30 Best Culinary Schools in the World

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Culinary art is a fun career to go into, but it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve created this list of the 30 best culinary schools in the world. In this article, we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for in a program, from cost and length of study to career options and what kind of training each school offers.

France, Italy, and Greece are some of the countries with the most reputable culinary schools in the world, and it should come as no surprise why. These countries are widely regarded for their innovative food inventions and culture; which is why many people go to culinary school in these places.

Our article features schools from these countries and how you too, can get started and give your culinary career the needed boost it deserves.

Table of Contents

Overview

Culinary schools are specialty schools that teach students the art and business of making delicious meals, dishes, and food art. It is a known fact that culinary schools are expensive

How Much Does a Culinary School Cost?

The cost of culinary school varies from country to country, but the average tuition fee for one year at a culinary school can be anywhere between $10,000 and $35,000. This doesn’t include living expenses like rent or food costs that you may incur while studying at culinary school.

Here’s a quick glance at what some of the best culinary schools in the world cost:

S/NSome of the best culinary schools in the worldTuition cost
1The Culinary Institute of America$16,925 per semester
2Culinary & Hospitality Management at Kendall College$36,014 per year
3International Culinary Institute of Gastronomicom€2,600 – €18,400 (depending on your chosen course of study)
4Culinary Institute of New England$22,210
5Paris L’Ecole Lenotre€28,900 (program total fee, excluding living expenses and VATs)
6Japan’s Hattori Nutrition College936,000 yen (+ admission fee, also $7,100)
7Nilai University’s Hospitality School37,800 MYR per course ($8,600)

Asian culinary schools on average, are cheaper than their European counterparts. Some of the best of these Asian culinary schools can be found in Singapore and Malaysia. However, if you are going in for the best schools (and you can afford it), then you should check out culinary schools in Europe.

What are the Careers in Culinary Arts?

Aspiring chefs can also earn their certification from a culinary school, which combines professional training and classroom instruction.

There are several types of careers in Culinary Arts:

  • Chefs (in general);
  • Restaurant Owners;
  • Food Stylists;
  • Food Writers/Journalists;
  • Wine Sommeliers;
  • Caterers;
  • Food Technologists;
  • Pastry Cooks, and many more.

The List of 30 Best Culinary Schools in the World

Here are 30 of the top schools, each offering unique programs and opportunities for aspiring chefs and culinary professionals.

  • The Culinary Institute of America in New York
  • Austin’s Auguste Escoffier Culinary Arts School
  • France’s Le Cordon Bleu Paris
  • Culinary & Hospitality Management at Kendall College
  • New York’s Institute of Culinary Education
  • Sullivan University Lexington and Louisville
  • Le Notre Culinary Institute
  • Omaha’s Metropolitan Community College
  • International Culinary Institute of Gastronomicom
  • The Greystone Campus of the Culinary Institute of America
  • Monroe College’s Culinary Institute of New York
  • Michigan’s Henry Ford College
  • College of Nutrition in Hattori
  • Culinary Institute of New England
  • Culinary Institute of the Great Lakes
  • Stratford University School of Culinary Arts
  • Baton Rogue’s Louisiana Culinary Institute
  • San Francisco Cooking School
  • Keiser University Centre of Culinary Arts
  • Paris L’ecole Lenotre
  • Apicius International School of Hospitality
  • The French Pastry School at Kennedy-King College
  • Platt University
  • Arizona Institute of Cuisine
  • College of Delgado, New Orleans
  • Higher Institute of Cuisine in Sichuan
  • Tel Aviv’s Bishulim Culinary School
  • Culinary Institute of Hong Kong
  • Japan’s Hattori Nutrition College
  • Nilai University’s Hospitality School

30 Best Culinary Schools in the World

The following are the best culinary schools in the world:

1. The Culinary Institute of America in New York

The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary school and has campuses in New York and California as well as Singapore. It offers the following programs: Baking & Pastry Arts and Culinary Arts, both on the main campus in Hyde Park; Restaurant Management at its Napa Valley location; and Cooking & Hospitality Management at its St. Helena campus.

