As regards food and diets, certain disciplines have to be maintained. There are many culinary schools in Europe and beyond; there are also culinary schools that stand out in Europe as the best.
It is necessary to be informed about the best practices in catering, its disciplines and be certified as a chef; so, the need arises to study in an institution that will give you the best.
If you are looking to study in European culinary schools, this is the right article for you. We have brought out the best 21 best culinary schools in Europe for you.
Culinary programs in Europe; how do you get into a Culinary School?
Like most culinary programs in Europe, Culinary schools have their basic entrance requirements.
The first thing is that you will be required to have a high school diploma or GED.
A plethora of Culinary schools does not require standardized test scores while others may request applicants to present standardized test scores for placement and not necessarily acceptance.
There are other Culinary schools that require students who do not have standardized test scores to take a placement test.
The rest are culinary schools in Europe that require just your high school diploma or GED.
Is it worth going to the culinary schools in Europe?
Attending the culinary schools in Europe is a good way for people who have little or no experience to get their foot in the door, it is not a prerequisite to becoming a chef.
Therefore if going to a culinary school is good because there are some companies that will offer you a job faster is you have a culinary Arts certificate.
But generally, how professional you will become as a chef depends on the hard work you put in.
Can I Learn how to Cook Online?
You might be wondering if there are online Culinary schools. Yes, there are. The Online Culinary Courses are done in Extension of what the Tutor has done on videos.
What students do is to send feeds in terms of videos, images, and assignments which often times are text-based.
In a bid to get things all fixed up in terms of having a Culinary degree from an Accredited Online School, you have to be responsive with the class or you might end up repeating processes and spending Money. Let’s look at the list of best culinary schools in Europe.
The list of best culinary schools in Europe
Below is a list of the best culinary schools in Europe. The review of these culinary schools comes after the list.
- Le cordon bleu was Paris France
- Gastronomicom International Culinary Academy Agde, France
- Culinary Arts Academy, Le Bouveret, Switzerland
- Basque Culinary center, Spain
- Westminster Kingsway college, London, UK
- Business and Hotel Management School, Lucerne, Switzerland
- University of Derby, Buxton Uk
- GASMA gastronomy and Culinary Management Campus, Spain
- International Culinary Institute Switzerland
- Cast Alimenti: The Italian school of culinary Arts, Brescia Italy
- Ferrierres School Hotel Management, Gastronomy and Luxury Paris France
- Lenotre Quai Henri IV school of culinary arts Paris France
- Leith’s school of food and wine, London, UK
- Culinary institute of Barcelona, Spain
- University College of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts of Sant pol de mar
- Ferrandi Paris. Paris, France
- Paul Boscue institute, Lyon France
- College of food and hospitality management: university college Birmingham, UK
- Apicius Florence Italy
- Ecole de cuisine Alain Ducasse, Paris, France
Le cordon bleu was Paris France
Le cordon bleu was founded in Paris, in 1895. It is one culinary school with a big network. It has over 35 institutes worldwide in 20 countries. It trains about 20,000 chefs each year from 100 different nationalities.
It has 4 of its school in Europe which are in Paris, London, Madrid and Istanbul.
It has a world record of unique cuisines which are being taught to its chefs. Le cordon bleu is known to combine creativity and innovation with tradition.
It awards its student on completion of a program with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
Le cordon bleu offers programs such as restaurant kitchen, catering, restaurant and hotel management, journalism, consulting, food service, food styling and education.
Gastronomicom International Culinary Academy Agde, France
France is home to lots of delicacies and exquisite meals. It is no wonder that this culinary school is situated in France. Agde sits on the coast of southern France and its culinary school is located in a resort.
Gastronomicom International Culinary Academy was established in 2004, it hosts international students from all over the world.
Its course includes French cooking, pastry and French language. All courses are offered in English.
Their cookery programs are suitable for beginners and also necessary for professionals. It has one Michelin star, thus considered very good in cooking.
Their classes have a maximum number of 16 persons per class. The kitchen is up to 110m2 in size and is fully equipped with all the necessary kitchen tools.
The courses offered in the school last from 1 month to a year depending on your plan. At the end of your program, it offers certificates and diplomas in cooking, pastry and the French language.
It also offers paid internships in exquisite restaurants such as Relais-cheteaux.
Culinary Arts Academy, Le Bouveret, Switzerland
Culinary Art academy is located on the shores of Lake Geneva in Le Bouveret. It has two campuses, Le Bouveret and Lucerne.
One major honour of le bouveret is the coveted Recognition of Quality Culinary Education Mark, a renowned international endorsement from the World Association of Chef’s Societies. Le bouveret is the first culinary school in Switzerland to receive such honours. Another honour is it being the only university in QS university rankings.
With guidance from top chefs like Chef Anton Mosimann and Irma Dutsch, the first Swiss female chef to win a Michelin star, students are handled with high discipline in the culinary arts.
Basque Culinary center, Spain
This gastronomical research centre was established in 2011. It is located along the hillside of Donostia-san Sebastian resort and is attached to the University of Mondragon.
