The advanced 3-year program at the ICA is meticulously designed to cultivate world-class chefs, equipping students with both advanced culinary techniques and extensive, hands-on industry experience. This rigorous curriculum includes comprehensive training in advanced cooking methods, professional pâtisserie, and critical trade-related subjects like Supplier Relations, Manageability, and Business Management & Entrepreneurship in Hospitality. Accredited and internationally recognized, the ICA advanced diploma not only provides full chef qualifications but also offers the business acumen necessary to excel in the global culinary industry. With a blend of culinary expertise and extensive industry knowledge, ICA prepares students on this programme to thrive as influential and innovative chefs in the global hospitality field.
The 3-year Advanced Culinary Arts & Advanced Pâtisserie course is perfect for the following individuals:
To be eligible for any of our Diploma programs, applicants must meet the following requirements:
The ICA’s 3-Year Diploma in Advanced Culinary Arts, Advanced Pâtisserie & Specialist Culinary Field follows a hands-on, immersive learning approach that prepares students to excel in diverse culinary environments. The methodology combines traditional culinary techniques with modern innovation, encouraging creativity while ensuring mastery of essential skills.
Evaluation comprehends a diverse range of methods aimed at assessing both knowledge acquisition and practical application. Examinations, assessments, knowledge questions and individual assignments test the students' theoretical grasp of concepts while presentations and group projects encourage collaboration and critical thinking.
Regular personal feedback from assessors plays a fundamental role in tutoring our students and to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This comprehensive approach not only evaluates academic performance, but also ensures that the necessary skills that are vital to the professional workplace, are refined.
Graduates of the ICA 3-Year Diploma in Advanced Culinary Arts & Advanced Pâtisserie are equipped with a wide array of skills that open doors to various prestigious and dynamic career paths in the culinary and hospitality industries. The following are just a few of the exciting career opportunities available to graduates:
Below, you will find a selection of names of ICA alumni and/or the companies they represent, own or work for. All of these are real-life examples of graduates who have applied their skills and qualifications obtained at the ICA in their careers. If you’d like to read more about them individually, do look them up. We promise you will be inspired!
3-Year Advanced Diploma Programme 2026 Academic Year Fees
1st Year R 174 800.00
Class fees include:
2nd Year R 89 800.00
Class fees include:
3rd Year R 110 800.00
Class fees include:
The ICA believes in a fair approach to students' exposure to all ingredients. Constant exposure to quality ingredients and access to organically grown herbs and produce from the campus gardens is imperative to help students develop a fine palate.
Additional costs:
The cost estimates are based on the minimum standard issue required for the first year of the ICA Diploma programmes. Costs will, therefore, vary according to the study programme selected as well as the student’s personal choice in quantity of clothing and equipment, additional textbooks and equipment items as well as supplier preference of chef’s knives.
*Please note: These items are subject to supplier costs, exchange rates and availability at the time of publication.
Upon completion of your studies, you will receive the following qualifications, issued by the Institute of Culinary Arts, nationally endorsed and certified by CATHSSETA and QCTO, and internationally endorsed by Highfield:
