BBA or BHM, which is better?

BBA or BHM, Which Is Better After +2? It’s a question many Nepali students find themselves asking as they stand at the edge of their future. Choosing between these two degrees isn’t just about picking a subject. It’s about shaping the career path you will walk for years to come.

In 2025, both business and hospitality sectors are undergoing rapid and exciting shifts, offering new opportunities, evolving roles, and global demand. BBA and BHM each open doors to dynamic careers, but they lead to very different professional lives.

In this guide, you will get a clear picture of what each course offers, how long they take, where you can study them in Nepal, and what kind of life and work they prepare you for.

By the end, you’ll know which degree aligns best with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. BHM vs BBA! Let’s help you choose the right path for you.

Table of Contents

• What Is BBA?
• What Is BHM?
• Similarities of BHM and BBA
• Which is the better option, a BHM or a BBA?
• BBA vs BHM: Which is Better for you?
  • Differences between BBA and BHM: Summary
  • 1. Course Focus of BBA vs BHM
    • BBA vs BHM: Curriculum Comparison
  • 2. Skills You Learn
  • 3. What You Will Do in BBA & BHM - Learning Style
  • 4. Duration of Courses
  • 5. Eligibility to Study BBA or BHM in Nepal
    • Academic Requirements
    • Entrance Exams
    • Qualities & Mindset Expected
  • 6. Choosing an Affiliation
  • 7. Fees of BHM and BBA Courses
  • 8. Let Your Interests Guide You
• 9. Scope of BBA vs BHM in Nepal and Abroad
  • Further Education and Specialisations
  • Career Paths for BBA and BHM Graduates
  • Salary Expectations for BBA & BHM: Nepal vs Global Markets
  • What Do Employers Look For in BHM & BBA Graduates? - Hirer’s Perspective
• Final Thoughts: BHM vs BBA, which is better?
• Frequently Asked Questions: BHM & BBA

What Is BBA?

BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) is a management degree designed to build your foundation in business strategy, leadership, marketing, finance, and administration. In Nepal, it is one of the most popular degrees among +2 graduates, especially those from management or science backgrounds.

The program is offered by Tribhuvan University, Pokhara University, Kathmandu University, Purbanchal University, and international colleges affiliated with foreign universities.

A BBA graduate is typically trained to work in banks, startups, NGOs, IT companies, or even government service. Many also choose the BBA route as a stepping stone to an MBA or specialized business or marketing career. 

What Is BHM?

BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management) is also an undergraduate degree focused on hospitality and tourism services. It combines classroom learning with practical training in hotel operations, guest relations, food and beverage management, front office management, and event handling.

In Nepal, BHM is offered by colleges under Tribhuvan University, Pokhara University, Purbanchal University, and many international affiliations from varied countries. 

Students pursuing this course gain practical experience through training in college-operated model hotels and kitchens, as well as collaborations with hospitality businesses in Nepal and internationally.

BHM graduates typically work in hotels, airlines, cruise lines, event companies, or tourism firms. The course is ideal for students who enjoy service, travel, and working with people.

Similarities of BHM and BBA

Both BHM and BBA are management courses. The end goal of learning any of these degrees is to operate and grow a business. This brings an overlapping list of skills, which must be taught to both BHM as well as BBA students. 

• Management: Both need to plan, organize, and lead teams/operations.
• Finance: Both require understanding budgets and financial health.
• Marketing: Both need to attract customers (guests or buyers).
• HR: Both manage people effectively.
• Customer Focus: Both aim for satisfaction, be it guest or client.
• Operations: Both ensure smooth day-to-day processes.

Ultimately, both BHM and BBA are about making a business succeed financially and operationally. A hotel (BHM focus) is still a business that needs profit, efficient processes, and happy customers, just like any other company (BBA focus). But the difference lies in their approach, specialisation, classroom environments, and industry connections. 

So,

Which is the better option, a BHM or a BBA?

A BBA degree is a more favourable option for those interested in administrative or banking roles and are planning to pursue an MBA in future. It also builds a solid foundation for marketing and human resource management.

