STUDY CULINARY ARTS in SWITZERLAND’S

STUDY CULINARY ARTS in

Frequently Asked Questions

Graduates step into roles as restaurant chefs, pastry chefs, food entrepreneurs, consultants, or catering specialists. Many also launch their own food ventures or build careers with international hotels, restaurants, and culinary brands.

Switzerland is globally recognized for excellence in culinary and hospitality education. You’ll train with expert chefs in state-of-the-art kitchens, gain international exposure, and complete two paid internships in Europe or abroad. Combined with the prestige of a Swiss-based education, this gives your degree lasting global value.

Yes. You’ll graduate with 2 degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Derby (UK) and a Bachelor of International Business in Culinary Arts or Pastry & Chocolate Arts from Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland.

This is a 3-year program that includes two academic terms each year, plus two 6-month paid internships. Along the way, you’ll also earn the Swiss Grand Diploma (Year 1) and the Swiss Higher Diploma (Year 2).

No. The program is all-inclusive — covering tuition, accommodation, and meals. Our admissions team also supports you through the entire visa process, ensuring you’re guided every step of the way from acceptance to arrival.

Yes. Scholarships are available for highly motivated and ambitious students. They are awarded on a merit basis and offered competitively. Flexible payment plans and education loans are also available, helping families plan confidently for this investment.

Yes. Every student completes two 6-month paid internships in Switzerland or abroad (average gross CHF 2,350/month in Switzerland, depending on placement). You’ll also benefit from career coaching, CV workshops, and a global employer network.

Absolutely. Both of our campuses are safe, well-supported, and welcoming to students from around the world. You’ll enjoy modern facilities, international student services, and a diverse community where cultural exchange is part of everyday life.

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Paid Internships. Global Careers. Real Return on Investment.

 All students complete at least one paid internship in Switzerland, gaining real-world experience while earning

 Internship earnings help offset study costs — average gross monthly salary of CHF 2,350 (varies by placement)

 Alumni have built careers with world-renowned brands such as Nobu, Ritz Paris and Burj Al Arab — or launched their own ventures

 A smart investment comparable to studying in major US cities, with added international training and long-term career value

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Get full tuition details, scholarship opportunities, and career pathway guidance

Why Study in Switzerland

  • Learn in a country known for quality, precision, and real-world results
  • Gain paid internships and strong global career support
  • Train in the home of world-famous culinary excellence
  • Be inspired in a country with one of the highest densities of Michelin-starred restaurants
  • Earn a degree with global recognition and lifelong value

Prestigious. Global. Career-focused.

 Career pathways supported by international job forums, dedicated career services and a global employer network

Influential Alumni Network

Over the past 20 years we have helped launch more than 5K culinary careers around the world. The stars below are just a sample of what can be achieved. As part of Swiss Education Group, our alumni also have access to one of the largest hospitality networks in the world.

5K

ALUMNI FROM CULINARY ARTS ACADEMY

45K

ALUMNI FROM
THE SWISS EDUCATION GROUP NETWORK

97%

OF STUDENTS
HIRED UPON
GRADUATION

100

+

NATIONALITIES
IN THE ALUMNI
COMMUNITY

Christodoulos Theofanous
Chef of the Year 2020
Golden Hat 2023
Co-owner and Chef at
COR Gastronomy

Danna Vu
Culinary World Cup 2018
Champion
Culinary Olympics 2020
Gold Medal

Kristin Hamberg
Culinary Olympics 2024
Sweden Junior Team
Gold Medal

Varun Menghani
Owner & Chef
at Sabah Dining
in Dubai

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Built for aspiring chefs, pastry specialists, food entrepreneurs, and future industry leaders, this Swiss Bachelor’s program offers two pathways — Culinary Arts or Pastry & Chocolate Arts. Whichever you choose, you’ll combine intensive hands-on training with essential business knowledge, preparing you to thrive in the global food industry.

Across three years of study, you’ll train in 18 state-of-the-art kitchens, gain over 1,100 practical hours, operate a 50-seat restaurant open to the public, and complete two paid internships. By graduation, you’ll hold 2 degrees recognized worldwide and the real-world experience to lead in the global culinary industry.

