At the ICA we train students to become true professionals who challenge conformity and present the food world with fresh and inspiring ideas.
Our philosophy is simple – we believe in excellence in every aspect of the traditional culinary arts. The ICA offers specialised chef and lecturing faculty resources and our custom designed training kitchens boast only the most sophisticated modern equipment. The extensive curriculum is based on classical French gastronomy and our course objectives are driven and endorsed by the industry.
We also devote a large portion of our tuition to practical training, as this provides students with a solid foundation and the freedom to explore new techniques and trends. Students spend between 22 to 26 hours per week on intensive practical training, conducted under an impressive student/lecturer ratio of 6:1.
The ICA is recognised as the leading training facility of its kind in South Africa and our students are known to set the industry standards. Our highly regarded training partners are both locally and internationally acclaimed, and we’ve proven our flair at numerous prestigious culinary events and industry competitions.
The ICA is also the proud recipient of the 2021 World Culinary Awards title of Best Chef Training Institute in Africa, the 2004 (Afrikaanse Handels Instituut) AHI Old Mutual Business of the Year award, the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals) Award of Excellence 2007, an International City & Guilds Centre of Excellence 2016/2017 Award, an International City & Guilds Medal for Excellence for Tutor of the Year (Senior Chef Lecturer, Merizle Mitrovich) 2016 as well as having more than 20 ICA-trained chefs listed in South Africa’s EatOut Best Restaurants top ranks in the past five years!
Introduction
If you dream of making your mark in the broader culinary world, look no further than the Three-Year ICA Diploma. ICA’s flagship three-year programme equips students with comprehensive credentials, encompassing full chef’s qualifications, including advanced pâtisserie and a specialist culinary field. International accreditation further expands your education through invaluable trade-related subjects such as Supplier Relations & Manageability and Business Management & Entrepreneurship in Hospitality.
The ICA is the only culinary institution offering additional career options within the hospitality industry, with a choice of specialization fields in the final year of study. Employment opportunities are both extensive and inspiring, with career paths leading to product development for global companies like Woolworths, food stylists, writers and editors for high-end SA publications, occupations in the thrilling world of television as well as sommeliers in top South African restaurants and international Michelin-starred establishments.
Course Information
First Year
- Theory of Fundamental Cooking
- Practical of Fundamental Cooking
- Theory of Fundamental Pâtisserie
- Practical of Fundamental Pâtisserie
- Operational Management 101
- Strategic Marketing
- Nutrition 101
- Food & Society 101
- Menu Compilation 101
- Front of House 101
- Beverage Studies 101
Industry Training
Second Year
Third Year
Specialization Fields
Course Fees
Qualification
Introduction
This highly specialized course provides students with the essential theory and practical training to succeed in the ever-evolving world of fine pâtisserie. The course includes an International diploma and invaluable practical training with industry partners who are at the forefront of this unique culinary field. This is a course for the individual with patience, precision and absolute perseverance.
Course Information
First Year
- Theory of Fundamental Cooking
- Practical of Fundamental Cooking
- Theory of Fundamental Pâtisserie
- Practical of Fundamental Pâtisserie
- Operational Management 101
- Nutrition 101
- Food & Society 101
- Menu Compilation 101
- Front of House 101
- Wine 101
Industry Training
Second Year
Course Fees
Qualification
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Dates
There is no closing date for applications, but – because the ICA accepts only a limited number of carefully selected applicants per year – we do suggest sending in applications as soon as possible to stand a chance at becoming a part of SA’s most exclusive, most highly awarded chef school.
The ICA selection process is done on an individual basis. Your application will be carefully considered based on your academic performance, previous industry experience (if any) and suitability to the course and the industry. Applicants are selected on the basis of the above-mentioned criteria, rather than just a minimum requirement.
Does the ICA offer student loans / bursaries?
The ICA is a registered higher education institution, and you will therefore be able to get a student loan should you wish to study at the ICA. As a private education institution, the ICA has occasional bursaries available to South African students already registered at the ICA – this is made possible through the generous sponsorship of private benefactors, and is not offered as a standard.
I did not take Biology and Home Economics / Consumer Science / Hospitality Studies as subjects at school – can I still apply?
