Overview

The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) is one of the leading educational institutions in the hospitality and culinary arts sector in Jordan and the region. Established in 2008, the Academy embodies the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II to create a specialized educational institution that provides world-class education in culinary arts and hospitality while integrating academic learning with hands-on training based on the renowned Swiss educational model.

The Academy is one of the developmental projects affiliated with the King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD). Through its academic and practical programs, it contributes to preparing highly qualified professionals who meet the evolving needs of the hospitality and tourism sectors, offering education that is directly aligned with local and regional labor market demands.

In 2024, the Academy was awarded the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Excellence (First Class) in recognition of its significant role in advancing vocational and technical education and enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian talent in the hospitality industry.

Academic Programs

RACA offers specialized English-language educational programs that combine academic knowledge with practical application, including:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food and Beverage Management.
• Two-year Diploma in Culinary Arts, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of the profession.
• One-year Professional Diploma in Culinary Arts, designed to prepare students for entry into the hospitality workforce.
• Specialized training programs and short courses in culinary arts and hospitality.

The academic programs also incorporate practical field training placements, enabling students to gain direct professional experience within real-world hospitality environments.

Academic Excellence and International Accreditations

The Academy maintains a range of prestigious international accreditations and partnerships that reinforce the quality of its educational programs and outcomes, including:

• Accredited member of the network of certified schools of the Lausanne Hospitality School (EHL), one of the world's leading institutions in hospitality education.
• Holder of institutional and program accreditation from the Higher Education Accreditation Commission and Quality Assurance Agency.
• Recipient of the Tourism Education Quality (TedQual) Certification awarded by UN Tourism.
• Member of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs).
• Recipient of the Committed to Excellence (C2E) recognition from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM).

Impact and Achievements

Since its establishment, the Academy has played a pivotal role in advancing specialized culinary and hospitality education in Jordan and across the region. Its key achievements include:

• The first institution to introduce Culinary Arts as a technical academic specialization in Jordan and the region.
• Graduating approximately 1,300 students by the end of 2025.
• Achieving a graduate employment rate of 92%, with most graduates securing employment shortly after graduation.
• Preparing Jordanian professionals who now hold leadership positions in hotels and hospitality establishments both locally and internationally.
• Supporting women’s empowerment in the hospitality sector, with female students representing approximately 35% of the Academy’s student body.
• Attracting students from across the Arab world, with international students accounting for 25% of new enrollments in 2025.
• Providing scholarships in partnership with supporting organizations, benefiting approximately 70% of Academy students.

Supporting the Sector and the Community

In addition to its academic mission, the Academy contributes to the development of the hospitality sector through:

• Providing consultancy services to emerging and established hospitality businesses.
• Supporting vocational training programs and contributing to curriculum and educational outcomes development.
• Participating in specialized local, regional, and international exhibitions and industry events.
• Implementing community-focused initiatives and programs that promote creativity, innovation, and professional excellence.