It is a unique culinary school that birthed the most successful alumni like Chef Safe Cruz.
Basque culinary school offers a Bachelor’s degree in Gastronomy and culinary arts.
Westminster Kingsway college, London, UK
Westminster Kingsway College is located in the centre of London. It has four campuses which are in King’s cross, Reagent’s Park, Victoria and Soho.
It is a leading school in gastronomy practices. It offers several programs and awards certificates such as Grand Escoffier Diploma, Foundation Degrees, Bachelor of arts, bachelor of science.
Westminster culinary school is known for its commitment to hospitality and culinary arts. It also collaborates with the International Hospitality industry, Leading Chefs associations and other disciplines in gastronomy.
Business and Hotel Management School, Lucerne, Switzerland
This peculiar school teaches culinary infused with French and Italian traditions. It uses more advanced techniques and creativity to equip its student with Gourmet practice.
Students develop skills in food preparation and presentation, pastry, desserts and kitchen Management then they are sent off to restaurants to practice their skills in international and traditional cuisines.
BHMS program awards a Diploma, Higher Diploma, Bachelor degrees and Post-graduate Diplomas.
They also have a direct entry for candidates who have acquired a 1-year training in gastronomy.
University of Derby, Buxton Uk
The Devonshire Dome houses this culinary school located in Buxton. Devonshire Dome is a Banqueting and events centre with the highest rating in the AA College Rosette scheme.
This culinary school has seven high specification kitchens including an induction powered training kitchen, Equipment for off-site catering, pop-up restaurants, two bars and a bistro. The University of Derby has a Networking Day where they get to make contacts in Michelin- starred restaurants.
It offers a BA degree in Professional Culinary Arts (top-up).
GASMA gastronomy and Culinary Management Campus, Spain
GASMA is located 5 minutes drive from CEU Cardenal Herrera University. It has a state-of-the-art facility considered the best in the whole of Southern Europe.
It has one campus on two sites; a management-oriented campus on CEU Cardinal Herrera University and a gastronomy-oriented site located on Villa Dolores.
Gasma has one main principle “learn by doing” thus making sure their students are fully equipped with gastronomical practices.
Gasma is an international culinary school with students from 65 different countries and Michelin- starred chefs handling classes. Classes are held in Spanish.
International Culinary Institute Switzerland
Located in Lucerne on the shores of the lake, the school is accredited by leading International Organizations and Institutes like Oxford Brookes University Eduqua.
It is affiliated with International Management Institute.
It offers a bachelor’s degree and a diploma in culinary arts. The classes are held with a maximum number of 10 students per class.
Cast Alimenti: The Italian school of culinary Arts, Brescia Italy
This is an Italian culinary school where students are bred with full Italian culture. The school is one of the top schools handling Italian cuisines. It is accredited with over 19 championship titles and offers Diplomas in Italian culinary arts.
Experts and Michelin chefs handle classes thereby giving the best practice for students in culinary arts.
Ferrierres School Hotel Management, Gastronomy and Luxury Paris France
This is a school that combines culinary arts with luxury and hospitality. It has hotels and restaurants where students can practice and learn on the go.
This culinary school is the best for international students seeking gastronomical knowledge. Classes are taught in English and it also has a provision for students to finance their studies. It has a work-study program where students can work in its restaurants and hotels and get paid.
At the end of a program, students are offered a Bachelor’s degree and given the chance to work with one of their partners for the long term.
Lenotre Quai Henri IV school of culinary arts Paris France
A school with over 3 campuses with the first opened in 1971 by Gaston Lenotre.
It is one of the culinary schools to have one of its campuses on a 200m2 flagship. This floating school is located in the centre of Paris seine, Moored at Yachts de Paris.
This unique culinary school is one that embraces innovation, creativity and technology. Advancing with the world, yet keeping its traditional culinary disciplines.
Leith’s school of food and wine, London, UK
One of the most popular culinary schools in Europe that delivers their Culinary Arts program with a state-of-the-art kitchen, Leith’s school is definitely a breath taker in culinary arts.
It offers diplomas in culinary programs. It is also one of the culinary schools in Europe that provides availability for funding for students.
It offers online courses in the art of gastronomy. The teachers are passionate, friendly and handle their class with a light atmosphere providing students with the best possible atmosphere for learning.
Culinary institute of Barcelona, Spain
This is a culinary school where you can “have it all”. If you want to become a master chef, or you are looking forward to management practices, the culinary institute of Spain is your best pick.
Located in a serene and breath-taking environment, CIB is equipped with four cooking classrooms, three kitchens, a patisserie workshop, two digitalized amphitheatres for downloading and a classroom designed for every student to be at the front row
It offers a Gran chef diploma on completing the Haute Cuisine Diploma, a culinary specialism, a management specialist and six months internship at any restaurant linked to the school.
University College of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts of Sant pol de mar
This culinary institute is located in Southern Spain, 50km from Barcelona. It ranks first in Spain and the top 24 in worldwide Hospitality and Leisure Management.
