0

Pastry chef (ball)

In a short time to the highest level in the world of pastry and patisserie

You'll develop unique flavor combinations and consistently present exclusive products. This is how you'll make a name for yourself as a creative and skilled pastry chef.

With this training program, you'll aim for the best in the pastry world. Your creations will stand out through color, decoration, and, of course, flavor. You'll develop unique flavor combinations and consistently present exclusive products. This is how you'll make a name for yourself as a creative and skilled pastry chef.

Of course, this won't just happen. Being creative and ambitious, working hard, showing courage, and putting in the hours—that's what's expected of you. As a pastry chef, you inspire and motivate your colleagues, but you also inspire your competitors to work harder. You get a kick out of being among the best in the Netherlands.

At school, we build on your knowledge of all the techniques and skills, and you'll also learn why you use them. This way, you'll be able to vary them like a (tasty) artist. You'll master the challenging material at work. This requires an investment of time that will pay off in spades.

Good chefs make delicious treats. This program will prepare you for a brilliant career as a pastry chef!

New: also for chefs!

As a chef, you can take this course to take your desserts and pastries to the next level. With your Independent Chef Level 3 or Specialized Chef Level 4 diploma, you can earn your Pastry Chef diploma in just one year!

 

Areas of interest

More information.

What are you becoming?

As a pastry chef, you can work in a bakery or patisserie, but also in an ambitious hotel or restaurant. In this program, we focus not only on the bakery; the hospitality sector also plays a significant role. Think of dessert, the bonbon served with coffee, or an amuse-bouche or special appetizer. With your diploma, you can also continue on to a higher professional education (HBO) or vocational education (MBO) program in Bakery (bbl of bowl).

What does your education look like?

You'll attend classes at school 4 days a week. You'll also complete an internship 1 day a week.

Education and Examination Regulations (OER)

The Education and Examination Regulations (OER) of a course specify what you will be doing in which period, how much time is spent on this and an overview of the exams that will be taken. Find the OER for your course here.

Search by your Crebo number (see the box on the right of this page) to view the OER for the current academic year. This will give you a general idea of what's expected of you when you start the program. The OER for the upcoming academic year will be available in July.

Statutory tuition fees

The statutory tuition fee for the 2026-2027 school year is €1.511. Check DUO.nl for possible student financing.

Other costs

You only pay this if you are 1 years or older at the start of the academic year (18 August).

For an estimate of the additional costs for this course, please see mbowebshop.nlEvery year, by July 1st, all school fees for the following academic year are announced there. To actually order, you must log in with your Summa account.

Laptop

In many courses, students cannot do without a computer. See the overview whether this applies to your course and download the correct specifications.

Other educational supplies

In addition to books and digital teaching materials, other educational materials for personal use are required/desired for following this course. Read more about it here.

Elective courses

During your studies, you choose one or more elective subjects to specialize or to gain broader training. For example, about nutrition, regional products or preparing dishes. During your studies, you'll receive more information about the electives you can take. Each elective concludes with an exam. Read more about elective courses.

Study in figures

Study in figures provides clear information about this program and its job prospects. Want to know more about these figures? Then check out this explanation.

What prior education do you need?

You will be trained as a specialist in your field. Therefore, this program only takes one year. To be admitted to this specialist program, you need:

  • MBO diploma Self-employed baker, level 3 with specialization in Pastry or;
  • MBO diploma All-round pastry chef, level 3 (not offered by Summa) or;
  • diploma mbo Boulanger, level 4 or;
  • Bakery Manager Diploma, Level 4.

 

You can also take this course as a chef. The program lasts one year. The admission requirements are:

  • MBO diploma Self-employed chef, level 3
  • MBO diploma Specialized chef, level 4

These specialized skills may require a little more time to master. In that case, it's possible to extend the training program. 

Getting to know the school and course

You will be invited for a personal interview or introductory meeting where you will get to know the school and we will see if this course is a good fit for you.

Courses

During the course you will receive the following subjects:

  • Learning career and citizenship
  • Dutch (level 3F)
  • English
  • Arithmetic (level 3F)
  • Professional training and knowledge of raw materials
  • Elective courses
  • Digital portfolio
  • Practical preparation
  • Practical lessons

Can I contact a teacher or student?

Teachers and students know what's going on at school. Feel free to ask your questions to our teacher using the contact information below:

WhatsApp
Trainers Martien Verheijen

E-mail
Trainers Martien Verheijen

It is also possible to attend a walk-along day, tour, or open house. You can find all activities in our calendar.

What are you becoming?

As a pastry chef, you can work in a bakery or patisserie, but also in an ambitious hotel or restaurant. In this program, we focus not only on the bakery; the hospitality sector also plays a significant role. Think of dessert, the bonbon served with coffee, or an amuse-bouche or special appetizer. With your diploma, you can also continue on to a higher professional education (HBO) or vocational education (MBO) program in Bakery (bbl of bowl).

