What Qualification Do I Need for a Culinary Career in South Africa?
Class of 2025 at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine / Kathy Pitout Photography
Should I Study a Degree or a Diploma in Culinary Arts?
If you’re considering a career in culinary arts, you may be wondering: Do I need a degree, or is a diploma enough? At Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, we offer a comprehensive, hands-on culinary arts diploma designed to fast-track your success in South Africa’s hospitality industry.
Unlike a BSc Culinary Science degree, which can take four years at university, our students choose between a focused 18-month or extended three-year culinary course—and graduate ready to enter the professional kitchen with confidence.
A Diploma That Sets You Apart
Graduate With More Than a Qualification – Graduate With Confidence
At Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, you don’t just earn a diploma—you become industry-ready with practical skills, leadership qualities, and professional kitchen discipline.
What Makes Our Diploma Different?
- Guaranteed job placement after graduating
- Small class sizes for personalised mentorship
- Access to multiple training kitchens with modern equipment
- Focus on real-world skills and hands-on learning
What You’ll Learn – Inside Our Culinary Diploma Programme
A 360° Culinary Education
- Deboning, fish preparation, butchery
- Food styling and plating
- Hygiene and food safety
- Artisanal bread-making and pâtisserie
- Cake icing and decoration
- Costing, menu planning, and recipe development
- Kitchen management and plating for social media
Our Facilities – Built for Aspiring Chefs
Industry-Standard Kitchens & Learning Spaces
- Demonstration kitchen for lectures and group learning
- Dedicated Charvet training kitchen
- Student kitchen for experimentation and skill-building
- Defy pâtisserie kitchen for baking and desserts
- Wine cellar for training and tastings
Wine, Wellness & Waste-Free Cooking
Wine Education That Builds Palate Confidence
- Meet top South African winemakers
- Participate in weekly wine tastings
- Tour the Cape Winelands
- Learn how to confidently pair wine with food
Sustainability in Every Spoonful
Sustainability is woven into every element of our curriculum. Students:
- Tend the school’s herb and veggie garden
- Practise no-waste cooking techniques
- Learn how to compost and recycle food scraps
Creative Sustainability in Practice
- Make ash powder from burnt onion skins
- Create celery salt from dried celery leaves
- Repurpose leftover ingredients into new dishes
Community, Confidence & Real-Life Experience
“Family Meals” That Teach More Than Recipes
Each week, students take turns preparing a group “family meal.” They learn:
- Time and kitchen management
- How to cook balanced, nutritious meals
- How to host and serve with confidence
Is a Diploma in Culinary Arts Worth It?
Absolutely. Our diploma is highly respected within South Africa’s hospitality industry. Employers trust the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine name because we produce chefs who are a true a cut above the rest.
Ready to Start Your Culinary Career?
Whether you’re a school leaver, gap year student, or career changer, now is the time to join a school where experience matters, excellence is expected, and dreams are turned into careers.
- 📍 Located in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal
- 🎓 Offering 18-month and 3-year culinary diploma courses
- 💼 Job placement guaranteed
Apply now and begin your journey at one of South Africa’s top culinary schools.
“Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun”