10 Best Culinary Schools in Switzerland(Tuition and Requirements)

Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, and it is reflected in the high living standards of the country. The satisfaction of people living here is high in terms of culinary schools in Switzerland or higher education in general.

Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering.

When you compare universities in Switzerland or culinary schools in Switzerland to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian.

Many people have a passion for cooking, and deciding to turn it into a professional career is advisable. While there are countless renowned culinary schools worldwide, Switzerland is also quite a hospitality hotspot and has its fair share of reputable culinary schools.

If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average. Get a glass of water, and relax as I take you on Culinary schools in Switzerland.

Contents hide
1 List of Best Culinary Schools in Switzerland
1.1 Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland
1.1.1 Admission requirements:
1.1.2 Tuition fees:
1.2 B.H.M.S – Culinary Arts School
1.2.1 Admission requirements:
1.2.2 Tuition Fees:
1.3 ICI – International Culinary Institute
1.3.1 Tuition fee:
1.3.2 Admission requirements:
1.4 Swiss Education Academy – Swiss Culinary Club
1.4.1 General admission requirement:
1.5 La Cuisine Cooking School
1.6 Hiltl Akademie
1.7 ChuchiArt
1.8 Urban Cooking School
1.9 EHL Junior Academy
1.9.1 Certificates
1.10 European Baking and Pastry Arts
2 Frequently Asked Questions
2.1 Is Switzerland good to study culinary Arts?
2.2 What are the steps to becoming a chef?
2.3 Share this:
2.4 Like this:
2.5 Related

List of Best Culinary Schools in Switzerland

  • Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland
  • B.H.M.S – Culinary Arts School
  • ICI – International Culinary Institute
  • Swiss Education Academy – Swiss Culinary Club
  • La Cuisine Cooking School
  • Hiltl Akademie
  • ChuchiArt
  • Urban Cooking School
  • EHL Junior Academy
  • European Baking and Pastry Arts

Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland

This culinary school has three campuses:

  • sunny Brig;
  • historic Lucerne;
  • and lakeside in Le Bouveret.

Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (CAAS) is one of the culinary schools in Switzerland that offers a contemporary educational experience.

CAAS is equipped with state-of-the-art kitchens and has professional partnerships with multiple industry pioneers. All are aimed at grooming professionals in the industry.

Students undoubtedly benefit from those established relationships, as they provide them with internship opportunities during their studies.

The collaborations include Ritz Paris Hotel, Mane (creator of food flavours and fragrances), and vegetarian restaurant chain, tidbits.

These partnerships also contribute to creating academic programs and specializations, guest lectures, providing case studies and assignments, and host visits to provide students additional insights into real-life operations.

Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland is one of the world’s finest culinary schools—the only one ranked in the QS World University Rankings.

The school is one of the culinary schools in Switzerland that is certified by the Worldchefs Global Education Network, EduQua, and The-ICE (The International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education).

Admission requirements:

  • Applicants mut be above 18 years.
  • Applicants must have completed their secondary education.
  • TOEFL IBT score is 55 or IELTS 5.5.

Tuition fees:

The Bachelor program costs about CHF 152,000 for three years.

The Master program CHF 44,000, the two Swiss Grand Diploma programs CHF 62,000, and the Vegetarian Diploma program, CHF 42,000.

The price covers:

  • Tuition;
  • Accommodation;
  • and meals.

B.H.M.S – Culinary Arts School

Business and Hotel Management School is one of the leading hospitality schools in the world. With its location in Lucerne’s vibrant and lively city.

B.H.M.S is an educational institution that earned its accreditation from multiple agencies.

Culinary Arts programs at B.H.M.S. combine a hands-on approach to culinary operations with more advanced techniques and creativity.

The highlights of the program include classic European cooking methods, cuts, stocks and sauces as a foundation stone, before practising these skills with international and contemporary menus in a working restaurant environment.

B.H.M.S. has its location in Lucerne – the heart of Switzerland. Two of the neighbouring countries – France and Italy, both have incredible cooking traditions.

During the study, these culinary traditions and skills are brought closer together to create a unique and inspiring studying experience.

As part of their studies, students have the opportunity to complete an internship in order to gain work experience in various areas of the hospitality industry.

B.H.M.S’s Culinary Arts Diploma, Higher Diploma, and BA Degree programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEF).

The institution is also certified by eduQua, an agency that certifies Swiss colleges and institutions.

Admission requirements:

  • Applicant must fulfill the different requirements for particular programs at the culinary school.
  • Applicant must not be younger than 17 years.
  • Minimum of 11 years of secondary education
  • English proficiency at IELTS 5.0 or equivalent( for international students)

Tuition Fees:

When it comes to tuition fees, they are paid yearly. Course fees are going to cost you CHF 24,100.

