IFT offers degree programmes and professional training courses – an approach that stands out compared to other institutions working in the field of tourism and hospitality education. The Institute’s management believes students benefit greatly from IFT’s unique system, as it lets them tap a greater variety of educational resources than might otherwise be available, and helps them obtain a well-rounded education.
IFT’s Tourism College has the greatest choice, among educational institutions in Macao, of programmes that lead to bachelor degrees in either tourism or hospitality. IFT’s offer includes 3 programmes delivered via evening classes
Thanks to keen support from industry and the community, the Institute has 25 partners for the award of scholarships
The number of students studying for a bachelor degree at IFT has increased steadily over the past 3 years, reaching the figure above – an all-time high – in 2018/19
IFT’s Tourism and Hotel School offers hundreds of occupational training courses, from foundation level to advanced level
IFT’s strong links with tourism and hospitality enterprises around the world ensure the internship opportunities offered to bachelor-degree students are of high quality
The Institute has campuses respectively on Macao Peninsula and on Taipa, each providing an inspirational, technology-rich and flexible environment for the process of learning
A DISTINCTIVE APPROACH
The Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) is the pioneer of tourism and hospitality education in Macao. Since IFT opened in 1995, it has earned respect at home and abroad for its innovation and influence.
The Institute is one of the most prolific institutions of higher education in the field of tourism and hospitality in the Asia-Pacific region. It produces graduates that are among the most sought-after in Macao and beyond.
IFT brings together more than 1,600 undergraduates and almost 120 teaching staff from around the world in one thriving education hub. From the beginning, we pioneered – and have continued to pioneer – new, creative teaching strategies, with a special focus on project-based learning. We make use of the sturdy partnerships we have formed with companies in the tourism and hospitality industries around the globe, so that our students can leverage these ties, forged through internships and work placements, to get ahead in their careers.
We are a top provider of professional training programmes in tourism and hospitality through the Institute’s Tourism and Hotel School. We design our courses in close collaboration with industry, and many of our programmes are accredited by top entities abroad, leading to certificates and diplomas recognised globally by the tourism and hospitality industries.
IFT concentrates on doing quality research, and is the foremost source of knowledge about tourism and hospitality in Macao. We do research that is relevant to academia and the Macao SAR Government, and that is useful for the development of tourism at home and abroad.
Recognised quality
The quality of education at IFT and the Institute’s contributions to the community are recognised by the many awards given by governmental bodies, the tourism and hospitality industry and by the public at large. Its work has gained several certifications and accolades, highlighting IFT’s continuing commitment to educational excellence.
OUR MISSION
The mission of IFT is to become an international tertiary institution of choice for tourism and service industry studies. Not only for the benefits of Macao, but also for the Asia-Pacific region, it will equip students with professional knowledge and technical competence in preparation for their future leadership responsibilities in the industry.
The number of IFT bachelor degree programmes that are recognised by the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria in Portugal, and thus are accepted all over the European Union. This makes it easier for IFT graduates to pursue postgraduate studies in Europe or obtain employment there.
OUR VISION
We at IFT believe in the importance of giving high-quality education and training in the field of tourism and hospitality, to prepare people to excel in the global marketplace. We aim to do so by reaching 10 goals:
Teaching Excellence
We strive to attract and nurture outstanding academics from around the world through excellence and innovation in teaching and learning, research and knowledge exchange.
Student Satisfaction
We are committed to giving students at all levels stimulating and outstanding experiences that can cultivate future leaders of the tourism and hospitality industries.
Industry Engagement
We work closely and proactively with business to meet the need for highly skilled people able to foster development of the tourism and hospitality industries.
International Exposure
We welcome people from around the world and partnerships with institutions abroad, so promoting cross-cultural understanding and diversity of knowledge.
Specialist Facilities
We value rich, hands-on learning experiences, giving students access to demonstration classrooms, training facilities and other education venues.
Research and Impact
We aspire to be a place for the acquisition and exchange of knowledge by academia, the tourism and hospitality industries, and society at large.
Global Education Hub
We work with entities abroad to offer special courses to people from Asia, Portuguese-speaking countries and elsewhere, promoting the development of global tourism.
Community Involvement
We are closely connected to our community, aiming to make positive contributions to developing it economically, socially and culturally in a sustainable manner.
Strategic Positioning
We support the World Centre for Tourism and Leisure policy for Macao and the official vision of making the city a base for tourism education and training to serve the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as set down by the Central People’s Government and the Macao SAR Government.
Sustainability Leadership
We strive to take the lead in making our operations, our teaching and learning, our research and our engagement sustainable in every respect.