Last Updated on May 14, 2025
What are the best countries to study culinary arts? Explore top destinations, chef schools and cuisine that shape world-class culinary careers. From tradition-rich kitchens to globally acclaimed culinary institutes, this guide will help you discover where your passion for food can turn into thriving culinary profession.
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Countries to Study Culinary Arts Abroad!
While we’ll list the best countries to study culinary arts in this blog, the term “best” depends on your personal goals, budget, and career path. Consider these must-haves:
- Prestigious culinary schools with global recognition
- Strong industry connections and internships
- English-taught programs for international accessibility
- Diverse cuisines and culinary cultures
- Post-study work rights for hands-on experience
- Business and entrepreneurship modules
- Affordable tuition and living costs
- Modern facilities and professional kitchens
- Focus on food innovation and sustainability
- Global placement and alumni network
10 Best Countries to Study Culinary Arts
Here are the 10 best countries to study culinary arts in 2025—take note!
- France
- USA
- Italy
- Canada
- Australia
- Spain
- Japan
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- UK
France
Reasons why France is one of the best countries to study culinary arts abroad—
- Birthplace of modern gastronomy
- Home to Le Cordon Bleu and other legendary schools
- Access to Michelin-starred kitchens for internships
- Strong foundation in classical techniques
Top Culinary Schools
| School | Global Ranking (2025) | Avg. Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Le Cordon Bleu Paris | #1 worldwide | €38,000 – €50,000 |
| Ferrandi Paris | #4 in Europe | €19,000 – €29,000 |
| Institut Paul Bocuse | Top 10 Europe | €15,000 – €25,000 |
| École Ducasse | To be ranked | €24,000 – €35,000 |
| ENSP (École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie) | To be ranked | €22,000 – €30,000 |
USA
Reasons why the USA is one of the best countries to study culinary arts abroad—
- Business-oriented culinary degrees
- World-class campuses with live kitchen labs
- Access to major food & hospitality chains
- Food tech and media opportunities
Top Culinary Schools
| School | Global Ranking (2025) | Avg. Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Culinary Institute of America (CIA) | #1 in the USA | $36,000 – $48,000 |
| Johnson & Wales University | #2 in the USA | $35,000 – $44,000 |
| The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) | To be ranked | $39,000 |
| Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts | To be ranked | $24,000 – $32,000 |
| Kendall College (National Louis University) | To be ranked | $25,000 – $35,000 |
Italy
Reasons why Italy is one of the best countries to study culinary arts abroad—
- Deep culinary heritage and artisanal focus
- Farm-to-table, wine, and regional food culture
- Affordable programs with high skill development
- Great base for Mediterranean and fusion cuisine
Top Culinary Schools
| School | Global Ranking (2025) | Avg. Yearly Tuition Fees |
| ALMA – La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana | #1 in Italy | €16,500 – €24,000 |
| Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF) | To be ranked | €8,000 – €14,000 |
| Apicius – Florence University of the Arts | To be ranked | €15,000 – €19,000 |
| Scuola di Arte Culinaria Cordon Bleu Firenze | To be ranked | €9,000 – €13,000 |
| Gustolab International | To be ranked | Varies |
Canada
Reasons why Canada is one of the best countries to study culinary arts abroad—
- Work-integrated culinary programs
- Affordable tuition and multicultural food scene
- Post-study work permits for international students
- Access to restaurants, hotels, and food startups
Top Culinary Schools
| School | Global Ranking (2025) | Avg. Yearly Tuition Fees |
| George Brown College | #1 in Canada | CAD $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts | To be ranked | CAD $25,000 |
| Vancouver Community College | To be ranked | CAD $14,000 – $18,000 |
| Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa | To be ranked | CAD $34,000 – $38,000 |
| SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) | To be ranked | CAD $17,000 – $20,000 |
Australia
Reasons why Australia is one of the best countries to study culinary arts abroad—
- Practical diplomas and bachelor’s degrees
- Paid industry placements from early stages
- Modern culinary campuses in food-forward cities
- Strong visa and migration opportunities
Top Culinary Schools
| School | Global Ranking (2025) | Avg. Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Le Cordon Bleu Australia | #1 in Australia | AUD $35,000 – $45,000 |
| William Angliss Institute | To be ranked | AUD $15,000 – $27,000 |
| Holmesglen Institute | To be ranked | AUD $18,000 – $25,000 |
| TAFE NSW | To be ranked | AUD $17,000 – $23,000 |
| Box Hill Institute | To be ranked | AUD $16,000 – $22,000 |
Spain
Reasons why Spain is one of the best countries to study culinary arts abroad—
- Focus on avant-garde cuisine (think El Bulli, Basque cuisine)
- Affordable cost of education and living
- Mediterranean diet and wine studies
- Internship placements in world-renowned restaurants
Top Culinary Schools
| School | Global Ranking (2025) | Avg. Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Basque Culinary Center | Top 5 in Europe | €15,000 – €22,000 |
| Gasma – Gastronomy & Culinary Management Campus | To be ranked | €13,000 – €18,000 |
| Hofmann Culinary School | To be ranked | €12,000 – €17,000 |
