More than 200 students from 12 countries have applied to study at the newly established Apicius Armenia International School of Hospitality in Dilijan, according to the school’s administration.
Applications have been received from Armenia, Qatar, Bangladesh, the UAE, India, Tanzania, Nigeria, Lebanon, Uganda, Pakistan, the Philippines, Canada, and Georgia.
“We are extremely proud that, in its very first year, Apicius Armenia has attracted applicants not only from Armenia but also from across the globe. This demonstrates Dilijan’s potential to become an international hub for hospitality education,” said Project Director Katya Bredikhina. She emphasized that the program aims to equip students with knowledge and skills that will open professional opportunities worldwide.
The school is a branch of the renowned Italian institution Apicius. Founded in Florence in 1997 as Italy’s first international hospitality school, Apicius has become a globally respected leader in academic and career-oriented education in hospitality, food, wine, and wellness studies.
Located in the heart of Florence—a top global tourism destination—Apicius combines rich cultural immersion with professional training. Its programs span food and wine studies, hospitality management, and sports and health sciences, delivered across distinguished departments such as the School of Food and Wine Studies and the School of Hospitality.
Apicius also stands out for its industry-recognized credentials, being the first school in Italy to receive official recognition from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) for quality culinary education. It integrates hands-on experiential learning through creative community labs—including a student-run restaurant, pastry shop, spa, and guest apartments—that engage both students and the public.
By establishing the Dilijan campus, Apicius Armenia brings this same international standard and immersive approach to hospitality and gastronomy education to the region, blending Italian expertise with Armenian cultural context.
