Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the costs of books and supplies?
- What types of jobs will I be qualified for after I graduate?
- Does this program qualify for a student loan?
- Does VIU have information on where to live?
- Does this program prepare me for certification with any other agencies?
- Does this program ladder into any other University or College programs?
- Is further training necessary in order for me to enter the job market?
- What can I do to increase my chances of getting into this program?
- What are the starting wages that a graduate could expect?
- Will I have to travel in order to find employment in this field? If so, where would this be?
- On average, what percentage of the graduates get employment in the field?
- What is the average class size?
- How much homework should I expect if I am a full-time student?
- Are students able to compete in any competitions?
- Can I access this program on a part-time basis?
- Are there courses available in the evening?
- Does this program offer Prior Learning Assessment?
- What is a typical weekly schedule?
- How many people usually apply for the program?
- How many students are admitted into the program each intake?
- How are students usually selected for the program?
- Should I apply for the program if I do not have all the prerequisite
- What is the format of the assessment test?
- May I write the assessment test more than once?
- If I am not admitted into the program this year or am waitlisted, can I take any classes that will give me credit in the program?
- Is fieldwork or a practicum available in this program?
- If I don't get accepted into the program this year, can I apply again next year?
- What other expenses will I incur while I am taking this program?
What are the costs of books and supplies?
In addition to textbooks and courseware, Culinary students are required to buy a set of knives, piping bags, a name tag, safety goggles, and neoprene gloves. Chef uniform (whites) lease and laundering cost is approximately $500 for certificate program(first year)and $275 for diploma students(second year).Culinary students must also have non-slip, non-permeable sturdy shoes to wear in the kitchen. The chef knives are available at the Vancouver Island University Bookstore at the Nanaimo campus.
Supply List: (Prices are subject to change without notification)
- “Pro Dynamic” Knife Kit plus holder $157.00
- “On Cooking” by Labensky (4th Edition) $130.00
- Professional Cook Training Learning Guides (A-K) $137.75
- Courseware (specific amounts payable at start of each section) $100.00
- Portfolio Kit $41.50
- Piping Kit (includes bag and tips) $24.00
- Safety Goggles $12.99
- Neoprene Gloves $5.99
- Vegetable Peeler $4.99
- Black Marker $2.00
- Locker Rental & refundable deposit $35.00
- Black non permeable, slip proof shoes ~$45.00 (off campus purchase)
Total supplies $691.23 (excluding taxes)
Fees Collected by Cashier (not including tuition)
- Sensory Lab Fee-Discovery Room 25.00
- Programmed access card for student change rooms 8.00
- Uniforms-Lease and Launder 490.00
- Name Tag10.00
Subtotal fees not including tuition= $533.00
Total supplies and fees 1,224.23 (excluding taxes)
Tuition is approximately $5214.50 including co-op, student society and activity fees (subject to change - see tuition fees on calendar)
Tuition, supplies and fees approximately $6500.00 plus taxes
TopWhat types of jobs will I be qualified for after I graduate?
While enrolled as a Culinary Arts student you will have a summer paid co-op (practicum placement) with an employer whom you have targeted to cook with. Our Culinary Arts graduates find employment in many different locations and settings. The employment options are quite varied: for example, our Culinary graduates enter apprenticeships and work in five-star hotels, resorts and restaurants while others work at camps and care facilities.
Does this program qualify for a student loan?
Culinary Arts students can apply for the government student loan and grant program. You may also qualify for institutional scholarships and bursaries.
Check with the Financial Aid & Awards office, located in Building 200 at the Nanaimo campus, or call 250-740-6423.
You should apply early, as you will need your uniforms, knives and books at the start of the program.
Does VIU have information on where to live?
Click on the links below for information:
On Campus
www.viuresidences.ca
Off Campus
https://isweb.viu.ca/housing_list/housing_list.asp
Does this program prepare me for certification with any other agencies?
You will be given one-year credit towards a cook apprenticeship as well as we will sponsor you as an apprentice during the course. This way, while you are a student if you decide to work as a cook part time, you can count these hours towards the completion of a Culinary apprenticeship.
Does this program ladder into any other University or College programs?
The Culinary diploma has laddering opportunities into the VIU Hospitality Management Diploma and Degree
Is further training necessary in order for me to enter the job market?
Graduates of the Culinary Institute at VIU's Culinary Arts program leave with a sound knowledge of the basics. To become a recognized chef requires years of work experience.
What can I do to increase my chances of getting into the Culinary Arts program?
High school career culinary arts and food preparation courses and some culinary industry experience would be an asset. Come well prepared to the interview: bring any pertinent documentation, such as letters and grades.
