ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSIONS
The CIA will make a balanced judgment of your commitment to learning and your career goals based on your application file. You will be notified of an admissions decision within a few weeks of the date you complete your file. The CIA reserves the right to verify any information you provide for review.
Application
The requirements for a completed application file when applying to the Culinary Arts Certificate Program are as follows:
- Download the Application (PDF 67 KB) for admission, including $30 application fee
- An official secondary school transcript (not a copy) should be sent directly from your high school to CIA Admissions. If you've earned an equivalency diploma, the test scores must be submitted along with your official high school transcript.
- Letter of support/recommendation from a former employer: letters must be submitted by the recommender directly to The Culinary Institute of America, be written on business letterhead, and verify the duration and quality of your previous work experience.
- A 400-500 word essay describing your interest and passion for the food service industry and what you would like to get from the program.
- Six months of hands-on food preparation experience in a kitchen is required.
Note: The application and all supporting documentation need to be sent to:
Culinary Arts Certificate Program Admissions—San Antonio
The Culinary Institute of America
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499
Special Information for International Students
As part of the international student application process, you will be required to obtain an M-1 visa. This visa, which is for vocational studies, precludes a student from working throughout the duration of their schooling. In addition, international students are required to be proficient in English and present additional financial information showing sufficient funds to cover the projected cost of the program, which is estimated to be $28,000, including living expenses.