Best 8 Culinary Schools in Switzerland
Studying Culinary Arts in Switzerland
Undertaking to make your mark in the culinary arts in Switzerland is setting the bar as high as it goes: the country has the 3rd highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world and is home to some of the best culinary schools in the world.
Getting a culinary degree from a Swiss culinary school can open many doors as Switzerland has one of the most prestigious educational systems in the world. Local culinary schools also benefit from the highly developed restaurant industry, which offers students some very exciting internship opportunities.
If you want to become a chef then working furiously and with immense discipline, is probably the best way to study culinary arts in Switzerland. Swiss are known to be incredibly disciplined and efficient people, and these are fantastic qualities to develop as a chef.
Find below a researched list of some of the best culinary schools in Switzerland.
1. ICI International Culinary Arts School, Lucerne
Situated in the ancient city of Lucerne, the ICI International Culinary Arts School offers breathtaking views of the Alps and has a vast amount of courses for students to take which include learning how to properly sharpen knives to how to practice correct time management in the kitchen.
Students will also learn about world cuisines and how to properly prepare food from them. To help with this, trips are taken throughout Switzerland and surrounding countries where culinary students meet with professional chefs and pick up tips from them.
The classes are extremely small ensuring that students receive one-on-one help from instructors. Paid internships are available and can be done in Switzerland or abroad. Fees vary depending on the program signed up for with prices ranging from $29,000-$32,000 per year. However, many of the necessary materials are included in this cost such as uniforms, medical insurance, and accommodations.
Scholarships and Fees:
Diploma in International Culinary Arts
- Course duration: 22 weeks
- Cost of tuition : CHF 24,500 (plus registration, room and meals fees)
Higher Diploma in International Culinary Arts (Diploma in International CA plus)
- Course duration: 22 weeks
- Cost of tuition : CHF 24,500 (plus registration, room and meals fees)
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in International Culinary Arts (Higher Diploma in International CA plus)
- Course duration: 22 weeks
- Cost of tuition : CHF 26,000 (plus registration, room and meals fees)
2. B.H.M.S. Culinary Arts School, Lucerne
The B.H.M.S. Culinary Arts School is designed to teach culinary students traditional European cooking methods and meals by using hands-on approaches, such as working with professional chefs to learn the basics. Once students have mastered these methods, they will move on to learning contemporary cooking techniques.
This culinary arts school, located in Lucerne, has a strong program in place that allows students to begin their culinary journey by earning a certificate and eventually move up to a postgraduate degree over the course of three years. Some students can also apply to enter a certain degree directly if they have the required prerequisites.
Some skills taught here include cold kitchen techniques, bread baking, menu design, and food safety. B.H.M.S. Culinary Arts School also requires students to take academic writing and foreign language courses. The school’s fees are around $10,000-$55,000 depending on the program you sign up for.
Scholarships and Fees:
Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Course duration: 2 semesters
- Cost of tuition : CHF 26100 (plus application, operating expenses, etc)
Higher Diploma in Culinary Arts (Diploma in CA plus)
- Course duration: 2 semesters
- Cost of tuition : CHF 27100 (plus application, operating expenses, etc)
Bachelor Degree in Culinary Arts (Diploma in Higher CA plus)
- Course duration: 2 semesters
- Cost of tuition : CHF 28100 (plus application, operating expenses, etc)
Website: B.H.M.S. Culinary Arts School
3. Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (Le Bouveret), Monthey
This culinary school is situated in Port-Valais and is a branch of the Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland in Lucerne. The Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (Le Bouveret) is conveniently located near the country’s border with France allowing students to take day trips to this country for culinary-related lessons and experiences. The school is inside a renovated 1900s grand hotel and contains some of the top technology for students to use.
In addition to this, the Apicius Lab recently opened at the academy allowing chefs to research and collect recipes or learn about recent advances in food styling and fine dining. Numerous masterclasses are also held throughout the year where some of the world’s top chefs spend the day teaching students crucial skills.
Fees for the Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (Le Bouveret) are around $20,000-$65,000 per year and include the required cooking utensils, uniforms, meals, and accommodations students need.
Scholarships and Fees:
BACHELOR of ARTS in CULINARY ARTS
- Course duration: 3 years
- Cost of tuition : CHF 103900 (plus additional charges)
SWISS GRAND DIPLOMA in CULINARY ARTS
- Course duration: 3 terms (1 year)
- Cost of tuition : CHF 44100 (plus additional charges)
Website: Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (Le Bouveret)
4. Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, Lucerne
Established in 1991, the Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland is affiliated with a handful of prestigious partners, such as Ritz Paris and Alessi, which allows students to have an intricate learning experience.
The school prides itself on not only teaching students the basics of the culinary arts, but how to become impressive entrepreneurs in this field. Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland offers a variety of different degrees including a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts, Swiss Grand Diploma in Pastry and Chocolate, and Diploma in Vegetarian Culinary Arts.
To apply to the school applicants need to meet a few requirements such as being at least 18 years old and having English language proficiency. Prices for this school’s programs cost anywhere from $20,000-$40,000 per year. There are scholarships and payment plans available. To help with student employment, this culinary school hosts a recruitment forum twice a year where students can meet with potential clients.
Website: Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland
5. La Cuisine Cooking School, Zurich
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.
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 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.
Website: La Cuisine Cooking School
6. ChuchiArt – The cooking school in Zurich
ChuciArt is one of the top culinary schools in Zurich for not only learning the basics of cooking but for partner cooking as well. 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. Some classes available to sign up for include homemade sausage making, mastering Thai cuisine, and wine/beer pairing.
During your class, Spycher will give recommendations for the best kitchen utensils to use when cooking at home. You’ll also be handed recipe cards of 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.
Website: ChuchiArt
7. Urban Cooking School, Zurich
Urban Cooking School recently moved to Bordeaux, France after serving the Zurich area for many years. This cooking school is designed for those who want to improve their skills in the kitchen but without the hassles of studying for a university degree.
Urban Cooking School offers classes for both beginners and professionals that last anywhere from three to four hours. Each class uses fresh ingredients and focuses on specific themes, such as seafood, pasta-making, and vegetarian cooking. Some classes also highlight cuisines from around the world, like Chinese and Moroccan dishes.
The school does require participants to bring containers to class so they can transport the goods they make back home with them. Private classes are also available where you’ll learn tricks of the trade from chef Peter Hood, an Australian who has opened numerous restaurants around Sydney and the world. Each class has its own specific price and can be found by emailing the school or checking its online schedule.
8. Hiltl Akademie, Zurich
This hip culinary school instructs students not only on the foundations of vegetarian and vegan cooking, but dives into many modern techniques and dishes that are often difficult to make. 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. A few are also geared toward kids who are interested in learning kitchen fundamentals.
Each class is led by a chef who specializes in the type of food being made. 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.
Website: Hiltl Akademie
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