Culinary arts diploma · City & Guilds
International Diploma in Food Preparation & Culinary Arts
Twelve months of hands-on chef training in Krugersdorp. Three mornings a week in a professional kitchen, with knives, uniforms, textbooks and an international exam included.
01 · The programme
What is the International Diploma?
The International Diploma in Food Preparation and Culinary Arts is The Chef School's City & Guilds accredited culinary arts diploma. Over twelve months, students train three mornings a week in a working kitchen and finish with practical exams and an international exam. Classes take a maximum of 10 students, so the training stays personal.
It is built for school leavers who want to cook for a living, career changers who have outgrown their home kitchen, and anyone planning to open a food business. You do not need professional experience. You do need curiosity, stamina and a willingness to be corrected.
Expect early starts, a uniform, your own set of knives and a chef who will ask you to do it again until it is right. New to the idea? Read how to become a chef in South Africa.
At a glance
- Duration
- 12 months
- Schedule
- Monday to Wednesday, 08:00 to 13:00
- Class size
- Maximum 10 students
- Next intake
- To be confirmed
- Accreditation
- City & Guilds of London
- Assessment
- Practical exams and an international exam
- Location
- Oatlands, Krugersdorp
02 · Why study with us
Trained the way real kitchens work.
- 01
Professional practical training
Classical techniques practised until they become habit, with a chef checking your work.
- 02
Experienced chefs
Learn from experienced chefs who demonstrate every technique before you try it yourself.
- 03
A professional kitchen
Train on commercial ovens, steel benches and individual cooking stations, not domestic stoves.
- 04
International recognition
An internationally recognised diploma, assessed with an international exam.
- 05
Career preparation
Menu planning, costing and kitchen design prepare you to work in, or run, a professional kitchen.
- 06
Small classes
A maximum of 10 students per class, so every student gets personal attention at their own station.
03 · Course curriculum
What will I learn on the International Diploma?
Thirteen modules take you from knife skills to menu planning. Each is taught by demonstration, then practised at your station.
01Foundations
Knife skills, mise en place, kitchen language and the core cooking methods.
02Stocks & Sauces
Stocks, soups and the classic sauces that underpin professional cooking.
03Eggs & Baking
Egg cookery, yeast doughs and breads.
04Vegetarian Cuisine
Vegetables, pulses and grains as dishes in their own right.
05Meat
Cuts, preparation and cooking methods for meat and poultry.
06Fish
Selecting, filleting and cooking fish with care.
07Pasta, Rice & Grains
Fresh pasta, risotto and grain cookery.
08Pastry & Desserts
Pastry, desserts, jams, ice cream and sorbet.
09Food Safety
Hygiene, safe food handling and kitchen safety.
10Nutrition & Dietetics
Balanced cooking and catering for dietary needs.
11Costing
Recipe costing, portion control and pricing.
12Kitchen Design
How professional kitchens are planned for flow and safety.
13Menu Planning
Building balanced menus that work in real service.
04 · What's included
What is included in the course fees?
Your fees cover the kit, books and assessments you need from the first day to the final exam.
- KnivesA professional knife set
- UniformsChef's whites for the kitchen
- TextbooksCourse textbooks for every module
- AssessmentsOngoing practical assessment
- Practical classesThree kitchen mornings a week
- Practical examsAssessed at the bench
- International examYour international examination
- ExcursionsLearning beyond the school kitchen
05 · Fees
How much does the International Diploma cost?
One fee covers a full year of professional training, your kit, textbooks and every exam. A deposit secures your place, and the balance is spread over monthly payments.
- Course fee
- R75 000
- Deposit
- R7 000
- Monthly
- 11 × R7 500
Fees are confirmed at enrolment. Ask us about the payment plan when you apply. What does chef school cost in South Africa?
06 · Accreditation
Is the International Diploma accredited?
Yes. The Chef School is an accredited City & Guilds of London school, one of the world's best-known vocational awarding bodies, and diploma students sit an international exam.
How City & Guilds qualifications work07 · Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long is the International Diploma?
Twelve months. Classes run Monday to Wednesday from 08:00 to 13:00.
Do I need cooking experience to apply?
No professional experience is required. A passion for food and the commitment to attend every class matter more.
What is included in the course fees?
Knives, uniforms, textbooks, assessments, practical classes, practical exams, the international exam and excursions.
Is the qualification recognised internationally?
The Chef School is an accredited City & Guilds of London school, and diploma students sit an international exam.
Can I study the International Diploma online?
No. It is taught in person at the school in Krugersdorp, three mornings a week, because chef skills are learned at the stove. Can you study to be a chef online?
How do I pay the course fees?
A deposit secures your place and the balance is paid in monthly instalments. Ask us for the current payment plan.
When is the next intake?
The programme starts once a year. Contact us for the next start date.
Where is The Chef School?
2 Du Plessis Street, Oatlands, Krugersdorp, on Gauteng's West Rand.
Is accommodation available?
We have limited accommodation for up to three students. Ask us about it when you apply.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply for the International Diploma and we will contact you about the next intake, fees and your first week. The chef is often in class, so WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us.
WhatsApp 083 284 2274