Baking and Pastry Arts

Diploma

Apply Now

Need more info? Learn how to apply.

You want to be a baker or pastry chef.

In the industry, bakers and pastry chefs can work in bakeries, pastry shops, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, catering facilities and more. This profession can include a variety of shifts such as days, nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays. You must have a good sense of taste and smell, enjoy making food and working with your hands, and be able to work as a team. The Baking and Pastry Arts diploma program focuses on the art and science of bread, cake and pastry making, including

  • cake design and decorating
  • confectionery training (chocolate and sugar)
  • artisan-style baking
  • showpiece making

There is also a focus on culinary fundamentals, international and specialty baking, baking for alternative diets, business, customer service, and showpiece making. Using NAIT’s fully equipped bakery and pastry arts training lab, you will learn to safely operate and maintain the kinds of equipment used in a variety of bakery, pastry arts, and confectionery operations.

At NAIT, Baking and Pastry Arts classes begin early in the morning, which is reflective of typical work hours in industry. The environment can be hot and humid, using ovens, stoves, knives, and other bakery equipment, and often requires standing for long periods of time. Baking may involve the following: use of basic math skills such as measurement calculation, clear and concise written and verbal communication, and an ability to adhere to public health and safety standards. Bakery environments may involve lifting and moving objects up to 20 kg (45 lbs.). (Please contact NAIT should you wish to discuss possible accommodations). Maintaining professionalism including respect, responsibility and accountability are key in this industry.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Hybrid Weekdays - Daytime Main 2 Years (Full-time) Waitlisting Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

View Campus Map

Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills

The 2-year Baking and Pastry Arts diploma will train you in traditional, contemporary and modern baking methods. The program provides hands-on experience in the art and science of bread, cake and pastry production, including cake design and decorating, confectionary training (chocolate and sugar), artisan-style baking and frozen desserts.

This practical knowledge is complemented by training in:

  • baking theory
  • nutrition
  • baking for alternative diets
  • showpiece making
  • trade calculations
  • sanitation
  • safety
  • business concepts
  • customer service
Culinary arts students

In the first year of the program, students can expect to learn fundamental concepts, skills and preparation methods, such as

  • yeast fermentation to create artisan-style baked products
  • cake and cookie fundamentals
  • introductory decorating techniques
  • production of classical and modern pastries, chocolates and confections

In the second year of the program, students can expect to learn intermediate and advanced techniques as well as business concepts, such as

  • how to plan and construct single/mixed media edible art centerpieces
  • traditional baking, pastry and confectionary specialties from around the world
  • how to adjust formulas for alternative diets
  • entrepreneurship, product development and menu creation (with beverage pairings)

Ernest's

Ernest's Dining Room at NAIT has been aptly described as the "jewel in the crown" located in the Hokanson Centre for Culinary Arts in the Department of Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies.

Blogger-turned-cookbook author wins national gold medal

“I was writing like I’d write a letter to a friend” says Renée Kohlman (Culinary Arts ’99)

Why - and how - to cook with cricket powder

Crickets are nutritious, sustainable and surprisingly easy to cook with

Try baking with bugs

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions.

Please contact the Student Service Centre for general inquiries such as:

  • Student application support
  • Program entrance requirements, tuition & fees, and how to apply
  • Program admissions process
  • Enrolment support
  • Student funding options
  • Fee and refund inquiries
  • General program and course withdrawal procedures
  • Navigating nait.ca and MyNAITPortal

Contact Student Service Centre

Please fill out the form below if you have any program-specific questions relating to:

  • Program details
  • Work-integrated learning and cooperative education
  • Advance credit and Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
  • Program and course withdrawal

Career Outcomes

Job Opportunities

  • Baker
  • Pastry Chef

Industries

  • Bakeries
  • Pastry Shops
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Hospitals
  • Catering Facilities

Median Starting Salary

The expected starting salary for individuals with a(n) Baking and Pastry Arts Diploma is $32,760.
This salary information was based on graduate data from the past 3 years and reflects annual salaries for graduates who claimed they were working more than 30 hours per week. Graduates who quoted salaries below $10,000 and above $200,000 per year have been excluded. Note that NAIT publishes the median salary instead of the average to minimize the potential of outlying salaries distorting the mean. Data represented here may differ from other data sources due to differences in definition or differences in timing.

Grad Employment Rate

Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.

Download report

Take your career planning to the next level

This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.

Apprenticeship

Become a Certified Journeyman Baker
During the Baking and Pastry Arts diploma program, students can challenge the first- and second-year apprenticeship exam during the first year of the program, and the third-year apprenticeship exam during the second year of the program at a cost of $150.00 for each exam. An additional 5,400 hours of employment must be completed to become a certified journeyman baker. See the Baker apprenticeship program page for more information.

