ATTEND CULINARY SCHOOL FROM ONTARIO, CANADA

Earn your online culinary degree or diploma from the convenience of home – without leaving Ontario.* All Escoffier programs feature an in-person industry externship for real-world experience.

*Escoffier’s online diploma and degree culinary programs are available through Escoffier’s Boulder, CO campus.

Next start date: Oct 1

Overview

Study culinary arts with the flexibility and convenience of Escoffier’s online programs

Considering attending culinary school while living in Ontario, Canada, but need the flexibility to learn from home? Explore Escoffier’s online culinary diploma and degree programs, which let you study remotely with a U.S.-based culinary school and include an in-person industry externship. Escoffier is the largest culinary school brand in the U.S.* and is ranked as one of the Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America.

With the flexibility of online learning, you can explore culinary and business fundamentals while experiencing Ontario’s vibrant, multicultural food culture.


*Based on comparable student population data for Austin and Boulder as currently reported in Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

2026 Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America, Niche.com

A male chef finishes a gourmet restaurant plate with herbs
Learn how to apply to Escoffier as an international student with our Application Checklist
Online training in

60 weeks*

Hands-on Ontario area

Externship

Financing your education

$10,000 Scholarship

*Time to complete may be extended due to Distance Education course sequencing.

Escoffier is a U.S.-Accredited Institution

Escoffier’s online programs are available through Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).

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Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training

Yes! Online Culinary School at Escoffier Really Works.

Escoffier has been providing accredited online culinary education since 2015, when our first non-degree online program was established.

Next start date: October 1, 2025

Courses

Explore Fundamental Culinary Techniques Through Our Online Culinary Classes

The online culinary curriculum from Escoffier’s Boulder, Colorado campus is designed to provide you with the necessary tools for a career in the culinary industry.

Escoffier’s online culinary programs integrate core cooking techniques, kitchen management skills, and professional skills training from experienced Chef Instructors. These programs include hands-on culinary practice, such as knife skills and foundational culinary methods, as well as business principles needed in the industry.

Studying culinary arts while living in Ontario – whether you’re in Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, or Brampton – can give you access to the province’s diverse dining culture. From multicultural food tours in downtown Toronto to craft brewery and winery experiences in Niagara, you can deepen your understanding of local ingredients and regional cuisine while learning from home.

A female chef stands with her arms crossed in the door of her restaurant
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Business-Focused Curriculum

Entrepreneurship & food management business skills
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Personalized Feedback

Support from professional Chef Instructors
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Farm to Table® Coursework

Our programs include a farm-to-table course that focuses on sustainability
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Career Assistance

Culinary arts job search, interview, and career preparation assistance
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Networking Opportunities

Access to alumni mentorship and employer partner network
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Flexible Learning

Earn your culinary arts degree or diploma online from almost anywhere
Flexible Learning

Gain the Same Skills as On-Campus Students

Ontario residents can learn online with live classroom discussions and support from experienced Chef Instructors. Here’s how it works:

An online culinary student taking notes in front of a computer notebook
step 1:

LEARN

Review interactive lessons, browse technique videos, study recipes, and complete weekly discussion forum posts or quizzes.
Escoffier online culinary student works on his laptop at his home
step 2:

DISCUSS

Join virtual live lessons with your instructor and fellow students each week for a real classroom experience, or review the weekly live session recordings so you never miss a beat.
An Escoffier online student takes photos of her freshly baked Challah bread in her home kitchen
step 3:

EXPERIENCE

Time to hit the kitchen! Execute your practical assignments, documenting the process along the way by taking the assigned photos, and receive individualized video and written feedback from your Chef Instructors.
Chef Instructor Luke Shaffer

The online programs at Escoffier allow students to develop the same skills as ground campus students, but you complete the program in your own kitchen.”

LUKE SHAFFERESCOFFIER MANAGER OF CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
Cost & Time

Online Culinary School Tuition

Online Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts

Program Cost: $35,145 USD
Program Length: 60 weeks*

Online Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Program Cost: $23,272 USD
Program Length: 60 weeks*

The total program cost listed above encompasses tuition, tool kit, uniform, and an optional non-refundable technology fee if you do not already have a computer. As textbooks are delivered electronically, the cost of books used in the program and available online to the students are included in the tuition cost. For more cost details, refer to our catalog.

*Time to complete may be extended due to Distance Education course sequencing.

A rack of lamb with tomatoes, roasted garlic, and sauce on a white plate

The cost for Escoffier is substantially less compared to the other schools I researched. As far as the cost, Escoffier was definitely worth it. You can’t put a price tag on knowledge and education.”*

Brent Unruh
Brent UnruhEscoffier Culinary Arts Graduate & Executive Chef, Target Hospitality

*This information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors such as geographical region or previous experience.

Hands-on Learning

Receive Hands-on Culinary Training in the Ontario, Canada Area

At Escoffier, online students living in the Ontario area can complete their mandatory externship in the province’s vibrant, rapidly-growing food scene. This hands-on experience offers the chance to practice the techniques learned online and receive guidance from culinary professionals.

