Culinary Arts Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-19

Program overview

Program Overview

The Culinary Arts Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic is designed for those passionate about professional cooking. This program offers students the opportunity to learn from experienced chefs, enhancing their food preparation skills in a state-of-the-art kitchen. Students will explore both the art and science of culinary techniques, preparing them for a successful career in the culinary field. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, ultimately turning their culinary passion into a rewarding profession.

Program Structure

The Culinary Arts Diploma program spans a duration of 2 years and is offered on a full-time basis. The program structure includes:

Comprehensive training in professional cooking techniques.
Hands-on experience in a fully equipped kitchen.
A 480-hour paid Industry Work Placement to gain real-world experience.
Opportunities for work-integrated learning.

This program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in culinary arts, preparing them for various roles in the hospitality industry. Students will engage in a creative and team-oriented environment, ensuring they develop both foundational and advanced culinary skills.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on training in a state-of-the-art kitchen.
Paid work placement to gain industry experience.
Collaboration with experienced chefs to refine cooking techniques.
Opportunities to customize culinary dishes based on learned skills.

Career Options

Graduates of the Culinary Arts Diploma can pursue a variety of career paths in the hospitality industry, including:

Banquet Chef/Cook: Specializes in preparing large quantities of food for events and functions.
Caterer: Provides food services for events, managing everything from menu planning to food preparation.
Chef: Oversees kitchen operations, creating menus and managing staff.
Sous Chef: Assists the head chef in managing kitchen staff and ensuring food quality.
Food Truck Owner/Operator: Runs a mobile food business, offering unique culinary experiences on the go.

Other entrepreneurial opportunities include becoming a restaurant owner or manager, allowing graduates to leverage their culinary skills in a business setting.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Red Deer Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-06-19

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To gain admission to the Culinary Arts Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic, applicants must meet specific academic requirements. The following outlines the essential criteria for prospective students:

Minimum Academic Requirements:
- Applicants must have a minimum of 50% in ELA 10-1, or equivalent, or a minimum of 60% in ELA 10-2, or equivalent.
- A minimum of 50% in Math 10-3, or equivalent.

International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to the International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our Academic Requirements.

It is important to note that qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For any clarification or support regarding the admission process, feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors who are here to assist you!

English Language Proficiency Requirements

At Red Deer Polytechnic, we support a diverse student population worldwide. Note: Applicants whose first language is English and who declared this on their application are exempt from English Language Proficiency requirements.

Certain RDP programs have unique ELP requirements; ensure you review the program-specific requirements below. Applicants must also meet all other program Academic Requirements to be considered for admission into the program.

Applicants applying to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs. Placement assessments are used for admission to these programs.

Understanding RDP's English Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide ELP official documentation to the Office of the Registrar by email or regular mail after you have applied.
ELP tests must be no older than two years before your program start date.
The Office of the Registrar can review your “unofficial” or scanned documents to initially admit you to a program and provide a Letter of Acceptance. However, official documentation must be received before the deadline, or you will not be granted “clear” admission until this step has been completed.

Requirements by Program:

Applicants must meet English Language Proficiency requirements for admission to credit programs.
- Note: RDP programs may have different or additional requirements.
Applicants must also meet all other program Academic Requirements, including the English course and minimum percentage grade.
All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the start date of the program.
Applicants to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs.

Ensure you review the program-specific requirements below.

For the Culinary Arts Diploma program, the following English Language Proficiency tests are accepted:

IELTS Academic – International English Language Testing System: 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 on each band score
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language: 83 iBT or 557 PBT
Duolingo English Test: 115-125
CAEL: 60 with at least 55 on each band score
PTE: 59 with at least 56 on each band score

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!