Culinary Graduates of Institut Culinaire de France with Chef Pierre Hermé

Are you a graduate of the Institut Disciples Escoffier’s Diploma Program in Bakery or Pastry? Ready to take your culinary passion to the next level and become a future leader in the sweet culinary arts? Thanks to a prestigious partnership with the Institut Culinaire de France (ICF) in Bordeaux, you now have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Sweet Culinary Arts & Entrepreneurship — in just one year!

 

Why This Program Is Perfect for You

World-Class Mentors

Chef Pierre Hermé fills his iconic pastries, the Ispahan macaron

Train under the guidance of industry legends like Pierre Hermé, voted “The World’s Best Pastry Chef” in 2016 and hailed as “the Picasso of Pastry” by Vogue. You’ll also learn from award-winning chefs such as Kyung-Ran Baccon, silver medallist at the World Pastry Championship and finalist of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Artisan of France).

Entrepreneurial Excellence

Beyond perfecting your craft in pastry, chocolate, or confectionery, the program equips you with the tools to succeed as a business leader. You’ll gain expertise in management, marketing, human resources, branding, communication, and luxury food business development.

Global Network & Recognition

Students of ICF learning hands-on pastry work in the kitchen

Supported by Galileo Global Education — Europe’s top higher education group — ICF provides unmatched industry access and cross-disciplinary teaching. You’ll benefit from connections to elite food retail companies, luxury bakeries, and top-tier confectionery brands, with students from all over the world enriching your learning experience.

 

Program at a Glance

  • Duration: 10 months (6 months of academic study + 4-month paid internship in France)
  • Degree Awarded: Bachelor’s Degree in Sweet Culinary Arts & Entrepreneurship
  • Study Options:
    • Pastry & Entrepreneurship
    • Chocolate / Confectionery & Entrepreneurship

Close-up of Chef Pierre Hermé’s iconic pastries, the Ispahan macaron

Close-up of Tarte Chocolat Sarrasin on a bed of chopped hazelnuts

Curriculum Highlights

  • Practical Mastery:
    • Sustainable patisserie
    • Allergen-free dessert creation
    • 3D pastry printing
  • Business & Management:
    • Business planning
    • Merchandising
    • HR management
    • Communication & luxury branding

Career Outcomes

Graduates are prepared to launch careers as entrepreneurs, consultants, or managers in the premium sweet culinary sector—ready to lead in both kitchen and business environments.

 

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Holders of a 2-year undergraduate degree(or higher).
  • Graduates of Institut Disciples Escoffier’s Diploma Program in Bakery or Pastry (CCP Level 3).
  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 72-80).

 

Fees & Internship Support

  • Tuition: €12,000
  • Registration Fee: €450
  • Student Kit (tools and uniforms): €750
  • Living Costs in France: Approx. €900/month
  • Internship Salary: Approx. €605/month (to partially offset living expenses)

 

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Submit Documents to Institut Disciples Escoffier by 31 May 2025:
    • CV (English)
    • Cover Letter (English)
    • Transcripts
    • Passport copy
  2. Interview: Schedule an interview with the admissions department of Institut Culinaire de France (offered within 48 hours)
  3. Enrollment: If accepted, you’ll receive and submit your enrolment form

Visa Timeline

Start the visa application process no later than 23 June 2025. Since processing may take 6–8 weeks, it’s best to begin at least 3 months before departure.

Start Date

Courses officially begin in Bordeaux on Monday, 25 August 2025.

 

Step Into France’s Culinary Capital — Your Future Starts Here

Whether your dream is to open your own patisserie, redefine the world of luxury chocolate, or take the lead in the international confectionery scene, this program is your next step toward making it happen. With world-class mentors, hands-on training, and a direct pathway to a globally recognized bachelor’s degree, the opportunities are as rich as the craft you love.

Applications close on 31 May 2025. To begin your journey or request more information, contact Ms. Hualing Guan at icde.zh@institutescoffier.com. You can also download the full program brochure to explore the modules, faculty, and timeline in detail.

Take the leap—your future in France awaits.

Image Credits
@pierrehermeofficial on Instagram
@institut.culinaire on Instagram