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This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. Learn more
Overview
Explore the world of culinary arts — from fundamental cooking techniques to patisserie — through hands-on instruction and action-based learning inside SAIT’s on-campus restaurants. Prepare for a career as a chef, kitchen manager or food stylist.
Considered the best in Canada, the Professional Cooking program at SAIT is delivered by world-renowned chefs who provide expert, hands-on training. In just two short years you will have the opportunity to train and interact with 20 leading culinary professionals - an amazing experience for anyone passionate about the culinary arts.
During this full-time two year program, you will be trained in all aspects of the culinary trade including foundational cooking techniques, Garde manger, culinary perspectives and patisserie. In an industry experiencing high demand, graduates from SAIT’s Professional Cooking program gain valuable, real-life experience and are well prepared for a diverse range of options in the dynamic culinary world.
At SAIT, we are focused on our students’ success and deliver on this promise through small class sizes, a personalized approach and state-of-the-art facilities. Our classrooms and labs have recently received $7 million in upgrades including the new Michelle O’Reilly Charcuterie Lab, SAIT’s gourmet Market Place, the downtown Culinary Campus and our own culinary garden - Jackson’s Garden. Operating in live classroom environments such as the renowned Highwood restaurant and 4 Nines Dining Centre provides real-world experience that readies you for success in the culinary industry.
As a student, you will learn essential cooking skills and current trends through repetitive production style cooking for the public under the watchful eyes of our professional chefs - just like you would in a real kitchen. The capstone of the program is cooking for the public in the award-winning Highwood restaurant and the bustling downtown Culinary Campus where you will prepare world-class cuisine in a live classroom environment.
Professional paid internship and study tours
Between your first and second year of study, you will get to apply your skills in the industry through a professional paid internship. In addition to learning in a real-world environment, internships provide valuable connections and opportunities to network with future employers.
As a student, you can also take advantage of exciting international study tours. Previous tour locations have included Australia, France, Spain, Italy, Chile and Thailand.
Global recognition through chef competitions
SAIT’s Professional Cooking program will give you the skills for a global career path and opportunities to work in the world’s finest dining establishments. You also have the option to compete in skills and culinary competitions - both locally and internationally.
Our students have won gold and silver in Provincial and National Skills in addition to the Canadian Chef Association competitions. Our students have also competed in Hong Kong and Singapore over the last several years placing in the top three.
Is this the right fit for me?
Most successful students spend approximately 20 hours per week doing homework and review, with additional study required to prepare for exams.
Keep in mind hospitality industry hours can range from early morning to late in the evening and often include holidays. For example, our cold food prep classes start at 7 am and dinner service at the Highwood ends at 10 pm.
The culinary industry is fast-paced with a focus on customer service.
The material is presented at a fairly rapid rate. For the greatest level of success, you must be present and take responsibility for your learning experience.
You must be able to read, write and comprehend the English language at a level exceeding basic conversational English.
Students with higher grades in high school usually experience more success in SAIT programs.
Accreditation
Alberta Apprenticeship has accredited this program for all three technical training periods.
Students are still required to complete 4,680 hours of paid work experience and must successfully challenge all three provincial exams before considered eligible for the Red Seal exam and designation.
Students in the Professional Cooking program can challenge:
- the first-year government exam after successful completion of their first year in the diploma program
- the second-year government exam after successful completion of the third and fourth semesters provided they passed the first-year government exam
- the third-year government exam after successful completion of the Professional Cooking diploma provided they passed the first and second-year government exams.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Professional Cooking.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in restaurants, hotels and convention centres. Potential positions include:
- executive chef
- sous-chef
- chef de partie
- banquet chef
- Garde manger
- chef de cuisine
- kitchen manager
Related careers include:
- food stylist
- educator
100%
$35,100
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $7,509
Year 2: $6,960
Year 1 (International): $23,967
Year 2 (International): $21,931
Year 1: TBA
Year 2: TBA
Year 1 (International): $22,629 (+fees TBD)
Year 2 (International): $22,012 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
Winter 2021
This is a competitive program. If applicants meet the admission requirements they will be assessed based on additional criteria. Applicants will be offered admission to this program if they’re qualified through the competitive process and space is available.
Fall 2021
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for Fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020 and are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Team SAIT Cooks the Books, farm to kitchen style
This time last year, SAIT Professional Cooking students Sarah Ayach and Katie Williams were preparing to compete in Toronto for Taste Canada’s Cooks the Books competition. At this annual event, teams of student chefs from across Canada battle it out to bring their own original recipes to life in under 60 minutes to earn the title of Canada’s Best Student Chefs.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements
A minimum of 35 Alberta high school credits with at least 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:
- English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2 or Humanities 10
- Math 10C or Math 10-3 or Pure Math 10 or Applied Math 10.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Winter 2021 Competitive entry: seven-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Review the selection information to understand the process and deadlines.
- Applications and proof of the admission requirements ( transcripts and/or anticipated final grades) along with all supporting documents must be submitted by July 1 to be included in the selection.
In the selection process, qualified applicants will be invited to attend an interview with representatives of the Professional Cooking program. Offers of admission will be determined based on the interview.
- We encourage applicants to apply early as the program will fill quickly. Once the program is full, qualified applicants will be waitlisted.
- Preference will be given to applicants with industry experience.
- International students and students applying from outside of Calgary will be able to conduct the interview over the phone.
- Failure to attend an interview will result in your status changing to “Declined through Selection”. If this happens and you are still interested in the program, then you must contact 403.284.8612 and speak to the Academic Advisor.
Step 4: Apply to Professional Cooking and submit your transcripts.
