Cook program introduction
Vocational Qualification in Restaurant and Catering Services, Cook provides you with the basic knowledge on the food production tasks both in theory and practice (planning, cooking and presenting restaurant dishes and in storing food ingredients). This training is being executed at our modern well-equipped premises on Hansa campus with its own Restaurant Silveria open to the public. The work-based learning periods in different restaurants in Vaasa area or elsewhere will have a significant role in your education. This qualification will also give you a good basis for further studies.
How is the education arranged?
The qualification is conducted mainly as contact learning (vocational studies) including several work-based learning periods. The classes are held during the daytime (from Monday to Friday). The duration of studies is approximately 2 years depending on the prior knowledge and experience. The courses of the Common Units (e.g. mathematics and other education and training courses) are mainly conducted as online (Moodle) courses.
Tuition fees and other costs
The costs will differ depending on the origin of the applicant/student.
Program composition
The scope of the studies is 180 competence points (cp). Vocational studies include compulsory and optional units:
Compulsory vocational units 85 cp:
- Working in catering services 20 cp – 20 cp
- Preparing lunch dishes – 40 cp
- Preparing plated dishes – 25 cp
Optional vocational units 60 cp:
- Preparing à la carte dishes 30 cp
- Food preparation for catering services and special occasions 25 cp
- Bar basics 5 cp
Common units 35 cp:
- Communication and interaction skills 11-20 cp
- Competence in mathematics and natural sciences 6-15 cp
- Skills required in society and working life 9-18 cp
A personal competence development plan is made for each student based on his/ her previous experience and studies. Some of the courses of the Common Units (e.g. language, math, physics, chemistry) might be recognized based on prior learning.
Tuition fee
The tuition fee for no EU/EEA students for Cook and Waiter/Waitress programs is 7000 euros/study year. (The exact annual tuition fee will be announced when the application period begins). The tuition fees concern students who are not citizens of EU/EEA countries and who have started their studies in English-taught programmes in August 2026 onwards. However, students can be exempted from the tuition fee e.g. on the basis of their residence permits.
From August 1st 2026 onwards in order to be exempted from the tuition fee at Vamia, an applicant must deliver a copy of one of the following documents:
- Passport or identity card to indicate the citizenship of EU/EEA/Switzerland *)
- EU Blue Card in Finland
- Continuous residence permit card in Finland (Type A permit) issued for purposes other than studies may exempt from paying tuition fees. However, they are required to pay tuition fees if:
- their first residence permit in Finland was granted for studying, they have to pay tuition fees, even in case they have later obtained a continuous residence permit (type A) on other grounds.
- they have a continuous residence permit (type A) based on family ties in Finland, and their family member originally came to Finland on a residence permit granted for studying, they are required to pay tuition fees.
- EU Family Member’s Residence Card in Finland
- EU residence permit for third-country citizens with long-term residence permit card in Finland (Type P-EU)
- Permanent residence permit card in Finland, Type P permit
- Brexit residence permit card, Type SEU = Right of residence under the withdrawal agreement, or P SEU = Right of permanent residence under the withdrawal agreement
- a residence permit based on temporary protection
*) Citizens of Finland are not required to provide proof of their citizenship as it will be verified from the population register.