| Escuela de Hostelería de Sevilla | To be ranked | Varies |
| Escuela Superior de Hostelería de Barcelona | To be ranked | Varies |
Japan
Reasons why Japan is one of the best countries to study culinary arts abroad—
- Unique focus on precision, technique, and presentation
- Specialised programs in sushi, kaiseki, and Japanese pastry
- High cultural respect for culinary professions
- World-class exposure to Asian fusion trends
Top Culinary Schools
| School | Global Ranking (2025) | Avg. Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Tsuji Culinary Institute | #1 in Japan | ¥1,200,000 – ¥2,400,000 |
| Hattori Nutrition College | To be ranked | ¥1,500,000 |
| Tokyo Sushi Academy | To be ranked | ¥1,200,000 |
| Le Cordon Bleu Tokyo | To be ranked | ¥2,300,000 |
| Kyoto Culinary Art College | To be ranked | ¥1,800,000 |
Switzerland
Reasons why Switzerland is one of the best countries to study culinary arts abroad—
- World-class hospitality-culinary hybrids
- High standard of kitchen facilities and training
- Multicultural, multilingual environment
- Strong internship links with luxury hotels and restaurants
Top Culinary Schools
| School | Global Ranking (2025) | Avg. Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland | #1 in Switzerland | CHF 29,000 – CHF 45,000 |
| César Ritz Colleges | To be ranked | CHF 30,000 – CHF 40,000 |
| BHMS (Business & Hotel Management School) | To be ranked | CHF 28,000 – CHF 38,000 |
| Swiss Education Group (SEG) Culinary Schools | To be ranked | Varies |
| HIM Hotel Institute Montreux | To be ranked | Varies |
Singapore
Reasons why Singapore is one of the best countries to study culinary arts abroad—
- Hub for Asian-European fusion cuisine
- English-taught programs in modern campuses
- Close to leading hospitality groups in Asia
- High employability in global food service brands
Top Culinary Schools
| School | Global Ranking (2025) | Avg. Yearly Tuition Fees |
| At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy | #1 in Singapore | SGD $20,000 – $30,000 |
| SHATEC Institutes | To be ranked | SGD $18,000 – $24,000 |
| Nanyang Polytechnic – F&B Management | To be ranked | SGD $17,000 |
| Culinary Institute of America (Singapore) | To be ranked | SGD $35,000 |
| Vatel Singapore | To be ranked | Varies |
UK
Reasons why the UK is one of the best countries to study culinary arts abroad—
- Shorter degree durations with intense training
- English-speaking, multicultural kitchen environment
- Access to London’s thriving food scene
- Strong ties with Michelin-star restaurants
Top Culinary Schools
| School | Global Ranking (2025) | Avg. Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Le Cordon Bleu London | #1 in UK | £32,000 – £40,000 |
| Westminster Kingsway College | To be ranked | £12,000 – £16,000 |
| University College Birmingham | To be ranked | £13,000 – £15,000 |
| Tante Marie Culinary Academy | To be ranked | £16,500 |
| Bournemouth University – Culinary Arts | To be ranked | £14,000 – £17,000 |
Read Also:
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10 Best Countries to Study Business
Top 10 Countries to Study Medicine
General Procedure for Applying to a Culinary Arts Program Abroad
Thinking of joining a culinary program abroad? Here’s how to get started:
- Research and shortlist culinary schools based on cuisine focus, costs, and rankings
- Check admission requirements – portfolios, interviews, English proficiency
- Gather application materials – transcripts, motivation letters, resume
- Apply online through school portals or international application systems
- Prepare for an interview or skill test if required
Final Thoughts
From the classical kitchens of France to the innovative food scenes in the USA and Japan, each country offers unique flavors, technique and world class culinary schools. Whether you dream of Michelin-star or global food innovation, studying at the right destination opens the door to top culinary jobs worldwide. Start your journey with Admissify and turn your love for cooking into a global career.
FAQs
Which country is best for studying culinary arts?
France is widely considered the best country to study culinary arts, thanks to its world-renowned schools like Le Cordon Bleau and its rich gastronomic culture. However, countries like Italy, Japan, and the USA also offer top-tier chief training and diverse cuisines.
Where can I study culinary arts abroad for the best career opportunities?
Top destinations to study culinary arts abroad include France, the USA, Italy, Japan and Switzerland. These countries offer internationally accredited culinary programs, strong job markets and hands-on training.
Which country offers the best culinary jobs after graduation?
USA, Australia, and France are among the best countries for culinary jobs post-graduation. These nations have vibrant food industries, high demand for skilled chefs, and clear visa pathways.
What are the best international culinary schools abroad?
Top international culinary schools include Le Cordon Bleau, Culinary Institute of America, Apicius, and Tsuji Culinary Institute.
Bhaskarjyoti Paul is a seasoned content writer with over three years of experience within the ed-tech space. Specialising in study abroad and academic content, Bhaskarjyoti excels at creating SEO-optimized articles that drive traffic and engagement and blog and website content that engages and informs readers. Bhaskarjyoti handles social media content for Admissify, designs compelling narratives and spearheads engagement across multiple platforms. With a desire to help students and a keen eye for detail, Bhaskarjyoti brings a wealth of knowledge to every project.
