Attend Culinary School from Alberta, Canada

Escoffier is a U.S.-accredited institution offering 100% online degrees and diplomas 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.

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.

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

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

Yes. If you’re enrolled in online culinary school at Escoffier from 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.

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).

Although Canadian students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, students from Alberta 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].

According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the median hourly wage for chefs in Alberta is $21 CAD, with wages typically ranging from $15 CAD to $28 CAD per hour, as of December 3, 2024.

As a major commodity producer and innovation hub, Alberta boasts growing financial centers in Calgary and Edmonton and support and attracts talent from across Canada and the rest of the world. This economic strength drives demand for quality foodservice and hospitality experiences.

For graduates with a culinary arts diploma or degree in Alberta, the province’s unique restaurant industry may open the door to career paths like these:

• Chefs and Kitchen Staff: Alberta’s urban centers continue to grow in their need for chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff in restaurants ranging from upscale steakhouses to farm-to-table concepts. Emphasis on local and sustainable ingredients allows some chefs to create menus that reflect the province’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
• Pastry Chefs: The province’s bakery sector is expanding with rising consumer interest in artisanal and international baked goods. Pastry chefs find opportunities in bakeries, cafés, and restaurants eager to serve diverse and high-quality products. Through the Alberta Government’s Investment and Growth Fund (IGF), some artisan baked goods brands are even accessing millions in investment to support expansion, contributing to the region’s economic development and growing culinary scene.
• Catering and Event Chefs: Alberta hosts a number of cultural celebrations and major events, including the world-famous Calgary Stampede and various music festivals, which create seasonal catering opportunities. Chefs in this field often focus on menu planning and large-scale food preparation for these occasions.
• Food and Beverage Managers in Hotels: Alberta’s tourism sector is growing rapidly, outpacing the Canadian average and expected to continue expanding. Luxury hotels, resorts, and boutique properties need skilled managers to oversee dining operations and enhance guest experiences. With food and beverage making up about half of all tourism employment, this sector may offer promising career opportunities for those ready to lead and innovate.

To explore more culinary job opportunities that may be available in Alberta, check out our article, 13 Great Culinary Careers in the Food Industry.

If you’re pursuing a culinary career in Alberta, 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 Alberta’s culinary scene, which boasts vibrant and diverse opportunities across fine dining, casual eateries, and farm-to-table restaurants. Externships in these settings can help you solidify the skills covered in your courses.

Start with Entry-Level Roles: Many chefs begin their careers as prep cooks, line cooks, or kitchen assistants. These roles 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.

Build a Network: Engaging with Alberta’s food festivals, culinary events, and local chef communities could open doors to new opportunities and mentorship. Joining organizations such as the Canadian Culinary Federation can further support your growth and industry connections.

By combining formal culinary education, practical training, and industry networking, you can lay the foundation for a culinary career in Alberta. For detailed guidance, check out our Essential Guide to Becoming a Chef.

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

At Escoffier, all students receive Career Services support throughout their studies and can continue to access assistance after graduation.

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 Alberta 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 Alberta’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.