What are the starting wages that a Culinary Arts graduate could expect?
This would depend on where you go to work. Depending on where the student decides to work the starting wage varies from $10.00 to $15.00 per hour. Often employers will offer Culinary co-op students recruitment incentives such as golf passes, accommodation and ski passes.
Will I have to travel in order to find employment in this field? If so, where would this be?
There are cooking positions in every town and city. The choice is yours. Our co-op students have found placements locally and across Canada.
On average, what percentage of the graduates get employment in the field?
Our Culinary students are in high demand. All cook students are employed while on their co-op placement. Some students will return between first and second year of the diploma and some will continue on with their employment. Our Co-op sees Culinary students choosing between more than one employment opportunity.the choice is yours.
What is the average class size?
Our cooking classes have a maximum of 18 culinay students to one chef instructor.
How much homework should I expect if I am a full-time student?
On average, homework would be about one hour per day, but some stages of the Culinary program will require more.
Are students able to compete in any competitions?
You may have an opportunity to experience national and international culinary competitions. Our faculty of chef instructors has a wealth of national and international experience. Each year we send a team of culinary students to compete at the BC Junior Chefs Hot Competition and a regional Cold Salon. Representatives from the Culinary Institute at VIU (CIVIU) consistently win medals in these culinary competitions. We also encourage participation in the annual Knorr Competition. David Wong and Brooke Winters are both Culinary Alumni who have won this cooking competition as the top Canadian cook. Recently the Canadian Chefs Federation has started a culinary competition every four years to qualify as the Canadian Junior Team for the Culinary Olympics held in Erfurt Germany.
Can I access the Culinary Arts program on a part-time basis?
Not at this time.
Are there Culinary courses available in the evening?
No. However there are leisure courses offered through VIU's Continuing Studies area.
Does this program offer Prior Learning Assessment?
Yes. Our Culinary Arts Certificate Program will give culinary students credit to hours spent in Level One ACE IT training. Our Culinary diploma is offered to graduates from other one year Culinary Programs.
What is a typical weekly schedule in the Culinary Arts Certificate Program?
Depending on the section you are assigned to, the times are:
- Portfolios, Orientation and Career Prep: 7:30 am –1:45 pm or 2:00 pm – 8:15 pm
- Garde-manger: 7:30 am – 1:45 pm
- Breakfast: 6:30 am – 12:45 pm
- Pastries: 7:30 am – 1:45 pm
- Hot meats: 7:30 am – 1:45 pm
- A la carte: 1:00 – 8:45 pm (Tues. - Fri.)
How many people usually apply to programs at the Culinary Intitute at Vancouver Island?
Culinary Arts Certificate Program
The Culinary Institute at Vancouver Island University have intakes in January and in August. Please see admission requirements on calendar.Currently there is no wait list.
Culinary Arts Diploma Program
The second year of the Diploma begins at the beginning of October. Please see admission requirements on calendar. Currently there is no wait list.
Culinary Apprenticeship - Second and Third year upgrading
Cook Level 2 - Oct 20 - Nov 14, 2008
Cook Level 3 - Feb 2 - 27, 2009
How many students are admitted into the Culinary program each intake?
August – 54 cook students
January – 36 cook students
Second year does not have any limits at this time.
How are students accepted into the Culinary programs?
Students must meet the admission requirements for each year.
Should I apply for the Culinary program if I do not have all the prerequisites?
Yes you can. Often our Culinary Arts students are finishing high school credits or high school upgrading courses to meet the requirements. Often cook students are accepted on the condition that they have met the requirements by the time the course starts
What is the format of the Culinary assessment test?
Questions relating to cooking. They deal with recipes, conversion and comprehension. If you have graduated grade 12, you do not need to write the assessment.
May I write the assessment test more than once?
Yes.
If I am not admitted into the Culinary program this year or am waitlisted, can I take any classes that will give me credit in the program?
Not at this time.
Is fieldwork or a practicum available in the Culinary program?
Yes. As part of the Culinary Certificate and Diploma program at the Nanaimo Campus, all of our culinary students participate in two paid co-op placement during the summer gaining a valuable opportunity to experience first-hand the workings of a culinary establishment. The first co-op is during the Culinary Arts Certificate Program.Both co-op experiences log hours towards completion of the Cook Apprenticeship. A practicum is also a part of the Cowichan Campus and the Powell River Campus Curriculum.
If I don't get accepted into the Culinary Arts program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. Currently there is no wait list.
What other expenses will I incur while I am taking this program?
General living expenses.