10 Best Culinary Schools in Malaysia|Fees & Programs

Culinary Schools in Malaysia are for individuals who find starting a food business or working in a restaurant interesting.

These culinary schools in Malaysia will give you the training that covers basic training as well as food safety and food handling.

Today, more than ever before, culinary arts professionals are regarded highly and are in demand worldwide.

The ability to take an idea, fuse it with sensory knowledge, and masterfully invent a dish that both nurtures and gives pleasure to someone, is an art indeed.

Therefore, if you have plans of inventing amazing dishes in posh restaurants or even in the exotic hotels in Malaysia or elsewhere, or if you have plans of setting out your own gastronomical outlet, then you need a solid foundation in one of these culinary schools in Malaysia.

Interestingly, it is not just about attending the culinary schools in Malaysia, becoming a chef is such that requires a lot of dedication.

On the flip side, there are a number of good cooks who never had formal training and have embedded themselves down into the accepted flow of things.

In general, a culinary education should be a mixture of experience and established theory.

Trade schools send their students out into the real kitchen to learn this stuff.

It is easier for someone with no track record but a piece of paper in their hand to get their next foot up the ladder in the kitchen brigade over the other.

Your experience matters, as most times you will not be asked about the culinary schools in Malaysia you attended or whether you attended the best culinary schools in Europe. Read on as we look at this list of the culinary schools in Malaysia and other interesting things to take note of.

There are dozens of schools that offer courses for culinary arts, pastry making, and baking.

We have chosen to bring to you the culinary schools in Malaysia that is offering amazing courses, internship programs and more.

Studying culinary arts in Malaysia

A huge part of our daily activities evolve around food and drinks. Earning a degree in Culinary arts can give you a boost to jump-start your master chef career.

The term culinary arts, means “related to cooking”, refers to the art of food preparation, as well as food presentation.

While taking your culinary arts program in Malaysia, you will pick up additional knowledge and skills that compliment the field, such as business, marketing and hospitality.

The three major fields in culinary arts

The three major fields in culinary arts are:

  • Pastry and Baking
  • Culinary Management
  • Culinary Arts

Pastry and Baking

In this part of the field in culinary arts, you are exposed to the basics of culinary arts that emphasize on the creation of desserts and baking goods.


Culinary Management

Culinary management does more than just serving a great food. This program in most culinary schools in Malaysia are for those who desire to manage and run their own business or restaurant.

Through this course, they can build their business and management skills, in combination with their knowledge of food.


Culinary Arts

The Culinary Arts degree is a more versatile degree and provides students with a broad, general knowledge of the culinary arts field.

Typically, you will get an introduction to the food-service industry, including its history and present environment, as well as an introduction to taste and flavour.

Apart from kitchen essentials, culinary techniques, fundamentals, and nutrition, baking and pastry fundamentals might also be taught, as well as meat selection and fabrication. You will be well prepared to create anything in the kitchen!

Culinary schools in Malaysia entry requirements and qualifications

There are a lot of culinary arts programs, as well as certifications that do not require some kind of minimum requirement.

They also cater to the needs of students, working adults, and baking hobbyists. In general, the requirements for formal education in the field are as stated below.

For Diploma

  • SPM / SPMV / O Level – 3 credits 

For Bachelor’s degree

  • Foundation / Matriculation-Pass with a minimum CGPA 2.0 
  • STPM-Pass with a minimum grade C in at least 2 subjects
  • A-Level-Minimum 2Es

How Long does it take to get a culinary arts degree in Malaysia

As you must have known, there are many types of programs available to students. Full-time, intensive training or master class.

Whether you are still a student or a working adult, there is always a culinary arts course that will suit you.

The duration of study is generally:

  • Bachelor’s Degree-1 – 3 years
  • Master’s Degree-1 – 2 years

You can also find a few certificate courses and culinary workshops that’ll only take you a year or so to accomplish.

The cost of studying culinary arts

Below are the estimated fees of studying Culinary Arts in Malaysia according to different study levels:

  • Part-time/Full-time certification: < RM 15,000
  • Diploma: RM 19,000 – RM 56,000
  • Bachelor’s Degree: RM 45,000 – RM 100,000
  • Master’s Degree: RM 20,000 – RM 50,000

What jobs can I do with a culinary degree in Malaysia?

To a lot of people, a culinary arts degree can only offer you opportunities in the Kitchen.

