Pursue your dynamic career in culinary or baking & pastry arts with us - where a love for food and the pursuit of excellence is at the heart of everything we do
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Professional Culinary Diploma & Certification Programs
Small Class Sizes with Personalized Attention
Training in Our 8 Professional Kitchens
Get All The Right Ingredients For A Delicious Career With Canada's Premiere Culinary School. Located On Beautiful Granville Island, In the Heart of Vancouver, BC.
NEXT INTAKES: 2 JAN | 1 APR | 2 JUL | 23 SEP
PACIFIC INSTITUTE OF CULINARY ARTS ARE DESIGNATED BY
Our intensive, hands-on programs prepare students for the culinary careers of their lives. Through taking our Culinary and Baking & Pastry Arts courses, students learn, practice and master the skills needed to work at any dining establishment or discover alternative food-inspired positions beyond the kitchen doors. With small class sizes, outstanding instruction and applied training in our eight professional kitchens, PICAchef graduates achieve a well-rounded education with all the right ingredients for a delicious career.
We are currently accepting applications for the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter intakes.
PROFESSIONAL GRAND DIPLOMA PROGRAM
FULL-TIME CULINARY ARTS DIPLOMA PROGRAM
FULL-TIME BAKING & PASTRY ARTS DIPLOMA PROGRAM
1 Year Professional Culinary/Baking & Pastry Arts Grand Diploma
6 Month Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
6 Month Professional Baking & Pastry Arts Diploma
At Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, we have pathway articulation agreements with a select group of universities and colleges in Canada and Europe. With degree and diploma pathways, our students’ professional diplomas can be transferred to our partner schools to complete their Bachelor degrees in less time and at a lesser tuition cost. Students can also attain additional diplomas to complement and enhance their studies. Pathways also can offer our students the opportunity to achieve the advantages of possessing two credentials; a professional diploma and an undergraduate degree.
International students can complete their BA degree in as little as two years of further study with our local partners. To learn more on how our pathways can work for you, talk to our Admissions Team today!
You’re making a substantial investment in your future, and we want to help you reach your goal. Student loans and bursaries are available for students who demonstrate financial need. It’s important to start financial planning early; if you’re seeking financial assistance, we recommend applying for it well in advance of program registration.
Spectacular and endlessly varied, Vancouver combines ocean, rainforest and mountains in a welcome climate that attracts residents and visitors alike.
Consistently voted as one of the world's safest and most livable cities, Vancouver, a leading tourism destination, is set amid the stunning natural beauty of snow-dusted peaks rising above ocean inlets and a broad river delta. This city of 650,000 people is Canada's gateway to Asia, New Zealand and Australia, and to the United States. It is also the province of British Columbia's major education and service industry centre.
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is located at the ocean's edge, on the south shore of False Creek, near the heart of Downtown Vancouver. We're at the gateway to Granville Island, an energetic conclave of businesses, restaurants, a visual arts school, a public market, galleries and theatres all of which attracts an estimated 250,000 visitors each month.
DAVID Y.
BAKING & PASTRY ARTS
"PICA has been a great stepping stone into the hospitality industry. The Chefs really push for excellence in all of their students. PICA has become a home for the past six months."
KARI R.
1-YEAR CULINARY/BAKING & PASTRY ARTS
"I can’t thank PICA enough for my experience here. This has been one of fastest, most amazing years of my life."
NICOLE P.
CULINARY ARTS
"The people that I have met and how much I have grown & learned has made my time here one of the best times of my life, without a doubt."
SOFIA M.
CULINARY ARTS
"My six months at PICA surpassed all types of expectations I had. Education quality is excellent. I feel like I grew not only in cooking but also as a person. The people I met influenced my life and made me a better person."
DAVE W.
1-YEAR CULINARY/BAKING & PASTRY ARTS
"The biggest lesson at PICA isn’t the technical skills you pick up – although they’re second to none - the biggest lesson is the attitudes the chef instructors inspire in their students; their ability to push you past your limits and leave you with the judgment and discipline to temper your own creativity."
ANDREA P.
BAKING & PASTRY ARTS
"Amazing experience, excellent professional Chefs that want to prepare you for the future. I have enjoyed every day of the last six months; thank you PICA!"
Will I be career ready in just 6 or 12 months?
Yes you can! Our professional programs are designed to be fast-paced, intensive and immersive to equip our graduates with skills and training to prepare them for exciting careers in the growing culinary and hospitality industries.
When do classes start?
We offer four convenient start dates for our Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts per year: Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall. Flexible AM and PM schedules are available for many of our start dates.
How many students will be in my class?
