HRC Culinary Academy offers an integrated 2-year associate’s degree program in a modular design, created by top international chefs and top educators with proven academic track records. Our total immersion hands-on instruction transforms students into qualified professionals in no time. You will develop a command of both classic and contemporary culinary methods and techniques, created by HRC in a unique series of applied practical lab classes. You will get prepared to fit in a professional environment and fully understand the various global cuisines that drive today’s industry.

One of the highlights of the program is the two paid internships in Europe and America. After completing the first semester on our campus in Sofia (Bulgaria) you will have the opportunity to go to a high-end culinary establishment in Europe where you will complete a 6-month internship. Semester 3 is then back on campus, where you will learn about a la carte cuisine at the Academy’s fine dining restaurant Talents. The final semester 4 is a paid internship in the USA, taking place at a 5* luxury hotel or high-end restaurant. Upon completing the program you will be granted an officially accredited ACF diploma.*

But cooking is not all that it takes to become a great chef! In your study curriculum you will expand your horizon by learning new business and soft skills during classes like Management and Leadership, Cost Control, Food Photography and Styling, Nutrition and Food Safety, Marketing and Hospitality trends! You’ll be also involved in the world of Event management and Restaurant operations.

*you can see the outcomes of ACF’s report here

Entry requirements: 

• Minimum age of 18.
• Diploma for a successfully finished secondary education.
• Working knowledge of English. (B1 level is a good start).
• Foodie by heart and a future chef by attitude!
• Passion for gastronomy and the hospitality industry.

If you would like to get familiar with the Admission process, please click here.

We have two intakes per year. The next starting dates are as follows:

Intake 2023:

• March 6
• September 11

Application deadlines:

Applications are open all year round, however, depending on your citizenship and visa status there might be some delay. We advise:

• Holders of EU/EEA passports to submit their application no later than 15 working days before the start of the program.
• Non-EU passport holders to submit their application no later than 90 working days* before the start of the course.

*Please note that there are different procedures that apply for one to obtain their VISA. Thus, the period could be longer than 30 days. Therefore, some applications might be prolonged until the next intake.

Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts for Local (Bulgarian) Students

• Tuition fee €2200 per semester

Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts for International Students

• Tuition fee €3400 per semester

Additional fees:

• One-time equipment fee of €500 (includes a professional knife roll, chef’s gear and kitchen shoes)
• Non-EU Students* pay an enrollment fee of €1300 (the fee includes assistance for the process, preceding visa application, and students status for 2 years without interruption of the program (possible break between the semesters might incur additional fees).

*Please note that due to Visa requirements the admission process for Non-EU students might be different. Please click here for full information.

*You can find our refund policy here

• I am a student from the European Union or EEA 
• I am student from a fantastic country outside the EU/EEA