University in South Africa
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
University profile
The International Hotel School (IHS) is a private higher education institution that teaches hospitality management and professional cookery. It teaches at campuses in Benoni, Cape Town (Salt River), Durban (Westville), Gqeberha, Sandton, Pretoria and Roodepoort, with an online and support office in Umhlanga, Durban. It has operated for over 30 years and is part of the Invictus Education Group and of Sommet Education, the Swiss hospitality education group that includes Les Roches, Glion and École Ducasse.
Full-time study covers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Operations Management with a Les Roches certificate, the three-year Diploma in Hospitality Management with a Les Roches certificate, the three-year Diploma in Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management with an École Ducasse certificate, one-year Higher Certificates in Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management and Culinary Skills, a Cruise Hospitality Services programme, and occupational cookery and patisserie programmes with École Ducasse certificates. Gqeberha also offers a Further Education and Training Certificate in Hospitality Reception and a National Certificate in Food and Beverage Services.
Other routes are the In-Service Traineeship, in which students are employed full time at hospitality establishments while studying online, part-time baking and cooking short courses, and online learning that runs from short courses to diplomas, a BBA and a BBA Honours in Hospitality Business Strategy. Work integrated learning forms part of the modules, with students completing set practical hours in food and beverage, kitchens, front office, housekeeping and events departments at partner establishments. International work experience placements, including a 12-month US internship through partner OVC, are offered through placement partners, and the Beyond Grad programme supports graduates with employment.
IHS is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a Private Higher Education Institution (registration no. 2000/HE07/005); its higher education programmes are quality assured by the Council on Higher Education and its degree, diploma and higher certificate programmes are registered with SAQA. It is also an accredited skills development provider with the QCTO and offers CATHSSETA-accredited programmes. Its diplomas are recognised by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).
Full-time and online students can use interest-free payment plans, with an enrolment deposit on acceptance followed by monthly payments by debit order, subject to a credit check. Early enrolment discounts of 15% to 30% apply for the February/March intake (registering August to October) and 10% to 20% for the July/August intake (registering April and May), and settling fees in full before Registration Day earns a 5% discount.
Student Hero helps full-time and online applicants apply to the major banks for study loans at no cost, and FeverTree Finance offers 12-month short course finance to South African citizens. A successful-pass money back guarantee refunds tuition if a student does not pass the year, subject to attendance and assessment conditions. See the payment options page.
International Hotel School Full-Time Scholarship (March 2026 Intake) →
Browse the scholarships listed for International Hotel School (Pty) Ltd (The) and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for International Hotel School (Pty) Ltd (The) →A National Senior Certificate with Higher Certificate entry, or equivalent. The Higher Certificate in Culinary Skills with École Ducasse accepts a Senior Certificate, National Senior Certificate or NC(V) Level 4 together with English at NQF Level 4.
A National Senior Certificate with Diploma entry, or equivalent, for the Diploma in Hospitality Management.
A National Senior Certificate with Bachelor entry, or equivalent.
The Professional Cookery programme (QCTO Occupational Certificate: Cook, NQF Level 4) requires the applicant to be 16 or older and to have completed a General Certificate (Grade 9) or Occupational Certificate (NQF Level 1) with Mathematics.
Students from other countries need a valid study visa from the South African Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, presented at registration; they cannot register without it. South African law requires a valid passport and study permit, full medical cover with a South African medical aid scheme, and proven ability to support themselves and settle fees. The medium of instruction is English and applicants for whom English is a second language may be required to pass language tests set by the school. Applications are assessed individually; foreign students pay the same fees as South African students but must pay tuition in full before registration.
New students complete the online application form and supply an identity document or passport and National Senior Certificate or equivalent. Most programmes start in February/March and July; online and traineeship programmes also start in May, August and October.
Campuses run full-time hospitality and culinary programmes with practical kitchen and work integrated learning components; virtual campus tours are available for the Benoni, Pretoria, Sandton, Cape Town and Roodepoort campuses. The IHS also hires its venues for conferences and events.
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