  • Networking opportunities with culinary professionals
  • Real-world kitchen experience
  • Professional skill development
A collage of photos of an online culinary arts student in front of his computer at home and a student basting butter on dough in her kitchen

“[Career Services department] sent over my application and my resume, and assisted me with setting up the [externship] interview. Within a week, I had an externship placement, and I was figuring out the logistics. That wouldn’t have even been a possibility for me if it had not been for the Chef Instructors and the support staff at Escoffier.”*

Escoffier student Chris Marhevka headshot
CHRIS MARHEVKAESCOFFIER CULINARY ARTS GRADUATE

“The externship class allows students-even those with no prior experience-to get their foot in the door. Once they gain that valuable experience, it is easier for them to determine which path they want to take with their careers.”*

Escoffier Chef Instructor Vicki Berger
VICKI BERGERESCOFFIER Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management Instructor

“All the puzzle pieces are starting to come together because of the real world experience that I now have, which I didn’t have before. It was hard to see these issues in place since I’ve never worked in a restaurant. Now [after my externship], I can see it.”*

Michael Harden headshot thumbnail
MICHAEL HARDENESCOFFIER graduate & food enthusiast

*This information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors such as geographical region or previous experience.

Ontario, Canada: A Culinary Landscape of Iconic Flavors and Global Diversity

Earning a culinary degree or diploma online in Ontario can offer hands-on experience within the province’s vibrant, globally inspired culinary scene.

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16 Michelin-Starred Restaurants*

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40 of the Best Restaurants in Canada*

*Best Restaurants 2025, Canada’s 100 Best

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53 of Canada’s Top Opentable Restaurants*

Explore These Upcoming Culinary Events Around Toronto, Canada

https://www.sipniagara.com/

Sip Niagara is a vibrant food and drink festival celebrating the best of local and global beverages and cuisine. The event features the world’s largest Caesar bar with over 200 unique ingredients, along with a variety of wines, beers, ciders, cocktails, gourmet food, food trucks, BBQ, seafood, and live entertainment.

Dates: October 4 – 5, 2025
Location: Charles Daley Park, Lincoln
Ontario Cheese Festival

The Ontario Cheese Festival is a premier celebration of Canadian dairy excellence, featuring over 100 artisan cheese producers from across the country. Attendees can indulge in a variety of cheeses, participate in tutored tastings paired with local wines and craft beverages, and engage in hands-on cheese-making workshops.

Dates: October 25 – 26, 2025
Location: Grand River Raceway & University of Guelph
Distillery Winter Village

The Distillery Winter Village is Toronto’s original and world-famous Christmas market, where historic cobblestone streets transform into a holiday wonderland with seasonal food and drinks, and one-of-a-kind shopping from local artisans.

Dates: November 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: Distillery Historic District, Toronto


Career Outlook

Study culinary arts online and tap into one of Canada’s most innovative food scenes

Attending culinary school online from Ontario can help you build foundational skills and explore a variety of culinary paths. With opportunities to connect with local chefs and engage in hands-on learning across the city’s evolving food scene, you could be exposed to real-world experiences that can help support your growth.

Through a combination of culinary fundamentals and industry-informed training, students may be prepared for roles across many types of kitchens and food businesses. Ontario’s culinary landscape – from multicultural neighborhoods to sustainable farmers markets – can help introduce students to the various culinary career paths they can take.

Group of friends seated at a restaurant table ordering food from a smiling waitress, with drinks and dishes on the table in a warmly lit setting

With 18,230 unfilled positions and a 3.8% job vacancy rate, Ontario’s foodservice industry offers more immediate career opportunities than the general economy.*

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Culinary School in Ontario, Canada

Is Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts accredited?

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is nationally accredited in the United States to offer fully online degrees that blend culinary instruction with hands-on industry externships.

Our online programs are available through the Boulder, Colorado, campus. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder is nationally accredited in the U.S. by organizations that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, including the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). It is also approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), Division of Private Occupational Schools.

Do I need a U.S. visa to attend online culinary school at Escoffier while living in Canada?

No, you do not need a U.S. visa to attend online culinary school at Escoffier while living in Canada. The online culinary arts program at Escoffier is fully online with an in-person industry externship that you can complete in Canada.

Can I complete my externship at an establishment near me in Canada?

Yes. If you’re enrolled in online culinary school at Escoffier while living in Canada, you can complete your required industry externship at a commercial kitchen or foodservice establishment near you. The site must meet Escoffier’s externship criteria and be approved in advance by the school.

You do not need to travel to the U.S. or obtain a student visa if you complete your externship in Canada. However, if you choose to complete your externship in the United States, you will need to meet the requirements for an internship visa to the U.S.

Are Escoffier's diplomas and degrees recognized in Canada?

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado, is nationally accredited in the United States by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). This means Escoffier meets specific educational standards for quality and integrity in its programs.

Its diplomas and degrees, however, aren’t automatically “recognized” by the Canadian government. Instead, whether your Escoffier culinary credentials are recognized in Ontario depends on if your specific occupation within the culinary arts is considered regulated or non-regulated. If regulated, recognition of your qualifications will be determined by an evaluation process from Ontario’s regulatory authority. If non-regulated, recognition is typically at the discretion of the employer.