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2. Austin’s Auguste Escoffier Culinary Arts School

Austin’s Auguste Escoffier Culinary Arts School is a private for-profit institution that offers various culinary programs in culinary arts. Located in Austin, Texas, this school was founded in 2011.

Nicknamed the “King of Chefs,” this school prides itself on being the living legacy of the famed French chef, August Escoffier. They offer two main programs; the “Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations” program and the “Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts” program, which can both be completed online. The former costs $21,751 while the latter costs $31,035.

The school also offers various other culinary programs for high school students, veteran students, and international students, as well as financial aid for almost all its programs.

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3. France’s Le Cordon Bleu in Paris

If you’re looking for a culinary school that can provide you with an impressive range of courses, Le Cordon Bleu in Paris is one of the best options. The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in culinary arts and pastry making, as well as advanced certificates in gastronomy. All courses are taught by chef instructors who are either professionals or retired professionals from top restaurants around the world.

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4. Culinary & Hospitality Management at Kendell College

Culinary & Hospitality Management at Kendell College is located in St. Louis, Missouri. The school offers the only associate degree in Culinary Arts and a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management in the country. Students can choose between two tracks: hospitality management or culinary arts.

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5. New York’s Institute of Culinary Education

The New York Institute of Culinary Education is one of the best culinary schools in the world. It is located in New York, NY. The school offers various culinary courses including a culinary arts diploma, bachelor’s degree programs, and an associate’s degree program.

This institute offers several career paths after graduation like a chef or food science.

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6. Sullivan University Lexington and Louisville

Sullivan University offers a range of culinary programs at its Lexington and Louisville campuses.

At the Lexington campus, students can enroll in an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree program, which is a two-year program that includes coursework in culinary fundamentals, food safety, and kitchen management. The program also includes hands-on training in the school’s on-campus restaurant, where students can gain practical experience working in a real kitchen setting.

The Louisville campus offers a similar program, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Culinary Arts. This four-year program includes coursework in culinary arts, as well as business and management courses designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the hospitality industry.

Both campuses also offer a range of shorter certificate programs in specialized areas of culinary arts, such as baking and pastry, food and beverage management, and culinary nutrition.

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7. Le Notre Culinary Institute

Le Notre is a prestigious culinary school located in Paris, France.

The school’s professional diploma programs are designed for students who are looking to start a career in the culinary industry and include coursework in culinary fundamentals, food safety, and kitchen management. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and include hands-on training in the school’s on-campus restaurants and pastry labs.

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8. Omaha’s Metropolitan Community College

Omaha’s Metropolitan Community College has a reputation as an affordable, high-quality culinary school with a focus on sustainability and nutrition. It offers associate degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts, as well as diploma programs for non-credit students.

It also offers certificate programs in Culinary Management, Culinary Management Assistant, Wine & Spirits Certificate, and Sommelier Certificates.

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9. International Culinary Institute of Gastronomicom

Culinary arts students at the International Culinary Institute of Gastronomicom (ICIG) are treated to an extensive curriculum that includes all aspects of the culinary industry, including a wide variety of coursework and internships in San Francisco.

Students have opportunities to work with local chefs and restaurants while they are still in school. Tuition at ICIG is fairly affordable and it is also one of the best culinary schools in the world.

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10. The Greystone Campus of the Culinary of America

Located in Hyde Park, New York, this is one of the best culinary schools in the world, and in America.

The school offers certificate programs in culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, and management; associate degrees in culinary arts (AAS), baking & pastry arts (AAS), and restaurant management.

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11. Monroe College’s Culinary Institute of New York

Monroe College’s Culinary Institute of New York is a culinary school in the New York City borough of Manhattan.

Monroe College’s Culinary Institute of New York offers a degree program in Culinary Arts and Management.

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12. Michigan’s Henry Ford College, Dearborn

If you’re interested in pursuing a culinary career, Henry Ford College has a culinary program that can help you get your degree. Located in Dearborn, Michigan, this school is highly praised in the world of culinary arts.

HFCC offers a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts as well as a host of many other programs in hospitality management.

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13. College of Nutrition in Hattori

The school offers programs that include practical training at restaurants, hotels, and hospitals.

