With over 200 Michelin Star restaurants and a national pride towards local cuisine, Spain is a magnet for quality culinary programs. Culinary arts in Spain are celebrated, and visitors and locals alike can enjoy some of the country’s best cuisine for fantastic prices. Education for those seeking a degree in culinary arts is prestigious, and learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. 

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Why Study Culinary Arts in Spain 

Spain is one of the top destinations for international students looking to study abroad, and that is not without reason. Spain has both expansive coastlines and towering mountains, and its accessible public transportation and convenient location within Europe makes it so easy to travel both around Spain and all around the many other countries nearby. The cost of living is very cheap in Spain compared to many other popular countries, and the way of life is ideal for those looking to find the right balance between work and play. 

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Beyond the logistics, Spain is also popular for its vibrant, welcoming culture, historic architecture, and endless adventure. Visitors can enjoy any of the many delicious restaurants to experience the local cuisine, make plans to visit some of the most famous destinations or museums in Spain, and make the most out of the bustling nightlife. Weather in Spain is just as fairytale-like as its atmosphere, with sunshine being the norm. Due to the gorgeous, towering architecture, even the walk to class or an internship can feel like a dream. 

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When it comes to culinary arts, Spain truly has it all. Gastronomy in Spain ebbs and flows to meet modern standards while still holding true to the culinary history and tradition of the country’s famous cuisine. The culture of Spain is just as evident in its local food and restaurants as it is in the surrounding architecture and museums, so studying culinary arts in Spain is a great way for students to deeply get to know the country. Plus, with many prestigious universities and programs to choose from, gastronomy students are sure to succeed both in their educational and post-grad pursuits. 

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How to Study Culinary Arts in Spain

The process of becoming an international student in Spain can be overwhelming at times, and requires organization and planning ahead. However, with the end reward being the experience of a lifetime, the somewhat tedious process is entirely worth it. To study culinary arts in Spain, students must start planning over a year before they wish to attend one of Spain’s prestigious universities. This is mostly due to how long it can take to apply for and receive a visa, a time frame of up to around a year or more. Students must also study for and schedule an exam that is mandatory in order to attend university in Spain, known as selectividad or Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad. While not being so different from an SAT or ACT, its importance is not to be overlooked.

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Beyond the visa application and entrance exam, in order to study gastronomy in Spain students must also submit important documents like their current transcripts and current legal identification, such as the details from a passport. Students must also show proof of at least a basic level of Spanish literacy. While English is commonly accepted in large Spanish cities, most classes at universities are taught in strictly Spanish. Of course, there are exceptions in the form of courses taught in a hybrid of Spanish and English, or a more rare occurrence of strictly English-taught courses. Beyond the need for Spanish for classes, those looking to have a job in Spain in the culinary arts will benefit from being able to communicate with their coworkers and potential customers. 

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Best Culinary Arts Programs in Spain

It can be difficult to choose the right university for you, especially as an international student. So here is a list of some of the best universities for those looking to study culinary arts in Spain– 

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GASMA Gastronomy & Culinary Management Campus 

GASMA, located in the popular coastal city Valencia, is perfect for culinary arts students seeking a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree. Given that this campus is designed for gastronomy students, the education provided is some of the best offered in the field. Most programs offered are in Spanish, and students have a wide variety of programs to choose from. Some possible paths include Gastronomy & Management, Avant-Garde Pastry and Restaurant Desserts, and Gastronomic Re-Evolution. 

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Mondragon University 

Mondragon University is located in Mondragon, a city near the northern coast of Spain. It is near the larger city of Bilbao, and offers a top-notch education for all students. While there are some English-taught classes, students must also know Spanish for the majority of their classes. Students who choose to attend Mondragon University for their culinary arts studies can choose programs of all levels, such as a Bachelor’s degree in Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, or a Master's degree in Gastronomic Sciences. 

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Francisco de Vitoria University 

For those seeking a gastronomy Bachelor’s degree, Francisco de Vitoria University is one of the best options in Spain. Located in the capital city of Spain, Madrid, Francisco de Vitoria University offers an enriching and immersive education for students. A Bachelor's degree in Gastronomy is offered only in Spanish, offering students the opportunity to work on their Spanish language abilities. 

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