15 Best Culinary Schools in the World

In this guide, we’ll explore the best culinary schools in the world, including why each stands out, how we selected them, plus tips, FAQs, and a helpful summary table.

Why Attending a Top Culinary School Matters in 2025

In 2025, the demand for skilled culinary professionals is rising not only globally but also across the UAE. Here's how things stand:

• Global Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for chefs and head cooks is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, with top earners making over $91,500 annually.
  
  
• UAE Market Growth:
  
  
  
  • The UAE foodservice market was valued at USD 8.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.4 billion by 2032, growing at a healthy 5.1% CAGR
    
    
  • The overall foodservice sector is expected to rise to USD 23.2 billion in 2025, on track for over USD 52 billion by 2030, with a remarkable 17.8% CAGR .
    
    
  • In 2024, the UAE’s culinary tourism revenue stood at USD 511 million and is forecasted to reach USD 2 billion by 2030, representing a striking 21.6% CAGR
    
    

These figures reflect robust investment in luxury dining, experiential food tourism, and cloud kitchens—creating abundant opportunities for well-trained culinary professionals. Leading culinary schools, especially those in the UAE, are responding by equipping students with world-class training, state-of-the-art kitchen labs, and valuable industry connections. Graduates are entering a dynamic hospitality market with strong growth trends, global reach, and high earning potential.

‍Overview of Selection Criteria & Methodology

To make this list, we concentrated on:

• Rankings & Reputation: based on QS, World Culinary Awards, and Intelligent rankings
  
  
• Alumni Achievements: placements in Michelin-starred kitchens, prize-winning in
  
  
• Curriculum & Innovation: breadth, hands-on training, R&D
  
  
• Global Reach & Accreditation: official approvals (WorldChefs, City & Guilds)
  
  
• Tuition & ROI: investment in education vs. career payoff
  
  

1. ICCA Dubai – International Centre for Culinary Arts

‍Location: Dubai, UAE
Why It’s #1

• International Award-Winning Culinary Education,
• State-of-the-Art Worldclass Training Facilities,
• International Industry-Experience Certified Chef Instructors,
• Intensive, Hands-on, Industry Application-Focused, and Outcome-Driven Worldchefs-Recognised Training,
• 100% Work Placement with 86% of UAE’s Hospitality Brands,

Courses:
Become a Professional Chef
Professional Diploma Program in Advanced Culinary Arts in Cookery
Professional Diploma Program in Advanced Culinary Arts in Baking & Patisserie
Advanced Diploma Program in Elevated Gastronomy and Kitchen Management

Become an Expert Home Chef

ICCA Certificate in Culinary Techniques (Cookery)
ICCA Certificate in Culinary Techniques (Baking & Patisserie)

Become an Artisan

Artisanal Chocolate: Learn the Art of Chocolate Making

Artisanal Bread: Learn the Art of Bread Making

Artisanal Pizza: Learn Authentic Italian Pizza Making

Artisanal Gelato: Artisanal Gelato Training at its Best

International Awards in Barista Skills: Prefect the Art of Coffee Making

Sugarcraft: Become a Master Sugarcrafter

Dry Mixology: Learn to make Alcohol-Free Designer Drinks

Alumni: Placed in Michelin-star kitchens; global competitions winners
If your aspiration is to study in a cosmopolitan, futuristic setting, Check out ICCA Dubai's programs today and embark on your future in the culinary world.

2. Le Cordon Bleu – Paris, France

‍World-renowned for French culinary and pastry education. Offers Diplôme de Cuisine & Pâtisserie, Bachelor's in Culinary Management. Alumni include Julia Child and Mary Berry.

3. Culinary Institute of America (CIA) - New York, USA

‍Famed for tough programs, CIA graduates include Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain. The school offers programs in culinary, baking, and business.

4. Culinary Arts Academy - Lucerne, Switzerland

‍Merges the culinary arts, hospitality, and business studies. Ranked in the top 10 in the world and provides internships in luxury hospitality companies.

5. Apicius – Florence, Italy

‍Strong focus on Italian gastronomy, food and wine pairing, and a balance between traditional and contemporary techniques.

6. Hattori Nutrition College – Tokyo, Japan

‍Combines Japanese dining with contemporary nutrition science and food presentation.

7. Basque Culinary Center – San Sebastián, Spain

Known for innovation, culinary research, and development labs. Offers bachelor's and master’s degrees in Gastronomic Sciences.

8. Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) – New York & Los Angeles, USA

‍Offers modern curriculum, quality internship programs, and career-oriented culinary options.

9. Westminster Kingsway College – London, UK

‍Practical kitchen experience and traditional British culinary education. Good placement on cruise ships and in hotels.

