Raise the Bar scholarships Q&A

The Raise the Bar scholarships are intended for chefs and pastry chefs aged 18 and older with a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years of kitchen work experience.

The program is intended for persons who
– are at least 18 years old,
– have a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years of work experience in the hospitality industry;,
– have an affinity for cooking, confectionery or restaurant management,
– are highly motivated,
– are willing and able to relocate for the training duration and who
– are eligible for work in Croatia, Slovenia or Bosnia and Herzegovina and plan to apply the acquired knowledge in one of those countries.

To participate in the selection process, candidates must complete the application form.

The scholarship selection process begins after the application period for the Raise the Bar scholarships closes, with a review of candidates’ application forms, motivation letters, and letters of recommendation. An expert jury, comprising renowned Croatian chefs, representatives from Coca-Cola HBC Croatia’s Human Resources Department, and members of the Raise the Bar project team, participate in the selection process. The scholarship recipient will be chosen based on their scores and performance against established criteria in technical knowledge assessments, psychological testing, and interviews. During the assessment process, the expert jury will decide, based on the candidates’ experience, knowledge, and skills, whether a candidate is best suited for the scholarship (tuition coverage) or an internship.

The expert jury consists of renowned Croatian chefs and professionals with extensive, relevant experience. We also included a representative from the Human Resources Department of Coca-Cola HBC Croatia and members of the Raise the Bar project team in the selection process.

Based on a motivational interview, a technical assessment, and the candidate’s overall experience to date, the jury decides whether a school program or an internship is more suitable for the scholarship recipient’s career development. The specific school or restaurant for the internship is selected based on the candidate’s test results. Throughout the process, the primary consideration is what will be the greatest benefit for the scholarship recipient. Scholarship-funded schooling is intended primarily for individuals who need to work on fundamental techniques and knowledge, as well as the specialized skills often provided by schools. On the other hand, internships are designed for more advanced candidates who need to improve their speed and advanced techniques or learn through direct mentorship

Raise the Bar scholarships cover tuition at a prestigious international culinary or pastry arts school, or a portion of the costs for an internship at a renowned restaurant. Depending on the scholarship amount, the costs of tuition or the internship and accommodation will be covered either partially or in full. The maximum amount covered by the Raise the Bar Foundation is €10,000 for tuition and €3,000 for accommodation.

The Raise the Bar Foundation is the own foundation of the Raise the Bar project of Coca-Cola HBC Croatia, through which scholarships are provided for the further education of gastronomic talents.

All interested candidates who meet application requirements can apply for a scholarship, regardless of how many times they have applied before. Only candidates who have not already received a Raise the Bar scholarship can apply.