VEGETARIAN CHEF
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
Our Vegetarian Chef program is ideal both for those who want to cook professionally without using meat or other animal-based ingredients, and for those who do not aim to become professional chefs but want to move beyond the “fried cheese–French fries–steamed vegetables Bermuda triangle” of everyday cooking. Participants will learn to prepare wholesome and flavorful plant-based dishes for themselves and their families. The course is open to both vegetarians and vegans.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
At our school, you can progress from the fundamentals to the heights of culinary arts within our professional gastronomy training package. The program begins with the 600-hour Cook Assistant partial qualification. Upon completing this module, you will receive a professional certificate at an independent examination center. This certificate is state-recognized, provides a basic professional qualification, and qualifies you for at least one job role.
Further details can be found in the program brochure, which you can download at the following link.
WHEN DOES THE NEXT TRAINING START?
September 17th, 2026
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
Our program is built on three key pillars:
- Theoretical knowledge to build a strong foundation
- Hands-on practical training in a professional environment
- Internship experience to prepare you for real-world kitchens
You’ll also benefit from our modern digital learning platform, where video lessons and study materials are available anytime, anywhere.
CLASS SIZE & LANGUAGE
We believe in quality education and personal attention:
- Practical classes are limited to 15 students
- The program is taught entirely in English
- During the practical classes max. 15 people can participate. Teaching is in English language.
WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?
Upon successful completion, you will receive a state-recognized certificate issued by the Culinary Institute of Europe, confirming your professional skills, completed internship, and passed final exam.
You will also become eligible to take the state examination for the Commis Chef Qualification, opening doors across Hungary and the European Union.
With this certification, you’ll be ready to start your career in professional kitchens across Europe.
We would like to highlight, that we can only accept EU students, or non-EU students who hold a valid Hungarian residence permit. This regulation is in accordance with Hungarian state visa rules.
Knife skills
Vegetables
Fruits
Mushrooms
Beans, pulses
Grains, nuts
Spices, herbs
Basic cooking technologies
Stocks
Sauces, dressings
Soups, cream soups
Plant based proteins
Plant based cheese
Basic vegan baking
Quick breads
Chocolate
Icecreams, sorbes
HACCP
Fermentation
Sustainable agriculture
Waste management
Culinary CV writing
Self branding
Starting an enterprise
TUITION FEE
Course fee for non-Hungarian citizens:
Early bird offer (April 1 – May 31) ➞ 4800 EUR
June 1 – July 31 ➞ 5800 EUR
August 1 – September 14 ➞ 6800 EUR
We also offer the option to pay the tuition fee in 3 monthly installments.
The tuition fee includes:
- a knife set (worth 230 EUR),
- additional kitchen equipment (worth 100 EUR),
- the cost of the vocational training program,
- English professional language training,
- digital theoretical study materials compiled by the school’s instructors,
- ingredients used during the course,
- career guidance counseling,
- as well as the provision of a professional internship placement.
The required attire for practical classes must be purchased individually (chef’s jacket, hat, chef’s trousers, kitchen towel, white apron, and non-slip closed kitchen shoes).
From the second semester, our Culinary Arts program also becomes available, during which students work in teams to design and operate a pop-up restaurant. As this is an optional program, its fee is not included in the base tuition. The cost is due in the second semester and includes participation for one invited guest per student at the final exam dinner.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE APPLYING
During the training, you will gain insight into both the theoretical and practical aspects of high-level food preparation. You will learn various basic cooking and baking techniques and how to apply them at an advanced level. You will also gain a comprehensive understanding of different areas of gastronomy, as well as the requirements for starting and developing related businesses.
About the Training:
- Duration: 1 year. In the first semester, practical classes take place at the CIE, while from the second semester, our students carry out professional internships.
- Language: English
- Qualification: State-recognized, accredited Pastry Assistant partial qualification
- Practical Experience: 337 hours of external internship, organized by our institution following a career orientation interview
Upon obtaining the professional qualification and certificate, you will meet the new state-mandated professional requirements and will be eligible to work in any hospitality establishment.
Application Requirements:
Our institute welcomes disciplined young people and adults over 14 years of age who take learning seriously and value teamwork.
We reserve the right to evaluate applications and may reject applicants without providing a reason.
Our Key Values:
- Professional English: During the training, you will learn the most important professional English terms, enabling you to work confidently in international kitchens.
- Health: Our goal is not low-calorie food, but wholesome dishes made from fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Sustainability: Sustainability plays a central role in every training module. We aim not only to impart knowledge but also a mindset that is embraced throughout the entire institut
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Please send an email expressing your intention to apply to edu@culinaryinstituteofeurope.com with the following information:
- Last name
- First name
- Email address
- Phone number (including country code)
- Country
- City
- Postal code
- Date of birth
- Highest level of education completed
Step 2: We will send you a calendar invitation for a 30-minute online interview. During this interview, our colleagues will discuss the most important information and the school’s expectations, and you will also have the opportunity to ask questions. If the interview is successful, you will receive the contract, which must be completed, signed, and returned via email. The application is finalized only upon payment of the tuition fee.
START OF TRAINING
September 17, 2026
TRAINING LOCATION
The training will take place at: 1088 Budapest, Bródy Sándor u. 44, as well as external practical locations.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADMISSION
Previous studies will not be credited for exams. English language skills are requirement for applying.