With each academic year that passes, a sum of CH 1000 is added to the tuition fee.

For the application fee, you have to pay CHF 500.

If you take into account accommodation, meals, operating expenses, the first academic year will cost you in total CHF 32.500.

ICI – International Culinary Institute

This is one of the culinary schools in Switzerland with a team of experienced hospitality professionals that offer training in the culinary industry and hospitality industry in general.

ICI Culinary School is located in a beautiful, well-equipped campus almost on the shores of Lake Lucerne; admiring the wonderful scenery and clean air every day.

Nearby are many interesting cities in Switzerland: in their spare time, students can go on a variety of excursions and walks, take time shopping, go to the theatre or cinema, visit several shops.

As international students spend a lot of time in practical training, the equipment of kitchens is paid great attention to.

Students work with the most advanced equipment and technology, use modern computer programs, resources and online databases, online courses.

Types of the educational programs: 

  • Certificate course (half year);
  • Diploma program (1-2 years);
  • Bachelor’s degree (2,5-3 years).

Tuition fee already includes:

  • Training on the selected program;
  • Accommodation and meals;
  • Uniforms;
  • Necessary educational materials, books and manuals;
  • Compulsory medical insurance.

Tuition fee:

If you include the housing and the meals, in total, your education at ICI will cost you from 28250.00 CHF to CHF 31,850.

Admission requirements:

  • English Language competence.
  • The entry IELTS requirement is 4.5.

The lucky students who will get admitted will get to be interns in some of the finest kitchens in Switzerland and Europe.

Swiss Education Academy – Swiss Culinary Club

Their Culinary Arts program gives participants a global view of the culinary industry and the opportunity to learn from top chefs in our state-of-the-art demonstration kitchens.

You will learn how a professional kitchen works, prepare a variety of dishes and desserts – with a focus on chocolate and pastry – and find out what it takes to start and manage a restaurant business.

They have a dynamic Swiss summer program that takes a holistic approach to participants’ growth– blending engaging, hands-on learning with experiences that boost confidence and create lasting memories. A summer spent with us will help prepare you for a brilliant future.

Their Swiss Culinary Club summer camp program is open to young people aged 16-20 and runs over three weeks, with new excursions and activities each week. However, there are programs for other people of all ages. Below are some of the duration and fees of their courses:

1-week courses:
CHF 2,450

2 weeks courses:
CHF 4,650

3 weeks courses :
CHF 6,600

The program includes:

Accommodation in double standard rooms (for deluxe or single rooms, Breakfast, lunch, dinner on weekdays; brunch and dinner on weekends, Weekend excursions, Evening social activities etc.

General admission requirement:

  • A decent level of English will help, because their classes are in English.
  • No other special requirements.

La Cuisine Cooking School

Nordstrasse 201, Zurich, Zurich 8037

Nestled within the heart of Zurich lies La Cuisine Cooking School. This school was created by Sämi Räss and Peter Bechter to inspire those interested in improving their culinary arts skills.

It is one of the culinary schools in Switzerland which you can choose If a degree in culinary arts is not what you’re looking for. You can therefore always sign up for one-day cooking classes at La Cuisine cooking school Switzerland.  

La Cuisine Cooking School is one of the culinary schools in Switzerland that offers a large number of classes that touch on topics like how to use ceramic grills and the best methods for making sauces.

Students will also learn how to assemble popular international dishes as well as the steps needed for creating fresh sausage, tapas, pastries, and pasta.

La Cuisine Cooking School will occasionally host professional chefs that specialize in certain cooking aspects, such as meat and herbs.

One notable personality that has taught at the school is Markus Burkhard, a Michelin star chef who heads Jakob Restaurant.

Classes are held at various times and days throughout the week and spots can be reserved online.

There are also a few team cooking programs available that will teach you how to communicate and work with others in the kitchen.

The fees for the courses will vary with most being around $130-$200. 

Hiltl Akademie

Hiltl Akademie is one of the culinary schools in Switzerland that instructs students not only on the foundations of vegan cooking but equally dives into numerous techniques and dishes that are difficult to make.

It is one of the culinary schools in Switzerland which you can choose If a degree in culinary arts is not what you’re looking for.

You can therefore always sign up for one-day cooking classes at Hiltl Akademie.

 Hiltl Akademie is run by professional chefs who carefully watch over students as they chop, sauté, and fry.

There are a variety of classes you can sign up for that include Vegan Nutrition, Cooking with Medicinal Plants, Smoothie Blending, and Moroccan Spices.

Many of these courses are also held on a professional level for students looking for more of a challenge while in the kitchen.

They have courses geared towards kids as well. You’ll also leave most courses with food to take home and some recipes to make in the future.

Average costs for a class range anywhere from $60-$200. 