The interesting thing is that with the right skills, you can venture into management too. Careers in culinary arts that you can look out for are:

  • Banquet Coordinator
  • Event Planner
  • Pastry Baker
  • Bartende
  • Barista
  • Head Chef
  • Advisory Chef
  • Kitchen Manager
  • F&B Operation Manager
  • Executive Chef
  • Sous Chef
  • Kitchen Manager
  • Food Service Consultant
  • Food Writer / Critic
  • Catering Business Entrepreneur
  • Restaurant Owner
  • Personal Chef
  • Celebrity Chef
  • Culinary Lecturer
  • Research & Development Chef

The List of the Best Culinary Schools in Malaysia

We have listed the best culinary schools below are we will go ahead to review them after the list. Please not that they are not arranged in the order of the best.

  • Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia
  • Taylor’s University College
  • Sunway University
  • INTI University
  • Berjaya University College of Hospitality
  • APCA Malaysia
  • Cilantro Culinary Academy
  • Tunku Abdul Rahman University College
  • YTL International College of Hotel Management
  • UCSI University

Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia

  • Website: cordonbleu.edu
  • Course Duration: 3 months – 1 year
  • Price Range: RM22,100 – RM110,220
  • Intakes: January, April, July, October
  • Emailmalaysia@cordonbleu.edu 
  • Contact Number: +603-5632 1188

This is one of the top culinary schools in Malaysia that offers courses like Cuisine, Pastry and Confectionery, Bakery, Gourmet and Short Courses, and Online Learning Courses.

This culinary school offers Diplome De Cuisine, certificates, short courses, and workshops in order for chefs of all levels to earn the qualifications that they desire.

Upon graduation from his culinary school, you are sure to have earned a globally accredited qualification, such that you are certain to be starting your career with the best credentials possible.

Furthermore, students are certain of a successful career in a wide variety of fields, including restaurant kitchens, catering, restaurant, journalism, consulting, food service, food styling and education.

Location: Sunway University, No.5, Jalan Universiti, Sunway City, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 47500, Malaysia


Taylor’s University College

At Taylor’s University College, the Diploma in Culinary Arts programme is designed to equip students who wish to pursue culinary arts with fundamental skills in culinary arts and strong product knowledge, as well as the ability to perform and organize food production.

This program in this institution is developed to the increasing demand of employees who are able to work productively in various culinary systems and environment.

Students have the opportunities to demonstrate culinary skills in the preparation of Western cuisine, Asian cuisine, garde manger, pâtisserie & bakery, confection as well as artistic skills.

Students get to also learn and analyze marketing food and business information that is involved in opening and running a catering business. Entry requirements include:

  • O-Level: Pass with min. 3 credits
  • Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM): Pass with min. 3 credits including a pass in Bahasa Melayu and History
  • Unified Examination Certificate (UEC): Pass with min. 3Bs

Location: No. 1 Jalan Taylor’s, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia


Sunway University

This is one of the culinary schools in Malaysia that offers BSc in Culinary Management program and which lasts for 3 years.

In this course, you are taught things about the culinary industry such as the basic restaurant operations, advanced culinary techniques, and hospitality industry management.

You also get an access to  an 20-week industry internship where you can hone your skills through real-life work experience.

Therefore, if you such student who dream of a Le Cordon Bleu certificate without having to break the bank, then Sunway University offers an affordable Culinary Management degree and Culinary Arts diploma that’s accredited by Le Cordon Bleu.

Upon the successful completion of the programme, graduates are awarded two certificates; one from Sunway University and another from Le Cordon Bleu, a leading institution in culinary and hospitality.

The Diploma in Culinary Arts is offered is offered in a state-of-the-art kitchen and classroom facilities.

Location: No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia


INTI University

  • Website: newinti.edu.my
  • Course Duration: 1 – 2 years
  • Price Range: RM 13,888 – RM 42,745
  • Intakes: January, April, August
  • Emailenquiry@newinti.edu.my  
  • Contact Number: +603-5623 2800

INTI University offers Diploma in Culinary Arts and Certificate in Food and Beverage Services which are highly specialized programs that are designed to develop and nurture leaders in the culinary arts profession.

This program at INTI University is developed to provide practical culinary skills and entrepreneurship skills to students.

This program can be completed in 2 years with the entry requirements depending on the Level. International students are subject to meet entry requirements that reflect similar qualifications and experience as stated on their website.

Apart from their affordable and comprehensive courses, they have both Subang Jaya and Penang, which simply means that you can earn a diploma in Culinary Arts in either city— whichever is more convenient for you.

Location: No. 3, Jalan SS15/8, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia


Berjaya University College of Hospitality


Berjaya University College of Hospitality is listed as one of the culinary schools in Malaysia that has award winning instructors and industry chefs with over 400 years of combined artistic culinary experience and knowledge. 

They deliver a curriculum that equips their students to soar as high as they desire in their career as a culinary professional.

As stated on the institution’s website, BERJAYA UC’s Culinary Arts graduates are distinctive and much sought-after even before they graduate.

