Four Simple Steps to Apply

Get your career started on the right track by applying to The Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

1. Ask for Recommendations

Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.)—Two recommendations are required.
One from a foodservice employer or culinary educator describing your foodservice experience, and a character reference (PDF) from an industry or academic professionaldescribing your academic and leadership potential.

Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S)—One recommendation is required. It must be from a foodservice employer or culinary educator describing your foodservice experience.

You can also print out letter of recommendation guidelines (PDF) to help your employer or educator prepare a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

2. Request Official Transcript

Download the Transcript Release Form (PDF) and ask your high school* and/or postsecondary schools you've attended to mail your official transcripts (not student copies) directly to the CIA Admissions Department. If you hold an equivalency diploma, the official test scores must be submitted. Please note that you must be a high school graduate or have received an equivalency diploma to enter the CIA. If you are a high school student, you may also have your Guidance Counselor complete the Secondary School Report (PDF).

* If you have matriculated in a college-level degree program and have completed the equivalent of 24 or more college credits, you are not required to submit a high school transcript. Transcripts for high school students must be complete through the 11th grade, and indicate what courses you'll take in the 12th grade or show your marks for the 12th grade.

3. Complete Your Application

Apply online!

Or...

Download and mail your application

  • Download a pdf of the CIA's admissions application.

  • Read the application form carefully and complete all sections. 

  • Attach your essay of 400-500 words describing the person in your life who most influenced your interest in the foodservice and hospitality field. Include in your essay a discussion of your future career goals.

  • If you have taken the SAT, the college strongly recommends that you include your scores, as they may help you qualify for a scholarship and forego some introductory courses.
  • Remember to sign and date the application!

  • Optional: Attach your Secondary School Report (high school students only)

4. Pay Your Nonrefundable Application Fee

Pay your fee online during the application process or include a check or money order for $50 made out to The Culinary Institute of America, and send along with your competed application to:

Admissions Department
The Culinary Institute of America
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499

CIA graduates who are interested in applying for junior-year admission to the bachelor's degree program should contact CIA admissions at 1-800-CULINARY (285-4627) for the appropriate form.


Helpful Information:

  • Admission Requirements
    Admissions requirements—including the *six months of hands-on food preparation needed—are designed to give you the best chance for reaching great heights both here and in the food world. You don't need foodservice experience to apply for admission—the requirement must be met before entering the CIA. The experience requirement is designed to help you understand the realities of working in the foodservice industry before you enroll. The culinary arts is a rewarding and challenging profession, and we want to make sure you are confident in your career choice.

    All applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language at a level adequate for success at the CIA. If your primary spoken language is other than English, you will be required to submit TOEFL scores. Your application is seen as a direct reflection of you—your interest, motivation, confidence, and academic ability. The Admissions Committee will note the initiative you take in expressing and documenting these areas in your application materials.

    * Experience includes six months of hands-on experience working with food that is prepared at least 50% with fresh ingredients. Unsure if you meet the foodservice requirement? Contact Admissions at 1-800-CULINARY.

  • Financing Your Education
    Please don't assume you won't be eligible for financial aid; give our financial aid staff the opportunity to review your request. Visit our Financial Aid Web page for more information! Complete all necessary financial aid forms, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—which you can file online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

  • Important: Do not submit original diplomas and certificates, as they will not be returned.

  • Transfer Credit
    There are opportunities to transfer credits, either from other colleges or even from your high school. Your prior educational record will be evaluated according to the difficulty of the program undertaken, class rank, and grade point average. Applicants who have vocational training in culinary arts and related disciplines are expected to have high marks in those areas. If you would like to apply for transfer credit, please complete the transfer credit application (PDF). For more information about transferring credit to the CIA, please call the Admissions Office at 1-800-CULINARY (285-4627).

What are you waiting for? Apply today and get started down that road to the career you've always wanted. We're here to help you every step of the way.

Answer the question below to get your step-by-step instructions:

What type of applicant are you?

  1. I am a high school student seeking a Bachelor's or Associate Degree
  2. I am a student applying after high school or college seeking a Bachelor's or Associate Degree
  3. I am a CIA graduate seeking a Bachelor's Degree
 
 
 
 
 
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