University Diploma - Culinary Management (Co-op) at VIU - Vancouver Island University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-10

Program overview

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Program Overview

Are you a food enthusiast dreaming of managing a kitchen or opening your own restaurant? The Culinary Management Diploma at Vancouver Island University (VIU) is designed just for you! This program offers comprehensive training in advanced culinary and pastry techniques, alongside essential management, accounting, and beverage skills. With opportunities to launch your culinary career both locally and globally, this diploma equips you with the necessary tools to succeed in the culinary industry. Upon completion, you will be eligible to write the inter-provincial Red Seal exam and gain advanced credit towards the VIU Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree.

Program Structure

The Culinary Management Diploma program spans a total of 2 years and is structured as follows:

Year 1: Students begin with the Culinary Arts Certificate program, which includes:
- 28 weeks of Professional Cook 1 (PC1)
- 14 weeks of Professional Cook 2 (PC2)
- 10 weeks (300 hours) of paid work experience
Year 2: This year builds on the foundational skills learned in Year 1, focusing on advanced culinary techniques and management skills.

Throughout the program, students are registered as apprentices with SkilledTradesBC, allowing them to accrue apprentice hours while completing their technical training. The program also offers an option for apprenticeship and includes a unique opportunity to study Japanese cuisine, earning a Bronze Certification in Japanese Cooking Skills recognized worldwide.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on training in a Red Seal-trained kitchen.
Paid work experience integrated into the curriculum, providing valuable practical experience.
Opportunity to earn a Bronze Certification in Japanese Cooking Skills through affiliation with the Government of Japan.
Access to work placements typically from June to September, based on GPA and teamwork.
Students receive mentorship from experienced chef instructors.

Career Options

Graduates of the Culinary Management Diploma can pursue a variety of exciting career opportunities in Canada, including:

Executive Chef: Oversee kitchen operations, manage staff, and create menus in restaurants or hotels.
Food and Beverage Manager: Responsible for managing food service operations, including budgeting and staff management.
Catering Manager: Plan and coordinate catering services for events, ensuring customer satisfaction and quality service.
Restaurant Manager: Manage daily operations of a restaurant, including staff supervision and customer service.
Pastry Chef: Specialize in creating desserts and pastries, often working in high-end restaurants or bakeries.

With the skills and credentials gained from this program, graduates are well-prepared to enter the dynamic culinary field and advance their careers.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit VIU - Vancouver Island University official website

Last updated on 2025-06-10

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply as an international student for the Culinary Management Diploma program at Vancouver Island University (VIU), you need to meet the following Academic Requirements:

Graduation from high school or equivalent. (Refer to the High school completion equivalency list by country for specific details.)
Proof of meeting English language requirements.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following details are important:

International students who have completed high school in English, in a country where English is considered the official language, must have a minimum grade equivalent to a grade of “C” in English 12 in British Columbia.
For applicants from countries where English is not the official language, a recognized English Language Proficiency test must be submitted (valid within the past 2 years).
Conditional acceptance may be granted for students who meet the academic requirements but not the English language requirement, pending completion of VIU’s English Language Centre program.

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To meet the English language requirements for academic programs at Vancouver Island University, students must have completed one of the following tests (valid test results must be no older than 2 years):

TOEFL Paper Based Test: 550 (no section below 56)
TOEFL IBT: 88 (no section below 20)
IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
CAEL: 60
C2 Proficiency: 176 overall
C1 Advanced: 176 overall
English Studies 12 (BC): Min. “C”
Pearson (PTE) Academic: 60 (no section below 60)
Duolingo English Test: 125 (no band less than 115)
International Baccalaureate English A1/A2: Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL) grade 3 or higher
VIU English Language Centre: Successful completion of University Preparation Level 5 (UP5)
Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition: Grade 2 or higher
Recognized university where English is the language of instruction: Completion of six credits of post-secondary English composition and literature with a minimum grade of “C”
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE): English at the O-level with a minimum grade of C or 4
CAEL online: 60
Pearson (PTE) Online: 60 (no section below 60)
TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 88 (no section below 20)
ILAC Pathway Program: Successful Completion of Pathway 3.3

Please note: Although VIU will accept online English proficiency tests as noted above for admission, IRCC may require you to provide proof of English language proficiency using a traditional in-person test when applying for your Study Permit.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!