Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 109501G) is a Certificate IV delivered by Thinkgate Learning Pty Ltd over 1 year 5 months (~75 weeks). This course is designed for students aspiring to become qualified kitchen managers or chefs in the Australian hospitality industry. It equips learners with practical skills in food preparation, kitchen operations, menu planning, and team leadership. As a CRICOS-registered qualification (SIT40521), it meets Australian vocational education standards and prepares graduates for roles such as chef, sous chef, or kitchen manager. The course includes a work component of 9 weeks (180 hours) of industry placement, providing real-world experience. Delivered at Thinkgate Learning's Melbourne campus (Level 14/474 Flinders St), students benefit from being in one of Australia's most vibrant food cities. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, HeadStart Academy helps you navigate your study options. Tuition is indicative at A$20,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000. Please note that fees are set by the provider and subject to change. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS 109501G) is a vocational qualification at AQF Level 4, focusing on advanced cookery and supervisory skills. Thinkgate Learning Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03482G), a private provider, delivers this course over 75 weeks. Graduates can pursue careers as chefs, kitchen managers, or caterers in Australia's thriving hospitality sector. The course is registered under the field of Food and Hospitality (110109 Cookery) and aligns with the national training package SIT40521. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive quality education and consumer protections. Melbourne, as a major student city with over 200,000 international students, offers diverse culinary opportunities and strong industry connections.
This course covers advanced cookery techniques, kitchen management, menu planning, cost control, and team leadership. Students develop expertise in food safety, nutrition, and sustainability, along with supervisory skills to manage kitchen operations. The curriculum is designed to meet industry demands for skilled kitchen managers in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses. As a Certificate IV, it builds on foundational skills from Certificate III in Cookery, providing pathways to Diploma or higher-level management courses. Practical training includes simulated kitchen environments and real-world industry placements, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
The course runs for 1 year 5 months (75 weeks) on a full-time basis. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not dual or foundation studies). Students attend classes at the Melbourne campus, with a combination of theory and practical sessions. The work component of 9 weeks (180 hours) is integrated into the course, allowing students to apply skills in real hospitality settings. This structure helps students balance study with work experience, enhancing their employability upon graduation.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Thinkgate Learning Pty Ltd is A$20,000. Non-tuition fees (e.g., materials, administration) are approximately A$1,000, bringing the estimated total to A$21,000. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at around A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for a single student, including rent (A$250–A$400 per week), groceries (A$80–A$120 per week), and transport (A$40–A$60 per week). Always confirm current fees directly with Thinkgate Learning Pty Ltd at atlantis.edu.au, as fees are subject to change.
Applicants typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) to demonstrate English proficiency. Prior qualifications expected include a Certificate III in Cookery or equivalent experience. Some providers may require successful completion of a foundation program or pathway course. Entry requirements are set by Thinkgate Learning Pty Ltd; contact them directly for specific academic prerequisites and recognition of prior learning (RPL) options. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the provider for detailed entry criteria, as these can vary.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 9 weeks (180 total hours) at 20 hours per week. This industry placement allows students to gain hands-on experience in commercial kitchens, hotels, or restaurants under professional supervision. Work-integrated learning is a key feature of vocational education in Australia, providing practical skills, industry contacts, and a pathway to employment. Students must arrange their placement in consultation with the provider, who may offer support in finding suitable host businesses. The placement is unpaid but counts towards the course assessment.
The course is delivered at Level 14/474 Flinders St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000. This location is in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, steps from Flinders Street Station and accessible by tram, train, and bus. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 200,000 international students and a thriving food scene. The city has more than 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering hospitality courses, making it a hub for culinary education. Students enjoy access to world-class restaurants, markets, and cultural events, enhancing their learning experience.
International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can study this course full-time. Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain a valid student visa, meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents. All CRICOS-registered courses meet Australian visa requirements, but visa outcomes are at the discretion of the department. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent for visa advice.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Thinkgate Learning Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and providers. Filter by course level, field (Food, Hospitality and Personal Services), and location (Melbourne).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Submit your application to Thinkgate Learning Pty Ltd. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0–5.5), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines and entry requirements on their website atlantis.edu.au.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, Thinkgate will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements. HeadStart Academy is here to guide you, but visa applications should be handled with caution – consult a MARA-registered agent if needed.
Take the next step toward your hospitality career. Explore Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at HeadStart Academy and start your application today.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is a CRICOS-registered programme at Thinkgate Learning 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.