BHM is great if you enjoy serving people, cooking or housekeeping. You can pursue a specialised MBA even after BHM. 

To choose the right bachelor’s course for yourself, tilt the question from “Which degree is better?” to “Which degree is better for me, and why?”

BBA vs BHM: Which is Better for you?

If you're deciding between BBA and BHM after +2 in Nepal, it’s important to understand how these degrees differ, not just in subjects but in how they shape you and your future.

Your decision should be based on your:

1. Interests that drive you - choose the course with a similar curriculum focus
2. The skills you want to learn, even if it has complexities and require consistency
3. Your eligibility for the course
4. Where you see yourself by the end of your Bachelor's; the professional outcomes you want
5. The time commitment (both courses span no less than 3-4 years)
6. The scope of the degree you choose (jobs and salaries)
7. Your budget (BHM is a bit more, although the course fees largely vary by the college you choose)
8. Course Affiliation (Nepali universities, abroad studies, or an international affiliated degree in Nepal)

We’ll cover the major differences between BHM and BBA in this blog; the course focus, eligibility, learning style, duration, and career scope. By the end, understanding these differences should help you picture a future you want, based on your goals, interests, and strengths, ultimately leading you to your best option. 

Differences between BBA and BHM: Summary

1. Course Focus of BBA vs BHM

At its core, BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) prepares you to manage and lead within organisations. On the other hand, BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management) develops your expertise in hospitality, tourism, and guest services.

So, while BBA is oriented towards organizational and corporate roles, BHM is geared toward customer experience and service leadership.

BBA vs BHM: Curriculum Comparison

To understand these courses more, explore official syllabi from:

• ISMT’s BBA Curriculum
• ISMT’s BHM Curriculum

2. Skills You Learn

3. What You Will Do in BBA & BHM - Learning Style

In a BBA course, most of your time will be spent understanding concepts, applying frameworks, and refining analytical skills. While BHM requires a high level of practical involvement, so you will spend significant hours on your feet, working in teams, and interacting with guests or supervisors.

Your everyday experience as a student will differ significantly between these two degrees. Let’s give you a picture of what life inside each program looks like.

In BBA, you’ll mostly be:

• Attending lectures, analyzing case studies, and giving business presentations
• Engaging in classroom discussions and writing reports
• Using Microsoft Excel, business software, or learning basic data tools
• Working on group projects or simulated business problems
• Interning in companies to experience real-world work

A self-motivated mindset with an interest in numbers, leadership, or markets will help you thrive.

In BHM, your college life will include:

• Wearing professional uniforms and working in mock hotel settings
• Learning culinary arts in training kitchens and serving in dining labs
• Practice managing hotel reception desks and rooms in scenarios created by your college
• Taking part in live events or hotel training programs
• Completing industrial internships in hotels in Nepal or abroad

A positive attitude, attention to detail, and service-driven mindset are key.

In both cases, practical exposure, soft skills, and tech familiarity are highly valued.

Explore BHM Courses in Nepal

4. Duration of Courses

The duration of BHM and BBA courses in Nepali universities is 4 years. Some colleges in Nepal affiliated with foreign universities offer 3-year courses for both BHM and BBA degrees. In these colleges, you receive a degree from their affiliated universities abroad, so make sure you check the recognition and credibility of the universities too.

University of Sunderland is providing British Degree in Nepal.
Discover the university, its ranking and popular courses.

5. Eligibility to Study BBA or BHM in Nepal

Academic Requirements

To enrol in any of the BBA or BHM degree, you need a minimum GPA of 2.0 or second division in any field of +2 or equivalent.

Entrance Exams

Nepalese universities require certain entrance exams for admission to either BHM or BBA degree. Colleges in Nepal affiliated to foreign universities do not require entrance exams for these courses.

Some colleges may require you to undergo interviews or group discussions for selection process. 