ChuchiArt

ChuciArt is one of the top culinary schools in Switzerland, found in Zurich for not only learning the basics of cooking but for partner cooking as well.

It is one of the culinary schools in Switzerland which you can choose If a degree in culinary arts is not what you’re looking for.

You can therefore always sign up for one-day cooking classes at ChuchiArt.

The school, created by Thomas Spycher, prides itself on being innovative in its techniques and designs meals and snacks that aren’t only nutritious but tasty as well.

Most of their classes available to sign up for include homemade sausage making, mastering Thai cuisine, and wine/beer pairing.

While learning, Spycher will give recommendations for the best kitchen utensils to use when cooking at home.

You’ll also be handed recipe cards for the meals you create during your culinary adventure.

ChuciArt requires reservations to be made well ahead of time if you’re interested in attending a class.

This can be done by visiting their website and filling in a form telling of the ideal date and time you’d like to visit.

The average price for the classes is $100.

Urban Cooking School

Nestled within the heart of Zurich lies La Cuisine Cooking School.

This school was created by Sämi Räss and Peter Bechter to inspire those interested in improving their culinary arts skills or becoming professionals.

La Cuisine Cooking School offers a large number of classes that touch on topics like how to use ceramic grills and the best methods for making sauces.

Students are taught how to assemble popular international dishes as well as the steps needed for creating fresh sausage, tapas, pastries, and pasta.

La Cuisine Cooking School will occasionally host professional chefs that specialize in certain cooking aspects, such as meat and herbs.

One notable personality that has taught at the school is Markus Burkhard, a Michelin star chef who heads Jakob Restaurant.

Classes are held at various times and days throughout the week and spots can be reserved online.

There are also a few team cooking programs available that will teach you how to communicate and work with others in the kitchen.

The fees for the courses will vary with most being around $130-$200.

EHL Junior Academy

Whether you dream of opening a restaurant or starting your own innovative F&B business, their five-month intense program of 25 masterclasses will give you the skills and connections you need.

Year after year, EHL achieves top positions in university rankings and industry awards based on academic quality, reputation among employers, and contributions to research.

Your own business project will take shape thanks to academic modules and the tools EHL developed to help entrepreneurs.

It will also immerse you in culinary operations, from fine-dining cuisine in EHL’s gastronomic restaurant to freshly prepared takeaway food, going through catering, oenology or even R&D.

You will benefit from the instruction of world-recognized chefs and top experts with a strong global work experience within the F&B industry.

Certificates

Culinary & Restaurant management certificate from EHL, EHL HACCP and Food Safety for the Restaurant Industry Certificate, Sous-vide certifications (with CREA)

Check out EHL Junior Academy fees and scholarships.

European Baking and Pastry Arts

  •  Sörenberg, Switzerland

This is one of the culinary schools in Switzerland that is a unit of HTMi, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland.

The aim of this European Baking and Pastry Arts unit from HTMi, Hotel and Tourism Management Institute Switzerland is to enable students to gain knowledge of the equipment, commodities and methods required to prepare and cook/bake Swiss and European Bread, Pastries, Cakes, Desserts and Chocolates.

Duration is 5 months.
Tuition fee 20,198 EUR

See also the tuition-free universities in Scotland for international students

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Switzerland good to study culinary Arts?

Those who decide to move to Switzerland to study the culinary arts will find a rich, deep tradition that brings together different European cuisines while also offering a taste profile entirely its own.

You will be able to Learn the techniques made famous throughout Western Europe, including those that originate in Germany, Italy, and France, while also learning about the unique Swiss styles and tastes.

The unmatched Swiss experience allows students to learn about the cuisines of Switzerland and its many neighbours, thus helping them develop their culinary skills to an entirely new level.

When you step out of the kitchen, you will also be able to experience the wealth of the Swiss culture and landscape.

Spend your time skiing in the Alps or boating on the water. Learn new languages and converse with the linguistically diverse Swiss people.

Studying in Switzerland makes it easy for people to prepare for a career in hospitality and the culinary arts.

Students finish their degrees feeling confident in a range of culinary tastes and styles and ready to make themselves at home in kitchens around the world.

What are the steps to becoming a chef?


  • Go to culinary school( though not a prerequisite to becoming a chef)
  • Obtain practical work experience
  • Find a job working in a restaurant kitchen

Whether as a commis or chef de partie, with your experience and networking opportunities, you can get your first chef job. From here, you can work your way up to sous chef and eventually to head chef.

Anyone who enjoys cooking has probably thought about what it might be like to work as a high-end chef. But in reality, the road to becoming a chef takes time to travel. It requires countless hours of hard work, especially in the early years. Having known the best culinary schools in Switzerland, ensure you make the right choice. All the best.

Was This Article Helpful? Tell Us What You Think.