Program Details

  • Program Code: H411
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Graduate Certificate
  • Duration:
    3 semesters
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Starting Months: May
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $16,900.00 * ‡ ^ ~
  • International Tuition:
    $38,600.00 ** ‡ ^ ~
  • Spring 2026 Delivery:
    Not Available

Program Availability

SemesterDomesticInternational
Fall 2025
Not Available
Not Available
Winter 2026
Not Available
Not Available
Spring 2026
Suspended
Suspended
  • Work-Integrated Learning:

    We believe in learning by doing, and that is why we have incorporated work-integrated learning opportunities.

  • PGWP Eligible: No
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Program Description

Program Overview

Do you want to learn Italian cooking? Take your education and career to the next level with the Culinary Arts – Italian (Postgraduate) program. Study with experts in Canada and then live, learn and gain work experience in Italy.

Full Description

Learn the techniques that make Italian cuisine famous around the world in the Culinary Arts – Italian (Postgraduate) (H411) program. Learn from experts in Toronto and then travel to Italy for a study and work abroad experience as part of this one-year graduate certificate program.

In this program, you will:

  • experience hands-on learning in both Canada and Italy with pre-eminent Italian chef professors
  • build your knowledge of Italian culinary traditions and embrace emerging trends in Italian cuisine
  • benefit from our partnership with ALMA, the world-famous Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana, near Parma – one of Italy’s finest chef schools
  • experience the vineyards, cheese producers and local markets of Italy as your open-air classroom
  • study in top restaurants and hotels in Italy, where you will get attention, training and an inspiring experience

After your experiences in Italy, you will show off what you’ve learned at The Chefs’ House, George Brown Polytechnic’s signature restaurant in downtown Toronto.

This program has a long-standing reputation for excellence among Italian restaurateurs in Toronto and beyond, which will help make you a sought-after employee when you graduate.

To get a taste of this exciting program, check out our Interactive Culinary Arts – Italian flipbook.

Program Schedule

The Culinary Arts – Italian postgraduate program currently operates from Monday to Friday. Some classes may begin at 7 a.m., and others may run until 10 p.m.

George Brown Polytechnic Chef School Student Standards and Expectations

Your Field Education Options

Study in some of the best restaurants and hotels in Italy, where you will receive individual attention, training and an inspiring experience. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities within culinary management they believe will provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can be added to your resumé.

In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown Polytechnic endeavours to provide learning opportunities with real-world challenges and clients.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

A knowledge of Italian cooking opens up an abundance of opportunities in Toronto, which has one of the largest Italian populations of any city outside Italy. Wherever you go, there are Italian restaurants, many specializing in one of the regional variations of Italian cuisine. All of these options mean you will have a dynamic and varied career.

Alumni Impact

We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.

Latest alumni stories

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After deciding to pursue a long-term interest in the restaurant industry, Sonya Franceschini was immediately drawn to the Culinary Arts – Italian program at George Brown, the only program in Ontario with an exclusive partnership with ALMA Scuola di Cucina.

The reputation of the George Brown Chef School appealed to her, as did the four-month externship in Italy that comprises the second semester of the program.

After being accepted into the program and starting school, Sonya was struck by how small and well organized the classes were. “It was a highly professional atmosphere,” she says. “And because it’s a postgraduate program, everyone was really enthusiastic to be there.”

Sonya Franceschini
Ontario College Graduate Certificate

"Never would I have thought that this program would change my life forever. Till this day I recommend this program to people who are willing to push themselves to the limit as a cook. When this program started, it was a non-stop push, from high-intensity cooking classes to language building and wine tasting. I always refer to it as 'cooking boot camp,' which is what I needed as a young cook. Chef Tomaselli was the perfect person to break me down and mould me to be prepared for my journey to come.

The second semester consisted of working four months in Italy, spending the first three weeks in ALMA Scuola di Cucina where we learned how to cook classic and modern Italian food from some of the best chefs in Italy. It was no joke when we were in the kitchen; the quality of products was amazing, which is why food was taken so seriously when we would cook. The passion, love and emotion from not just the chefs but the people there were amazing to witness. Our class was also lucky to visit wineries, farms, markets and amazing restaurants.

As I returned to Canada to finish my last semester, I had the chance to work at The Chefs’ House, where I had the pleasure to work under Chef Bennett, Chef Li and Chef Fernandes. It was at The Chefs’ House where I was able to create and execute a four-course tasting menu inspired by my time in Italy. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to work for my last placement as I learned many great things that moulded me into the cook I am today."

Marvin Palomo
Ontario College Graduate Certificate

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