Culinary Arts Diploma
About the Culinary Arts Diploma
Enjoy the freedom and creativity that comes with being a Chef. Put a smile on your face and others as you study the culinary arts and explore the art and science of professional cooking. You can be proud of your creations and find joy in others loving your food.
In this program, you will work in a team-oriented and creative environment to hone and advance your food preparation skills. You will learn the foundational techniques and practices utilized in North American commercial kitchens, and advanced food-preparation skills preparing you for a career as a culinary expert.
With the guidance of experienced Chefs, you will bring the theory learned in the classroom into an industry-equipped kitchen, learning how to prepare and customize culinary dishes as would be completed in restaurants or in a variety of other food service industry settings.
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
Banquet Cook
Caterer
Chef
Chef de Partie
First Cook
Food sales representative
Kitchen Manager
Line cook
Prep cook
Second Cook
Sous Chef
Third Cook
Entrepreneurial or Self-Employed options for graduates of this program would include, but not be limited to:
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant Owner
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 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
International Intakes
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- 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.
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.