Culinary Arts

Diploma: Diploma

Location: Varies

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students - PGWP Eligible

Two chefs in a professional kitchen, one is stirring a pan with flames while the other watches attentively. Both are wearing chef hats and uniforms.

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Overview

Learn the skills and techniques of professional commercial cooking from Canada’s top chefs in a fully equipped industrial kitchen.
Tuition $46,173
Credential Diploma
Length 2 years
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Varies
Start Dates
PGWP International graduates may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.

What to expect

What you will learn

  • Apply cookery skills and theoretical knowledge to the preparation, presentation, and service of a range of dishes and beverages for the culinary, hospitality, and food service industries.
  • Evaluate products, including raw and prepared products, for consistency and accuracy in yield, flavor, texture, and overall appearance according to product specifications and standards.
  • Apply principles of human nutrition to develop balanced and nutritious menus and adapt menus, and products to specific dietary needs.
  • Apply the principles of efficient food service systems tailored to the needs of various institutional settings. \n
  • Adhere to industry health, safety, sanitation, and employment standards in the preparation, handling, and storage of food and equipment.
  • Adapt the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for success and sustainable professional practice in the food service industry.
  • Reflect on performance and practice to identify and develop advanced professional skills needed to further advance in the culinary, hospitality, and food service industries.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

The program is 17 months. Students have a maximum of four years to complete the diploma.

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

Upon acceptance: The following must be provided to the Culinary Arts Department before the end of CULI 1501 Kitchen Orientation (the first course of the program): Students who cannot produce the above certifications, will not proceed to CULI 1502.
  • Applicants may be given credit for CULI 1504 and 2507 provided:
    • They have successfully completed a VCC Baking Program, or
    • They submit evidence of Baker Red Seal Certification
  • Applicants may be given credit for CULI 1505 provided:
    • They submit a BC Meat Cutter Certificate of Qualification, or CCMIC (Canadian Certified Industrial Meat Cutter), or CCMP (Canadian Certified Meat Professional)

Students must have a valid co-op work permit by the end of CULI 2513 for practicum course placement.

Note: Based on industry and STBC standards, students are expected to physically handle: all seafood including but not limited to fish & shellfish, beef, lamb, pork, all types of poultry, all types of game, all dairy products, and all associated by-products required to meet the program outcomes. For safety reasons, any known food allergies must be disclosed. Please contact VCC Disability Services to arrange any necessary accommodations. Students who require an accommodation for the STBC theory examination, must have an active file with VCC Disability Services. Accommodations for the STBC cooking practical exam are not available.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended Characteristics

  • Displays commitment to dedication to education and training
  • Displays consistent attendance and participation
  • Integrity, ability to take initiative and handle responsibility
  • Ability to work independently, respectfully, and, respectfully independently, respectfully and in  groups
  • Ability to give close attention to detail for sustained periods  of time
  • Interpersonal & respectful communication skills
  • Some creativity is an asset
  • High standards of personal hygiene
Considerations: This program can be physically taxing, with students typically needing to perform motor skills and hand-eye coordination over extended periods of time, including a need to stand over hot stoves. The physical demands of the profession may worsen existing wrist, shoulder, and back conditions. Note: Travel to alternate locations will be required during the catering, Quizine, and practicum courses.

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Courses

International students

Students may expect to attend morning (i.e. 7 a.m. start), afternoon, or evening classes (i.e. 9 p.m. finish) depending on the curriculum. Class times are subject to change.
Plan of Study Grid
Term One Credits
CULI 1501 Kitchen Orientation 5
CULI 1502 Culinary Techniques 4
CULI 1503 Garde Manger & Breakfast 4
CULI 1504 Baking Techniques 4
Credits 17
Term Two
CULI 1505 Butchery and Meat Cutting 4
CULI 1506 Production Kitchen 4
CULI 1510 Short Order and Cafe Service 5
Credits 13
Term Three
CULI 1509 Catering 4
CULI 1526 Cook Chill Production Kitchen 2 4
CULI 1528 Short Order Cafe 2 4
Credits 12
Term Four
CULI 2500 Kitchen Management and Cost Controls 3
CULI 2503 Restaurant Customer Service 2
CULI 2505 Advanced Cookery 2
CULI 2521 Global Cuisine, Nutrition and Dietary Alternatives 3
CULI 2507 Advanced Baking 5
CULI 2513 Restaurant Kitchen 4.5
Credits 19.5
Term Five
CULI 2514 Molecular Cuisine 4.5
CULI 2515 Chefs Table Gastronomy 4
CULI 2512 Food Service Industry Experience 3
Credits 11.5
Total Credits 73
The following equivalencies will be applied for students who began the program prior to September 2022:
  • CULI 1506 Production Kitchen is equivalent to CULI 1506 Cook Chill Production Kitchen
  • CULI 1510 Short Order and Cafe Service is equivalent to CULI 1507 Flavour Principles & Menus + CULI 1508 Short Order Café
  • CULI 2500 Kitchen Management & Cost Controls is equivalent to CULI 2501 Kitchen Management + CULI 2502 Purchasing & Receiving
  • CULI 2513 Restaurant Kitchen is equivalent to CULI 2508 Restaurant Line Cooking + CULI 2509 Appetizers & Platters + CULI 2510 Advanced Butchery-Charcuterie
The following equivalencies will be applied for students who began the program prior to September 2025:
  • CULI 2511 Modern Cuisine is equivalent to CULI 2514 Molecular Cuisine + CULI 2515 Chef’s Table Gastronomy
  • CULI 2521 Global Cuisine, Nutrition, and Dietary Alternatives is equivalent to CULI 2504 Nutritional Menu Development and CULI 2506 Global & Vegetarian Cuisine
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Tuition deposit $13,500 $10,000 non-refundable
Application fee $145
Tuition $46,173
Student union $290
College initiative $231
Medical & Dental $570 Provided by Student Union
Temporary medical insurance $149
U-Pass $751 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Other fees $3,127
Total $49,299
This is an international cohort program. As international cohorts are exclusively for international students, international fees apply throughout the duration of the program.

Books & Supplies

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

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Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to Apply

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.