You’ll be learning in one of our eight professional kitchen-classrooms with less than 14 of your fellow classmates. This is one of the lowest class ratios in Canada and allows for a truly personalized training experience for every student.
Who will be in my class?
Our student body is comprised of everyone from recent high school graduates to mid-career changers with one thing in common - a passion for and curiosity about food!
Apart from Canada and the United States, your classmates will hail from all over the world. You may meet students from: Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, China, Columbia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates… and more!
The diversity of our student body allows our kitchens to become a melting pot of cultures. Learning from one another enhances students’ experiences even further in such a cosmopolitan environment.
What prerequisites do I need to get in?
Potential students who are 18 and younger must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Candidates who are 19 years of age or older may apply as a mature student. All applicants must be able to read, write, and communicate in the English language. And of course, you must have a desire for the knowledge and skills to become the best you can be!
Can you help me with job placement?
Absolutely! We offer free job-search training and employment placement assistance service of each of our graduates. Every one of our students is provided with job-search training skills ranging from interviewing techniques, resume writing to portfolio building and more. Whether you graduated a month ago or a decade ago, we’re here to help you succeed.
Where are your Alumni working?
With over 3000 alumni, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is represented in some of the top restaurants, hotels and resorts, wineries and food businesses across the globe. Our grads can be found as far away as Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, New York, Chicago, Manilla, London, Barcelona, Toronto and as close to home as Vancouver and Whistler, with everywhere in between. You’ll find our alumni, at 3 Michelin restaurants like Alinea and Eleven Madison, at award winning bakeries such as Dominque Ansel and Thomas Haas, and luxury hotels and resorts such as the Dorchester in London, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and the Mandarin Oriental just to name a few.
How soon should I apply?
You can apply for our professional diploma programs up to one year in advance. Due to our small class sizes, our programs tend to fill up quickly. We advise that you complete the application process early once you’ve decided on your preferred start day. Your seat is reserved once you’ve registered and have paid for your seat deposit. Please contact our Admissions team for more details including financing options.
Is there an application fee?
Applicants must submit a non-refundable application fee. The application fee for Domestic students is $150.00 and for International Students, the application fee is $550. Upon acceptance, students secure their enrolment by submitting a tuition deposit and payment for uniforms and shoes with their Admissions Application.
What kind of housing options are available?
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is conveniently located in a very safe and central area near downtown Vancouver. A wide variety of nearby housing options are available. Please speak to an Admissions advisor for more details.
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1 Year, Full-Time Grand Diploma Program
Quarterly intakes (AM and PM schedules)
5 days per week / 7 hours per day:on-site & online
1,680 hours
Culinary Arts
Students begin with knife skills, culinary terms and equipment usage, followed by flavorful stocks, the art of the saucier, meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, vegetables, pastry and bread making – in a practical format that allows students to assess their creations using all your senses. Appreciate the difference an aromatic stock makes in risotto and taste a perfectly reduced port sauce for lamb.
Baking & Pastry Arts
Students begin with measuring and scaling, terminology, artisan breads, pastry dough and batters, dessert sauces, fillings, chocolate, sugar and a variety of classic, modern and holiday pastries. Students create intricate garnishes and learn professional plating secrets – in a practical format that allows students to practice and advance their techniques.
DOMESTIC STUDENT ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
TUITION FEES
Food & Beverage Operations Management covering effective menu planning, inventory control, costing and various food operations.
Food & Beverage Operations Management covering effective menu planning, inventory control, costing and various food operations.
6 Month, Full-Time Culinary Arts Diploma Program
Quarterly intakes (AM and PM schedules)
5 days per week / 7 hours per day: on-site and online
840 hours
Students begin their culinary program with knife skills, culinary terms and equipment usage followed by the preparation of flavourful stocks and the art of saucier and butchery. Building on their foundation of skills, students prepare classic French dishes as well as international cuisine utilizing a wide variety of protein, fish, shellfish, vegetables and grains.
Feasting with the eye as well as the palate is a fundamental aspect of the foodservice industry and students learn plating skills in addition to development of their palate.
DOMESTIC STUDENT ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
TUITION FEES
Food & Beverage Operations Management covering effective menu planning, inventory control, costing and various food operations.
Food & Beverage Operations Management covering effective menu planning, inventory control, costing and various food operations.
6 Month, Full-Time Baking & Pastry Arts Diploma Program
Quarterly intakes (AM and PM schedules)
5 days per week / 7 hours per day: on-site and online
840 hours
Baking & Pastry Arts students begin their training with measuring and scaling techniques, kitchen terminology and launch their practical skill training in artisan breads, pastry dough and batters, cookies, cakes, fillings, dessert sauces and chocolate.
