Where can I study to become a chef in South Africa?

At a TVET college (professional cookery and hospitality) or a private culinary school. You can also train in a real kitchen. You do not need a university.

Are there government (TVET) culinary schools?

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

Can I study to be a chef part-time while I work?

Yes. Many people work in a kitchen and study part-time, which is a cheaper way to qualify and gain experience at the same time.

Do I need to study overseas to be a top chef?

No. You can qualify and grow in South Africa. A City & Guilds diploma helps if you later want to work overseas or on cruise ships.

Where to study professional cookery in South Africa: universities and colleges

Where can you study professional cookery at university?

You can study professional cookery at 10 public universities in South Africa. Each one asks for a different mark to get in, and a few use their own points system instead of APS. Tap a university to open its page, or work out your APS to see which ones you can get into.

Most chefs train at a culinary or hospitality school, or in a real kitchen, not at a university. The places below include TVET colleges. Private culinary schools also offer chef diplomas, often with an international City & Guilds qualification.

Work out your APS

Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyWestern Cape Central University of TechnologyFree State Durban University of TechnologyKwaZulu-Natal Nelson Mandela Metropolitan UniversityEastern Cape Tshwane University of TechnologyGauteng University of JohannesburgGauteng University of MpumalangaMpumalanga University of PretoriaGauteng University of ZululandKwaZulu-Natal Walter Sisulu UniversityEastern Cape

Where to train: culinary schools and TVET

You train to be a chef at a culinary school or in a real kitchen, not at a university. Public TVET colleges teach professional cookery and hospitality (and NSFAS can pay). Private culinary schools offer chef diplomas, often with an international City & Guilds qualification. Here is where to start.

National

Public TVET colleges (Hospitality and Professional Cookery)

Many TVET colleges teach professional cookery and hospitality. NSFAS can pay. Find one near you.

Visit website

Private culinary schools offer City & Guilds chef diplomas, but they cost more. Compare fees, kitchens, and work placements before you sign up.

Private colleges

Private colleges also offer the professional cookery course. They charge fees, so always check the college is properly registered and its course is accredited before you pay.

Do you run a private college that offers the professional cookery course? List it on NavyBlue.