What do I need to study to become a chef?

For a culinary school, matric helps (some take Grade 10 or 11). No special subjects are needed, but Hospitality Studies and Consumer Studies help.

What subjects do I need to become a chef?

There are no strict subjects. English, Hospitality Studies, Consumer Studies, and some Maths all help.

Is a City & Guilds chef qualification good?

Yes. City & Guilds is an international qualification that many South African culinary schools offer. It is recognised overseas, which helps if you want to work abroad or on ships.

How much does chef school cost?

TVET cookery is affordable, and NSFAS can pay. Private culinary schools cost much more, often tens of thousands a year.

Professional cookery requirements: subjects, APS and how to qualify

What you need in matric

You must have

English

Also good to have

Hospitality Studies
Consumer Studies
Mathematics or Maths Literacy

Ways to become a chef

The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.

Occupational1 to 3 yearsBest way

Culinary school diploma (City & Guilds)

To get in: Matric helps, but some schools take Grade 10 or 11. No degree needed. Many diplomas carry an international City & Guilds qualification.

Private culinary schools and TVET colleges offer professional cookery and culinary arts diplomas. You cook a lot and do a work placement. You start as a junior chef and work up.

OccupationalAbout 3 years (paid)

Apprenticeship (train in a kitchen)

To get in: A kitchen willing to train you. You earn while you learn, working in a real kitchen.

You work in a restaurant or hotel kitchen and study part-time (often City & Guilds). You learn by doing. You become a qualified chef through work and study.

Cannot afford a full-time school? Get a job in a kitchen (even as a kitchen hand) and study part-time while you work.

If you don’t get in yet

No money for a culinary school, or marks too low? You can still become a chef.

Get a job in a kitchen first

Start as a kitchen hand or junior, learn on the job, and study part-time. Many top chefs started this way.

Study at a TVET college

TVET colleges teach professional cookery and hospitality for much less than private schools, and NSFAS can pay.

Do a short cooking course

A short course builds basic skills and helps you get a first kitchen job, then you learn the rest by working.

Questions people ask

Related careers

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How to become a chef in South Africa

What you need in matric

You must have

Also good to have

Ways to become a chef

Culinary school diploma (City & Guilds)

Apprenticeship (train in a kitchen)

If you don’t get in yet

Get a job in a kitchen first

Study at a TVET college

Do a short cooking course

Questions people ask

What do I need to study to become a chef?+

What subjects do I need to become a chef?+

Is a City & Guilds chef qualification good?+

How much does chef school cost?+

Related careers

Plumber

Electrician

Real estate agent