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
About the Program
What courses are offered in the Graduate program of UP AIT?
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).
Where can I get a description of the courses in the Graduate Program?
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.
I am a non-tourism degree graduate, am I eligible to apply to the Graduate Diploma in Tourism Development and Management?
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.
Eligibility and Admission
What are the requirements for admission to the graduate program?
The list of requirements and downloadable application forms can be found in this page.
Will I still be considered for admission if my work experience is not in the field of tourism?
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.
Will you credit the graduate diploma/master courses/subjects that I took in another college or university?
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.
What is the coverage of the entrance exam?
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.
How do I Apply to the Graduate Diploma in Tourism Development and Management program?
The application process is conducted online. Please ensure that you have read and understood the program details before submitting your application. 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
Credits, Schedule and Program Duration
What is the schedule of classes? I have a full-time job and am taking the course part-time.
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
What is the full load for a regular graduate student?
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.
How many units do I have to take to earn a Graduate Diploma or Master’s Degree?
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.
How long will it take for me to finish the graduate diploma (GDipTDM) and the master degree (MSTDM) if I go on full load?
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.
Are there time limits or maximum residency requirements for 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.
Tuition Fee and Financial Assistance
How much is the cost per unit and what is the estimated cost of tuition fees per semester?
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.
Are financial assistance and scholarships available to help defray cost of tuition fees and other living expenses?
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
Note: All information are presumed accurate at the time of publication (Last updated: April 2021).
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