10. École Hôtelière de Lausanne – Switzerland

‍Oldest hospitality school in the world. Provides culinary integration and leadership education.

11. Kendall College School of Culinary Arts – Chicago, USA

‍Focuses on sustainability, food science, and U.S.-style culinary education.

12. BHMS Business & Hotel Management School – Switzerland

International hospitality and culinary arts programs with internship sites in Europe.

13. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Austin & Boulder, USA

‍Named after the father of contemporary French cuisine. Provides both online and in-person programs.

14. Le Cordon Bleu – London, UK

‍Sister school to the Paris flagship. Offers world-leading diplomas in patisserie and cuisine in central London.

15. School of Artisan Food – Nottinghamshire, UK

‍Focuses on traditional craft methods such as fermentation, charcuterie, and classic bread making with a focus on sustainability.

How to Choose the Right Culinary School

Choosing the best culinary school depends on several key factors:

• Specialization: Focus on your culinary passion—French cuisine, pastry arts, or sustainable cooking. Select a school that aligns with your goals.
  
  
• Location: Culinary hubs like Paris, Tokyo, New York, and Dubai offer greater exposure to fine dining, global cuisines, and industry connections.
  
  
• Cost & ROI: Consider both tuition and career outcomes. Schools like ICCA Dubai provide world-class training at a competitive cost, offering strong return on investment.
  
  
• Alumni Success: Research graduate achievements. Top schools have alumni in Michelin-star kitchens and international hospitality groups.
  
  
• Campus Experience: Attend open days or virtual tours to explore the school’s facilities, teaching style, and student environment.
  
  

A smart choice ensures the right foundation for a successful global culinary career.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Several of the best culinary schools offer merit-based and need-based scholarships to support aspiring chefs. Notable options include the WorldChefs Educational Grant for global culinary students, Chevening and Erasmus+ scholarships for those studying in the UK and EU, and a variety of school-specific international student awards tailored to individual institutions and programs. In the UAE, The ICCA Dubai’s ‘One Million Dirham Continuing Education Award’ is committed to educate and train the talented and deserving but financially underprivileged young chefs in the UAE Hospitality Industry.

Admission Requirements

Numerous culinary schools require:

• High school diploma.
  
  
• Language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS)
  
  
• Culinary or creative portfolio (optional but highly recommended)
  
  
• Statement of Purpose
  

Visas & Accommodation for International Students

• UAE (ICCA Dubai): Efficient student visa assistance on offer.
  
  
• USA/UK/EU: Post-admission is applicable with financial support and accommodation.
  
  
• Housing: Dorms, shared housing, or school-arranged apartments. Schools also guide students in the search for part-time employment.
  

Career Prospects & ROI

Graduates from the best culinary schools in the world are well-positioned to enter dynamic roles across the hospitality and foodservice industries. Common career paths include positions as executive and sous chefs, pastry and bakery specialists, culinary consultants, food entrepreneurs, and hospitality or F&B managers.

• Globally, entry-level chefs typically earn between USD 40,000 to 60,000 per year, with experienced professionals in senior or specialized roles exceeding USD 90,000 annually, especially in top-tier restaurants and international hotel chains.

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• In the UAE, the culinary industry is equally promising. Salaries for chefs range from AED 6,000 to 25,000 per month depending on the level of expertise and employer. Executive chefs in luxury hotels and fine-dining establishments can command salaries upwards of AED 25,000 monthly, while sous chefs and mid-level professionals earn between AED 6,100 to 7,700 per month. Moreover, many positions come with tax-free income, housing allowances, medical insurance, and other benefits, which enhance the overall value of compensation packages.

FAQs

What is the best UAE culinary school?

‍ICCA Dubai distinguishes itself through global rankings, City & Guilds accreditation, and high career placement.

Is ICCA Dubai a good school for cooking?

‍Yes. It offers accredited courses, modern facilities, and has produced award-winning chefs.

Which is the most prestigious culinary school in the world?

‍Paris's Le Cordon Bleu and CIA (New York) are commonly mentioned as the most prestigious in the world.

How costly is culinary school in Dubai?

‍Tuition is between $8,000–15,000 depending on the program you enroll in.

Can international students study culinary arts in the UAE?

Yes. ICCA Dubai welcomes international students and provides visa support.

Choosing among the best culinary schools in the world means aligning your passion with the right platform. Whether you're looking for tradition, innovation, or affordability, there's a perfect fit waiting. ICCA Dubai leads in 2025 thanks to its balanced blend of global standards, practical learning, and strong placement success.

Get started today. Check ICCA Dubai's programs and embark on your road to becoming a world class chef.

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