UP Asian Institute of Tourism

The University of the Philippines – Asian Institute of Tourism (AIT) offers higher tourism education courses in the Philippines. AIT is the first school in Southeast Asia to offer a Bachelor of Science degree program in Tourism and graduate courses focused on Tourism Development and Management.

About UP Asian Institute of Tourism

Located at Commonwealth Avenue, AIT is under the administration of the Diliman Campus of the University of the Philippines. The AIT building houses the AIT Library, administrative offices, classrooms, function areas, seminar rooms, and lounge hall for students. Being at the heart of Quezon City - Metro Manila, AIT is within close proximity to numerous parks, museums, heritage sites, business districts, and government offices. Read more about us here.

The establishment of the UP Asian Institute of Tourism (AIT) was a long-cherished dream of the tourism industry. As far back as 1973, discussions among tourism agencies had already been in place for the creation of an academic institution focusing on tourism. This was followed by a tripartite agreement among the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Tourism Authority (now reorganized as the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) and the University of the Philippines.

In February 26, 1976 The Asian Institute of Tourism was formally confirmed by the University of the Philippines Board of Regents as a degree-granting unit of the University of the Philippines Diliman. As Southeast Asia’s first higher academic learning institution focusing on tourism, the UP AIT Complex was formally inaugurated on November 20, 1978. The complex had two main areas – the school side which housed classrooms and learning facilities– and the AIT House, a 27-room hotel.

The hotel ceased operations in 1994 which paved the way for AIT to focus on the demands of tourism research, technical assistance, and other extension services all over the country. Through the years, AIT has been praised for developing knowledge, helping build capacity, and designing programs that are innovative and truly revolutionary. Read more here.

"A world-class provider of tourism education, research and extension services, driving human resource capital development in the Philippines and Southeast Asia."

UP Asian Institute of Tourism

"To develop innovative leaders in tourism development."

"To provide relevant education, research, extension services."

"To serve the needs of our students, alumni, the tourism industry, government, local communities and other stakeholders, in a manner that optimizes resources."

UP Asian Institute of Tourism

News and Events

2022 Five Minute Thesis Competition
12 June 2022 10:49 pm
2nd Gawad JPM
2nd Gawad JPM para sa Natatanging Alumni
12 June 2022 10:44 pm
Dr. Dela Santa named UP Scientist, first in the field of Tourism
12 June 2022 10:40 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question in mind? We listed down some of the Frequently Asked Questions in the graduate program to help guide you. If you have further questions not covered in this FAQ, please send us an inquiry through aitgradprog.upd@up.edu.ph

UP AIT offers the Graduate Diploma in Tourism Development and Management (GDip TDM) which leads to the degree of Master of Science in Tourism Development and Management (MSTDM).

The graduate program courses are listed here. You may also view the description of courses here If you would like to know more about the subjects, please send us an e-mail.

All tourism and non-tourism graduates, with at least 1-year work experience and who would like to obtain a diploma and/or an advance degree in the field of tourism management and development may apply.

The list of requirements and downloadable application forms can be found in this page.

Yes, applicants whose work experiences are non-tourism related are welcome to apply. However, all applications will be assessed based on results of entrance examination, interview, academic performance, essay, and recommendations.

At present, UP AIT does not accept shiftees for the Graduate Program. Courses/Subjects taken in other colleges or universities will not be credited for the completion of the GDipTDM and MSTDM.

The entrance exam uses different types of questions that aim to assess your current knowledge, comprehension, logic, and analytical skills. Advanced knowledge of tourism is not required.

The application process is conducted online. Please ensure that you have read and understood the program details before submitting your application here. Once you have completed the application requirements, you can now proceed to submit your application.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Graduate Program office at aitgradprog.upd@up.edu.ph

The UPAIT Graduate Program is intended to meet the professional development needs of graduates to advance their careers in the tourism industry. Thus the UPAIT Graduate Program as much as practicable will offer weekday evenings (5:00 PM onwards) and Saturday classes (scheduled between 8 AM – 7 PM).
All classes are currently conducted remotely (online synchronous and asynchronous sessions). To be updated on the University Academic Policies on remote learning visit the website of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs

Graduate students are advised to take 9 units to get full load credit per semester or an equivalent of 2 – 3 classes per semester depending on the course credit units.

All students enrolled in the Graduate Program of UP AIT need to take a total of 21 units of required and elective Courses, which will allow the completion of a Graduate Diploma. Should the student want to advance to a Master’s Degree, the student needs to take 16 or 19 more units depending on the track they choose; Plan A is a thesis track with 19 units or Plan B, a non-thesis track with 16 units.

Full-time GDipTDM students, taking a normal load, may complete the degree in three semesters (approximately 1.5 years). The time limit for the completion of all diploma requirements shall be no more than two (2) years starting from the student’s first enrollment in the course and shall include all leaves of absence from the program.

If GDipTDM graduates choose to continue to MSTDM, you must complete an additional 19 units (Plan A, thesis track) or 16 units (Plan B, non-thesis track), which may be taken in two semesters and one mid-year term. The time limit for the completion of the Master’s requirements shall be three (3) years, starting from the student’s first enrollment in the course and shall include all leaves of absence from the program.

Yes. There will be time limit of 2 years from enrollment for the GDipTDM, and a time limit of 3 years for MSTDM, maximum years to finish is 5 years.

The cost per unit is Php 2,000 and the estimated cost of tuition fees for full load per semester is around Php 20,000 – 25,000.

Students and prospective applicants are requested to search for available grants or scholarships at the University of the Philippines Office of Scholarships and Student Services.

For list of available scholarships visit the website of the University of the Philippines Office of Student Scholarships.

Contact Us

The University of the Philippines, Diliman is currently implementing alternative work arrangements. Please ensure to schedule and coordinate your visit in advance before proceeding to our campus.

Get in touch

Please ensure to schedule and coordinate your visit in advance before proceeding to our campus.

Location:

AIT Building, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101

Email:

asianinstituteoftourism.upd@up.edu.ph

Call:

(+63 2) 8 981 8500 extension #2798

AIT Directory:

Visit here

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