Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about ISET, our programmes, partner universities, applications, fees, and the student experience.
About ISET
What is ISET?+
ISET (International School of Event Tourism) is a curriculum design and intelligence institution. We create postgraduate programme frameworks, AI-powered teaching tools, and proprietary scoring systems that partner universities use to deliver event tourism education. We are not a university and do not award degrees.
Is ISET a university?+
No. ISET is a curriculum design institution. We design programmes; partner universities deliver them, assess students, and award qualifications under their own academic governance and national accreditation frameworks.
Who founded ISET and why?+
ISET was founded by Gaurav Garg, who spent 25 years in event tourism across multiple continents. The institution was created to address the absence of dedicated, intelligence-led postgraduate education for a $2.5 trillion industry that had no equivalent educational infrastructure.
What makes ISET different from existing event management courses?+
Three things: (1) Intelligence-led curriculum built on live data from 90,000+ events across 228 markets, not textbook theory. (2) AI-powered tools embedded in teaching, including 7 proprietary scoring systems. (3) Production-oriented pedagogy where students produce consulting artefacts, not essays about theory.
Programmes
What programmes does ISET offer?+
ISET designs a 9-tier programme framework (T0-T8) ranging from foundational awareness courses through professional certificates, postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees, and doctoral research. Each tier has specific learning outcomes, credit values, and entry requirements.
What subjects are covered?+
Core subjects include event tourism strategy, destination intelligence, sponsorship economics, AI and data literacy for events, cultural intelligence, event impact measurement, and consulting methodology. Specialisations are available in areas such as festival strategy, MICE, sport tourism, and cultural events.
How are programmes delivered?+
Delivery modes depend on the partner university. Options typically include full-time on-campus, part-time blended (combining online and in-person), and distance learning with intensive residential blocks. ISET provides the curriculum framework; delivery is the partner university's domain.
Applications & Fees
How do I apply?+
You apply directly to the partner university offering the programme you are interested in. ISET does not handle admissions. Each partner university has its own application process, deadlines, and entry requirements.
What are the fees?+
Programme fees comprise two components: the partner university tuition fee (set by the university) and the ISET curriculum licence fee (set by ISET). Total costs vary by partner university and region. Specific fee information will be published when partner programmes are confirmed.
Are scholarships available?+
Yes. ISET offers 6 named scholarship programmes covering part or all of the curriculum licence fee. These include the Founders Award, Diversity Scholarship, Merit Scholarship, Regional Access Award, Industry Partnership Award, and Research Fellowship. Partner universities may also offer their own financial support.
When does the first cohort start?+
First cohort enrolments through partner universities are planned for January 2027. Register your interest on our For Students page to receive updates when applications open.
Quality & Accreditation
Is ISET accredited?+
ISET is not a degree-awarding body and does not hold institutional accreditation from QAA, TEQSA, or any national quality agency. Our curriculum frameworks are designed with reference to the UK Quality Code and ESG 2015. Students receive accredited qualifications from their partner university under that university's national framework.
Will my degree be recognised?+
Your degree is awarded by and carries the name of your partner university. It is their qualification, recognised under their national framework (e.g., QAA in the UK, TEQSA in Australia, UGC in India). ISET's contribution is the curriculum and intelligence infrastructure behind it.
How does ISET ensure quality?+
Through a multi-layered approach: an independent Academic Board, Quality Assurance Committee, annual curriculum reviews, external examiner network, student feedback loops, and joint programme boards with partner universities. Where a partner university's QA standards exceed ours, the higher standard prevails.
Student Experience
What AI tools will I use?+
Students access ISET's proprietary intelligence platform including 7 scoring systems (covering events, destinations, venues, brands, artists, and more), live data from 90,000+ events, and AI-powered research tools. These are embedded in teaching as learning resources, not optional extras.
Will I get industry experience?+
Yes. Programmes include live industry briefs, placement opportunities, mentorship from Industry Guest Faculty, and assessment tasks based on real organisational challenges. The five-tier faculty model ensures 20% of teaching comes directly from active industry professionals.
What career outcomes can I expect?+
Graduates are equipped for roles in event strategy, destination management, tourism policy, sponsorship consulting, venue development, festival direction, and event tourism research. The intelligence and data skills gained are transferable across the broader experience economy.
Can I study while working?+
Many programmes offer part-time and blended delivery modes designed for working professionals. The specific options available depend on your chosen partner university. Corporate scholarship programmes also include provisions for study leave.
Still Have Questions?
If your question is not answered here, please get in touch. We are happy to discuss any aspect of ISET, our programmes, or the application process.