Absolutely. Though academic performance is a key aspect, there are a number of things we look at when considering your application. This is also an especially important reason why we conduct a personal interview.
Is there an age restriction for applying at the ICA?
No – as long as you have the passion!
How do I know which course is right for me?
The ICA offers a total of three different, full-time courses. Through careful selection & personal attention to each individual application through screening and an interview process, we can determine not only whether you are suited to the industry as a whole, but which course you should take to optimise your abilities.
What documents do I need to apply and how difficult is the process?
You need very little to get started. You can simply satisfy the application requirements but for your benefit, there’s nothing better than a campus visit during your school holidays if you are out of town. Make an appointment to see our students in action or book for one of our exclusive Open Days!
Supportive documentation that you need to submit with your application.
- Proof of payment of R600 non-refundable application fee
- Certified copy of NSC (National Senior Certificate). If not obtained yet, a Statement of Results and the Certificate should be submitted as soon as received.
- Certified copy of latest school results.
- 2 x Reference letters (certified copy or original)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copies of other qualification/s or certificate/s
- 1 x Colour passport size photograph
- Certified copy of ID / Passport
- Write a short motivational letter in your own words, stating the reason/s why you are considering a career as a professional chef in the hospitality/food industry or related fields.
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How much time on the course will be spent on practical vs. theory training?
Regardless of which course you are following in your first year, you can expect no less than 16 hours practical hands-on training and 8 – 10 hours theory classes per week.
What does Industry Placement Blocks at the ICA entail?
The ICA celebrates a close working relationship with the top and finest chefs, independent and boutique restaurants, hotels, caterers, food magazines, events companies and product development partners for many years. We therefore select the students that we feel are best suited for certain establishments for placement blocks away from the ICA under the guidance of carefully selected mentors. Here they apply their skills learnt and receive industry training at the hands of our country’s leading professionals.
I would really like to be a chef, but don’t want to spend the rest of my life in the kitchen!
The demand for skilled and qualified chefs has grown so dramatically throughout the world that we have seen our very own students snatched up in the most diverse fields. From working alongside Michelin-starred chefs at JAN in France and sharing demonstration stages with the likes of Massimo Bottura (2016 World’s Best Restaurant winner) in Italy, to training Jamie Oliver’s new recruits at 15 in London and Australia, to Product Developers, Media Communications and Food Styling experts, Culinary Consultants, Events Coordinators and Managers, Wine and Sommelier Specialists both locally and abroad, the possibilities are endless. ICA-qualified alumni are sought after the world over. Just remember the broader your foundation training the further you’ll go!
Occupations
Many more diverse and exciting career opportunities have opened up in recent years. Greater recognition is given to the professional status of cheffing and presently more chefs enjoy the rich rewards of the profession.
The expectations and demands on highly energetic and creative chefs of earlier years have increased to include management, administrative and strategic planning skills particularly at senior level. We encourage prospective applicants to consider the opportunities that lie beyond the kitchen counters of restaurants, hotels, lodges and catering companies
Awaken your culinary senses to the adventure of new careers in retail, franchising, the wine industry, lifestyle destinations in tourism, media communications, food journalism and publishing, new business development and product development… the options are endless.
Location & Accommodation
The ICA is well situated, being only 10 km’s from Stellenbosch town centre in the heart of the Western Cape Winelands. The campus is a mere hour’s drive away from pristine beaches and the bustling Cape Town metropolis and in close proximity to some of the country’s most beautiful nature trails for hiking, mountain biking and various other outdoor activities.
Being situated on a private smallholding, the ICA purposefully decided not to offer accommodation on campus. We realize that student-life only happens once. We therefore recommend that students find accommodation in the greater Stellenbosch area (either in town or even on the surrounding farms and wine estates) to enable them to participate in the broader, popular social life that is synonymous with Stellenbosch.
Staying in some of the most popular, independently operated resses, students can participate, embrace and enjoy the exciting, vibrant student life that has become synonymous with Stellenbosch. As many ICA students often find accommodation in the same areas in town, lift clubs are encouraged and formed easily for daily traveling to and from campus.
Above all, Stellenbosch offers craft and micro breweries, artisan food markets, award-winning wines from the beautiful nearby estates and some of the best restaurants and dining options that South Africa has to offer.