Advanced instruction in our Patisserie and Bread Kitchens allows students to sharpen their practical skills as they produce artisan breads, pastries, desserts and cakes for Blue Hat Bakery and plated desserts for Blue Hat Bistro.
DOMESTIC STUDENT ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
TUITION FEES
Food & Beverage Operations Management covering effective menu planning, inventory control, costing and various food operations.
Food & Beverage Operations Management covering effective menu planning, inventory control, costing and various food operations.
STUDENTAID BC
StudentAid BC assist eligible students with the cost of their post-secondary education through loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships and other programs. They also provide programs for borrowers who need help repaying their loans.
For further details, visit: www.studentaidbc.ca
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT STUDENT LOANS
Financial assistance can be obtained through the Canada student loan and provincial student loan programs. This assistance is available to Canadian citizens or landed immigrants to help finance their education. The amount that can be borrowed will depend on the student’s financial need.
To obtain student loan application package, visit the Human Resources and Skill Development website: www.canada.ca/content/canadasite/en/services/jobs/training.html
STUDENT LINE OF CREDIT
Many major financial institutions offer lines of credit for students enrolled in full-time programs. These lines of credit are based on eligibility and the credit limit will vary with each student. A parent or family member may be required to co-sign the line of credit.
Bank of Montreal’s Brain Money Student Line of Credit
Royal Bank’s Royal Line of Credit
TD Canada Trust Student Line of Credit
ScotiaLine Personal Line of Credit for Students
LIFELONG LEARNING PLAN (LLP)
Full-time students may be eligible for the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP). This plan allows students to withdraw amounts from RRSPs to finance training or education. Eligible withdrawals under the LLP from an RRSP are tax-free and must be repaid within 10 years. For more information on the Lifelong Learning Plan, visit:
Canada Revenue Agency: www.cra-arc.gc.ca
REGISTERED EDUCATION SAVINGS PLAN & CANADA EDUCATION SAVINGS GRANT
Canadian students may be eligible to withdraw from a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). A RESP also allows students to apply for the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG). These are grants from the Government of Canada that are paid to the beneficiary of an RESP.
For more information, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/student-financial-aid/education-savings/resp.html
RETRAINING
Government institutions such as WorkSafeBC or ICBC provide funding to eligible candidates. Contact the appropriate institution to inquire about eligibility.
LES DAMES d’ESCOFFIER SCHOLARSHIP
The Scholarship Committee of the BC Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier is a volunteer group composed of respected food and wine professionals. Each year the committee awards scholarships to women who plan to establish or further a career in the fields of food, wine, hospitality, nutrition, food technology and other related fields. Awards are based on merit, ability, commitment and passion, and may range in value between $300 and $3000.
Applications are accepted October 1st through January 31st each year and are awarded in March. Applicants must be B.C. residents. For more information, visit: lesdames.ca
CHEF'S TABLE SOCIETY
The Chefs' Table Society supports the advancement of students and cooks in the culinary fields via scholarships and bursaries, which are either awarded singly by the Society or in partnership with organizations that they support. For more information, visit: chefstablesociety.com
BC HOSPITALITY FOUNDATION
The BC Hospitality Foundation has several scholarship opportunities available to those entering or in the field of food, beverage, and hospitality.
The Greg King Scholarship
Applications close on March 31st, 2021:
Industry Scholarship
Industry Scholarships are available annually for children of hospitality workers whose parents have worked in the industry for more than 5 years, and who are themselves planning a course of study leading to any hospitality diploma or degree.
Applications are open year-round:
Sommelier Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to student that are enrolled in wine education courses and are sponsored by:
Applications close on March 31st, 2021:
CULINARY SCHOLARSHIPS
Culinary scholarships are awarded in partnership with the Chefs' Table Society of BC.
Applications Close on March 31st, 2021:
THE CHEF NIK LIM SCHOLARSHIP
This $2000 scholarship was created to honour the memory of Chef Nik Lim. One of the brightest lights on Vancouver’s culinary scene, Nik passed away in 2019. Nessa Van Bergen and Chef Dino Renaerts of Bon Vivant Catering & Events initiated the scholarship as a tribute to their colleague.
Applications close on March 31st, 2021:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/BCHospitalityFoundation/ChefNikLimScholarship
FOOD, BEVERAGE AND HOSPITALITY SCHOLARSHIP
Sponsored by Lulu Spritz. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a food, beverage or hospitality related program.
Application deadline is March 31st, 2021:
The BC Ministry of Education provides financial awards to secondary school students in both academic and non-academic areas. For further information, visit: