6 Top Class Culinary Bachelor’s Degrees Where You’ll Train Like A Michelin Star Chef

Whether you’re looking to deliver fancy fayre in France or cook up a storm in Cancun, you surely can’t do better than follow in the footsteps of a Michelin Star chef. As you’ll know (and if not … why not??) this award is a badge of honour in the culinary world.  And the best way to reach for the stars is through a Culinary Bachelor’s Degree from a prestigious school.

In this article, we’re sharing six of the best places to make like a Michelin Star chef and bag your degree.

What Makes These Programs Elite Training Grounds?

When a restaurant is awarded a Michelin Star it’s not just because it does a pretty mean pasta or pork chop. This prestigious award is only given to exceptional restaurants in which the chef shows extraordinary innovation and talent. When you choose a program that delivers a Michelin Star education, you’re quite literally following in the footsteps of the greats. This means you have the benefit of state-of-the-art kitchens and equipment as well as training in business acumen. With petite class sizes, restaurant simulations and Michelin grade instructors, these programs are laser-focused on creating tomorrow’s executive chefs and restaurant owners. When you enter one of these schools, you’ll learn so much more than great cooking skills - you’ll gain essential skills for entrepreneurship to turn your culinary dream into a reality.

1. Culinary Arts Academy, Switzerland

Best Michelin Chef Faculty Network

The hills may be alive but it's in this QS World University ranked academy where the magic happens. With 17 advanced training kitchens containing top level equipment, the Culinary Arts Academy also boasts a 100 seat training restaurant in which students try out their skills on real-life paying customers. The school is ranked Number 1 for Swiss Culinary academies and Number 8 globally and, as well as learning from top teachers, students also have the privilege of events, workshops and masterclasses from Michelin star chefs. If even more inspiration is needed, students also have access to the Mosimann Collection with its stunning set of memorabilia from celebrated Swiss Chef, Anton Mosimann OBE, former Maitre Chef des Cuisines at the Dorchester Hotel, London.

Key USP: Unrivalled connections with legends of the culinary world, exclusive access to the Mosimann Collection and the one and only QS World University ranked culinary academy.

2. Ecole Ducasse, France

Best Michelin Star Heritage

With a gastronomic 21 Michelin Stars to his name, Alain Ducasse is the stuff of legends and the first to run three restaurants - all with three stars - at the same time. Alain founded Ecole Ducasse in 1999 and the school has since won two World Culinary Awards for 2023 and 2024 - World’s Best Culinary Institution and Europe's Best Culinary Institution. Students choosing to head to this Paris institution to study a Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts can expect to receive comprehensive culinary coaching along with expert business training. The six semesters also include three professional internships at some of the French capital’s finest restaurants.

Key USP: Founded by a Michelin Star pioneer, this academy delivers techniques and philosophies that funnel directly into the heart of Michelin Star-level cooking.

3. Institut Lyfe, France

Best Michelin Chef Collaboration

As well as a unique partnership between Institut Lyfe in Lyon and master Michelin chef, Yannick Alleno, this school also focuses on a collaboration between classic cooking and modern masterpieces. French cooking is, of course, all about the sauce and, Institut Lyfe students benefit from advanced techniques through the exclusive “School of Sauce”.  Trainee chefs also get to work with the man himself during hands-on workshops with Yannick Alleno.

Key USP: As well as the innovative School of Sauce, this program is the only one to offer training with a current and active holder of three Michelin Stars.

4. Basque Culinary Center, Spain

Best Chef Advisory Leadership

Spain reigns supreme as one of the world’s most vibrant culinary scenes and that culture is at the heart of this prestigious college. Blending creative cooking with the science bit, Basque Culinary’s Center’s Bachelor’s program combines innovative techniques with solid management training - all under the tutelage of world class chefs; including those boasting Michelin Stars. Top technical training meets traditional cuisine to create a learning experience that’s as unique as Spain itself.

Key USP: A dynamic curriculum led by Michelin-level talent with a focus on development and mentorship.

5. University of Gastronomic Sciences, Italy

Best Holistic Culinary Philosophy

If you head for this school in Pollenzo, you may not get direct access to a Michelin chef but what you will get is a unique real-world adventure. This BA program is all about food culture as a whole and students get to experience a whole world of foodie goodness with field trips, authentic and hands-on learning and an education in cultural food heritage.



Key USP: Much more than a cooking school, the University of Gastronomic Sciences is a comprehensive education in the techniques, philosophy and cultures that feed into Michelin-starred establishments across the globe.

6. Le Cordon Bleu Paris Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts

Best Global Brand Legacy

OK, so if you’re a culinary student worth your salt, this one probably needs no introduction - but here goes anyway. Founded waaaaaay back in 1895, the Cordon Bleu network of schools are the standard to which every other institution is held. Students spend their days among the greats as they learn classic French cooking with modern applications - led by Michelin Star-connected instructors.

Key USP: The proof is in the pudding with this long-standing prestigious college which has been home to some of the world’s next-level chefs including Julia Child, Gaston Acurio and Mary Berry.

Launching Your Michelin-Level Culinary Career

As more and more people seek a career in the fabulous food industry, there are countless options to choose from - but the institutions highlighted in this article represent dynamic, professional training with a direct pathway to Michelin mastery. As well as learning solid cooking techniques and sciences, students at these Michelin-level establishments are at an immediate advantage as they embrace traditional and modern cooking standards alongside next-level business know-how.

If you’re ready to start your Michelin-led learning journey, these programs offer unparalleled training for tomorrow’s executive chefs and restaurant owners. Check out admission requirements, funding opportunities and testimonials from current and former students to understand how to springboard your career as a culinary leader.