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 your 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.
Applicants will be invited to meet with our Admissions Team.
PREPARATORY COURSE:
Our 35-hour intensive Preparatory Course is required for Students enrolled in Level One of the 32-Week Professional Diploma Program with Enriched Cook Apprenticeship. The Prep Course teaches key kitchen skills, techniques and terminology required by all students prior to the start of classes. The Prep Course also helps orient incoming students to our kitchens, and builds confidence before classes officially begin.
The 2026 Preparatory Course will take place Tuesday, October 6 through Sat October 10, the week before Orientation week, and will cover essential basic techniques in cooking, pastry, sanitation and safety.
Enrolment in the Preparatory Course is required as part of 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.
During the Preparatory Course, led by Chef Baxter, we were 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 spend that much time with a professional chef sharing his expertise and wide range of culinary techniques, in the same kitchen environment where classes take place.
–Gustavo Garcia, Class of 2025
TUITION FEES:
LEVEL 1 Apprentice Tuition $8,000 CAD
Includes: E-manuals, security deposit, group insurance, in-class meals, group meals, all class fees, sanitation exam fees and administrative fees.
Not included: Preparatory course fee, 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, group meals, all class fees, Red Seal exam prep course, Graduation fees and administrative fees.
Not included: Books, iPad, equipment and uniform.
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.