It houses students from over 45 different nationalities and has an average attendance of 17 students per class.
It has a training hotel where students learn by doing and actually become real chefs.
University College of Hospitality and Management offers a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s, Diploma and specialty courses in gastronomy and culinary arts.
Ferrandi Paris. Paris, France
If you want to learn French cuisine and lifestyle, this is certainly the culinary institute for you. It has over 3 campuses with one in the centre of Paris.
With classes of a maximum of 11 to 15 per class and over 36 kitchens with four training restaurants, learning is quite thrilling for students.
It has a reputation for its professional teaching of traditional French cuisines.
Ferrandi Paris offers Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts.
The bachelor’s degree is taught in Bordeaux its second campus in Worldsdom and IPC Wines and Spirits programs.
Paul Boscue institute, Lyon France
This is an international elite school in France. The culinary institute offers its students the opportunity to learn necessary culinary skills and disciplines.
The school offers a 3-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree, 4-year bachelor’s degree with an honours degree, 5-year Masters’s degree and a minimum of 29 different courses in culinary practices.
College of food and hospitality management: university college Birmingham, UK
Get a chance to study in one of the most highly respected names in the food industry. It is one of the culinary schools in Europe that offers a range of specialist courses from professional chef training to culinary arts, the management of bakery and patisserie.
Learn in industry-standard kitchens and their award-winning restaurant at Birmingham college of food.
The school awards certifications in undergraduate and post-graduate studies.
Apicius Florence Italy
Located in the serene city of Florence, this school dates back to 1997. It is known for its traditional cuisines and its state-of-the-art facilities including the Ganzo, Sorgiva and Dimora learning labs that connect students with the community for the experience.
It has a pastry shop, Fedora where students’ work is showcased.
Apicius offers two four-year bachelor’s degree programs with one in hospitality management and the other in food and wine studies. It offers students the opportunity to transfer their course work to a US bachelor’s degree program.
Ecole de cuisine Alain Ducasse, Paris, France
This school is located on the edge of Meudon forest on a 5,000m2 flagship. In 2019, the school partnered with Sommet education, a Swiss education group specializing in hospitality management and rebranded as Ecole Ducasse.
It equips its students with practical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills in culinary and pastry arts. It offers 3-year Bachelors’s programs and short courses of 2 months, diploma courses of 2, 4 and 6 months.
Steps to Study in the Culinary schools in Europe for international students
Studying in Europe is so exciting and for a lot of people who want to attend culinary schools in Europe, it will be a once in a lifetime thing.
It broadens your horizon beyond the international aspect because you will be encountering a new culture, a new language and a lot of times new weather.
In this section, we will be discussing some of the important items for any foreign student who has intentions of studying in Europe.
After choosing any of the culinary schools in Europe of your choice and before embarking on your adventure of studying in any of the culinary schools in Europe, you must consider the university that you want to attend, visa permits, health insurance, and also accommodation.
Consider the following steps if you are an international student who plans to study in the culinary schools in Europe or who is wondering how to study culinary abroad in Europe.
- Choose any of the culinary schools in Europe
- Check the Entry requirements for a course
- Put the requirements together
- Check for any available scholarships and grants
- Submit your application before the deadline
- Visa application
Choose any of the culinary schools in Europe
The first thing you should do as someone who plans to attend the culinary schools in Europe, is come up with a list of the cheap culinary schools in Europe for international students you would like to attend, then select the one that you deem fit for your future ambitions.
You need to consider funding, does the school offer scholarships to international students It is vital you check the scholarships they are operating and their various deadlines for application.
If you meet the culinary school’s requirements, then you can go ahead and send your application. The moment any of the culinary schools in Europe issues you an acceptance letter, then a Visa at the embassy is next.
Check the Entry requirements for a course
Apart from the general entry requirements, there will be specific requirements in the country you have selected or for the course you selected. To know more visit the website of the university and get details of the entry requirements to the course.
Put the requirements together
Once you are aware of the basic entry requirements and the specific requirements for the course, start collecting the documents. Make a checklist of the documents, this will remind you of what is required, and the action needed to obtain these documents.
Check for any available scholarships and grants
You can check on available financial aid for your course in the form of scholarships and grants. If they are available, apply for them as soon as possible. This will improve your chances of getting them. Browse the websites of your shortlisted culinary schools to know more about them.
Submit your application before the deadline
Once your documents are ready, submit your application well before the deadline. Keep a tab on the deadlines of the various universities you are applying for so that you can finish your application on time.
Visa application
Don’t wait until the last minute before applying for your visa. The visa processing might take time and as such, you wouldn’t want to miss the beginning of your school year.
It is recommended that you arrange your visa application for at least 6 months in advance. Getting a study permit opens up an opportunity to apply for a residence permit, but only once you arrive in Europe.
As someone who plans to study, a tourist visa might affect a student’s lifestyle which often includes a student job, unlike a study permit that grants you a legal student status.
What do you think about these culinary schools in Europe? Please share your thoughts with us.