Top 6 Countries to Study Sports Management Abroad

Some of the Best Countries to Study Sports Management Abroad are Canada, United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Switzerland, Spain, and Lithuania. These study abroad countries are renowned for their universities which have consistently secured positions in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Sports management is a field of study that examines the business principles underlying the modern sports industry. It is an ideal program for students who aspire to transform their passion for sports into a rewarding career. In sports management, professionals ensure economic stability within the sports industry, delivering ongoing enjoyment and financial benefits to stakeholders. This field of study covers the administration of sports clubs, teams, athletes, venues, events, and personnel. Choosing the right country for your Masters is crucial because you'll spend a substantial amount of time there during your studies and potentially afterward for work. In this article, we'll explore the 6 best countries to study sports management abroad including universities, program structures and more. Let’s get started!

Sports Management: Program Structure

At the undergraduate level, you can pursue a BA or BSc in sports management, each lasting a minimum of three years. BSc programs may include more finance and accounting courses, with some offering a 12-month placement during 3rd year for practical experience and networking.

In the US, sports management is a popular major, with bachelor's programs typically lasting four years. The first two years focus on general education, followed by specialized sport-specific modules. Postgraduate options include one to two-year master's programs and longer PhD programs, with a focus on theory and practical application through various learning formats. Your schedule will be a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical sessions, and laboratory exercises.

Sports management programs vary in their specific content from one university to another. However, most courses generally cover the following fundamental areas:

• Introduction to sports management
• Sport management theories
• Principles of sports marketing
• Financial accounting for sport
• The sport and leisure market
• Sports organizations
• Sport law
• Managing sports events

6 Best Countries to Study Sports Management

Students interested in pursuing Sports Management courses abroad should be aware of the leading countries where they can opt to pursue this field of study.

1. Canada

Reasons: Extensive variety of universities, booming sports industry, and work flexibility.

Canada is a great choice for those interested in sports careers. Its universities offer top programs and rank high globally, making them ideal for aspiring professionals. Canada's many universities and thriving sports scene offer great opportunities. You can find jobs, earn more, and even start your own agency. Learning here gives you valuable skills for a global sports career. With a Sports Management degree from Canada, you can work as a manager, coach, or supervisor for teams or individual athletes. It's a billion-dollar industry blending fields like marketing, finance, and law, offering diverse career paths. The skills gained open doors to jobs in various specializations within the sports sector. Given below are some of the best universities for Sports Management in Canada, making it a top destination for studying abroad.

University	QS World Ranking 2025	Courses offered	Average fees per year
University of Toronto	25	Introduction to the Business of Sport MBA in Sports Management	CAD 30,000 to CAD 50,000 per year
University of British Columbia	38	Bachelor of Management program Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program	CAD 10,277 - CAD 32,500 per year
University of Alberta	96	Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport and Tourism Graduate Certificate in Sport and Recreation Management Master of Arts	6,400 CAD - 30,090 CAD per year
University of Ottawa	189	Honors Bachelor of Human Kinetics Master of Human Kinetics in Sport Management	33,800 CAD - 37,750 CAD per year

2. United States of America (USA)

Reasons: Top-tier education, abundant opportunities, and enhanced job prospects

The next best country to study sports management in our list is USA. The United States offers top-notch education for Sports Management studies, with many universities providing excellent programs that pave the way for global career opportunities. Degrees from American universities are highly valued worldwide. According to the BLS Job Outlook report, sports related jobs are estimated to rise by 9% between 2022 - 2032. Additionally, the United States has a strong presence in the sports industry, with successful sports companies and talents offering valuable lessons that make Sports Management graduates highly esteemed worldwide. Below are the top US universities, along with their courses and fees.

University	QS World Ranking 2025	Courses offered	Average fees per year
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor	44	Sports Economics and Public Policy Business Development in Sport City of Champions: Detroit Sports Global Sports: Political and Economic Perspective	$36,000 to $50,000 per year
University of Texas at Austin	66	Master of Science in Sport Management program Sports Economics and Public Policy Business Development in Sport City of Champions: Detroit Sports Global Sports: Political and Economic Perspective	$38,000 - $53,000 per year
Pennsylvania State University	89	Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management sports marketing golf management Sports Administration Certificate program	$35,516 - $52,516 per year
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	155	Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sport Administration program Emergency Care of Athletic Injuries and Illnesses Fundamentals of Sport Marketing Sport Facility and Event Management	$35,516 - $52,516 per year
University of Florida	215	Introduction to Sport Management Social Issues in Sport Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Organizations Sport Event Management Ethical Issues in Sport Sport Marketing Sport Information Management Sport Operations and Facility Management Managing Organizations in Sport Revenue Generation in Sport Sport Business and Finance	$28,658 - $30,134 per year
University of Massachusetts Amherst	275	Sociology of Sport Sport Leadership Sport Marketing Sport Finance & Business Sport Law Sport Policy (Senior Capstone Course)	$34,279 - $54,279 per year

