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Stratford Chefs School is a not-for-profit career college focused on the innovative, hands-on training of high quality, aspiring chefs and culinary entrepreneurs, and also a registered Canadian charity.
The School actively raises funds to financially support students, help keep tuition fees reasonable, and maintain the exceptional quality of the program. Over more than 40 years, we’ve built strong bonds with local businesses, organizations, and individuals, whose contributions have helped keep the School and the richness of the program a reality for nearly 900 graduates.
We are pleased to make financial support opportunities available for Canadian students in our 32 Week Apprenticeship Program.
The BRUCE HOTEL SCHOLARSHIP for Emerging BIPOC Chefs
One successful Canadian applicant entering Level One of the 32 week Professional Program will be awarded their full tuition cost for the 32 week Program. The Scholarship is funded by Jennifer Birmingham, owner of The Bruce Hotel, Stratford and will be awarded to one incoming Level One student per year.
2024 Applications Due: TBA
ALUMNI Referral Scholarship
One successful applicant will receive $500 towards Level 2 tuition based on a referral from a Stratford Chefs School Alumni.
Requirements: Minimum six-month working relationship with SCS Alumni, who must submit a reference letter on behalf of the applicant to admin@stratfordchef.com.
Applications by Reference Letter Due: September 30, 2024
BURSARIES
Bursary funding is available to students who demonstrate financial need.
Requirements: Applicant must download and complete the Student Financial Plan Form 2023 and submit with all required supporting documentation to admin@stratfordchef.com.
Applications Due: September 30, 2024
ADDITIONAL AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
A variety of monetary Awards & Scholarships are given out to selected students from both Level 1 and Level 2 at Graduation in June.
Get help finding and applying for Scholarships you qualify for at SCHOLARTREE.CA
Loans, Grants & Other Financial Aid
Canada Apprentice Loan (CAL)
The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada to help you complete your apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. You can get up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of training.
To be eligible for CAL, you must meet all of these criteria:
- be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person;
- be registered in a Red Seal Trade apprenticeship program that is designated by the province or territory where you are registered as an apprentice;
- be enrolled in block release technical training or the equivalent full-time technical training with an approved technical training provider; and
- pass a credit check (required if you are applying for the first time).
You are not eligible if you:
- are receiving a Canada Student Loan (OSAP) for the same technical training;
- have been told that you are restricted from receiving a Canada Apprentice Loan or a Canada Student Loan;
- have already received funding for 5 periods of technical training; or
- have already received 6 years of interest-free status.
Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG)
A taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or level, for a lifetime maximum amount of $2,000 per person.
Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG)
A one-time taxable cash grant lifetime amount of $2,000 per person for registered apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain their Red Seal certification.
Apprenticeship Employment Insurance (EI)
Apprentices may be eligible to receive Employment Insurance (E.I.) benefits while attending School. Your EI benefit application must be submitted online through the Service Canada website. We will provide you with further details regarding the EI application process during School Orientation Week.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Please click here to learn about OSAP Loan Default Rates and Repayment Plan Assistance Usage Rates (2021).
Student Line of Credit
Most financial institutions offer a Student Line of Credit. Contact your bank to learn their eligibility criteria, interest rates and repayment terms.
The School actively raises funds to support Students through events like the 2023 End of Year Gala and Auction.
The Bruce Hotel, Stratford.
Stratford Chefs School Alumni Ashley Stock (Class of 2020) and Carl Heinrich (Class of 2005).
The Canadian Guest Chef Team from Restaurant Pearl Morissette, including Alumni Eric Robertson (Class of 2011 - second from left) and Julian Rey (Class of 2020 - third from left).