The Culinary Institute of America is a private culinary college with its main campus in Hyde Park, New York, in the Hudson Valley, and campuses in California, Texas and Singapore. It is best known for culinary arts, baking and pastry, food business and hospitality, with student-run restaurants. Choose it for one of the world's most respected culinary educations.
Hyde Park, New York, United States
Official website: ciachef.edu
1946 in New Haven, Connecticut
Widely regarded as one of the world's leading culinary colleges
Hyde Park, Napa Valley, San Antonio and Singapore
$36,000 – $42,000
All students, associate and bachelor's programmes
$14,000 – $18,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ciachef.edu before you apply.
Associate in Culinary Arts
Associate DegreeDuration
21 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Associate in Baking and Pastry Arts
Associate DegreeDuration
21 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Bachelor in Culinary Arts Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
38 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Bachelor in Hospitality Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
38 Months
Intake
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Student-run restaurants open to the public on campus.
Paid externships in top restaurants and hotels.
Alumni include Anthony Bourdain and Grant Achatz.
Graduates work as chefs, pastry chefs, restaurant managers and food entrepreneurs.
Alumni join Michelin-starred restaurants, hotel groups and food companies.
Externships give professional kitchen experience before graduation.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The Hyde Park campus is a large site above the Hudson River with teaching kitchens, restaurants, residence halls and a library.
The Hudson Valley is known for farms, wineries and small towns, and New York City is about two hours away by train.
Form I-20 issued by the CIA
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
The CIA reviews applications on a rolling basis for several start dates a year. International applicants should apply four to six months ahead to leave time for the I-20 and visa.
Associate and bachelor's programmes start several times a year, typically in January, April, July and October.
You need an F-1 student visa. The CIA issues your Form I-20 after you accept the offer and submit proof of funding. Then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend a visa interview.
Culinary arts, baking and pastry, culinary arts management and hospitality management are the main programmes. Entry needs high school completion and IELTS 6.0; some food-service experience is recommended.
The CIA offers some scholarships open to international students. Check the financial aid pages for current awards.