Its culinary arts course is designed for those who have no previous experience in the food industry. Students also have access to computer labs and libraries on campus.

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14. Culinary Institute of New England

Culinary Institute of New England is a culinary school in Montpelier, Vermont. CINE offers programs at both the full- and part-time level, including a full-time program focused on excellence in cooking, baking, and pastry arts; an associate degree program; or shorter certificate courses that can be taken on a part-time basis. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

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15. Culinary Institute of the Great Lakes

The Culinary Institute of the Great Lakes (CIGL) is a culinary school located in Cleveland, Ohio. It offers a range of programs in culinary arts and hospitality management, including associate’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and certificate programs.

CIGL also offers a bachelor’s degree program in hospitality management with a concentration in culinary arts.

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16. Stratford University School of Culinary Arts

Stratford University is a private university located in Fairfax, Virginia, with a campus in Woodbridge, Virginia as well. Its School of Culinary Arts at Stratford is widely credited as one of the best culinary schools in the world.

The school offers a range of programs in culinary arts and hospitality management, including associate’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and certificate programs.

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17. Baton Rogue’s Louisiana Culinary Institute

The Louisiana Culinary Institute is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The school offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts and is offered as a two-year program (as opposed to the traditional four-year degree). Students must have a high school diploma or GED to be admitted into the program.

The cost of tuition at Louisiana Culinary Institute is $14,575 per year (excluding living and study expenses) which includes all required textbooks as well as uniforms and other necessities for students in culinary arts programs.

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18. San Francisco Cooking School

San Francisco Cooking School is a private institution offering professional training in the culinary arts. It has facilities in San Francisco, California, and Napa Valley, California. Its campus is set on five acres of land in the heart of St. Helena, Napa Valley, and includes state-of-the-art classrooms, kitchens, dormitories, and gardens for students to learn about food preparation and grow their own produce.

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19. Keiser University Centre of Culinary Arts

The Keiser University Centre of Culinary Arts offers a two-year associate degree in culinary arts. Students enrolled here can expect to learn all the skills they need to become successful chefs. The curriculum covers everything from knife skills and cooking terms to meal planning and service techniques. It is also possible for students to earn an American Culinary Federation certification upon completion of this program if they choose.

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20. Paris’ L’ecole Lenotre

L’ecole Lenotre offers bachelor’s degree programs in culinary arts and pastry arts, which are designed for students who are looking to pursue more advanced careers in the industry. These programs take three years to complete and include coursework in culinary fundamentals, as well as more advanced topics such as food and wine pairing and menu development.

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21. Apicius International School of Hospitality

The Apicius International School of Hospitality is a culinary school located in Paris, France. The school offers a variety of programs including:

  • Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Culinary Arts Apprenticeship Program
  • Professional Baking and Pastry Arts Diploma.

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22. The French Pastry School at Kennedy-King College

Located in Chicago, The French Pastry School at Kennedy-King College is one of the best culinary schools for those who have a passion for sweets and pastry-making.

The job outlook for graduates in these two professions is strong, with many students going on to become executive pastry chefs at upscale restaurants.

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23. Platt University

Platt University is a private, not-for-profit higher institution. The school has had a complicated history, but is generally credited to having been founded in 1986 (though its history dates way back) as a college and has since grown to offer associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of fields. It is currently located in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

The Department of Culinary Arts at Platt College offers students an opportunity to study culinary arts at both the bachelor’s and associate’s levels.

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24. Arizona Institute of Cuisine

Arizona Institute of Cuisine is a culinary school in Phoenix, Arizona. Like Platt, it is a private for-profit school. The school has an online program and a campus in Phoenix. The culinary program at this institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

The Arizona Institute of Culinary Arts offers certificates and degrees to students who wish to pursue careers as chefs or other food service professionals.

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25. College of Delgado, New Orleans

Though New Orleans has a reputation as a culinary capital, the College of Delgado is not to be overlooked. Located in Louisiana, it has courses that range from baking and pastry arts to hospitality management. There are also several options for students who want to work in the field of culinary arts.

