Thanks for your interest in the KPU Brewing and Brewery Operations (BBO) Diploma program! Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions, however, if you can’t find the answer to your question below, please email us at study@kpu.ca.
About the Program
What is a 'limited-intake' program?
A 'Limited Intake' is an application cycle in which a limit has been set on the number of students admitted. The BBO program is limited to a maximum intake of 35 students per cohort. We accept one cohort per year with classes starting in September. All other qualified students are placed on a waitlist. If seats become available before the start of a new cohort year, they are offered to the waitlisted applicants.
Where is the program offered?
The Brewing Diploma program is based on the KPU Langley campus (approx. 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver) which is home to our 4,500 square foot, custom-built teaching brewery. Located in the stunning province of British Columbia (BC) on Canada's West Coast, the Langley campus is situated in the City of Langley— close to shops, restaurants, a growing number of craft breweries, and surrounded by opportunities for outdoor adventure all year round.
Living in BC means you'll have access to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, as well as mountain biking, hiking, sailing, and more—all within a short drive. From coastal beaches to alpine peaks, the region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, for football/soccer fans, Vancouver is one of the host cities for FIFA World Cup 2026!
Make the move to the West Coast with confidence: KPU offers affordable housing options, including homestay and home share programs, and the campus is well-connected by public transit throughout Metro Vancouver. A free student shuttle also operates between the Langley, Surrey and Cloverdale campuses, making it easy to get around.
Can I take the diploma program on a part-time basis?
Yes, students can now complete their Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma over three or four years, instead of two. Part-time classes will be offered in the same terms as the full-time program (from September to April). Classes within each semester have been designed to complement each other and strengthen learning objectives and activities as you go.
Interested in taking a few brewing courses?
Another option is to attend as a 'General Interest' student and take up to 12 credits of Brewing classes (max. 4 credits per term) before having to formally apply to the Brewing Diploma. For more information about General Interest, visit kpu.ca/admission/general-interest. (Note: seats are reserved for admitted Brewing students, so there may be limited seats available for General Interest students.)
New: KPU also offers a one-year Certificate in Brewing, and four micro-credential options.
Admission Requirements
What are the admission requirements for the Brewing Diploma program?
In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:
- Letter of intent (indicating which completion option you're interested in)
- A minimum of 19 years of age by the first day of classes
- Either: (1) Chemistry 11 with a minimum grade of C+ (or equivalent), and Level E1 as defined in the Math Alternatives Table, or (2) Recommendation by the Admissions Selection Committee.
For information about submitting transcripts to KPU, please visit: kpu.ca/admission/transcripts.
For more details, visit kpu.ca/brew/apply.
I am a mature student, do I still need to meet high school admissions requirements?
Yes, regardless of your admissions category, you must complete the required prerequisites or their equivalencies. Students who completed high school chemistry and mathematics more than five years ago are strongly encouraged to review the content prior to starting the program, whether it's reading a high school chemistry or math textbook, taking an upgrading course or a non-credit refresher course.
You can also apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) to see if you're eligible for academic credit for previous experience.
I don't meet the program admission requirements. Can I upgrade?
Yes, KPU offers upgrading courses in English, mathematics and chemistry. For more information about upgrading, please contact the Future Students Office.
Most local school boards also offer high school courses through their adult education programs. Please check your local school board website for more information.
I'm not done upgrading, can I still apply?
Yes. Applicants have until March 1 to submit final transcripts for any courses they are upgrading. If upgrading extends beyond March 1, applicants may still be offered a seat, if one is available. Please let Admissions know about any upgrading you are pursuing, so that this can be considered alongside your application.
Applying to the Program
How do I apply to the program?
Applications for Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma program open on October 1st of each year. The early application deadline is March 1st, however, late applications may be accepted until July 1st if seats are still available.
If you are new to KPU, you can apply by filling out the online application at Apply.EducationPlannerBC.ca/kpu. Click "Online application" and create an account. When you get to the Program Selection page, choose Science under the Faculty area. Once the application session is open, the Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma Program will be available in the drop-down menu. Once you have officially submitted your application, you must submit official transcripts and a letter of intent.
Please review the letter of intent submission instructions.
What are the admission deadlines?