Qualities & Mindset Expected 

Your certain qualities and mindset can elevate your experience for the specific degree. These are the traits that are particularly seen in BBA or BHM students:

6. Choosing an Affiliation

Either you study BHM or BBA, you will choose a course under certain affiliation, be it TU, KU, PU, British, or others. Take an overview of the different BBA & BHM universities in Nepal:

• Tribhuvan University (TU) is the most widely recognized university in Nepal with numerous affiliated colleges, but its curriculum is often outdated and overly focused on theory rather than practical skills.
• Purbanchal University (PU) offers flexible and practical management and hospitality programs with a growing presence, though inconsistencies in academic quality across colleges remain a concern.
• Kathmandu University (KU) is known for its academically rigorous and well-structured BBA program with strong faculty but limited seats in fewer colleges.
• Pokhara University (PoU) delivers industry-aligned BBA and BHM programs with a balance of theory and practice, but its overall recognition still lags slightly behind TU and KU.
• University of Sunderland (UK) delivers internationally recognized BBA and hospitality degrees with updated syllabi and project-based learning, but tuition fees are significantly higher than national options.
• University of East London (UK) a modern, global academic approach with strong emphasis on real-world skills, though some partner colleges in Nepal may lack the full learning environment of UK campuses.

There are pros and cons for all the colleges. Learn about the highly ranking colleges, shortlist your top choices, and evaluate each of them to find the right one for yourself. 

Explore the Best BHM Colleges in Nepal

Explore the Best BBA Colleges in Nepal

7. Fees of BHM and BBA Courses

Learn BBA Courses Fees in Nepal

8. Let Your Interests Guide You

Often, your success depends less on what the course offers and more on how motivated you are to stick with it.

You’ll likely enjoy and perform better if you:

• Like the subjects you study (business theories vs service principles)
• Are driven by your future vision (corporate leader vs hospitality expert)
• Feel excited about the environments you'll work in (offices vs hotels/resorts)
• Value the lifestyle the job provides (structured vs dynamic, location-flexible vs globally mobile)
   

You Could Be Ideally Searching for a BBA or BHM Degree If...

9. Scope of BBA vs BHM in Nepal and Abroad

Further Education and Specialisations

After BBA

• Master’s Degrees: MBA, MBS (Finance, Marketing, HR)
• Specialized Master’s: MSc in Finance, Data Analytics, International Business
• Certifications: CA, CMA, CFA, Digital Marketing, Supply Chain Management
• Abroad Study: Many pursue MBAs in the UK, USA, or Australia

After BHM

• Master’s Degrees: MHM, MBA in Hospitality, Master of Tourism Studies
• PG Diplomas: Event Management, Hospitality Operations
• Certifications: Chef Certifications, F&B Management Diplomas
• MBA Pathway: Some switch to business and management through MBA programs

Postgraduate qualifications help graduates move into leadership roles, teaching, consulting, and international positions.

Career Paths for BBA and BHM Graduates

Salary Expectations for BBA & BHM: Nepal vs Global Markets

Notes:

• Salaries vary by company, location, and skill level.
• Global firms and luxury hotel chains pay higher.
• In Nepal, hospitality staff often receive tips or bonuses in addition to salaries.
• Skills like IT, foreign languages, and certifications can improve salary potential.
   

Explore more about Scope of BBA in Nepal

Explore more about Scope of BHM in Nepal

What Do Employers Look For in BHM & BBA Graduates? - Hirer’s Perspective

Graduates today need more than just degrees; they must be adaptive, skilled, and ready to contribute effectively in dynamic workplaces. Employers seek professionals who bring practical expertise and a proactive approach. 

For BBA Graduates: Business-Oriented Mindset

Besides theoretical knowledge, success in business relies on strategy, application, and execution, requiring you to have:

• Sharp Thinking & Problem Solving:
  Can you look at a pile of data and actually make sense of it? Can you dissect a messy business problem and figure out a smart solution? That's what we call critical thinking, and it's crucial. Employers are looking for someone who can not just solve today's problems but also help us plan for tomorrow.
• Adaptability:
  The corporate landscape is always shifting. You must be adaptable to new tech, evolving plans, and hectic schedules. That flexibility and resilience are huge.
• Business & Finance Knowledge:
  Beyond marketing, do you understand how a company actually makes money? Do you understand the basic financial gears that keep the engine running? That business acumen helps you make smarter decisions.
• Team Player & Leadership Attitude
  Can you genuinely collaborate with different people? And do you take initiative without being told? We love seeing someone who steps up and contributes to the collective goal.

