About IMI International Management Institute

IMI is a private Swiss hospitality and management school based in Kastanienbaum (near Lucerne). IMI combines Swiss hands-on training with UK-validated awards (partnerships with Manchester Metropolitan University for degree awards) and strong industry/placement support. IMI promotes small class sizes, international cohorts and career services that arrange paid placements.

 

Why study the Graduate Diploma in International Culinary Arts at IMI

• It’s designed for people wanting a short, intensive, career-focused culinary qualification that balances practical kitchen skills with management/business fundamentals. The course is targeted at graduates or professionals who want to move into culinary careers quickly.

• The programme emphasises personalised kitchen training, real-world professional practice and access to IMI’s employer network (option to take a paid work placement after the academic component).

 

Level of study

• Postgraduate / Graduate Diploma level (postgraduate-level vocational diploma). It is not a full master’s degree but is an advanced, career-oriented qualification intended for graduates or experienced professionals.

 

Campus location & mode of learning

• Campus: IMI’s campus is lakeside in Kastanienbaum, near Lucerne, Switzerland. All practical kitchens and the majority of teaching are onsite.

• Mode: Predominantly onsite / in-person — the Graduate Diploma is practical and workshop-based in IMI’s training kitchens with classroom sessions for business/management elements. The programme also offers an optional paid internship placement component following the academic phase.

 

Duration & credits / programme length

• Academic duration: The Graduate Diploma is a 6-month programme (intensive). 

• Optional internship: After the 6-month taught element, students may undertake an optional paid professional internship (length varies by placement). IMI promotes paid placements in leading European restaurants and hospitality businesses.

 

Intake dates

• IMI runs multiple intakes across the year. Typical start months shown across IMI postgraduate pages include February, May, August and November — check the exact intake for the Graduate Diploma on the course page or with Admissions.

 

Entry criteria (typical for international applicants)

IMI’s application guidance lists the documents it expects; for the Graduate Diploma in Culinary Arts the usual entry profile is:

• Academic background: A prior degree (undergraduate) or relevant professional experience is commonly expected for postgraduate diplomas. IMI positions the Graduate Diploma for those moving into culinary careers (people from other degree disciplines or with industry experience). Confirm exact academic prerequisites with Admissions.

• English proficiency: Proof of English (IELTS or equivalent) — IMI’s generic application checklist includes an English test or equivalent proof.

• Documents: passport copy, latest academic transcript(s), CV, motivation letter (~500 words), completed health declaration (standard IMI application checklist).

 

Subjects / topics & programme structure (what you will study)

IMI’s Graduate Diploma emphasises practical culinary skills plus business fundamentals. Modules typically include (representative topics from IMI descriptions and brochure):

• Practical kitchen skills and advanced cooking techniques (hot & cold kitchen)

• Pastry & bakery methods (bread, pastry basics)

• Menu planning and new product creation

• Food safety, nutrition and HACCP standards

• Commercial kitchen management and cost control

• Culinary entrepreneurship, food trends and innovation

• Professional development / employability and placement preparation

 

Disciplines / specialisations

• The Graduate Diploma is focused on Culinary Arts + Commercial Kitchen Management rather than multiple formal specialisations; however, students can emphasise areas such as pastry/patisserie, European/modern cuisine, menu design or culinary entrepreneurship depending on module choices and internship placements. IMI’s employer network supports focused placements in areas of interest.

 

Scholarships offered (IMI & external)

• IMI scholarships: IMI operates a range of partial scholarships and funding schemes (early-application awards, merit-based discounts). The Scholarships page explains schemes and encourages applicants to apply early — exact scholarship values and nationality-specific offers are not fully published online and must be requested from Admissions.

• External funding: Many postgraduate/graduate diploma students use external funding (government sponsorships, private scholarships, student loans). IMI also appears on third-party portals that list occasional scholarship promotions; always verify with IMI and request a scholarship brochure for your nationality.

 

Highlights & unique selling points (for this programme)

• Intensive 6-month practical programme for fast entry into culinary careers.

• Personalised kitchen training and small group teaching.

• Access to IMI’s Careers team and an optional paid professional internship with European employers (valuable work experience and network).

 

Career outcomes

Graduates commonly progress into practical culinary roles and supervisory positions such as: Chef de Partie, Sous-Chef, Pastry Chef (with a pastry focus), kitchen supervisor, product development assistant, culinary operations roles, or can move into managerial roles when combined with experience and further study. The diploma can also be a pathway to IMI’s longer degree programmes (if you want to top up to a BA/Hons).

 

Latest updates / special requirements

• IMI’s front page and blog indicate rolling intakes and special promotions (e.g., early application scholarships for specified windows). IMI also advertised “last places” for specific intakes (e.g., November 2025) — availability changes quickly, so check with Admissions.

• Internships: because the diploma includes an optional paid professional placement, non-EU/EFTA students must confirm Swiss work-permit rules for internships with IMI and the relevant Swiss consulate.

 

Fees & funding (how to get accurate figures)

• IMI publishes fees on a central fees page and states that fees are all-inclusive (tuition + meals + accommodation options). Example programme cost blocks are given on the fees page (fees shown in CHF). Fees change by intake and programme, so request the official fee schedule for the Graduate Diploma for your planned intake.

• Practical next step: when you enquire, ask IMI Admissions for a written cost breakdown for the Graduate Diploma including: registration fee, tuition, accommodation (on-campus or off), meals, health insurance expectations and any placement fees.

 

Visa & immigration requirements

• Student visa / residence permit: International applicants require the correct Swiss visa/residence permit to study/live in Switzerland. IMI issues an offer / LOA and asks students to start visa applications after registration/fee payment. Allow time (often several weeks) for processing and check the Swiss Embassy/Consulate guidance in your home country.

• Work/Placement permissions: For the optional paid internship, visa and work-permit rules differ by nationality (EU/EFTA vs non-EU/EFTA). Non-EU/EFTA students often face additional restrictions and may require special authorisation; IMI supports placement logistics but you must confirm visa permissions well before placement start.

 

Practical tips (student-friendly)

• Apply early — graduate diplomas have limited practical kitchen places and many intakes fill quickly. IMI sometimes offers early-application scholarships.

• Prepare evidence of practical interest — even if you’re from another discipline, include any culinary/work experience, photos of dishes/portfolios, and a strong motivation letter.

• Plan finances & visa early — request the full fee schedule and a visa checklist from IMI as soon as you get an offer.