International Hotel School

What International Hotel School does

International Hotel School (IHS) is a South African private higher education institution specialising in hospitality management and culinary arts, operating since 1994. The school delivers degree programmes (Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Operations Management), diploma programmes (Hospitality Management, Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management), higher certificates, FET certificates, short courses, and fully online qualifications, distributed across seven physical campuses (Benoni, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Johannesburg, Pretoria, West Rand) and a Canvas LMS-based distance learning platform. IHS holds exclusive certifications in South Africa from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), the Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality (CTH Gold Centre, 1 of 11 worldwide), and École Ducasse (World's Best Culinary School 2023), and claims to be the only African institution ranked in the top 50 global hospitality universities.

The revenue model is tuition-led, with programme fees ranging from R36,000 to R140,340 per academic year, supplemented by short-course revenue (R1,000–R30,500), traineeship fees, and venue hire for the school's commercial kitchens and conference facilities. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer through the website, scheduled open days, daily campus tours, Zoom-based virtual info sessions, and partnerships with student-loan facilitators (Student Hero, FeverTree Finance). The technology stack centres on Canvas LMS (via the Invictus study portal), Classe365 for student results, and the proprietary Beyond Grad job-matching platform, with no disclosed AI/ML capabilities.

IHS is a subsidiary of Invictus Education Group and, since 2021, a member of Swiss-based Sommet Education alongside Glion Institute, Les Roches, and École Ducasse, providing access to a 28,000+ alumni network and global employer recognition. The school reports a 93% graduate employment rate and channels placements into luxury hotel groups (One&Only, Fairmont, Hilton, Ritz-Carlton), South African chains (Tsogo Sun, Sun International, Protea Hotels by Marriott), and cruise lines (MSC Cruises, Seabourne Legend). All programmes are accredited by DHET, CHE, QCTO, CATHSSETA, and SAQA, anchoring a multi-layered regulatory moat that is difficult for new entrants to replicate.

Name

International Hotel School

Legal name

International Hotel School (PTY) Ltd

Website

https://hotelschool.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Short description

International Hotel School is a South African private higher education institution offering hospitality management and culinary arts degrees, diplomas, and certificates across seven campuses and online. Founded in 1994 and part of Sommet Education, it serves students pursuing hospitality careers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hospitality Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Hospitality, Tourism & Sports Management Schools (within Business Schools) (EDAHAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Professional Culinary Arts (Chef Training) (EDAOAKAA), Restaurant & Foodservice Operations Management (EDAOAKAE), Hospitality & Food Service (EDABALAO), Institutional & Commercial Kitchen Training (Schools/Healthcare/Corporate) (EDAOAKAL)

Keywords

• Hospitality education
• Culinary education
• Hospitality management training
• Professional cookery programs
• Hotel management degrees

Headquarters

HQ city

Umhlanga

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Full-time, part-time, and online program tuition fees charged per academic year or program. Multiple price points from R36,000 to R140,340 depending on program type and duration. Interest-free payment plans available.
2. Venue Hire: Conference and venue facilities available for hire including demo kitchens, skills kitchens, pastry kitchen, main kitchen, conference rooms, and lecture rooms with varying capacities.
3. Short Courses: Non-credit bearing short courses and professional certifications offered at various price points for skill enhancement and hobby development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

International Hotel School delivers employment-focused hospitality and culinary education through degrees (e.g., BBA in Hospitality Operations Management), diplomas (Hospitality Management, Professional Cookery with AHLEI recognition), higher certificates (Culinary Skills, Food & Beverage Management), online programs, earn-while-you-learn traineeships, and short courses. All programs integrate practical work experience and are accredited by South African authorities (DHET, CHE, QCTO, SAQA) and internationally recognized through AHLEI, École Ducasse, and CTH certifications.

