Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
The first year of the program focuses on a sound knowledge of kitchen fundamentals and core culinary theory, including making stock and preparing meats, poultry, seafood, cold foods and desserts. These practical courses are complemented by training in nutrition, sanitation, trade math and personal and professional management.
The second year emphasizes culinary finesse for students aspiring to become chefs and kitchen leaders and introduces the principles of gastronomy and culinary management. Courses include international cuisine and culture, contemporary cuisine, menu management and purchasing management.
Training at NAIT
The faculty in the Department of Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies bring a world of experience to the classroom. A number of our instructors have international experience, and several more have won multiple awards. Many are former NAIT grads, back to share their knowledge with the next generation of students.
Lab Features
The Culinary Arts labs are equipped with motion sensor cameras that transmit live audio and video of the food preparation process through 50-inch plasma screens. Students work on top-of-the-line equipment, including
- computer-programmable Rationale ovens with perfectly consistent heat and adjustable humidity
- Baxter rotating deck ovens
- induction heatless cooking elements that transfer energy through magnetic waves
- modern cookware and utensils from world-class manufacturers
Enter the workforce with confidence
Want to learn more about this program?
Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions.
Please contact the Student Service Centre for general inquiries such as:
- Student application support
- Program entrance requirements, tuition & fees, and how to apply
- Program admissions process
- Enrolment support
- Student funding options
- Fee and refund inquiries
- General program and course withdrawal procedures
- Navigating nait.ca and MyNAITPortal
Contact Student Service Centre
Please fill out the form below if you have any program-specific questions relating to:
- Program details
- Work-integrated learning and cooperative education
- Advance credit and Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
- Program and course withdrawal
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 5 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of B in the course(s) or program
Students from the following colleges are eligible for block transfer credit to the Culinary Arts program.
- Northern Lights College – Professional Cook Training
- Northwest Community College – Culinary Arts Certificate
- Portage College – Cooking Certificate
- SIAST – Professional Cooking
- Yukon College – Culinary Arts
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
Please see below for the list of courses available for PLAR credits in this program. Click on the course name for more information on the evidence required for that course.
Please refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
This program does not meet eligibility criteria for a Post-Grad Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement effective November 1, 2024. Students who applied for a study permit before Nov. 1, 2024, are not affected by the new field of study rule and may be eligible for a PGWP.
While graduates are currently ineligible to apply for a PGWP, NAIT still welcomes international students to this program to gain valuable knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals, whether in Canada under another type of permit or in your home country or other international markets.
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.