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 >

  • Early Application Grant Deadline is December 31, 2022

    Hey seniors—interested in joining our Fall 2023 class? There’s no better time to make your move! Apply to our New York campus by December 31 and gain access to a special $1,000 Early Application Grant. You’ll receive an expedited admission decision and automatically be reviewed for scholarships too—and who doesn’t love scholarships!

    Don’t miss out!

    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 April 2023 semester at our Texas campus only are due by December 1, 2022.

    Upcoming Entry Dates:

    January 4, 2023
    April 25, 2023
    September 5, 2023
    Apply Now >

    Programs Enrolling in September Only:

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

  • Schedule a Visit to Campus

    Scheduling a visit to one of our world-class campuses is easy and convenient. Just choose your campus, and you will see our schedule of admissions tours and events.

    Learn More

  • 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
  • Did You Know?


    More than 90% of CIA students receive scholarships and financial aid.
    Learn More