Culinary Arts Diploma
About the Culinary Arts Diploma
Learn the latest techniques and tools of professional cooking from experienced chefs in our state-of-the-art kitchen and turn your passion for food into a career.
In a team-oriented and creative environment, you will become a culinary expert from foundational techniques and practices to advanced food-preparation skills.
Theory learned in the classroom will be put into practice in an industry-equipped kitchen, to prepare and customize culinary dishes, during a paid work placement.
Work-integrated Learning
Students in the Culinary Arts Diploma will complete a 480-hour paid Industry Work Placement.
Related Careers
Graduates of this program will be employable in a variety of fields in the hospitality industry including:
Banquet Chef/Cook
Caterer
Chef
Chef de Partie
First Cook
Food sales representative
Kitchen Manager
Line or Prep Cook
Sous Chef
Entrepreneurial or Self-Employed options for graduates of this program would include, but not be limited to:
Restaurant Owner/Manager
Caterer
Food Truck Owner/Operator
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Fall 2025 - Waitlisted
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
International Intakes
Fall 2025 - Waitlisted
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Note
- International students must pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the Culinary Arts Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Culinary Arts must have a minimum of 50% in:
ELA 10-1, or equivalent or a minimum of 60% in ELA 10-2, or equivalent
Math 10-3, or equivalent
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted.
All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting Diplomas from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Culinary Arts Diploma, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Indigenous Learners
The Culinary Arts program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous learners, the program has designated two (2) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. After June 1 of each year, designated seats which have not been allocated to Indigenous learners will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.
Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:
- Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
- Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
- Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
- Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
- Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
- Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Graduates must successfully pass all courses and achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.