Product overview

International Hotel School is Africa's leading hospitality management and culinary education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of programmes across multiple delivery modes. The institution provides degree programmes (Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Operations Management with specialisations), diploma programmes (Hospitality Management, Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management, with optional AHLEI recognition), and higher certificate programmes (Culinary Skills, Food & Beverage Management, Hospitality Management). The school unique offers include École Ducasse certification for culinary programmes and the Cruise Hospitality Services Programme with STCW certifications. Delivery modes include Full Time Learning, In-Service Traineeship (earn while you learn), Part Time Learning (short courses), and Online Learning. The Beyond Grad programme provides exclusive employment support and student placement services for graduates.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Operations Management A 3-year full-time degree programme focusing on strategic and financial management of hospitality establishments, with multiple specialization tracks including Operations Management, Brand and Marketing Management, Luxury Guest Service and Experience, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and Financial Management.
• Diploma in Hospitality Management with AHLEI Recognition A diploma programme equipping learners with knowledge and skills for modern hospitality management, emphasizing professionalism, leadership and management discipline. Graduates receive both the IHS diploma and the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Diploma in Hospitality Management upon passing all examinable subjects with a minimum of 70%.
• Diploma in Hospitality Management A diploma programme providing foundational knowledge and skills for careers in hospitality management.
• Diploma in Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management with AHLEI Recognition A premium programme combining cooking skills and management principles required to operate a successful kitchen or Food & Beverage establishment, with both academic knowledge and Work Integrated Learning components and AHLEI recognition.
• Diploma in Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management A diploma programme covering professional cookery skills and kitchen management fundamentals.
• Higher Certificate in Culinary Skills with École Ducasse Certificate A 1-year full-time programme providing foundational culinary arts and patisserie skills, with French Culinary Arts Fundamentals certification by École Ducasse.
• Higher Certificate in Culinary Skills A foundational programme in culinary arts for aspiring chefs covering food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen discipline.
• Higher Certificate in Food & Beverage Management A 1-year programme equipping students with skills and knowledge for careers in the restaurant and Food & Beverage field, covering operations, purchasing processes, and food safety.
• Higher Certificate in Hospitality Management A programme for students seeking entry into the hospitality industry, covering housekeeping, front office operations, and hospitality-related financial management.
• Cruise Hospitality Services Programme A programme equipping students with skills and knowledge for careers in the cruise industry, including STCW safety certifications and seafarer training.
• Further Education and Training Certificate: Hospitality Reception An 8-month programme (33 weeks including 16 weeks campus, 16 weeks WIL, 1 week FISA examination) developing skills for front office and supervisory roles within the accommodation sector; offered exclusively at Gqeberha Campus.
• National Certificate: Food and Beverage Services A 9-month programme (35 weeks including 16 weeks campus, 18 weeks WIL, 1 week FISA examination) for individuals pursuing a career in the food and beverage service industry.
• In-Service Traineeship Programme An earn-while-you-learn programme where students are placed at leading hospitality establishments and employed full time while completing studies via online learning. Includes Higher Certificate in Food and Beverage Management Traineeship, Higher Certificate in Hospitality Management Traineeship, and Professional Cookery Programme.
• Part Time Learning Programmes (Short Courses) Short skill-based programmes including Assistant Baker Skills Programme (11 months), Holiday Chef (2 weeks), Festive Cooking and Baking (4 weeks), Cake Baking (3 weeks), Cake Decorating, Bread Baking (2 days), and Puff Pastry (1 day).
• Online Learning Programmes Flexible online programmes including Bachelor of Business Administration Honours in Hospitality Business Strategy (1.5 years), Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Operations Management (3.5 years), various diplomas and higher certificates in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management, Events Management, and specialisations with AHLEI recognition.
• Beyond Grad Employment Support Programme An exclusive student placement service for International Hotel School graduates, providing employment support, job readiness training, and connections to industry partners for work integrated learning, traineeship placement, and permanent or seasonal work opportunities.
• École Ducasse Certification Programme International Hotel School is the only culinary school in South Africa to provide certification through École Ducasse, offering French culinary and pastry arts certifications including French Culinary Arts Fundamentals certificates.

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% of students employed upon graduation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and strategic.