3. United Kingdom (UK)

Reasons: Global Leadership, Excellent Career Opportunities, Leading Research facilities

The United Kingdom has emerged as one of the prime choices for international students seeking to pursue their master's degrees. Renowned worldwide for its high-quality education and prestigious qualifications, UK universities offer degrees that are typically shorter in duration compared to those in other countries, resulting in lower education costs. Additionally, the UK's multicultural society embraces diversity, welcoming students from various backgrounds and cultures. Among the top universities in the UK for sports-related subjects are: 

University	QS World Ranking 2025	Courses offered	Average fees per year
UCL	9	Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences BSc Sports Medicine, Exercise, and Health (MSc) Management (PhD) PGCert International Sports Management	£19,300 - £57,700
University of Edinburgh	27	BSc Sport Management MSc Sport Management BSc in Applied Sport Science Physical Education (MA Hons) Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences (PhD, MScR)	£18,250-£26,500
University of Manchester	34	MSc in Sport Business, Management and Policy Sport Management	£22,500 per year
Loughborough University	224	MSc in Sport Management BSc (Hons) in Sports Management MSc in Sport Management, Politics and International Development	£13,000 - £29,750
University of Birmingham	80	BSc (Hons) in Sports Management Sports Management BA (Hons) Top-up weMSc High Performance Sport	£10,530 - £23,310
Durham University	89	BSc in Sport Management BA in Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences	£13,000 - £24,500

4. Switzerland

Reasons: Diversity, and a variety of opportunities to start a career 

Next we have an European country, Switzerland. It is a top destination for sports management, renowned for its diverse culture. With thriving industries like Finance and Technology, it attracts professionals globally. Graduates can kick start their careers by understanding how industry works before finding their dream team. Switzerland has several Fortune 500 companies and universities that collaborate directly with major industry players, simplifying job opportunities for graduates. Check out the table below for the top universities that offer courses in Sports Management.

University	QS World Ranking 2025	Courses offered	Average fees per year
ETH Zurich	7	Minor program Sports Management	730 CHF to 1,500 CHF per semester
University of Zurich	109	Master of Arts UZH in Business and Economics Sports Management Minor 30	CHF 1,600 per year
University of Basel	131	Bachelor's program Sport, Exercise and Health	1,700 CHF per year
University of Bern	161	Bachelor of Science/Sports Masters in Sports Sports management sports teaching	1,700 CHF/year
University of Geneva	155	MAS Sports Management and Technology	CHF 29'900.
University of Lausanne	224	Master of Advanced Studies in Sport Administration and Technology (MSA) A certificate in sport management	CHF 29,900 per year

5. Spain

Reasons: Top-tier education, abundant opportunities, and enhanced job prospects

Spain is a top destination for international education, especially for students aspiring to pursue a career in sports management. The country offers a vibrant sports culture, with tennis, basketball, and football being among the most popular choices. While English programs are available in Spain, studying here also provides an opportunity to improve your Spanish skills. If your goal is to manage athletes like Pau Gasol or Rafael Nadal, mastering Spanish is invaluable. Prioritize selecting prestigious universities in Spain for your studies. If you are searching for universities in Spain offering Sports-related courses, refer to the table below.

University	QS World Ranking 2025	Courses offered	Average fees per year
University of Barcelona	165	Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods and Sociology of Sport Service Management and Planning Sponsors, Advertising, Media and Public Relations Sport, Leisure Activity and New Market Opportunities	€9,980
Autonomous University of Barcelona	175	Master's Degree in Sport Management sports facilities management sports marketing	€9,980
Pompeu Fabra University	265	Sport and Society: The Sports Industry. Strategic environment of sports companies. Sports law. Governance and regulatory framework of the sports system. Financial and fiscal analysis of sports entities. Sports marketing. Brand management: sports sponsorship. Management of sports events.	€9,980
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid	198	BIM - Bachelor in International Management - Sports Management BSc (Hons) Business Administration: Sports Management Bachelor of International Management (with a specialization in Sports Management) European Bachelor's of Sports Marketing and Event Management	EUR 11,400
Universidad de Sevilla	462	Bachelor programs in Sports statistics Master program in Sports	11,400 EUR
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid	321	Degree in Sciences of the Sport	€7,000

6. Lithuania

Reasons: Globally recognised academic system, cost-effective, and welcoming to international students.

Lithuania, situated in Northeastern Europe along the Baltic Sea, is a popular destination for international students seeking Sport Management degrees. It offers budget-friendly options for those pursuing studies in sports management. Universities here adhere to the Bologna process for Higher Education, a standard protocol for European academic institutions. In addition to lower tuition fees, you'll also benefit from lower living costs compared to 50% of the world’s countries. To begin your studies, be sure to explore these universities in Lithuania.

