NEXT EDITION: MAY 2026

The goal is to achieve a higher degree of perfection in the technique.

Have you studied culinary arts and feel like you still have much to learn? Do you have extensive experience as a chef but have never received formal training? Over the course of 5 weeks, guided by Basque Culinary Center instructors and guest chefs, students will perfect their culinary technique. They will embark on a journey through techniques related to food handling and preservation, cooking, pastry and baking, allowing them to solidify their knowledge base and acquire new skills in the preparation and presentation of dishes.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Campus-Based Learning at Basque Culinary Center
• Duration: 6 ECTS
• Academic Period: from may to June 2026
• Schedule: monday to Friday 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM (CEST)
• 18 available spots
• Degree from the Faculty of Gastronomic Sciences at Basque Culinary Center
• Inquiries and more information: cursosonline@bculinary.com

PROGRAM'S OBJECTIVES

• Master fundamental culinary techniques. Provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to perfect basic cooking techniques, including knife skills, ingredient preparation, and cooking methods.
• Explore creativity in the kitchen. Foster culinary creativity and experimentation by encouraging students to develop innovative dishes and unique presentations.
• Develop advanced technical mastery. Allow participants to refine their culinary skills to an advanced level, exploring more sophisticated and specialized food preparation techniques.

CAREER OPORTUNITIES

We know that professional opportunities can vary based on geographical location and individual preferences. However, with this program, participants can pursue roles and positions in the following areas:

• Fine Dining Chef: Leading teams in high-end restaurants, creating well executed avant-garde dishes.
• Master Pastry Chef: Working in pastry shops, preparing desserts and sweets.
• Culinary Consultant: Providing culinary consulting services to restaurants, catering companies, or food and beverage businesses.
• Gastronomic Entrepreneur: Opening and managing an establishment, cafe, or catering business, applying culinary skills.
• Instructor at Culinary Schools: Becoming a teacher or instructor in culinary education institutions, sharing advanced knowledge.

ARE YOU AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?

Students enrolled in a course with a duration of fewer than 3 months typically do not need to apply for a visa in most cases. You can check the list of countries where citizens do or do not require a visa by referring to the information provided in Annex I (scroll down to find the relevant information).

If your nationality requires a visa, you should apply for a type C (Schengen) visa to enter Spain.

International students should travel with official documentation confirming their enrollment in the course and proof of the medical insurance coverage purchased, which will provide coverage during their stay in Spain.

The program is aimed at individuals with the following profiles:

• Professionals in the culinary sector, with prior training and/or work experience, such as:
• Culinary professionals: cooks, station chefs, head chefs, etc.
• Graduates in culinary studies.

If you don't see yourself reflected in the points above and are interested in the course, please don't hesitate to contact us. The course coordination team will assess your education and experience and provide you with a response.

CURRICULUM

Module 1: The Modern Chef and the Culinary Context

• Food Quality
• Raw Materials
• Culinary History
• Sustainability and Gastronomy 360ª

Module 2: Culinary Techniques

• Fundamentals
• Applications
• Related Dish Preparation.
• Food Handling and Preservation Techniques:
  • Food preparation and cleaning techniques.
  • Techniques for pre-preparation of raw foods.
  • Smoking and salting techniques.
  • Acid cooking techniques: marinating, ceviche, and pickling.
  • Vacuum cooking techniques with various applications.
• Cooking Techniques Applied to Culinary Practices:
  • Techniques for stocks, broths, consommés, creams, and sauces: slow cooking, various straining and clarification methods.
  • Water-based cooking techniques: blanching, scalding, etc.
  • Fat-based cooking techniques: frying, confit, and poaching.
  • Grilling and charcoal oven cooking.
• Visualization and practice of techniques applied to vegetables, meats, fish, seafood, and grains.
• Basic restaurant pastry preparations
• Basic bakery preparations: methodology, technique, and practice.

• Academic Period: may to june 2026
• Schedule: monday to friday from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM (CEST)
  • *Learning journeys, masterclasses, and seminars may take place in the afternoon if necessary.

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The program is known for its commitment to providing top-quality education. While the esteemed faculty and renowned guest instructors are carefully curated to ensure an exceptional learning experience, it is believed that the element of surprise can also be a valuable part of the educational journey. As part of an ongoing commitment to excellence, instructors are selected from a pool of experts with extensive experience and pedagogical expertise, ensuring that students receive the highest level of instruction from industry leaders. Rest assured, the final lineup of educators for the course will be a delightful revelation that adds to the excitement of the learning adventure.

The total cost of the program is €3.320, which is paid in the following manner:

• €150 upon submitting the application (fully refundable if not admitted).
• 40% of the total amount, which is €1.268, upon confirmation of admission, as a reservation fee.
• The remaining 60% of the total amount, which is €1.902, is due two weeks before the program starts.

The price includes:

• Academic materials for successful participation in the in-person classes
• Uniform for practical workshops, including an apron, hat, pants, and lab coat
• Issuance of the diploma

Bank Financing Options:

We have financing agreements with Banco Sabadell, Caixa Bank, and Caja Rural. For more information, please contact cursos@bculinary.com.

• *Offers are valid for residents in Spain. Please inquire in your home country about financing options with institutions you trust.

Bonification Options:

This course offered by Basque Culinary Center is partially eligible for FUNDAE funding. If you are interested in funding this course, please request more information at cursos@bculinary.com.

Refund and Cancellation Policy:

Please refer to the detailed information regarding the refund policy.

The Basque Culinary Centre has a system of admissions that aims to ensure that our students have the academic level and personal competences required to successfully complete an innovative and demanding study plan.

1. Pre-registration

2. Period for applications

Students from European Union member countries, Norway, Switzerland. Liechtenstein and Iceland will not require a visa to reside in Spain.

Other international students will have to request a long-term student visa which will allow them to reside in Spain for a period longer than 180 days.

Visas should be requested from, and issued by the Diplomatic Missions and Spanish Consul Offices abroad.  It is important to obtain information on the required documentation and gather it as soon as possible, since the relevant authorities may take up to two months to notify that visas will be granted.

Once students have arrived in Donostia-San Sebastian, they have one month from the time of their arrival to request the foreign students’ card at the Foreign Residents Office in Donostia-San Sebastian. The students’ office of the BCC will provide the necessary information to students in this matter.

Information on the COST OF LIVING in San Sebastian is given below:

Entertainment
Transport
The best way to move around the city is with the network of urban buses. The company which provides this service is Compañia del Tranvia de Donostia-San Sebastian.

Their web page www.dbus.es contains all information on routes, timetables and tariffs. The web page also enables the calculation of the bus route between two points and its estimated duration.

Students can benefit from monthly season tickets which reduce the cost of travelling by bus.

Shopping Basket
Accommodation
Donostia-San Sebastian offers accommodation in student residences. It is advisable that those interested in this type of accommodation make their reservation as soon as possible.

A document containing information on some of the residences in the city can be found below.

Download: Accommodation in San Sebastian