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Stratford Chefs School develops Canadian chefs through our uniquely industry-driven program. Students are provided with a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of classical cuisines, and the business knowledge for operating successful restaurants in today’s market.
Admission is based on an assessment of a candidate’s career goals, educational background and achievement, work experience, personal achievements, communication skills and maturity, as well as their suitability to the Stratford Chefs School program, which requires intensive work both in and out of the kitchen, along with physical and mental stamina.
NEW: Qualified applicants who have successfully completed the first year of a culinary apprenticeship at another institution may be eligible to enter into the second year of our Diploma program. Completion of short, custom-built workshops to bridge curriculum gaps will be required. Contact us at admin@stratfordchef.com to learn more and start your application.
Our industry-driven program provides students with a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of classical cuisines, and the business knowledge for operating successful restaurants in today’s market.
Stratford Chefs School’s program requires intensive work both in and out of the kitchen, along with physical and mental stamina.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications are accepted online year-round.
The following Supporting Documentation is required with an Application:
- Current Résumé
- Brief Biographical Sketch outlining your culinary experiences to date and why you have chosen to study at Stratford Chefs School (500-750 words).
- Proof of Education (one of the following documents):
- Canadian Secondary School Academic Transcript
- Canadian Secondary School Diploma
- Canadian Post-Secondary Degree
- Canadian Post-Secondary Diploma*
- Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) (new)
- General Education Development (GED) Certificate (if earned prior to May 3, 2024), or equivalent.
- English Requirements
Applicants must be able and prepared to study in English. If English is not your first language, you must provide one of the following:- Successful completion of an intensive English program for academic purposes at a recognized language school in Canada.
- A recognized International language test score such as IELTS Academic (Minimum 6.0 with no skill below 5.5)
(*Note: Diplomas or certificates from private career colleges are not acceptable.)
Supporting documents can be uploaded on the Application form, or can be sent by email to admin@stratfordchef.com.
Successful Applicants will be invited to meet with our Admissions Team.
Non-Canadian Citizens PLEASE NOTE: The School will accept Applications from U.S. citizens*, but the focus of our Programs is on Canadian students.
*Stratford Chefs School is NOT registered as a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for the purposes of prospective International student study permits. Click for more Information on International Study Permits and Visas.
PREPARATORY COURSE:
An optional 35-hour intensive Preparatory Course is available for Students enrolled in Level One of the 32-Week Professional Diploma Program with Enriched Cook Apprenticeship. The Prep Course is highly recommended; it teaches key kitchen skills, and helps orient incoming students to our kitchens, building confidence before classes begin in October.
The Preparatory Course takes place during the week before Orientation week, in early October, and covers essential basic techniques in cooking, pastry, sanitation and safety.
Students who complete the Preparatory Course earn valuable knowledge and gain confidence to best prepare them for the beginning of the Program.
Enrolment in the Preparatory Course is determined through the Admissions process.
Preparatory Course Fee: $900 CAD
Our Preparatory Course teaches key skills and orients incoming Level 1 students to the kitchens to help build confidence before classes begin.
I attended the one-week preparatory course led by chef Baxter. We had the opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of skills and techniques, from the preparation and understanding of mother sauces, to bread baking and knife cutting techniques.
As a new student, I found it an amazing experience to be able to spend that much time with a professional chef very willing to share his expertise and wide range of culinary techniques, in the same kitchen environment where classes will take place.
–Gustavo Garcia, Level One Student 2023-24
TUITION FEES:
LEVEL 1 Apprentice Tuition $8,600 CAD
International Student Fee Add $5,000 CAD (Total of $13,600 CAD Level 1 Tuition)
Includes: E-manuals, Ministry seat fee, security deposit, group insurance, in-class meals, three group meals, all class fees, sanitation exam fees and administrative fees.
Not included: Preparatory course (optional), books, iPad, equipment and uniform.
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LEVEL 2 Apprentice Tuition $8,500 CAD
Includes: E-manuals, Ministry seat fee, group insurance, in-class meals, three group meals, all class fees, Red Seal exam prep course, Graduation fees and administrative fees.
Not included: Books, iPad, equipment and uniform.