What does your education look like?

You'll attend classes at school 4 days a week. You'll also complete an internship 1 day a week.

Education and Examination Regulations (OER)

The Education and Examination Regulations (OER) of a course specify what you will be doing in which period, how much time is spent on this and an overview of the exams that will be taken. Find the OER for your course here.

Search by your Crebo number (see the box on the right of this page) to view the OER for the current academic year. This will give you a general idea of what's expected of you when you start the program. The OER for the upcoming academic year will be available in July.

Statutory tuition fees

The statutory tuition fee for the 2026-2027 school year is €1.511. Check DUO.nl for possible student financing.

Other costs

You only pay this if you are 1 years or older at the start of the academic year (18 August).

For an estimate of the additional costs for this course, please see mbowebshop.nlEvery year, by July 1st, all school fees for the following academic year are announced there. To actually order, you must log in with your Summa account.

Laptop

In many courses, students cannot do without a computer. See the overview whether this applies to your course and download the correct specifications.

Other educational supplies

In addition to books and digital teaching materials, other educational materials for personal use are required/desired for following this course. Read more about it here.

Elective courses

During your studies, you choose one or more elective subjects to specialize or to gain broader training. For example, about nutrition, regional products or preparing dishes. During your studies, you'll receive more information about the electives you can take. Each elective concludes with an exam. Read more about elective courses.

Study in figures

Study in figures provides clear information about this program and its job prospects. Want to know more about these figures? Then check out this explanation.

What prior education do you need?

You will be trained as a specialist in your field. Therefore, this program only takes one year. To be admitted to this specialist program, you need:

  • MBO diploma Self-employed baker, level 3 with specialization in Pastry or;
  • MBO diploma All-round pastry chef, level 3 (not offered by Summa) or;
  • diploma mbo Boulanger, level 4 or;
  • Bakery Manager Diploma, Level 4.

 

You can also take this course as a chef. The program lasts one year. The admission requirements are:

  • MBO diploma Self-employed chef, level 3
  • MBO diploma Specialized chef, level 4

These specialized skills may require a little more time to master. In that case, it's possible to extend the training program. 

Getting to know the school and course

You will be invited for a personal interview or introductory meeting where you will get to know the school and we will see if this course is a good fit for you.

Courses

During the course you will receive the following subjects:

  • Learning career and citizenship
  • Dutch (level 3F)
  • English
  • Arithmetic (level 3F)
  • Professional training and knowledge of raw materials
  • Elective courses
  • Digital portfolio
  • Practical preparation
  • Practical lessons

Can I contact a teacher or student?

Teachers and students know what's going on at school. Feel free to ask your questions to our teacher using the contact information below:

WhatsApp
Trainers Martien Verheijen

E-mail
Trainers Martien Verheijen

It is also possible to attend a walk-along day, tour, or open house. You can find all activities in our calendar.

Industry news

From Summa to Shanghai: Lize de Wildt ready for WorldSkills
From Summa to Shanghai: Lize de Wildt ready for WorldSkills
July 08, 2026
Summa student Lize de Wildt will represent the Netherlands at WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai. The newly crowned Dutch pastry champion talks about her path to the world elite, her preparation, and her passion for the craft.
bread & pastries
the story of…
Read more
Summa students win seven medals at national vocational competitions
Summa students win seven medals at national vocational competitions
March 20 2026
Summa students win seven medals at Skills The Finals 2026 in Den Bosch: two gold, two silver, and three bronze. 26 Summa students competed in 23 categories and showcase craftsmanship at a national level.
events
media
education
Read more
Proud of our EuroSkills students Noud and Maud
Proud of our EuroSkills students Noud and Maud
September 14 2025
What a remarkable journey our students Noud Meesen and Maud van Dijk have made! Last week, they represented Summa on the largest European stage for craftsmanship: EuroSkills 2025.
bread & pastries
engineering
events
education
Read more
Summa testimonial Pastry Chef bbl

I'm really looking forward to working with chocolate soon

Thom Vullings

Former student Self-employed baker/Pastry chef

Something else?

Also take a look at these courses

to compare
Summa Pastry Chef training (work-based learning)
Pastry Chef (vocational training)
bread & pastries
bbl • 1 years
View this course
to compare
Summa Bakery Manager training (bol)
Bakery Manager (bol)
bread & pastries
ball • 3 years
View this course
to compare
Summa training Self-employed baker (bol)
Self-employed baker (bol)
bread & pastries
ball • 3 years
View this course
Compare 0 educations

Need help with your study choice?
We are ready for you!

Are you unsure about which study program to choose, or do you have no idea yet which direction you want to take? Then take the study choice test and talk to our study choice coaches. We are happy to help you on your way.

Footer study choice coach