• Sommet EducationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent group and world's leader in hospitality management education. Network of three prestigious institutions: Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, and École Ducasse. Provides access to 28,000+ alumni network and international recognition. The only education group with two Top 4 globally ranked institutions for hospitality education.
• Glion Institute of Higher EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Sommet Education network. One of the world's top hospitality business schools offering undergraduate, graduate and technical training programs. Contributes to the 28,000 alumni network and 6,000+ student body.
• Les RochescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Sommet Education network. Top hospitality business school offering undergraduate, graduate and technical training programs. Contributes to the 28,000 alumni network and 6,000+ student body.
• École DucassecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's Best Culinary School (World Culinary Awards 2023). Founded by Chef Alain Ducasse, the most awarded Michelin star chef in history. Provides French culinary and pastry arts certifications to IHS students. Only culinary school in South Africa to provide this certification.
• American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1953, AHLEI has been teaching hospitality industry leaders for over 60 years. IHS is the only hotel school in South Africa whose Diplomas are recognized by AHLEI. Provides access to learning materials and international recognition for graduates.
• Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality (CTH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIHS is the only CTH Gold Centre in South Africa and 1 of 11 Gold Centres worldwide. Recognized for high standards and quality academic performance in tourism and hospitality qualifications.
• OVC (Work Study Travel)strategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational work experience placement partner offering USA hospitality internships. Students can work in 4 & 5 star resorts in the USA for 12 months, gaining valuable international experience in Culinary, Food & Beverage, Rooms Division and more.
• MTL (More Than Labor)strategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading international recruiting agency for the luxury golf estate industry since 2004. Works with over 75 US Employers to place people seeking international working experience. Focused on luxury hospitality placements.
• Placement InternationalstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCultural exchange program company specializing in the hospitality industry. Offers positions for paid internships, management training programs and first-time jobs in luxury hotels and restaurants in the United States and other countries. Over 10 years of experience.
• Shosholoza Ocean Academy (SOA)strategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial manning, training and recruitment initiative for MSC Cruises Group Division for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys in South Africa. Focuses on maritime sector from marine tourism to cruise hospitality. Primary focus to train/recruit and provide opportunities for South Africans to work on cruise ships.
• Invictus Education GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of International Hotel School. Primary focus is on provision of quality education for occupations in demand in the economy, ensuring excellent employment chances for graduates.
• Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIHS is registered as a Private Higher Education Institution with DHET. Registration No: 2000/HE07/005 and provisionally registered as per Registration No: 2009/FE07/077.
• Council on Higher Education (CHE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIHS Higher Education programmes are accredited (quality assured) by the Council on Higher Education.
• QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIHS is registered with QCTO as an accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) to offer occupational qualifications. Registration numbers: Durban 1223/18/0025, Pretoria 1220/18/00259, Johannesburg 1220/18/00258, Cape Town 1228/18/0025.
• CATHSSETAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority. IHS offers accredited programmes within Traineeship and Culinary Arts programmes.
• SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll IHS Degree, Diplomas and Higher Certificate programmes are registered with SAQA as accredited qualifications.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Southern Sun & Tsogo Sun Hotels Training Programmes: Major South African hotel groups (and IHS employer destinations —) that operate internal training academies. Adjacent/ecosystem players rather than direct competitors, but in-service training they offer competes for the same prospective student pool.

Broad incumbents

• Glion Institute of Higher Education: Swiss-based sister institution under Sommet Education offering undergraduate and graduate hospitality programs. Same parent group as IHS, similar curriculum framework, but a higher-priced, Switzerland-based premium brand serving a more international student body.
• École Ducasse: French culinary and pastry arts school founded by Alain Ducasse, World's Best Culinary School 2023. Sister institution under Sommet Education and the certification provider for IHS's culinary programs — operates at a premium price point globally.
• Les Roches: Swiss-based hospitality business school under Sommet Education (same parent as IHS), ranked Top-4 globally by QS. Comparable curriculum and degree portfolio but premium-priced and primarily serving international students in Switzerland and Spain.
• EHL (École hôtelière de Lausanne): Swiss hospitality management school, consistently ranked #1 globally for hospitality and leisure management. Comparable to IHS in degree offerings but operates as a premium global incumbent with no direct South African presence.
• Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration: US Ivy League hospitality school offering undergraduate and graduate hospitality management degrees. Comparable degree offerings (BBA-equivalent in hospitality) but university-embedded model rather than independent specialized school.

Direct peers

• Capsicum Culinary Studio: South Africa's largest culinary school with multiple campuses, offering chef training and culinary arts diplomas. Directly competes with IHS's culinary programs in the same price tier and same geography.
• HTA School of Culinary Art: Johannesburg-based culinary arts school offering professional chef diplomas and hospitality short courses. Overlaps with IHS's Diploma in Professional Cookery and short-course portfolio in the SA market.
• Prue Leith Culinary Institute: Pretoria-based culinary school offering chef training and restaurant management qualifications. Competes with IHS for aspiring chefs in the South African market and offers similar certificate and diploma pathways.

Regional players

• The Hotel School (New Zealand): New Zealand-based hospitality and culinary school with similar diploma and degree offerings. Operates in a different geography but with a closely comparable program structure, employer-network approach, and student placement service model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/ihotelschool
• Facebookfacebook.com/ihotelschool
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-hotel-school
• Instagraminstagram.com/theinternationalhotelschool
• TikToktiktok.com/@internationalhotelschool

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International Hotel School