Domestic Apply
Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).
The Professional Cooking Certificate gives students the opportunity to complete the certificate program. The course is delivered face-to-face at our campus in St. Paul.
This program will introduce you to the kitchen, teaching you about vegetables, proteins, stocks, soups, sauces, and kitchen management. With a three-week practicum, you'll have the opportunity to learn in an actual work environment.
Professional Cooking combines theory, demonstration, and hands-on practical application, along with FoodSafe, First Aid, and WHIMS certification. After successful completion of the program, students can transfer into the Culinary Arts Diploma program.
Students will also have the opportunity to challenge the 1st and 2nd-period Apprenticeship exams for Cook.
This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is 0111010246767.
Jada Anderson - Success Story
For twenty years Jada wanted to go back to school but always thought she was too old. After surviving an injury, she applied to the Professional Cooking Certificate program and continued onto the Culinary Arts Diploma. As a graduate, she receives the Red Spirit Knife.
Domestic Funding Options
Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.
Domestic Information Request
If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.
International Student Apply
International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.
International Student Study Permit
Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.
International Information Request
Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.
More international students are choosing Portage College to start or complete their studies because of the personal attention they receive and the high standard of instruction.
Career Potential
Graduates of the Culinary Arts Diploma program are able to work in:
- Hotels
- Resorts
- Restaurants (from fast food to fine dining)
- Conference centres
- Hospitals
- Banquet halls and clubs
- Camp kitchens
- Nationwide specialty food outlets
Cooks can advance through promotions with the same employer or move to more advanced positions with other employers. Career options include chef, sous-chef, executive chef, banquet manager, food service administrator and coordinator, general manager and food editor. Yet another level of achievement includes Certified Chef de Cuisine (C.C.C.), a highly respected trade certification with many good prospects for travel within Canada and abroad. There are numerous career opportunities for certified cooks, including marketing, media, education, product development, consulting and owning their own business.
Credentials
Certificate
Admission Requirements
English Language Arts 10-2
Math 10-3
Students who do not meet admission requirements can contact student services regarding opportunities for placement testing. Students will need to submit an application to the program to start the process.
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
Other
- Interview with program coordinator may be required
- For the purpose of the practicum, may need a criminal record check
- Register as apprentices
English Language Proficiency Information
Program Start/End Dates
August 28, 2025 to May 22, 2026 (Fall, Winter and Spring Terms)
Application Deadline
Domestic: August 21, 2025
International Student: June 30, 2024 (Applications will be considered if you can obtain a study permit and all the relevant documents before July 15, 2024)
Location
St. Paul campus
Domestic Student Fees
Application fee: $53.50
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2024
| Tuition | $2260.50 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $158.50 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $2,831.48 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2024
| Tuition | $2260.50 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $2,514.48 |
Spring Term
Fee payment deadline: April 21, 2025
| Tuition | $390.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $565.20 |
Total tuition and mandatory fees for Year 1: $5,911.16
Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $130. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $130.
Visit the Portage College Bookstore for textbooks and supplies.
Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)
Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Fee Explanations
Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable)
If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2024
| Tuition | $6,767.25 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $7,021.23 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2024
| Tuition | $5,820.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $6,073.98 |
Spring Term
Fee payment deadline: March 21, 2025
| Tuition | $1170.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $1,345.20 |
Total tuition and mandatory fees for Year 1: $14,440.41
Visit the Portage College Bookstore for textbooks and supplies.
Fee Explanations
Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.
Professional Cooking Certificate
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.