Beyond necessity, food is a passion for many people today. It is common to hear someone describe themselves as a “foodie” or a “food critic.” Easy access to technology and social media has made it easier for people to learn about different cuisines.
Many food enthusiasts eventually consider becoming chefs. Although practice in a home kitchen is valuable, professional culinary training can help aspiring chefs build their techniques, kitchen discipline, and industry knowledge.
If you’re looking to learn more about food, studying abroad can expose you to other cultures and culinary traditions. With that said, here are five countries to consider for Culinary Arts study abroad.
Top Countries to Study Culinary Arts
1. Peru
Peru is a compelling destination for Culinary Arts students because of its award-winning cuisine and ingredient diversity. Peru was named Latin America’s Best Culinary Destination at the 2025 World Culinary Awards. The country’s coast, Andes, and Amazon regions contribute a wide range of ingredients and culinary traditions.
Students can choose from programs with different emphases. Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas offers a five-year bachelor’s degree in Gastronomy and Culinary Management. Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola offers an undergraduate Culinary Arts program. Instituto Le Cordon Bleu Perú offers a three-year Gastronomy program.
These programs allow students to explore culinary techniques, management, and Peruvian cuisine in a formal academic setting. You can also review this guide to educational institutions in Peru.
2. France
France offers options ranging from professional diplomas to bachelor’s degrees and short hands-on classes. Prospective students should distinguish between degree programs, professional diplomas, and recreational or short courses when comparing providers.
Le Cordon Bleu Paris offers programs including the Cuisine Diploma and the Grand Diplôme, which combines cuisine and pastry training. École Ducasse offers a three-year Bachelor in Culinary Arts that combines hands-on culinary training with academic courses in business, management, and sustainability. La Cuisine Paris offers English-language cooking, baking, and pastry classes.
Another short-course provider is Les Coulisses du Chef, which offers adult cooking workshops in Paris. Program length, entry requirements, and career preparation vary by provider, so review the current program page before applying.
Students comparing French schools should choose a program that matches their preferred credential and career goals.
3. India
India offers several types of culinary and hospitality training. IHM Pusa offers a Diploma in Food Production with one year of study plus six months of industry training. ISHM Kolkata lists a three-year B.Sc. in Culinary Science. The Culinary Academy of India offers a three-year bachelor’s degree in Catering Technology and Culinary Arts.
These options differ in scope. Some focus on culinary training, while others combine food production with hospitality or management. When comparing Indian schools, check whether a program is a culinary degree, a food-production diploma, or a broader hospitality qualification.
The cost of studying varies by institution and credential. Review each school’s current official fee page before applying rather than relying on a single estimate. You can also review this guide to lower-cost Indian universities.
4. Switzerland
Switzerland offers Culinary Arts education at diploma, bachelor’s, and postgraduate levels. Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland lists a one-year Swiss Diploma in Culinary Arts and a three-year Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts. BHMS Lucerne offers a three-year Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts with industry internships.
HTMi Switzerland offers culinary diploma and bachelor’s-level options, including a BSc in International Culinary Arts Business. Applicants should review the entry requirements carefully because the HTMi bachelor’s program is a top-up degree for students with prior education or relevant kitchen experience.
Switzerland also gives students the chance to experience regional food traditions and explore the country outside the kitchen, including the Alps, lakes, and local communities.
5. Canada
Canada offers a range of culinary study options. Holland College offers a two-year Culinary Arts diploma through the Culinary Institute of Canada. George Brown College offers a two-year Culinary Management diploma and a four-year Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Culinary Management.
The Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec offers multiple culinary programs. Its Advanced Culinary Arts program, also known as Cuisine Supérieure, is a French-language specialization designed for culinary professionals who want to develop advanced skills.
Because these programs serve different applicant profiles, compare credentials, language of instruction, and admission requirements carefully. You can also explore this guide to universities in Canada.
Graduates can pursue careers in food service and hospitality, but employment outcomes depend on individual qualifications, work authorization, and labor-market conditions.
FAQs: Studying Culinary Arts Abroad
Which Universities Can You Study Culinary Arts Abroad?
Institutions to consider include the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, Mohawk Valley Community College in New York, and Laney College in California. Auckland University of Technology offers a Culinary Arts major within its Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Culinary Arts. Mohawk Valley Community College offers an AOS degree in Culinary Arts Management. Laney College offers Culinary Arts programs and certificates.
International applicants should review each institution’s current admissions requirements and any applicable visa requirements before applying.
We hope this article on the best countries to study Culinary Arts was informative and insightful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the available programs for international students.
