Pacific International Hotel Management Institute (PIHMS)

PIHMS (Pacific International Hotel Management School) is a specialist hospitality and hotel-management training provider founded in 1995 and based in New Plymouth, Taranaki. It was created to produce graduates with the practical skills and industry experience hotels actually want. PIHMS runs NZQA-approved hospitality qualifications and operates learning in a working-hotel environment so students practise in real hospitality conditions.

Why choose PIHMS (what makes it different)

• Learning in a working hotel — PIHMS’ unique feature is teaching in a simulated/operational hotel environment where classroom learning is directly connected to real service, front-of-house and back-of-house practice. This is great for students who want hands-on experience.

• Paid industry placements — Programs include paid industry placements (valuable income + on-the-job learning and employer contacts).

• Industry focus and employability — The courses are designed with employers in mind; PIHMS highlights strong links to the hospitality sector and a high rate of graduate uptake into jobs.

University ranking / status

PIHMS is a private specialised institute (not a research university). On its website PIHMS promotes itself as “NZ’s #1 Hotel & Hospitality Education Provider” describing leadership in hospitality training — this is a program/provider positioning rather than a formal global ranking like QS or THE. If you need an international ranking table, those mostly cover full universities; for hospitality training PIHMS is widely recognised within New Zealand industry circles.

Campus location & contact

• Campus / teaching hotel address: 4 Henwood Road, Bell Block, New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand (Postal: Private Bag 2062, New Plymouth).

Types of courses (study levels) & modes

PIHMS offers an integrated hospitality pathway from diploma to master’s level. Key NZQA-level offerings include:

• New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 5 & Level 6) — diploma pathway.

• Bachelor of Applied Hotel Management (Level 7).

• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Hotel Management (Level 8).

• Master of Applied Hotel Management / Master of Hotel Management (Level 9).

• English language programmes and short courses to support international learners are also available.

Modes of learning: primarily on-campus / practical face-to-face training in their working hotel environment plus classroom study. Industry placements are an integrated, compulsory part of many programmes. Some theoretical components may use online materials or blended learning, but the core strength is in-person hands-on training.

Number of programs offered

PIHMS focuses on a hospitality pathway rather than hundreds of unrelated programs — across undergraduate and postgraduate levels there are a small set of core qualifications (the diplomas, bachelor, postgrad diploma and masters listed above) along with short courses and English support. External education listings commonly list around 4–6 main NZQA programmes plus short courses. For the full, current list check PIHMS’ official courses page.

Highlights / strengths (at a glance)

• Teaching delivered in a real operational hotel (industry-standard facilities).

• Paid industry placements embedded in programmes — strong for employability and living cost support.

• Clear progression path from diploma → bachelor → masters within the same specialist school.

• Small-campus, industry-focused environment with close staff-industry relationships (good for personal mentoring and networking).

Scholarship

Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS), located in New Plymouth, New Zealand, is a leading institute offering world-class education in hospitality and hotel management. The school provides several scholarship and financial assistance options to help international students make their study abroad journey more affordable.

1. Accommodation Scholarships (2024 – 2025 Intakes)

PIHMS offers generous Accommodation Scholarships to help students reduce their living expenses. These scholarships provide up to 50% off accommodation costs for eligible international students enrolled in degree or postgraduate programmes.

For example, students joining the Bachelor of Applied Hotel Management (Year 1) can get 50% off their first-year accommodation, reducing the cost from approximately NZ $6,510 to NZ $3,255.

Similarly, students enrolled in Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Hotel Management programmes can receive a 50% discount on accommodation, lowering the total cost from about NZ $10,500 to NZ $5,250.

The scholarship covers comfortable twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms, all meals at the on-campus training restaurants, access to sports and recreation facilities (such as the gym, swimming pool, and tennis courts), free Wi-Fi, parking, and a vibrant community environment.

In addition to this, international students benefit from paid industry placements, where they can earn up to NZ $23,000 during a six-month work period — a great way to gain experience and offset study costs.

2. Merit-Based Scholarships (2025 Intake and Beyond)

PIHMS is expanding its scholarship offerings for 2025 to include several merit-based and special recognition awards for international students. These scholarships recognise academic excellence, leadership potential, cultural contribution, and talent in areas such as sports or creative arts.

Some of the key scholarships available include:

• PIHMS Excellence Scholarship: Awarded to outstanding academic achievers with high grades in previous studies. The value can go up to NZ $5,000 per year.

• PIHMS Industry Scholarship: Given to students with prior work or volunteer experience in hospitality or customer service roles. Valued at around NZ $3,000 per year.

• International Student Scholarship: Open to all international students with strong academic records and leadership qualities. Worth up to NZ $4,000 per year.

• Leadership Scholarship: For students who have demonstrated leadership skills in school, community, or extracurricular activities. Valued at about NZ $2,000 per year.

• Regional Scholarship: Offered to students from specific countries or regions (these regions change each year). Awards can be up to NZ $3,000.

• Women in Hospitality Scholarship: Encourages female students to take on leadership roles in the hospitality industry, with awards of up to NZ $2,500 per year.

• Cultural Diversity Scholarship: Supports students who bring diverse cultural backgrounds and enhance the campus community. Valued up to NZ $2,500 per year.

• Sports and Arts Scholarship: For students who have achieved excellence in sports, creative arts, or cultural performances. Valued up to NZ $2,000 per year.

These merit scholarships are competitive and may require applicants to submit additional documents such as essays, reference letters, or a personal statement.

Application Requirements and Eligibility

To be eligible for any of the above scholarships, international students must:

1. Be accepted into a full-time programme at PIHMS (for example, Bachelor’s, Postgraduate Diploma, or Master’s).

2. Complete a scholarship application form, which is available on the official PIHMS website or through the international admissions team.

3. Meet academic and English language entry requirements, such as:

   • For Bachelor’s programmes: Minimum 60% average in high school and IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5).

   • For Postgraduate Diploma: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality or business with at least 65% and IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0).

   • For Master’s programmes: Relevant undergraduate degree and some work experience, with IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0).

4. Submit supporting documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and proof of previous hospitality experience (if applicable).

5. Attend an interview (in person or virtual), which may be required for certain merit or leadership scholarships.

Other Financial Benefits and Opportunities

Besides scholarships, PIHMS offers several cost-saving and income opportunities for international students, including:

• Paid Industry Placements: All students participate in a structured work placement, earning between NZ $18,000 and NZ $23,000 for six months of work experience in hotels and resorts across New Zealand.

• On-Campus Jobs: Students may find part-time opportunities within the school in areas like administration or student services.

• Regional or Partner Scholarships: Occasionally, PIHMS collaborates with regional councils or international education agencies to provide special funding to students from certain countries.