How to Choose a Culinary School in South Africa: What to Know Before Making Your Choice
You might think learning how to choose a culinary school in South Africa comes down to shiny kitchens and a particularly glossy brochure. But it’s really all about accreditation, campus locations, learning formats, and the kind of industry support that actually lands you in a real kitchen with a real salary after graduation. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your chosen chefs’ school gives you all the right ingredients for a hearty culinary career.
Important Considerations when Choosing a Culinary School: Your Chef’s Checklist
- Accreditation that hires you: Look for a national programme accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and internationally recognised accreditation like City & Guilds (C&G) and Highfield. CTIA ticks all three, so your qualifications travel well from Johannesburg hotels to French pâtisseries.
- Campus locations that fit your life (and your vibe): Commuting matters. So does culture. CTIA teaches at four campuses, namely Centurion, Durban, Mbombela, and Stellenbosch. Pop in, meet lecturers, and sniff the stockpots.
- Full vs part-time vs online: Decide how you want to train. Full-time at CTIA is immersion, with 08:00-to-17:00 days, practical cooking, pastry, theory, and live placements. Part-time blends one weekly evening on campus with guided self-study. Do you prefer your home base instead? CTIA’s online courses include short courses and instructor-led sessions with real-time assignments and a final in-person competency exam.
- Real industry support (before and after graduation): Placements and mentoring are oxygen in this field. CTIA partners with 350+ industry champions, has 28 experienced lecturers who’ve done the long shifts and big services, and offers a 100% employment guarantee after you graduate.
Campus Amenities That Matter
You’re going to spend a big chunk of your life in those kitchens, so make sure they work for you. At CTIA, you get:
- Professional training kitchens with industry-standard kit (yes, you’ll master the daunting slicer and the delicate sugar work)
- Demo spaces for chef-led techniques and tastings
Extras That Turn Cooks into Pros
- Switzerland pathway: Through CTIA’s exclusive partnership with BHMS in Lucerne, you can level up to a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts. This means global exposure, serious credibility and Alpine views.
- Paid internships in France: Thanks to CTIA’s partnership with InternAfrika, you can earn while training abroad.
Why CTIA Makes This Decision Easy
Now you know how to choose a culinary school in South Africa, factoring in essentials like tuition, time, place, and future opportunities. CTIA bundles accreditation, campus locations across South Africa, flexible full- vs part-time formats (plus online and short courses), and heavyweight industry support into one clear path. Bring your ambition; we’ll bring the mise en place.
If you’re still weighing up your options, book a campus tour in Centurion, Durban, Mbombela, or Stellenbosch, or chat to us about online learning. CTIA makes learning how to choose a culinary school in South Africa simple, practical, and exciting.