Next intake

Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts

October 2025
January 2026
April 2026

Duration

3-year program including 2 paid internships

Location

Le Bouveret & Brig

Practical Training

1,100+ kitchen hours

SWITZERLAND’S

Why Students Around the World Choose This Program

  • Study at Switzerland’s #1 culinary school, trusted worldwide for culinary excellence
  • Specialize through pathways in Culinary Arts or Pastry & Chocolate Arts
  • Live and learn in Switzerland — safe, international, and a hub of culinary innovation
  • Join a global alumni network with career opportunities in 100+ countries
  • Graduate with two renowned degrees: University of Derby (UK) & Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland

Program highlights

• Hands-On Learning at Scale – 1,100+ practical kitchen hours across 18 state-of-the-art kitchens

• Real Restaurant Operations – Run a 50-seat student restaurant open to the public

• Global Industry Experience – Two 6-month paid internships in Switzerland or abroad, giving you invaluable industry experience — with an average gross salary of around CHF 2,350/month in Switzerland (depending on placement).

• Culinary Meets Business – Management, entrepreneurship, and leadership modules integrated with practical training

• Step-by-Step Progression – Earn the Swiss Grand Diploma (Year 1), Swiss Higher Diploma (Year 2), and 2 degrees upon graduation

Structure

100+ Industry-Leading Partnerships

Students benefit from exclusive collaborations with top hotels, restaurants, and luxury brands — gaining access to master classes, internships, competitions, guest speakers, and professional-grade equipment that connect learning directly to real-world careers.

Study in an Exceptional Setting: Our Campuses at the Foot of the Swiss Alps

Le Bouveret

On the shores of Lake Geneva near the French border, Le Bouveret offers a lovely blend of Swiss and French culture. Students train in Apicius, a state-of-the-art culinary facility, and gain experience preparing and serving gourmet meals. Beyond the classroom, opportunities range from alpine adventures to cultural and gastronomic experiences.

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Requirements & fees

 Recommended minimum age of 18 years

 Completed secondary school education (IB Diploma, IBCP Diploma, Maturité, Abitur, French Bac, 2 A-levels, high school diploma or equivalent).

 All applications will be considered on an individual basis.

 Candidates with prior learning from other culinary schools or the workplace may also apply.

We highly recommend applying early. If you need a student visa, please be sure to allow 8 – 12 weeks between application and program start date.

Turn your passion for food into a career for life

More than Cooking–A World of Opportunity

Our culinary programs prepare you for more than life in the kitchen — they open doors to careers in hospitality, business, media, and beyond.

Culinary 
& Chef Roles

 Hotel / Restaurant Chef
 Pastry Chef
 Personal Chef
 In-Flight Chef
 Culinary Instructor
 Catering Chef

Business & Entrepreneurship

 Restaurant Owner
 Food Consultant
 Grocery Store Manager
 Food Product Developer
 Kitchen Equipment Sales
 Food Service Manager

Media
& Specialists

 Food Writer or Critic
 Food Blogger
 Culinary Tour Guide
 Food Stylist
 Sommelier
 Gastro-Diplomacy

Operations
& Safety

 Food Safety Inspector
 Quality Control Manager
 Food & Beverage Director
 Hospitality Manager
 Food Manufacturing
 Nutritionist

Complete year 1 and graduate with a Swiss Grand Diploma in your chosen pathway

Le Bouveret

Culinary Arts

TERM 1: 11 WEEKS

  • Fundamentals of Classical Cooking
  • Food Safety and Sanitation
  • Introduction to Industry Experience
  • French or German

TERM 2: 11 WEEKS

  • Cuisines of Europe
  • Taste through Time: Cultures and History of European Gastronomy
  • Introduction to Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Nutrition, Health, and Special Diets
  • Business Communication
  • French or German

Optional Internship

Switzerland or abroad (6 months) for Swiss Grand Diploma – special conditions apply

