In this post, we will be providing you with information about the Best Culinary Schools in Canada with special attention to the ones in Toronto, Alberta, and Ontario.
Canada is one of the top choices often considered by many for studies. Over the years, we have seen people migrate from their respective countries to Canada to get a degree. While the common certificates that are mostly acquired are business related after proper training, it should also be noted that anyone who aspires to be a Chef can also acquire the needed skills in Canada. The best part is they often come cheaper compared to many.
The schools will open you to a different world of cooking entirely. You will be learning from the best and will no doubt get the proper training and techniques required to be noticed anywhere. Knife Skills, Palate Training, and Mastering Sauces are among what you will learn.
Whether you choose to work in a grand hotel, fine dining restaurant, fast-casual restaurant, or set up your own chain, you will always stand out. To further aid in your search for the Top and Cheapest Culinary Schools in Canada, we will also be providing the general requirements that would be required of you into becoming a top chef in Canada or back home.
5 Best Culinary Schools in Ontario
1. The Culinary Art School of Ontario
The Culinary Art School of Ontario is worth taking a chance with considering its standing in Canada. Whether you are working class, living in Canada, or coming from another country, this is a school with vast experience in impacting Culinary art to students.
The best part of it is that your class won’t be crowded. About 10 to 12 students in each class which make it comfortable for you to pay attention to what is being taught. From time to time, you might find yourself in Real Restaurant Kitchens learning what is obtainable in the real world.
There are 4 Culinary diploma programs, Culinary Arts Diploma, Sous Chef Diploma, Professional Chef Diploma, and Culinary Management Diploma. Each is designed based on your level. If you are a beginner, then you should be starting a Culinary Arts Diploma.
2. Liaison College of Culinary Arts
Liaison College of Culinary Arts remains among the top chef schools in the beautiful city of Canada. Being a student in the school comes with so much privilege as they utilize the latest strategies to educate students.
As part of your training, you will also be made to go through experimental training programs to sharpen your knowledge. At the end of the program, you should be confident to take up any work or even start your own business.
Culinary Arts Diploma Programs available are – Cook Basic, Cook Advanced, Hospitality Administration, Personal Chef Diploma, Chef De Cuisine, Culinary & Hospitality Operations Management, and Specialist Chef.
3. Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa would be a delight for anyone looking to forge a path as a Chef. The institute has been one of the best in the country dedicated to exposing students to premier culinary arts education.
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa has about 6 programs that students can select from, they are grand diplome, cuisine diploma, pastry diploma, boulangerie, diploma in culinary management, and short courses as well. Upon completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate.
Every year, they have students from within and other countries attend the school. As a student in the school, you will have the opportunity of working closely with experienced chefs in the classroom, kitchen as well as the restaurant.
4. Stratford Chefs School
Stratford Chefs School is one of the best culinary schools in Ontario and is often referred to as a place where the best chefs train. This is no surprise when you look at the testimonies of people who were once students there.
The career opportunity is scheduled to run for two years with a 6-month work term in between. The 6-month work term will further allow you to gain more valuable experience that would no doubt be beneficial as you make a career as a Chef.
5. Dish Cooking Studio
Do you see yourself working as a Chef or owning a food restaurant in an urban area? If yes is the answer, you can get all the experience needed to mold and create a holistic food experience at Dish Cooking Studio.
The school has been around since 2000. Since then, it has been able to help students with the secrets of making exquisite food that you mostly see on the first page of magazines and TV.
To make it very easy for everyone, the school ensures the total number of students attending the class is between 12 to 20. They will be divided into 4 groups and will work under the guidance of a chef. Dish Cooking Studio does not offer a degree or diploma program.
5 Top Culinary Schools in Toronto
1. George Brown College
George Brown College is one of the Culinary Schools in Toronto, Canada that prides itself as one of the best in the town. The instructors offer not just theoretical education, but also ensure that they work students through the process by applying experimental education.
The school offers certificate, diploma, degree, and postgraduate programs. As a student there, you will be benefiting from over 4 decades of experience.
If you are interested in studying at Chef School in Canada, George Brown College provides just that along with a certified document to prove that you are a trained chef upon completion.
2. Centennial College
The School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts under the prestigious school, Centennial College has done well for students over the years.
Every year, it receives an abundance of students within and outside the country who are looking to make a great career for themselves.
Centennial College offers Certificate and Diploma Program. The certificate will run for a year while the Diploma which is considered an extension will run for 2 years. The programs will include industrial training. After the completion of the program, you will get a certificate.
3. Nella Cucina Culinary School
It is no wonder why Nella Cucina Culinary School is one of the best culinary institutes in Canada to learn the art of cooking. The Toronto-based school ensures you learn and also gather the latest trends.
The instructors are all well-grounded in their area. Even if you have already had some basic experience in cooking, you will be amazed to know there is so much to know. You will be learning about the various tasks that will be given to you. By the end of the program, you will be glad you made the decision.
To make it easier for students, the methods have been broken down into stages. They are hands-on tutors, Basic Skills, Demonstrations, Workshops, and Private Classes. With all these, you should have no issues getting the most from the school.
Talking about the cheapest culinary schools in Canada, Nella Cucina Culinary School is one. Additionally, it does not offer a degree or diploma but you are going to get a certificate at the end of your program.
