Studying Cookery as a Muslim Student at Academia

Studying Cookery as a Muslim Student at Academia 

Studying abroad comes with unique challenges, and for students with strong religious beliefs, finding an institution that respects their faith is essential. At Academia, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that accommodates the needs of all our students, including those practicing Islam. 

As an international school, we welcome students from diverse backgrounds, including Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Qatar, and Singapore—and many others who follow strict Islamic practices. We understand the importance of ensuring that religious beliefs are respected while maintaining the integrity of our cookery programs. 

There are certain accommodations we offer and would like to highlight for our Muslim students studying commercial cookery: 

• Halal Ingredients: All meats we purchase, except pork, are Halal, allowing all students to fully participate in practical lessons. 

• Handling Pork: While students are required to cook pork to complete their studies, they are not required to taste it. To minimise contact, students are provided with gloves and paired with a partner who will handle taste testing. 

• Pork-Based Ingredient Alternatives: We stock substitutes for common pork-derived ingredients. For example, Agar-Agar, a plant-based alternative, is used instead of gelatin. 

Both our campuses facilitate the needs of our students, and these practices are the same across both campuses. Due to a larger Muslim student base in our Brisbane campus, we have a dedicated prayer room for students who may wish to pray whilst on campus. In our Melbourne campus, we don’t have a dedicated room; however, one can be provided upon request and will be managed on a case-by-case basis.  

Student Experience: Meen’s Perspective 

Siriyakorn ‘Meen’, a Muslim student at Academia, shares: 

 
At Academia, we are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive learning environment where all students can pursue their culinary dreams while staying true to their beliefs. 

If you have any questions about how we accommodate religious requirements in our courses, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our friendly staff are happy to assist and provide the information you need. 

You can send us an enquiry, and we will respond as soon as possible. If you prefer to speak with us directly, our staff are available for phone calls Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM AEST.