One of our BBA tutors says to our students, “Don’t stop at just attending classes. Develop real problem-solving skills, learn about the market, and intern early.”

For BHM Graduates: Hospitality & Service Excellence

The hospitality sector demands precision, efficiency, and genuine customer care to ensure seamless service. As a hospitality professional, you are expected to have:

• Eye for Detail & Quick Fixer:
  In hotel management, the little things make a big difference. Are you attentive to minor details? And when a guest has a problem, can you quickly and calmly handle a bad situation? That service recovery skill is critical.
• Grace Under Pressure:
  Hotels can be crazy busy. Can you juggle multiple tasks, keep a smile on your face, and stay efficient when things get hectic? That ability to multitask calmly is a must-have.
• Interpersonal Skills & Cultural Awareness:
  Building guest relationships and understanding diverse cultural expectations is critical in hospitality management.

• Operational Knowledge & Professionalism
  A well-rounded understanding of hotel management, service dynamics, and industry professionalism sets candidates apart.

At ISMT, our BHM tutors emphasise, “Discipline and consistency matter as much as talent. The industry needs professionals who care about people and can handle pressure.”

Final Thoughts: BBA vs BHM, which is better?

Choosing between BBA and BHM isn't about which is better overall—it's about which is better for you.

If you're drawn to strategic thinking, entrepreneurship, or corporate leadership, BBA lays the foundation for a wide range of careers in business, marketing, finance, and management.

On the other hand, if you enjoy working with people, managing experiences, or envision yourself in the global hotel, tourism, or service industry, BHM offers a career that's equally dynamic and rewarding.

Each course comes with its own duration, structure, challenges, and professional outcomes. What matters most is aligning your interests, strengths, and aspirations with the course that fits your future.

At ISMT College, we offer both BBA and BHM programs, delivered through respected international affiliations.

If you're still unsure which path to take, we invite you to visit us for to discuss your academic and career goals with our student-oriented counsellors. Our team will help you explore both options closely, understand how they work at our college, and guide you toward the decision that sets you up for long-term success.

Your future starts with the right decision; make it with clarity, not confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions: BHM or BBA after +2 in Nepal

Which is best, BHM or BBA?
BBA suits those inclined towards business strategy, entrepreneurship, or corporate careers, while BHM fits students who enjoy hospitality, travel, and service leadership. Neither degree is universally better, the choice depends on your career aspirations and personal interests.

Who can choose hotel management as a career?
Students with good communication skills, interest in service-oriented roles, and a background in any stream (+2 Science, Management, or Humanities) can pursue hotel management. It suits those who enjoy people-facing roles, fast-paced work, and dynamic environments.

Can I go abroad after completing hotel management?
Yes, BHM graduates often find opportunities abroad in hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and airlines. Many countries also offer postgraduate pathways or job placements in the hospitality sector.

Can we get a government job by doing hotel management?
Government jobs specific to hotel management are limited, but opportunities may exist in tourism boards, public sector hospitality, or administrative services through open competition.

Which has more salary, BBA or BHM?
In Nepal, BBA graduates often start with slightly higher salaries due to corporate openings, but BHM can lead to higher earnings abroad or in luxury hospitality over time. Also, hospitality professionals are frequently rewarded with tips in their work.

What is the highest salary after BHM?
Senior roles in international hotels, cruise lines, or resort management can offer monthly salaries over NPR 300,000 or more, especially in countries like the UAE, Australia, or the Maldives.

Which type of BBA is best?
BBA with specializations like Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, or International Business is highly valued today, especially when aligned with market trends and internships.

Which course is best after 12th commerce?
Both BBA and BHM are solid options, but BBA aligns more directly with commerce subjects, making it ideal for those interested in finance, business, and management careers.

Also Read

British Degree in Nepal: A Comprehensive Guide

Why British Degree in Nepal? - 7 Reasons to Study UK Degree