Graduates may elect to indenture as apprentices in bakeries or other establishments where baking is a major production factor. Once indentured, and after successful completion of the journeyman exam, the graduate can challenge the Interprovincial Red Seal exam once they are in their third period of apprentice hours.

Other Opportunities

Professional association courses
Baking graduates have the opportunity to take courses through The Baking Association of Canada.

Further career enhancement courses
Baking graduates have the opportunity to take career enhancement courses at the following institutions.

  • Ecole Grégoire Ferrandi, Paris, France
  • San Francisco Baking Institute
  • Bellouet Conseil, Paris, France
  • French Pastry School, Chicago, USA
  • NAIT Bakes

Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 7 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of D in the course(s) or program

Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

Please see below for the list of courses that are available for PLAR credits in this program. Select the specific course for more information on the evidence that is required for each course.

Please refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Tuition & Fees

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

The tuition and fee amounts are estimates based on current academic year's rates. For financial planning purposes, please use these totals as an approximate estimate of your costs. Actual fees may vary by term and enrolment activities. Please refer to the tuition and fees page for more detailed information.

Tuition

Cost Per Credit: $173.00

View international tuition for upcoming intakes

How much does first year cost?
Domestic cost estimate
International cost estimate

Books, Supplies & Program Fees (est.)

Level 1 Term 1: $1,525
Level 1 Term 2: $225
Level 2 Term 1: $475
Level 2 Term 2: $225

View the technical equipment requirements (PDF)

Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

Admission Requirements

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

Minimum entrance requirements

 

The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.

  • Grade 10 Language Arts (English 10-2)*
  • Grade 10 Mathematics (Any of: Math 10C, Math 10-3, Math 20-4, Applied Math 10, Math 13, or Math 24)*
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency

*See Competitive entrance requirements for more information

Competitive entrance requirements

 

Admission for this program is not guaranteed by only meeting the minimum requirements, as the program has competitive entrance and/or an interview process. Learn more about competitive entrance or program interviews.

  • Grade 12 Language Arts (English 30-2)
  • Grade 12 Mathematics (Math 30-2 or Applied Math 30)

OR

  • 70% overall average in 5 credits of Advanced Food level courses taken within the Career and Technology Studies program

For applicants who will meet the minimum entrance requirements but who are missing competitive requirements: You will be considered for admission approximately 6 months before the program intake begins, if seats are available.

If you meet the minimum entrance requirements but do not meet the competitive requirements, find out if the Recognition of Prior Learning Pathway is right for you!

Additional requirements & considerations

Alternative entrance pathways

 

If you are missing one or more of the minimum entrance requirements, you may be eligible for an alternative entrance pathway. For any pathway listed below, English language proficiency is also a requirement.

5 credits of Advanced Food level courses taken within the Career and Technology Studies program may be used to satisfy the minimum entrance requirements.

Not sure if you meet the requirements?

Learn more about how NAIT evaluates applications, and find resources on how to satisfy admissions criteria.

How applications are evaluated Submitting required documents

Dates & Deadlines

 
International
Applications Open:

Aug 01, 2024

 
International
Applications Deadline:

Once the program is full

 
Domestic
Applications Open:

Oct 01, 2024
 
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
 
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025

Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.

International Applicants

This program accepts international students.

PGWP Eligibility

This program does not meet eligibility criteria for a Post-Grad Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement effective November 1, 2024. Students who applied for a study permit before Nov. 1, 2024, are not affected by the new field of study rule and may be eligible for a PGWP.

While graduates are currently ineligible to apply for a PGWP, NAIT still welcomes international students to this program to gain valuable knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals, whether in Canada under another type of permit or in your home country or other international markets.

Co-Op Work Permit

Mandatory Co-op: This program has a mandatory work-integrated learning component. International students must apply for a co-op work permit and have it approved before the start of their work placement.

International Apprentice Pathway

You can register as an apprentice in a skilled trade after you graduate. This is a non-compulsory trade, therefore:

This is an optional (non-compulsory) trade. An individual is permitted to work in an optional certification trade if the employer deems the individual to have the skills and knowledge expected of a certified journeyperson in the trade.

Questions? Talk to an International Recruitment Specialist

Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








Hidden








Stay connected

Sign up to receive information about NAIT programs, services, and upcoming events.

Send me more info

Apply to NAIT

Start your application today! Many programs have limited availability, so applying early can improve your chances for admission.

Apply now How to apply guide

Visit us

Take an in-person or virtual campus tour to see all that NAIT has to offer.

See tour options

Shopping Cart Quick View
Open Shopping Cart