4. The Loft by Longos
In order to ensure that anyone who has a passion to become a Chef irrespective of their various challenges, The Loft by Longos brings you both online and in-person classes.
The virtual class will be hosted by an experienced and trained chef using a video conferencing platform like Zoom. You will have the opportunity to ask questions. However, students are more likely to garner knowledge in person.
5. The Chef Upstairs
If you are looking for a culinary school that offers a diploma program, The Chef Upstairs is not one. Still, it has efficient cooking classes for kids, teens, and adults.
If you can not afford the high-cost tuition fee normally asked by most culinary schools, the school is worth checking out.
It is also good for people with a lot of free time and looking for a great way to spend them. You can brush up your knowledge or even learn some great cooking tips that you use for the family.
5 Best Culinary Schools in Alberta
1. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is one of the finest culinary schools in Alberta. The school has a strong foundation with experienced instructors to shape you into the chef you have always wanted to be.
The teachings are well structured making it easier for every student to quickly get the hang of it. You will learn how you can work and adjust to any conditions in different places. Aside from being trained to become a chef, you will also learn how to work as part of a team.
The school will educate you on improved cooking techniques and all kinds of culinary styles. Being a recognized institution, you will get a certificate after completing your program.
2. Portage College
There are people who have a passion for food and are dreaming of a fulfilling career as a Chef or Cook, Portage College is a place where you can set those plans in motion.
The learning environment offers a pre-employment cooking certificate and diploma program to students. They have excellent approaches for students and after your program, you should find it very easy to slot into the high pacey food service industry.
As a Portage College student, you will learn advanced knife skills, how to know the right measurement, deep techniques to cook soup, baking, to mention a few.
3. Lethbridge College
Lethbridge College is located in Alberta in Canada. A place where you can get the proper skills to announce yourself as a Chef. The school utilizes the best use of your time as a student by taking you through world-class culinary training with hands-on opportunities.
You will be starting from the fundamental training and then advance to a more practical approach. During your time, you will also have to go through compulsory industrial training which is aimed to help you replicate what you have learned so far.
If you have a great love for food and you do not mind having a career in the food or hospitality industry, no better time than now to start preparing for getting admitted into Lethbridge College.
4. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology is next on the list and with so much pride we say it is also considered to be a place where you can be properly educated into becoming a Chef.
The school accepts both domestic and international students. Wherever you are, you can process your admission for a 2 years course leading to the award of a diploma certificate. The class sessions are handled by world-renowned chefs who teach using current methods and also provide hands-on training.
5. Cuisine et Château
Cuisine et Château in Alberta is open for everyone looking to immerse themselves in cooking classes. It may not operate as an institute, but it has everything you need to become a chef anyone can be proud of.
It does not matter whether you are blank, have little experience, or just want to add more, Cuisine et Château has a place for everyone. You can take advantage of this low-cost cooking class.
Frequently Asked Questions
General requirements needed to enter Culinary Schools
Although the requirements for each culinary school may differ from another, you can get more information from the school’s site on what you will need to present.
Below are the general ones often required by the school of your choice.
- Applicants striving to enter any Culinary School must have been through with his or her high school or its equivalent and also be willing to provide proof validating such a claim. For some schools, you will need no academic qualifications.
- Applicants should be 18 years or older.
- International Students will also need study permits or student visas.
- Valid identification cards and reference letters.
- Students will also need to pass their proficiency tests.
- A non-refundable application fee. The amount will depend on the school. However, you should prepare a $25 fee.
How much does culinary school cost in Canada?
The tuition fee received by any of the culinary schools will depend on the program and your status as a student. Students coming from other countries, who are often referred to as international students are likely to pay higher.
For domestic students that want to obtain certificates in Culinary Arts, The fee ranges from around $6000 to $12,000 along with separate charges for books and accommodation. International students are to pay between $9,000 to $24,324 for tuition fees along with separate charges for accommodation, and study materials.
Is Canada good for culinary arts?
Canada is a good country to begin your journey into becoming a Chef. You are going to learn so much from the school, from basic knife skills to advanced food preparation. A lot of on-site training will be carried out for all students in order to ensure that you are equipped with all the skills required to be called a world-class chef.
Still, the United States of America, Peru, Switzerland, France, and Italy are known to command more widespread respect and admiration when it comes to culinary arts.
What is the duration to study culinary arts?
To be awarded a diploma in Culinary Arts in any of the schools in Canada, your program duration is 2 years. For a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts, you will spend up to 4 years.
How much money do chefs make in Canada?
Being a Chef is rewarding. Aside from having a high taste when it comes to food and drinks, you can earn up to CA$50,004 per annum working as one in Canada.
If you also choose to go back to your country or relocate to another, being properly trained as a Chef in Canada will open you several opportunities. You only need to choose what you think is best for you.
How do I process my admission?
The application form is usually available online 9 months before the commencement of your program. This phase will ensure you can submit all the necessary documents and also attend to other requirements.
Upon confirmation of your admission, you will be provided an offer letter or letter of confirmation which you can use to apply for a visa and study permit.
Are chefs in demand in Canada?
Chefs are always in high demand in Canada and any part of the world. More hotels, retirement homes, restaurants, and eateries are open, which calls for more skilled chefs.
Since there is an increasing demand for the role, you can earn a lot of money working as a Chef.
Even if you are an international student, you could get a job in the country. Canada is a nice place to be and where the labour force do get more than they deserve.
