Asian Culinary Arts

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Downtown

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

chef skillfully tosses a stir-fry in a large wok, showcasing the dynamic energy of Asian culinary techniques in a commercial kitchen.

On this page

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Overview

Through Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines, students will gain basic skills in professional wok cooking and develop fundamental cooking principles and techniques. This unique learning opportunity provides extensive hands-on training in a professional kitchen and an industry experience to prepare students for employment and advancement in the hotel/restaurant/food service industry focusing on Asian cuisine.

Tuition $6,088
Credential Certificate
Length 8 months
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Tuition $22,770
Credential Certificate
Length 8 months
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
PGWP Not listed as eligible

What to expect

What you will learn

  • Apply cookery skills and knowledge to the preparation, presentation, and service of a range of Asian culinary dishes for a commercial hospitality environment.
  • Demonstrate basic competence in professional wok skills, techniques, knowledge, and safety.
  • Evaluate products for consistency and accuracy in yield, taste, flavour, and overall appearance according to product specifications and standards.
  • Adhere to industry standards and procedures for food and kitchen safety and sanitation in a production kitchen.
  • Apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success and sustainable professional practice in the Asian culinary industry.
  • Critically self-reflect on performance to identify and enhance professional skills.

Program duration and maximum time for completion

The Asian Culinary Arts Certificate Program is two consecutive terms in length. Students have a maximum of 3 years to complete the credential.

Admission requirements

Program-specific

  • Knowledge of English demonstrated by one of the following:
  • Any grade 10 Mathematics or equivalent, or department approval 

Upon Acceptance

  • Valid Food Safe Level 1 Certificate (certification must remain valid throughout the program)
  • Applicants must be able 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. 
  • Any known food allergies must be disclosed to the department.

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

Recommended characteristics

  • Ability to work independently and in teams
  • Interpersonal and respectful communication skills
  • Ability to manage time effectively
  • Some creativity is an asset

Considerations: This program can be physically taxing, with students typically needing to perform motor skills and hand-eye coordination over extended time periods, including a need to stand over hot stoves. The physical demands of the profession may worsen existing wrist, shoulder, and back conditions.

Note: Some travel to alternate locations will be required during the work experience course.

Program availability

Not currently available.

Fall 2026

Program start date Aug
Status Closed
Application opens Oct 1, 2025
Application deadline

Courses

Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

International students

Classes are generally run on Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Class times are subject to change.
ACUL 1100Asian Kitchen Orientation4
ACUL 1105Fundamentals of Asian Cooking4.5
ACUL 1110Basic Asian Cooking Techniques 14.5
ACUL 1115Basic Asian Cooking Techniques 24.5
ACUL 1220Intermediate Asian Cooking Techniques 14.5
ACUL 1225Intermediate Asian Cooking Techniques 25.5
ACUL 1230Asian Production Kitchen4.5
ACUL 1240Asian Culinary Work Experience4
Total Credits36

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

Application fee $36
Tuition $6,088
Student union $145
College initiative $109
Campus resource $244
U-Pass $376 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Total $7,040

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.

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

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

Tuition deposits are usually payable within three weeks after an offer is issued. The amount listed on this page is based on the first-term estimate. Refer to your offer for the exact amount required to accept an offer – either First-Term Estimate or First-Year Estimate.

Tuition deposit $12,100 $10,000 non-refundable
Application fee $145
Tuition $22,770
Student union $145
College initiative $114
Temporary medical insurance $149
U-Pass $376 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Other fees $1,200
Total $23,970

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.

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

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

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

International students

Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]

Advising services for International students

[email protected]

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial. As a place of learning, we are grateful to be here while committing to respecting and honouring Indigenous knowledge, cultures, and communities.