Gather the ingredients for success

The Culinary Institute Switzerland evolved from the fusion of two world-renowned culinary schools, DCT’s European Culinary Center in Lucerne and the Culinary Arts Academy in Le Bouveret, part of César Ritz Colleges Switzerland. Both campuses now give students the opportunity to develop their culinary skills in newly renovated, facilities, while experiencing the lifestyle in the distinct French and German speaking regions of Switzerland.

Aspire to a career in the culinary field by choosing the Culinary Institute Switzerland: the finest traditions, modern training kitchen and facilities; the latest management methods; and right in the heart of Europe.

Besides passion and dedication, the Culinary Institute Switzerland will provide you with complementary ingredients for a creative culinary career:

Focus on European cuisine

Located in Switzerland, the Culinary Institute is placed right at the heart of several European culinary traditions, including the classics – Italian and French. The programme will develop your appreciation in European culinary philosophies, skills, traditions and modern trends.

Hands-on classes

With both theoretical learning and hands-on experience in small classes, you will develop the standards of Swiss chefs and become expert in international cuisine.

Small class sizes

Small-size practical classes allow you to apply what you have just learnt in the demonstration kitchen. This assures that you will be in close contact with the chef instructors.

Leadership Programme

Leading a restaurant and/or a brigade requires knowledge not only in cooking and management but also in leadership. As an integral part of the culinary courses, the Leadership Programme will give you all the necessary tools for the management roles you will hold in your future.

Paid internship in Switzerland

Combine academic learning with real ‘on-the-job’ experience in order to give yourself the best possible start to your career. Paid internships can be taken in some of the best restaurants and four- and five-star hotels in Switzerland.

Worldwide career guidance

To help you succeed in the culinary and hospitality industry, our dedicated career team offers a range of services such as the biannual International Recruitment Forum and international career trips that are designed to assist you in taking the first step towards your career.

SEG - Swiss Education Group

The Culinary Institute Switzerland school in Switzerland is part of SEG, Swiss Education Group, a group of Switzerland's Leading Hospitality Management Schools. A wide range of advantages and benefits are offered to students studying at SEG institutions. Each semester students are given the opportunity to meet with industry leaders from around the world at the SEG International Recruitment Forum (IRF). The event welcomes hotel groups, boutique hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise lines and many other industry groups. At the forum, Culinary students attend presentations, are interviewed and recruited for full-time employment as well as internship positions.

International alumni network

After graduation you will automatically become a member of the alumni network of Swiss Education Group with over 12,000 graduates from 80 different countries.

Choose your culinary arts school and take the first step to a successful career as a chef today!

Swiss Advanced Certificate, Foundation Degree, Bachelor of Arts

Swiss Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts and Certificate in Higher Education

An introduction to the world of Culinary Arts, the Swiss Advanced Certificate provides the key skills and competencies you will need to begin a culinary career. The small classes and hands-on practical kitchens will develop your skills at the Institute in preparation for your six-month paid internship.

Swiss Higher Diploma in Culinary Studies and Foundation Degree Culinary Arts

Building on the solid skills acquired for the Advanced Certificate, the Foundation Degree is designed to broaden both culinary expertise and managerial competencies. Practical assignments place a greater demand on organizational and managerial skills in order to prepare you for the second industry training.

Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts

Take all your practical kitchen experience and some modern management theory and add the opportunity to develop your leadership skills, and you will surely shine above the competition. For aspiring chefs, managers and entrepreneurs, the more in-depth Bachelor degree will help fast track your career options.

There are 4 intakes per year: January, April, July and October.

Minimum Entry Requirements for the First Year at the Culinary Institute Switzerland:

Minimum age: 17 years*
High school diploma or equivalent
English TOEFL 500+, IELTS 5.0 or 50+ points on the Oxford Online Placement Test**
Students with a lower level of English should enrol in the English Foundation Programme
Prior work experience or diplomas from other culinary schools will be evaluated on individual basis

* Please note that students must be 18 years old to commence their industry internship.
** The Oxford Online Placement test can be taken free of charge. Please contact us to find your nearest test centre.