International Pastry Program with Bachelor’s Degree – at Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland.
Do you want to turn your passion for pastries and chocolate into a global career? Our three-year pastry program is open to anyone who wants to start from scratch and build professional expertise in pastry and chocolate arts.
The program combines intensive practical training in the school’s own fine-dining environment with personalized guidance in small teaching groups. Here you develop in close contact with the industry and are thoroughly prepared for the mandatory internship period – in Switzerland or internationally. The goal is clear: to shape the next generation of creative pastry chefs for the international market.
The program is offered in Le Bouveret near Montreux, located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Accommodation, meals, and health insurance are included in the price during your time at the school. All instruction is in English. The program is eligible for student financial aid.
Want to know more?
Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland is ranked as the best culinary and pastry school in Switzerland, and one of the best in the world. The instructors are themselves star chefs, the environment is stunning, with state-of-the-art classrooms and equipment, and we offer paid internships at the finest restaurants and hotels in the world.
Here we offer a comprehensive bakery, chocolate, and pastry program that provides thorough preparation for a professional career. In addition to instruction at the school’s facilities, we organize field trips to restaurants, vineyards, food producers, trade fairs, and gastronomic events.
Curriculum Overview
This three-year program combines artistic pastry craftsmanship with culinary leadership and business acumen. Studies take place on campus in Le Bouveret and Brig, and each year concludes with a six-month internship period in Switzerland or internationally.
- Year 1 – Fundamentals of pastry arts. Location: Le Bouveret
- During the first year, you learn the fundamentals of classical baking and pastry, with a focus on craftsmanship techniques, food safety, and industry knowledge. You dive into chocolate art, modern desserts, and nutrition, while developing skills in communication and leadership. The year concludes with a 6-month internship.
- Diploma after Year 1: Swiss Grand Diploma in Pastry & Chocolate Arts.
- Year 2 – Specialization & creative development. Location: Le Bouveret
- The second year focuses on advanced techniques in fine dining and innovative dessert design. You study product development, café and bakery management, and beverage knowledge in collaboration with Ritz Paris. A second 6-month internship provides deeper experience and networking opportunities.
- Diploma after Year 2: Swiss Higher Diploma in Pastry & Chocolate Arts.
- Year 3 – Business & leadership. Location: Brig
- The final year focuses on entrepreneurship: business planning, marketing, finance, concept development, and restaurant management. You also learn about culinary tourism and food and wine pairing at an international level – important knowledge for those who want to take on a leadership role or start their own business. No internship this year – the focus is on in-depth study and the final thesis project.
- Degree after Year 3: Bachelor of Culinary Arts.
Need guidance?
Tony Olsson
Swedish master pastry chef Tony Olsson is an ambassador for Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, which means he participates in master classes, is consulted on the curriculum, and offers internships and an exclusive scholarship to ambitious pastry students.
International Internship
Our students complete at least two internship periods, which in most cases come with a salary from the employer and are carried out at first-class restaurants or hotels in Switzerland or globally.
On campus, there is a career department dedicated to helping all students with the entire process surrounding internships, career planning, and job preparation.
Need guidance?
Application Process
We assist every student with individual guidance through the entire application process, student financial aid, and other practical preparations before starting studies. To apply to the pastry program, a CV, motivational letter, and certificates from previous studies are required. That the student has a genuine passion for the subject is the most important thing to us!