TERM 3: 11 WEEKS

  • Cuisines of the World
  • The World of Garde Manger
  • Taste Through time: Cultures and History of World Gastronomy
  • Kitchen Management and Leadership
  • French or German

Internship

Switzerland or abroad (6 months)

Le Bouveret

Pastry & Chocolate Arts

TERM 1: 11 WEEKS

  • Fundamentals of Classical Baking & Pastry
  • Food Safety and Sanitation
  • Introduction to Industry Experience
  • French or German

TERM 2: 11 WEEKS

  • Chocolate Arts & Modern Desserts
  • Taste through Time: History and Culture of Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Nutrition, Health, and Special Diets
  • Business Communication
  • French or German

Optional Internship

Switzerland or abroad (6 months) for Swiss Grand Diploma – special conditions apply

TERM 3: 11 WEEKS

  • From Concept to Masterpiece – Theory
  • From Concept to Masterpiece – Practical
  • Baking & Pastry: Trends, Concepts, and Innovations
  • Kitchen Management and Leadership
  • French or German

Internship

Switzerland or abroad (6 months)

Complete year 2 and graduate with a Swiss Higher Diploma in your chosen pathway

Le Bouveret

Culinary Arts

TERM 4: 11 WEEKS

  • Fine Dining Cooking - Theory
  • Fine Dining Cooking - Practical
  • Restaurant Service and Management
  • Wine, Beverage, and Mixology (in collaboration with Ritz Paris)
  • Advanced Baking & Pastry (in collaboration with Ritz Paris)

TERM 5: 11 WEEKS

  • Innovative Gourmet Cooking: - Theory
  • Innovative Gourmet Cooking: - Practice
  • The World of Chocolate Arts
  • Food Product Development
  • Applied Research

Internship

Switzerland or abroad (6 months)

Le Bouveret

Pastry & Chocolate Arts

TERM 4: 11 WEEKS

  • Fine Dining: Pastry and Desserts – Theory
  • Fine Dining: Pastry and Desserts – Practical
  • Restaurant Service and Management
  • Wine, Beverage, and Mixology (in collaboration with Ritz Paris)
  • Cafe and Bakery: Catering

TERM 5: 11 WEEKS

  • Innovative Gourmet, Pastry, and Desserts – Theory
  • Innovative Gourmet, Pastry, and Desserts – Practical
  • Food Product Development
  • Cafe and Bakery: Concepts and Management
  • Applied Research

Internship

Switzerland or abroad (6 months)

TERM 6: 11 WEEKS

  • Business Plan for the Entrepreneur 1
  • Culinary Tourism
  • Strategic Marketing for the Food Industry
  • Financial Accounting
  • Culinary Events Management

TERM 7: 11 WEEKS

  • Business Plan for the Entrepreneur 2
  • Food & Beverage Concept Management
  • International Food and Wine Matching
  • Restaurant Design
  • Strategic Restaurant Management
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 English language proficiency of TOEFL iBT 55 or IELTS academic module 5.5, or equivalent Duolingo scores. Students who do not have the required English level will be advised to join the English Foundation Program.

Pathways

Culinary or Pastry & Chocolate Arts

 Direct entry options or credit transfer options may be available for IBCP, IBDP and BTEC Candidates. For further details or an individual assessment, please kindly contact directentry@swisseducation.com

Brig

In the Valais region at the foot of the Alps, Brig combines Swiss precision with Italian charm. Here, students manage a 50-seat restaurant open to the public, gaining real-world experience in restaurant operations. Outside of studies, students enjoy alpine sports, historic villages, and iconic sites like the Matterhorn.

Perfect for future entrepreneurs looking to launch their food-based businesses, this program links practical skills to academic knowledge, with equal hours split between the kitchen and the classroom.

PATHWAY 1

Culinary Arts

GRADUATE WITH A BACHELOR OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS IN CULINARY ARTS FROM CULINARY ARTS ACADEMY SWITZERLAND

PATHWAY 2

Pastry & Chocolate

GRADUATE WITH A BACHELOR OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS IN PASTRY & CHOCOLATE ARTS FROM CULINARY ARTS ACADEMY SWITZERLAND