The early-bird admission deadline for the Brewing & Brewery Operations program is March 1st of each year. However, applications for KPU limited intake programs has been extended until July 1st or until full. Applications received after this deadline may be considered if there are still seats available. We encourage you to apply early as assigned course registration dates and times are determined by the date of your application. For further details on how to apply, go to kpu.ca/brew/apply.
What do I include in my letter of intent?
Your Letter of Intent is your opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants and consists of a 500-word letter, including which completion option you are interested in (i.e., diploma track (part-time or full-time); one-year certificate; or a micro-credential(s)). For full Letter of Intent requirements, visit kpu.ca/brew/apply.
Program Costs & Financial Support
How much does the program cost?
For more details about KPU student tuition and fees, visit Tuition & Fees or use KPU's Tuition Estimator. Tuition fees are assigned on a per-credit basis and students require 62 credits to complete the Brewing program. You also need to include student fees, books, work boots, etc.
Students who receive transfer credit pay lower fees due to not having to take some courses.
International students should contact international@kpu.ca for international student rates and fees.
Is this program eligible for student loans?
Yes, you can apply for student loans by visiting studentaidbc.ca. Please contact KPU's Student Awards and Financial Assistant (SAFA) office at finaid@kpu.ca.
Are there any scholarships, bursaries or awards for the Brewing program?
KPU offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries and awards which are available to all students, as well as specific awards just for Brewing Diploma students. For a list of Brewing awards, click here. For more information on other available awards and application deadlines, visit the Student Awards Guide.
Learning Experience
How do I find out when courses are scheduled?
BBO courses are typically scheduled Monday to Thursday. Click here to view current timetables or visit kpu.ca/registration.
Does the BBO program offer a co-op program or work placement?
No, at this time the Brewing and Brewery Operations program does not offer a co-op or work placement. However, most of our students find part-time work at local breweries while going to school and/or during the summer break (May-August).
KPU also hosts an annual KPU Brewing Career Fair each Spring where students network with employers and participate in 'speed-dating' interview sessions.
Can I work while I’m in the program?
Yes, many of our full-time students work part-time while in the program but it’s dependent on each individual and how they manage their class hours, course work and study time. For greater flexibility, KPU also offers three- and four-year part-time options for completing the Brewing Diploma, as well as a one-year Certificate in Brewing; and four micro-credential options.
What supplies do I need?
For in-person classes, CSA-approved footwear is required, along with course-specific safety gear, including personal protective equipment (PPE), which students will be advised of before September classes start. It is also encouraged that students have access to a personal computer, laptop or tablet and access to the internet for course work and accessing class Moodle sites and KPU services online.
After Graduation
Upon graduation, what will I do?
There will always be a need for skilled brewers with a strong foundation in brewing science, and as a result there are many employment opportunities available to KPU Brewing and Brewery Operations grads. In fact, many of our students are already working in the industry before they complete the program. KPU also holds an annual Brewing Career Fair where employers connect with our students and network about potential job opportunities.
In addition to traditional brewery roles, Brewing grads can also pursue careers across the broader beverage and fermentation industries, including cideries, distilling, wineries, fermented foods production, quality assurance, product development, and roles within non-alcohol beverage companies.
The program's focus on applied science and fermentation equips students to work in laboratory settings, manufacturing, operations, and technical sales throughout the beverage sector.
For more information on careers after graduating, visit kpu.ca/brew/careers.
Graduates from the Brewing Diploma program may also apply to the third year of one of KPU Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) programs. Students interested in pursuing further education at KPU should contact an academic advisor to plan their schedule and determine appropriate electives (KPU Advisor Connect).
Other Questions
What else do I need to know?
The BBO program involves a lot of physical movement, lifting heavy items (e.g., beer kegs, grain sacks, equipment parts — students must be able to comfortably lift 25 kg and move 50 kg), and standing for long periods of time in a hot brewery. There is also a lot of cleaning and sanitization of equipment, so students should be prepared for long, labour-intensive brewing days.
More questions?
Don't see the answer to your question on this page? Email us at brew@kpu.ca or sign up for our mailing list to hear about upcoming information or Ask Me Anything sessions with our instructors and alumni.