Course Overview

Patisserie is a sought-after and specialised skill, and with Prue Leith Culinary Institute’s reputation for patisserie excellence, this qualification opens kitchen doors worldwide. The Prue Leith Professional Patisserie programme will prepare you for an entry-level position in a career as a pastry chef, offering a combination of classical French training and modern techniques.

Professional Patisserie is an intensive programme, from both theoretical and practical perspectives, and candidates will be expected to meet high standards to pass the course. The Prue Leith Culinary Institute has a partnership with French professional chocolate producer Valrhona, which not only allows our students to work with the finest ingredients but also hosts an annual industry workshop with Valrhona, where our students are exposed to international pastry chefs.

The course runs concurrently with the national qualification, Occupational Certificate: Chef, for which students will achieve credits and then proceed to complete their City & Guilds Patisserie Diploma.

Duration

• 18 Months (Full Time)

Course Cost 2026

• R158 375 – Intro to Professional Cookery
• R127 210 – Professional Patisserie 
• Includes all uniforms, knife sets and additional equipment as well as the ingredients used in practical classes and tuition in state-of-the-art facilities.

Enrolment

• February Intake 

Requirements

• Matric/Grade 12 qualification or equivalent school leaving qualification
• An inextinguishable passion for food, the ability to work hard, and an eye for detail.