Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS) was founded in 1995 in New Plymouth and became one of the first institutions in New Zealand to specialize in hotel and hospitality industry. The school offers programs for both beginners and experienced professionals. The teaching model follows the Swiss system, focusing on practical training, high standards, and global career readiness. Today, PIHMS is among the country’s leading hospitality tertiary education providers, offering comfortable on-campus accommodation, flexible options, and affordable tuition for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Your classroom is a hotel. Students spend time working and learning in our simulated operational hotel, gaining experience in restaurant, barista, bar, kitchen, front office & housekeeping service. Students will also be introduced to, and undertake management roles throughout the hotel school.
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Watch the institute’s promo video to learn about the main advantages of studying at PIHMS.
Why PHIMS?
PIHMS is not just a university – it’s a unique environment where theory meets practice. Students live and study in a hotel campus that operates like a real hotel complex, complete with restaurant, reception, and guest rooms. This setup gives students both academic knowledge and real-world experience at the same time.
Every student completes a paid internship (earning up to NZ$55,000 during their studies) in New Zealand or overseas, gaining a strong career advantage and valuable industry experience. PIHMS partners with major international hotel brands such as Accor, IHG, Millennium, SkyCity, and Sudima. Thanks to these connections, graduates have excellent employment prospects and opportunities for career growth.
Career outcomes after PIHMS:
- 96% of graduates find employment within three months of graduation
- 85% receive a promotion within the first year
- Over 59% move into management roles within one to five years
Campus and its features
The PIHMS campus is a 298-room hotel where students both live and study. It includes restaurants, a gym, tennis court, heated swimming pool, and recreation areas. Accommodation is provided on campus, offering convenience and safety.
The school is located in New Plymouth – voted New Zealand’s most beautiful small city in 2023. It sits between Mount Taranaki and the Tasman Sea, just 10–15 minutes from the city center, beaches, and sports facilities. New Plymouth offers great infrastructure, cultural events, and plenty of outdoor activities – from surfing and hiking to skiing and snowboarding.
Programs and tuition fees
Master of Applied Hotel Management — 18 months
NZQA Level 9 | 180 Credits
Duration: 1.5 years
Post-Study Work Visa: 3 years
Family visas available (partner work visa, child student visa)
Tuition: NZ$31,329 | Accommodation: NZ$13,200
Intakes: January, April, July, September
Requirements:
• IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or hospitality with a B- average or higher
• Applicants with other degrees may qualify with 2–3 years of relevant managerial experience
Learn more about the program on the PIHMS website
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Hotel Management — 18 months
NZQA Level 8 | 120 Credits
Duration: 1 year on campus + 6-month internship
Post-Study Work Visa: same duration as study
Tuition: NZ$24,380 | Accommodation: NZ$13,200
Intakes: January, April, July, September
Requirements:
• IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or hospitality with a B- average or higher
• Other degrees accepted with 2–3 years of relevant work experience
Learn more about the program on the PIHMS website
Bachelor of Applied Hotel Management — 3 years
NZQA Level 7 | 360 Credits
Duration: 3 years
Post-Study Work Visa: same duration as study
Year 1: Tuition NZ$22,000 | Accommodation NZ$7,035
Year 2: Tuition NZ$22,000 | Accommodation NZ$7,035
Year 3: Tuition NZ$28,750 | Accommodation NZ$13,200
Intakes: January, July
Entry requirements: Age 17+, IELTS 6.0 overall (no band lower than 5.5)
Learn more about the program on the PIHMS website
Diploma in Hospitality Management — 12 months
NZQA Level 5 | 120 Credits
Duration: 1 year
Post-Study Work Visa: same duration as study (hospitality-related work only)
Tuition: NZ$22,000 | Accommodation: NZ$7,035
Intakes: January, July
Entry requirements: Age 17+, IELTS 5.5 overall (no band lower than 5.0)
Learn more about the program on the PIHMS website
PIHMS English Language Programmes
PIHMS also offers English language training through the innovative iPASS Advanced Study System. This method helps students prepare for IELTS, Cambridge, and TOEFL exams while developing real academic and workplace communication skills.
Key features of iPASS include flexible learning pace, practical focus, a mix of online and in-person classes, and constant teacher feedback. The program covers levels from IELTS 4.0 to 6.5 (B1+ to B2) and is ideal for students planning to study in New Zealand.
Short 10-week modules are available for levels B1, B1+, and B2. Before starting, students take an online placement test to determine their level.
ESL Course:
Duration: 11 weeks
Tuition: NZ$4,485 | Accommodation: NZ$3,350
Learn more about the english programs on the PIHMS website
Conclusion
PIHMS is a great choice for people who want a career in hotels, restaurants, or service management. It’s perfect for students who want real experience, international opportunities, and a comfortable place to study by the ocean.
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