Step 5: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status. If eligible, your status will indicate that you're "In Selection."
Step 6: Check your e-mail for an e-mail from the School of Hospitality and Tourism to arrange for and attend an interview. You must contact the School of Hospitality and Tourism within 10 business days to book an interview.
Step 7: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded
Fall 2021 Direct entry: four step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Professional Cooking and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add culinary@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COOK-202 | Culinary Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| COOK-227 | Soups and Sauces | 3.0 |
| COOK-235 | Dinner Cookery | 3.0 |
| COOK-253 | Meat Preparation | 3.0 |
| COOK-267 | Baking and Yeast Goods | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COOK-207 | Breakfast Cookery | 3.0 |
| COOK-217 | Vegetables and Starches | 3.0 |
| COOK-223 | Cold Kitchen | 3.0 |
| COOK-233 | Lunch Cookery | 3.0 |
| COOK-263 | Line Cook | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 3 (between the first and second year)
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRAC-287 | Professional Internship | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 3.0 | |
| First Year Total | 33.0 | |
Second year
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-363 | Workplace Communication Skills | 1.5 |
| COOK-303 | Lunch á la Carte | 3.0 |
| COOK-307 | Patisserie | 3.0 |
| FDBS-323 | Food and Wine Pairing | 1.5 |
| FDBS-327 | Food and Beverage Service | 3.0 |
| NUTR-313 | Nutrition and Home Meal Replacement | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 5
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COOK-317 | Dinner á la Carte | 3.0 |
| COOK-333 | Garde Manger | 3.0 |
| COOK-350 | Culinary Perspectives | 3.0 |
| COOK-352 | Market Food Production and Costing | 3.0 |
| FDPM-353 | Supervision and Event Planning | 3.0 |
| Semester 5 Total | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 63.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
To learn more, visit Transfer Options
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $ 6,287 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $ 7,509 |
| 2 | $ 5,738 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $ 6,960 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,654 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $23,967 |
| 2 | $20,618 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $21,931 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,629 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
| 2 | $22,012 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and Supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $750.
- Laundry fee - $250 is included in the above total
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Winter 2021
Orientation
Program orientation details will be available closer to the program start date — watch your inbox.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
The classes for this program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
Your knife tool kit ($525) can be optionally purchased on orientation day and within the first week of classes at the Market Place in the John Ware building.
Required uniform
One of your first steps to becoming a student in the Professional Cooking diploma program is to be sure you have the required attire on your first day of class and dress appropriately throughout the entire program.
Chef's jacket, waist apron and pants (your Chef's uniform) are provided with an annual laundry fee of $250 and issued twice weekly from laundry in the John Ware building.
Facemasks will also be supplied.
Chef's hat, necktie, hairnets and gloves (included in the tool kit) are available for purchase from the Market Place.
Chef's clogs ($90 - $140) may be purchased from the SAIT Bookstore. Invest in good quality, comfortable chef's clogs — you will be on your feet all day in this program and in your career.
Tips for success:
- Our main goal is to prepare you for the real world in a hands-on, production-style environment.
- Most successful students spend approximately 20 hours per week doing homework and review, with additional study required to prepare for exams.
- Keep in mind, hospitality industry hours can range from early morning to late in the evening and often include holidays. For example, our cold food prep classes start at 6:30 am and dinner service at The Highwood restaurant ends at 10 pm.
- The culinary industry is fast-paced with a strong focus on customer service.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The Winter 2021 booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Anticipated supply costs: You will need to purchase books and program supplies in your first week. Your books and supplies will cost approximately $900. This is not included in your tuition.
Internship: Internship course fees are due in May of your first year (approximately $553 for domestic students.) This is included in the overall tuition listed in the fee table, however, it often comes as a surprise since the bulk of your tuition is due in August and January.
Optional international study tour: There is an optional international study tour between the first and second year. Interested students should budget approximately $3,500.
Contact
Phone: 403.210.4343
Email: andy.trache@sait.ca
Academic chair
Georg Windisch, Academic Chair, Professional Cooking Year One
Phone: 403.774.5063
Email: georg.windisch@sait.ca
Rupert Kaupp, Academic Chair, Professional Cooking Year Two
Phone: 403.284.8942
Email: rupert.kaupp@sait.ca
Next steps for students that began in Fall 2020
Fall 2020How to register for classesYou'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page. Computers and laptopsThis is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page. Required equipment/toolsYour knife tool kit ($525) can be optionally purchased on orientation day and within the first week of classes at the Market Place in the John Ware building. Required uniformOne of your first steps to becoming a student in the Professional Cooking diploma program is to be sure you have the required attire on your first day of class and dress appropriately throughout the entire program. Chef's jacket, waist apron and pants (your Chef's uniform) are provided with an annual laundry fee of $250 and issued twice weekly from laundry in the John Ware building. Facemasks will also be supplied. Chef's hat, necktie, hairnets and gloves (included in the tool kit) are available for purchase from the Market Place. Chef's clogs ($90 - $140) may be purchased from the SAIT Bookstore. Invest in good quality, comfortable chef's clogs — you will be on your feet all day in this program and in your career. Tips for success:
Preparation coursesTo support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices. Required textbooksThe booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term. Anticipated supply costs: You will need to purchase books and program supplies in your first week. Your books and supplies will cost approximately $900. This is not included in your tuition. Internship: Internship course fees are due in May of your first year (approximately $553 for domestic students.) This is included in the overall tuition listed in the fee table, however, it often comes as a surprise since the bulk of your tuition is due in August and January. Optional international study tour: There is an optional international study tour between the first and second year. Interested students should budget approximately $3,500. |
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.