University	QS World Ranking 2025	Courses offered	Average fees per year
Mykolas Romeris University	1001-1200	Sports Industry Management Master`s Degree Programme, Part-time study	2,624 EUR to 5,800 EUR
Vytautas Magnus University	741-750	Sports Business MBA Physical Education and Sport Sports Educology	8000 EUR
Lithuanian Sports University	NA	BSc Leisure Sports. Klaipeda University. Bachelor in Sports and Tourism Management. Lithuanian Sports University. Joint Graduate (Master's Degree) Studies: International Basketball Coaching and Management. Master in Tourism and Sports Management.	EUR 4,047 / per year
Klaipeda University	NA	BSc Leisure Sports BSc Degrees in Sports Management MSc Physical Activity and Sport Pedagogy	€5,266 per year
Kaunas University of Technology	751-760	Business and Public Administration International Basketball Coaching and Management International Master in Performance Analysis of Sport Tourism and Sports Management	€2000 per year

Note: All fee information provided above is estimated based on data from the previous year.

Job Prospects and Expected Salary in Sports Management

If you're interested in Sports Management courses, getting a bachelor's or master's degree in the field is a great way to reach your goals. These courses help you learn about organizing events, working in the financial sector, coaching, or doing marketing for sports events. A Sports Management degree offers students numerous opportunities. According to the data from payscale, the following are the annual salaries for some of the most recognized jobs in the field:

• Marketing Manager – USD 59,642 (INR 48 Lakh)
• Athletic Director – USD 57,058 (INR 46,59,304.93)
• Athletic Coach – USD 47,249 (INR 38 Lakh)
• Recreation Coordinator – USD 44,736 (INR 36 Lakh)
• Operations Manager – USD 55,707 (INR 45 Lakh)
• Event Coordinator – USD 37,869 (INR 30 Lakh)

Note: Salary figures may vary depending on your qualifications and the type of organization you join.

Studying Sports Management abroad opens doors to exciting career paths. Whether in Canada, the USA, Switzerland, Spain, Lithuania, or the UK, each country offers unique opportunities for growth. With top-tier education, diverse cultures, and job prospects, students can pursue their passion for sports and land rewarding positions with competitive salaries. Explore your study abroad career with Kanan and connect with our counsellors to kickstart your journey in the world of sports management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. What are the best countries to study sports management in Europe?

Here are some top universities for sports management in Europe:

• UPF Barcelona School of Management, Spain
• Sheffield Business School, United Kingdom
• Coventry University, United Kingdom
• Universidad of Europe, Spain

2. Is Pursuing a Career in Sports Management a Good Choice?

Pursuing a career in sports management can be an excellent choice for those passionate about sports and business. It offers diverse opportunities in event coordination, marketing, finance, and coaching within the dynamic sports industry. With the global popularity of sports and its continuous growth, a career in sports management can provide exciting challenges and good experiences.

3. What are the Scholarship options available in Sport Management?

Various countries provide scholarships for students pursuing sports management abroad. Some of these scholarships are listed below:

• Marriott Golf Minority Scholarship
• Ewigleben, Robert and Esther Scholarship
• Joan E.Barr Memorial Scholarship

4. What are the top countries for pursuing a Master's in Sports Management?

The top countries to pursue a master's in sports management are the UK, USA, Canada, and Spain. Each of these countries have reputable universities and vibrant sports industries, providing students with valuable education and practical experiences in the field.

5. What are the specialisations involved in sports management study?

The specializations involved in sports management study include:

• Athlete Development
• High Performance Coaching
• Sport Law
• Director of Racquet Sports
• Facility management
• Event management
• Sport Medicine and Health and more.

6. Is there a high demand for master’s in sports management among overseas students?

Yes. Given the global scope of the sports industry, there's significant demand among overseas students for Master's in Sports Management programs, offering promising career prospects in this field.

7. Which degree is best for sports management ?

The best degree for sports management typically depends on individual career goals and interests. However, common options include Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sports Management, as well as Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sports Management. Each provides a comprehensive understanding of the business, marketing, and organisational aspects of the sports industry.

8. What is the salary of a Sports Manager in India?

The salary of a Sports Manager in India can range from approximately INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 per month for entry-level positions. Top-level executives may make well above INR 20 lakhs per year ($27,000) or more.

• The average salary for a Sports Manager in India is ₹6.0 Lakhs per year (₹50,000 per month).
• The average salary for a Regional Manager in the Sports & Recreation industry in India is ₹16.1 Lakhs per year (₹1.3 Lakhs per month). 
• The average salary for a Sports Center Manager in India is ₹29,633 per month. 
• Employees with sports management skills earn an average of ₹21.3 lakhs per year. 
• The average salary for a Sports Management professional in India is ₹30,000 per year.