turismo is the national authority for the sector and has an area for employment, entrepreneurship and training.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a university degree in tourism in Uruguay?

Yes. The Universidad de la República offers the Licenciatura en Turismo at its regional centres in Maldonado and Salto.

Is studying at a public university in Uruguay free?

The Universidad de la República describes itself as free of charge (gratuita). Private universities such as Universidad ORT Uruguay charge fees and offer scholarships.

Do I need a visa to study in Uruguay?

Foreign students who stay to study apply for temporary residence, which lasts from 6 months to 2 years and can be renewed. Citizens of Mercosur member and associated states have their own residence category.