Graduate Diploma in International Culinary Arts

Build your career with academic study and paid, practical internship experience.

Become a culinary professional with global experience

Designed for those looking to move into exciting careers within the culinary industry, this six-month diploma has a keen focus on practical skills and training. Students benefit from personalised attention in the kitchen as well as a strong theoretical basis of management and business fundamentals in the classroom. Our wide network of leading European restaurants offers the opportunity for a paid work placement where skills can be further refined in a real-world environment. An ideal programme for those looking to take the first steps in their future culinary career.

Aimed at students with an unrelated undergraduate degree qualification or work experience, this diploma will enhance your culinary abilities and provide a solid foundation of management theory to support those with entrepreneurial ambitions. An optional, paid internship on completion of the study units, provides the opportunity to gain work experience at leading international restaurants or businesses operating within the culinary sector.

Location

Luzern, Switzerland


Award

Graduate Diploma in International Culinary Arts from IMI

Language

Taught in English


Internships

6 months of paid internship experience guaranteed

Credits

120 ECTS


Career Outcomes

Our graduates pursue careers in international culinary and hospitality environments, progressing into kitchen operations, food and beverage management, and leadership roles, grounded in academic study and practical industry experience.

Restaurant & Food Service Management

〉 Restaurant Manager

〉 Operations Supervisor

〉 Food and Beverage Manager

Kitchen & Culinary Operations

〉 Commis Chef

〉 Chef de Partie

〉 Junior Sous Chef

Culinary Business

〉 Restaurant Owner or Co-Owner

〉 Culinary Entrepreneur

〉 Catering Business Manager

Product, Innovation & Food Development

〉 Food Concept Developer

〉 Culinary Innovation Assistant

〉 Menu Development Coordinator

〉 Signed Application Form
〉 Scanned Passport Copy
〉 Academic Transcripts
〉 Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalents)
〉 Motivation Letter

〉 February
〉 August

Fees

Tuition Fees (22-week semester)

  • Cost Breakdown

  • Fee

  • Tuition Fee

  • 24,500 CHF

  • Registration Fee

  • 3,300 CHF

  • Equipment Fee

  • 1,500 CHF

  • Total

  • 29,300 CHF

  • Accommodation Fees (22-week semester)

  • Room Type

  • Standard

  • Lake View

  • Twin shared shower and toilet (only for girls)

  • 2,700 CHF

  • N/A

  • Twin shared shower and private toilet

  • 3,000 CHF

  • 3,500 CHF

  • Twin private shower and toilet

  • 4,000 CHF

  • 4,500 CHF

  • Single shared shower and toilet

  • 3,950 CHF

  • 4,450 CHF

  • Single shared shower and private toile

  • 4,200 CHF

  • 4,700 CHF

  • Single private shower and toile

  • 5,250 CHF

  • 5,750 CHF

  • Meal Fees (22-week semester)

  • Meal Type

  • Fee

  • Full Board*

  • 2,950 CHF

  • Lunch & Dinner only

  • 2,250 CHF

  • Single Meal

  • 12 CHF

  • Please note: All students living on campus must take the Full Board meal plan which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday to Friday and brunch and dinner on weekends and public holidays.

    Hear From Our Students & Alumni

    Degree Progression

    Build your academic pathway step by step, combining structured study with practical experience in Switzerland and abroad.

    Graduate Diploma

    in International Culinary Arts

    22 weeks

    On-campus

    Paid Internship

    in Culinary Arts

    22 weeks

    in Switzerland or abroad

    Degree Study Units

    120 Credits

    Our Global Placement and Employer Network

    IMI students gain professional experience and launch their careers with a wide range of international organisations across business, finance, consulting, services and hospitality related industries. Through long standing relationships and alumni networks, students secure internship placements and graduate roles in Switzerland and across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

    Internship Experience

    At IMI, internships are a core part of the learning experience. Our students gain hands on industry exposure through paid placements with leading employers in Switzerland and abroad.

    "Now I definitely know that pastry is the place for me."

    Jonathan Fernando from Sri Lanka l Culinary Trainee – Widder Hotel, Zurich

    IMI Switzerland in Numbers

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    Employment Rate

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    Nationalities on campus

    Student Life

    Life at IMI combines academic focus with the quality of life Switzerland is known for, offering a close campus environment and a supportive international community where students build lasting connections beyond the classroom.

    Request IMI Brochure

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Internships are a compulsory part of the degree, and IMI supports students in securing paid placements. The Careers team provides personalised support, including CV preparation, interview coaching and visa guidance. Internship locations may be in Switzerland or abroad, depending on availability and student preferences.

    Our Careers and Internships team guides you through every step: preparing your CV, submitting applications, and coordinating interviews with our global partners.

    Yes. The degree is delivered in English. Applicants must be able to study and communicate effectively in English, but different English qualifications are accepted. Dualingo test is not accepted.

    Visa requirements depend on nationality. IMI provides guidance and documentation support throughout the visa application process.

    Begin your journey with IMI

    Fill the Form & Get IMI Brochure