BERJAYA University College (BERJAYA UC) has been awarded international recognition from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WORLDCHEFS) Recognition of Quality Culinary Education programme for meeting or exceeding the WORLDCHEFS standards of quality culinary education.

Taking their full culinary package earns you a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts Management. Alternatively, you can opt for their 2-year diploma courses.

They provide 16-week internship programs where you’ll be able to apply your skills, earn experience, and gain connections in the culinary and hospitality industry.

Location: Level 11 West, Berjaya Times Square, No.1 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


APCA Malaysia

APCA Malaysia will show you how to become a professional chef in just 9 months. You will be granted a International recognised Advanced Diploma (awarded by City & Guilds, UK).

Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts is their most detailed program where the students actually work in different cuisine of the world.

Their full-time 9 months Advance Diploma in Patisserie Pastry & Bakery Arts is a hands-on course and suitable for INTERMEDIATE learners.

Furthermore, their part-time full-time and part-time program offers a hands-on program under the supervision of their world-class in-house Pastry Chefs.

Not just in Malaysia, the Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts is known as one of the Finest Pastry Schools in Asia. 

APCA Malaysia is also bringing you a “Digital Learning Experience” of their entire pastry and culinary programs, where you will get to learn the exactly same techniques which they teach at Academy, from world champions using your laptop/phone/tablet.

They offer the following courses:

  • Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Certificate Program in Pastry Arts
  • Certificate Program in Culinary Arts
  • Sugar Display Workshop (Zoom)
  • APCA Chef Online

Location: No. 16, Jalan 51A/223, 46100, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia


Cilantro Culinary Academy

Cilantro Culinary Academy is one of the culinary schools in Malaysia that offers Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking, Diploma in Patisserie, Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts / Patisserie, Hybrid Vocational Online Learning Programme (HVOLP), The Art of Dim Sum, Traditional Japanese Wagashi Making, F & B Entrepreneurship (Online), and Chinese Cuisine Programme (Oriental Culinary Academy).

They are Malaysia’s largest private culinary and pastry vocational academy. 

Equipped with about 20 practical kitchens, a studio kitchen, classrooms and a line-up of professional chefs with extensive working experience in 5-star hotels.

Their aim is to provide the best culinary and pastry education to students who have the dream of becoming chefs.

They are one of the culinary schools in Malaysia that will not only educate you, but also assist you o get a better position in the future and assist in job placement after completion of Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Location: No.4-1, Jalan USJ Sentral 3, USJ Sentral, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor.


Tunku Abdul Rahman University College

Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) is a premier educational institution with 50 years of excellence in providing quality and affordable education.

They are one of the top culinary schools in Malaysia that offers culinary programs that prepares students to develop artistic flair in culinary arts and provides the opportunity for them to practice their cooking skills in their well-equipped kitchen. 

  • Website:https://www.tarc.edu.my/fssh/programmes/diploma/diploma-in-culinary-arts/
  • Programme: Diploma in Culinary Arts 
  • Intake: June & November
  • Duration: 2 years 4 Months
  • Campus: PK – Perak Branch Campus
  • Telephone: +603-41450123 / 41450100
  • Mobile: 011-10785990 / 011-10597135
  • Living cost: RM 1,500 per month
  • Campus setting: Urban
  • International students: 40%


YTL International College of Hotel Management

YTL International College of Hotel Management (YTL-ICHM) is your gateaway to your illustrious future in hospitality.

This institution gives their students the professional edge as they embark on a career in the luxurious world of hospitality.

Here, you get the chance to study in a state-of-the-art campus, where you will learn under the expert tutelage of our experienced lecturers. They offer the following programs:

  • Diploma in Hotel Management
  • Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Diploma in Pastry & Bakery
  • Diploma in Event Management


UCSI University

The university was ranked in the top 300 in 2015 ranking for Asian University Rankings, also ranked in Tier 5 with an excellent result and the highest rating accorded to universities In Malaysia.

It is one of the culinary schools in Malaysia that equips students with the integral skills and product knowledge to chart a promising career in the F&B and fine dining industries.

 This programme received a 100% graduate employability score in the Ministry of Higher Education’s Graduate Employability 2020.

  • Local Students Approximate Total Fees: RM 44,845
  • International Students Approximate Total Fees: RM 58,440

Visit their Website

How long do internship programs last?

Internship programs being part of your program in the culinary schools in Malaysia are essential in the culinary industry as it is where students get the chance to create connections and earn their experience.

Usually internship programs last for 10 to 16 weeks depending on the University. What are your thoughts about these culinary schools in Malaysia? Please share your thoughts with us.

Editor’s Pick:

References:

trustedmalaysia.com: https://www.trustedmalaysia.com/best-culinary-school-malaysia/

easyuni.my: https://www.easyuni.my/en/malaysia-culinary-art/

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