Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America
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    Apply to The Culinary Institute of America

  • Start Now—Here’s How to Apply to the CIA

    Take hold of your future. If food is your passion, get the best hands-on education here at the CIA—whether your aspiration is to be a chef, entrepreneur, hospitality leader, or food innovator.

    Get started by submitting your application. Choose from two online options:

    Next, to complete your application file, we just need three additional items:


    1. Request official transcripts.

    2. Submit an essay.

    3. Ask for a recommendation.

    That’s it! You’re on your way to enrolling at the CIA. If you’ve already submitted your application, learn more about the essay and supporting materials.

    Master’s and ACAP Candidates

    Learn more about the application process for the CIA’s post-baccalaureate programs.

    How to apply for Master’s programs >

    How to apply for ACAP >

    Online Bachelor’s Program

    CIA Alumni, learn how to apply for our online bachelor’s program.

    How to apply for Online Bachelor's >

  • CIA Early Action Deadline is November 15, 2021

    Take hold of your future! If you are interested in enrolling in our September 2022 class and want an early, non-binding admission decision, you can apply Early Action. You'll receive an expedited admission decision and automatically be reviewed for scholarships!

    Apply to attend our New York campus by November 15 and qualify for our special $1,000 CIA Early Application Grant.

    Apply Now

  • CIA Admissions Dates and Deadlines

    Apply Anytime!

    Apply for admission up to 18 months in advance. Undergraduate programs at our New York and California campuses have no application deadline. Applications for the Summer 2022 semester at our Texas campus only are due by December 1, 2021.

    Upcoming Entry Dates:

    January 4, 2022 (Spring)
    April 26, 2022 (Summer)
    September 6, 2022 (Fall)
    Apply Now >

    Programs Enrolling in Fall Only:

    Hospitality Management
    All Master’s degrees
    Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
    Apply Now >

  • Explore Campus

    We wish you were here—but until you are, explore campus online.

    VIRTUAL VISITS

  • Alumni Referral Scholarship

    If your recommendation letter is from a CIA alumnus, you could qualify for a $1,000 Alumni Referral Scholarship.

    More CIA Scholarships
  • Our public restaurants make it real—you prepare and serve meals to customers right on campus.
    Learn More