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26. Higher Institute of Cuisine in Sichuan (Sichuan Tourism University)

The Higher Institute of Cuisine in Sichuan offers a variety of courses for those who wish to learn about Chinese food. The school is located in Chengdu, China, and has been training students since 2000. The curriculum consists of the following:

  • Culinary Arts Diploma Program
  • Hospitality Management Diploma Program
  • Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Degree Program

The tuition and fees for these programs vary according to the chosen area of study.

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27. Tel Aviv’s Bishulim Culinary School

If you’re looking for a culinary school that provides you with the tools to become a world-class chef, then Tel Aviv’s Bishulim Culinary School is another top place for you. The school is located in Tel Aviv, Israel, and offers bachelor’s degrees in cooking and baking. It is an Israeli institution that has been around since 1988, making it one of the oldest culinary schools on our list.

Like many culinary schools around the world, Bishulim also offers courses in catering, restaurant management, food service management, and more.

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28. Culinary Institute of Hong Kong

The Culinary Institute of Hong Kong is a private tertiary institution in Hong Kong.

The curriculum comprises food preparation techniques; baking and pastry arts; butchering and charcuterie; as well as wine appreciation, service skills, restaurant management principles, hospitality law, and business etiquette.

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29. Vegan Gastronomy Culinary Academy

Vegan Gastronomy Culinary Academy is located in Naxos, Greece, and offers one of the most affordable culinary training in Europe. The academy offers a variety of vegan-based culinary courses and culinary vacations in Naxos, which are designed to teach participants about vegan and plant-based cooking techniques, as well as the local culture and cuisine of Greece.

The academy’s team of instructors includes experienced vegan chefs and professionals from the culinary industry.

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30. Nilai University’s Hospitality School

Nilai University’s Hospitality School is the only school in Malaysia that has a hospital on campus. The school has a clinical kitchen that is used by students to practice their skills.

Students can also get involved in the culinary arts program by taking part in numerous field trips and student competitions.

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FAQs About Best Culinary Schools in the World

What is the difference between culinary arts and culinary science?

Culinary arts and culinary science are two different fields within the culinary industry. Culinary arts focuses on the practical skills and techniques needed to prepare and cook a wide range of dishes. This includes learning about different cooking methods, ingredients, and flavor profiles, as well as food safety and kitchen management. Culinary science, on the other hand, is a more research-based field that focuses on the scientific principles behind food preparation and cooking.

What can you do with a degree in culinary arts?

A degree in culinary arts can prepare you for a variety of career paths in the culinary industry. Some common job titles for individuals with a degree in culinary arts include:

  • Chef
  • Sous Chef
  • Pastry chef
  • Line cook
  • Kitchen manager
  • Food and beverage manager
  • Restaurant owner

How much does it cost to attend a culinary school?

The cost of studying in any of the best culinary schools in the world varies between $10,000 to $35,000; however, some schools charge more.

Also, some of these schools offer short courses and certificate programs that cost way less. In addition, some culinary schools on this list even offer financial aid. You can look out for those.

Wrapping It Up

The above list of the 30 best culinary schools in the world is a reflection of our research and personal findings. We hope that this article was helpful to you in finding out more about culinary schools and their programs.

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One comment

  1. This article about 30 Best Culinary Schools in the World is very informative and will definitely help students to know which Culinary Arts colleges are good , the courses they offer and also how to get an admission into the college. I am writing a few lines with India as a country and culinary arts education as a focal point. Till 1996 India did not have specialized Culinary arts colleges offering professional bachelor’s degrees nor Certifications.
    Till 19996 India had only Hotel Management colleges and the focus was on all four departments viz Front Office, House Keeping , Food & Beverage Service and Food Production. Only those students who felt that they can cook and want to take up cooking as their career used to go and join Food Production Department.
    Post 1996 India has introduced Bachelors in Culinary Arts as part of the career options in the Higher Education system. Now its closed to three decades that India also puts good, skilled and talented Chefs into the Culinary Profession. Osmania University in Hyderabad in the Southern part of India was the first university to introduce this Bachelor’s Degree Course way back in 1996.Culinary Academy of India is the First Full fledged Culinary Arts Institute in India which offered the Bachelor’s Degree In Catering Technology & Culinary Arts.
    Varma H
    Culinary Arts Education Counsellor.

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