You can visit the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials to determine whether your desired occupation is regulated.

What level of education is required to enroll in culinary school online at Escoffier?

To enroll in online culinary school at Escoffier, you must provide official proof of high school graduation or the equivalent. Your documents must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency by a credential evaluation company approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

How much does it cost to go to culinary school in Ontario?

View the costs for all programs available to students in Ontario in USD.

For more information on paying for school and to speak with an admissions representative, please contact us.

Are financial aid or scholarships available to attend culinary school for students from Ontario?

Although Canadian students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, students from Ontario may be eligible for our International Scholarship, which offers up to $10,000 USD toward total program tuition. This scholarship applies to all applicable online programs.

In order to qualify, prospective students must be non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States and submit a brief essay.

To apply, please contact our online programs at [email protected].

What culinary job opportunities are available in Ontario?

Known for its multicultural communities and rich agricultural regions, Ontario boasts one of Canada’s most dynamic culinary scenes. From busy urban centers like Toronto and Ottawa to smaller towns with vibrant local food cultures, the province offers a wide variety of restaurants, food festivals, and dining experiences.

For graduates with a culinary arts diploma or degree in Ontario, the province’s diverse restaurant industry may open the door to many exciting career paths. Here are a few possibilities:

Chefs and Kitchen Staff: Ontario’s restaurant scene—especially in cities like Toronto and Ottowa—features a mix of innovative and established dining spots. Areas like Kensington Market and The Distillery District are known for their diverse cuisine, from French-Canadian to global fusion and upscale farm-to-table. This variety can offer culinary graduates the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of kitchen environments.

Pastry Chefs: Ontario’s thriving bakery and dessert scene spans from Toronto’s bustling neighborhoods to smaller towns like Stratford and Niagara-on-the-Lake, where artisanal baking is part of the local food culture. Specialty patisseries, dessert cafés, and independent bakeries continue to open across the province, which can offer culinary graduates hands-on experience in everything from classic French pastries to regionally inspired baked goods.

Catering and Event Chefs: Ontario’s dynamic event scene—including corporate functions, festivals, and cultural gatherings—can offer a variety of opportunities for catering chefs. Venues like the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, and Ottawa’s National Arts Centre often require skilled professionals for large-scale menu planning and food service.

Food and Beverage Managers: As a popular destination for both tourism and business travel, Ontario is home to luxury hotels such as the Fairmont Royal York, Langdon Hall, Brookstreet Hotel, and many more that may require experienced food and beverage directors to lead their dining operations. Responsibilities often include managing food and beverage outlets such as restaurants, lounges, and room service, while upholding high levels of quality and guest satisfaction.

To find out more about the culinary job opportunities that could be available to you, check out our article, 13 Great Culinary Careers in the Food Industry.

How can I become a chef in Ontario?

If you’re pursuing a culinary career in Ontario, combining formal education with hands-on experience can be helpful in building your skills. Here are a few steps that can help you grow your career in the culinary industry:

Culinary Education:
Escoffier’s Online Culinary Arts programs offer thorough training in cooking techniques and foodservice management, which can help you build your skills while studying remotely. These programs also feature in-person industry externships, offering practical experience for aspiring culinarians.

Gain Local Experience:
You can supplement your online studies with hands-on experience in Ontario’s culinary scene, which boasts a diverse array of restaurants, from contemporary farm-to-table eateries to globally-inspired dining spots. Externships in these settings can help you solidify the skills covered in your courses.

Start with Entry-Level Positions:
Starting out as a line cook or prep cook in Ontario’s restaurant industry can help you develop fundamental kitchen skills and gain insight into the day-to-day realities of the industry. This experience can be an important foundation for building a culinary career.

Network in Ontario:
You can tap into Ontario’s exciting and diverse culinary scene to help expand your professional network by attending local food festivals, culinary events, and industry workshops. Participating in these opportunities can allow you to connect with chefs, restaurateurs, and other culinary professionals across the province.

Additionally, joining professional organizations such as the Canadian Culinary Federation or regional hospitality associations can further support your growth and industry connections.

Combining hands-on experience in Ontario’s kitchens with a formal culinary education can lay the groundwork for a career in the culinary field. To find out more about how to get started, explore our Essential Guide to Becoming a Chef.

What is the median salary of a culinary chef in Ontario?

According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the median hourly wage for chefs in Ontario is $21.21 CAD, with wages typically ranging from $17.20 CAD to $33.33 CAD per hour (as of December 3, 2024).

Does Escoffier's culinary school provide job search assistance after graduation for students in Ontario?

Yes, online culinary students at Escoffier—including those in Ontario—have access to job search support after graduation. Our Career Services team provides guidance, coaching, and resources to help students pursue their career goals and connect with potential employers.

At Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, all students receive Career Services support throughout their studies and can continue to access these services even after they graduate.

An online culinary arts student plating pork chops and sauteed zucchini on a square white plate in his home kitchen

Ready to attend online culinary school while living in Ontario?