Certificate IV in Patisserie (CRICOS course code 109467D) is a Certificate IV delivered by International College of Advanced Education Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02864B) over 1 year. This qualification is designed for aspiring pastry chefs and bakers, providing hands-on training in baking techniques, dessert preparation, and kitchen management. Located in Rapid Creek, Darwin (NT), this course offers a pathway to skilled employment in Australia's vibrant hospitality industry. As a CRICOS-registered program, it meets rigorous Australian standards for international students. With a mandatory work component of 500 hours, students gain practical experience while building their professional network. Whether you're aiming to work in patisseries, hotels, or start your own venture, this course equips you with industry-relevant skills. Explore the full details below, including fees, entry requirements, and visa guidance.
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Certificate IV in Patisserie (CRICOS 109467D) falls under the field of Food, Hospitality and Personal Services (Field 11), specifically Food and Hospitality (1101) and Baking and Pastrymaking (110107). This AQF Level 4 qualification prepares students for supervisory or specialist roles in patisserie environments. The course covers advanced pastry techniques, product development, food safety, and team leadership. It is governed by the national VET code SIT40721, ensuring alignment with industry standards. International College of Advanced Education Pty Ltd, a private provider established since 2009, delivers this program in Darwin. The CRICOS registration (02864B) guarantees that the course meets the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act requirements, providing legal protections for international students. Graduates may pursue roles as pastry chefs, chocolatiers, or bakery managers, with opportunities to advance to Diploma-level studies.
The curriculum focuses on practical and theoretical aspects of patisserie. Students learn to prepare and present a variety of pastries, cakes, and desserts using both classical and contemporary techniques. Key topics include dough and batter preparation, chocolate and sugar work, plated desserts, and menu design. Additionally, the course covers food safety and hygiene practices compliant with Australian regulations. At Certificate IV level, students also develop supervisory skills such as managing team performance, controlling stock, and maintaining workplace safety. The course blends classroom instruction with simulated commercial kitchen environments. Assessment methods typically include practical demonstrations, written assignments, and project portfolios. Graduates emerge with a robust skill set ready for the demands of the baking and patisserie industry.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered full-time with English as the language of instruction. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component for this program. The intensive structure allows students to immerse themselves in practical learning, with a significant work placement component. Study may include face-to-face sessions, online resources, and supervised practical hours. The provider may offer flexible scheduling, but students should confirm the exact timetable upon application. This single qualification pathway focuses solely on patisserie skills, making it a targeted choice for those committed to this specialty. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions.
International College of Advanced Education Pty Ltd sets the following indicative fees: tuition A$14,000 and non-tuition fees A$1,500, totalling A$15,500. These figures, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the Visa Application Charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students; a typical 12-month policy costs around A$500–A$700. Living expenses in Darwin average A$500–A$700 per week for rent, food, and transport. The Visa Application Charge for a Subclass 500 student visa is currently A$1,600. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider at www.icae.edu.au, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy advises budgeting at least A$25,000–A$30,000 per year for total study and living costs.
For international applicants, a minimum English proficiency of IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) is generally expected. Prior qualifications should include completion of Year 12 or equivalent, or a Certificate III in a related field such as Patisserie or Commercial Cookery. International College of Advanced Education may require an interview or aptitude test. There is no foundation study option for this course. Students with a lower English score may be eligible for packaged English language courses. As entry requirements vary, applicants should check the provider's website or contact the admissions office directly. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee entry; the provider assesses each application holistically. Prospective students are encouraged to review the GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirement, which is part of the visa process, not the course entry.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks at 25 hours per week, totalling approximately 500 hours. This work-integrated learning is structured as an industry placement or internship in a commercial kitchen, bakery, or patisserie. It provides invaluable hands-on experience, allowing students to apply classroom skills in real-world settings under supervision. Placements may be arranged by the provider or sourced independently, subject to approval. This experience not only enhances learning but also builds professional references and Australian workplace familiarity. During the work placement, students may be eligible to work additional hours (within visa limits) but must prioritise the educational outcomes. The work component is credit-bearing and essential for course completion. International students should ensure their visa conditions align with the placement schedule; typically, student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
The course is delivered at Grnd Flr & First Flr, 17 Chapman Road Rapid Creek, Rapid Creek, NT 0810. Rapid Creek is a suburb of Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. Darwin has a small but growing international student population, with around 8–10 CRICOS-registered providers offering a range of courses. Living in Darwin offers a unique tropical lifestyle with lower living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne—indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is A$350–A$500, groceries A$100–A$150, and public transport A$40–A$70. The campus is accessible via bus routes from Darwin city and surrounding suburbs. Studying in the Northern Territory provides exposure to a multicultural environment and opportunities in the local hospitality industry, especially in tourism and remote area hospitality. The provider's single campus ensures a focused learning community with personalised attention.
International students enrolling in this course will typically apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include providing evidence of enrolment (CoE), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, OSHC for the duration of stay, and sufficient financial capacity. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course terms and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday periods—this includes the work component hours. All CRICOS-registered courses are covered by the ESOS Act, which guarantees tuition protection and access to a complaints process. The Department of Home Affairs assesses visa applications based on course relevance, ties to home country, and financial ability. HeadStart Academy strongly recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. Visa conditions may change; always check the official website homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate IV in Patisserie at International College of Advanced Education Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy or the CRICOS website to filter courses by level (Certificate IV), field (Baking and Pastrymaking), and location (Northern Territory). Confirm that the provider (02864B) is still registered. 2. Apply directly to International College of Advanced Education: Visit www.icae.edu.au to review specific entry requirements, submit your application with academic transcripts, English test results, and a statement of purpose. Check application deadlines and any prerequisite verification. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your Subclass 500 visa application online, including proof of OSHC. Attend a visa interview if required and await a decision. HeadStart Academy provides guidance but does not handle applications.
Ready to start your patisserie career? Browse more Certificate IV courses in Northern Territory or contact International College of Advanced Education directly for application details.
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Certificate IV in Patisserie is a CRICOS-registered programme at International College of Advanced Education Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.