Tourist Guidance

What Is the Tourist Guiding Program? Why Should I Study It?

Tourist guides are individuals who accompany visitors to a region and provide accurate information about its natural, historical, and cultural heritage in the visitors’ preferred language.

In the “Türkiye Tourism Strategy 2023” action plan, it was aimed to increase the country's share of tourism by utilizing its natural, cultural, historical, and geographical assets and by developing tourism alternatives. In line with this goal, tourism investments have accelerated in recent years, the number of incoming tourists has increased, and the need for qualified tourist guides has become more evident.

Why Should I Study the Tourist Guiding Program at Cappadocia University?

Students studying in Cappadocia, Türkiye’s most important cultural tourism destination, have the opportunity to receive hands-on training supported by leading travel agencies and quickly secure positions in the industry after graduation. Thanks to our academic staff consisting of experienced guides actively working in the field, students can easily follow both solid theoretical knowledge and up-to-date practical information. In addition, the program offers distance education for prospective students of all ages who cannot attend formal education, providing them the opportunity to build a new career and use their cultural knowledge in a qualified profession.

What Do Tourist Guiding Program Graduates Do? What Are the Career Opportunities?

Graduates of the Tourist Guiding Program must complete the regional tours and language requirements specified in the legislation by TUREB (Union of Tourist Guides of Türkiye) to apply for a licensed tourist guide certificate. Even if they do not obtain a license, graduates are equipped to work in tourism operations, lead tours, and work in various positions in hotels.

Which Courses Are Offered in the Tourist Guiding Program?

The program offers key courses such as Cultural Preferences Management, Mythology, Archaeology, History of Religions, Art History, Cultural Heritage, and Anatolian Civilizations. In addition, it includes courses covering the knowledge and competencies required by professional tourist guiding standards, providing both theoretical and practical field training to future guides. Alongside basic-level English, elective courses in Chinese, Russian, and Spanish are also offered as additional foreign languages.

Double Major Opportunities in the Tourist Guiding Program

Students enrolled in Political Science and Public Administration, Political Science and International Relations, English Language and Literature, and English Translation and Interpreting programs have the opportunity to pursue a double major with the Tourist Guiding Program.

Tourist Guiding Program Accreditation

The associate degree program in Tourist Guiding has been accredited by the Tourism Education Evaluation and Accreditation Board (TURAK) for the period between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025.

What Qualities Are Required to Study in the Tourist Guiding Program?

• Enjoying travel,

• Having an interest in history, archaeology, art history, and mythology,

• Being able to communicate well with people from different cultures,

• Having an interest in foreign languages and cultures,

• Taking responsibility and being able to take control when necessary,

• Having leadership skills,

• Remaining calm and solution-oriented in stressful situations,

• Preferring to work in the field rather than in an office.

Which Undergraduate Programs Can Tourist Guiding Graduates Transfer to Through the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS)?

• Travel Management
• Travel Management and Tourism Guiding
• Tourist Guiding
• Tourism Management

Tourist Guiding Program (On-Campus) 2025-YKS Placement Quotas and 2024-YKS Minimum Scores (On-Campus)

The total quota for the 2025–2026 academic year is 78 students for the on-campus Tourist Guiding Program: 10 with full scholarships and 68 with 50% discounts.

Tourist Guiding Program (Distance Education) 2025-YKS Placement Quotas and 2024-YKS Minimum Scores (Distance)

The total quota for the 2025–2026 academic year is 196 students for the distance education program: 26 full scholarships, 26 with 25% discounts, and 68 with 50% discounts.

Tourist Guiding Program Tuition Fees (On-Campus / Distance):

Tourist Guiding Program (On-Campus) 2025-YKS Additional Placement Quotas and Minimum Scores

Tourist Guiding Program (Distance Education) 2025-YKS Additional Placement Quotas and Minimum Scores