Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 109576K) is a Certificate IV delivered by Stellar College Pty Ltd over 1 year 8 months (~86 weeks). This course sits within the Food, Hospitality and Personal Services field (1101, Cookery) and is designed for students who want to develop supervisory skills in commercial kitchen environments. Graduates are prepared for roles such as chef de partie, kitchen manager, or sous chef. The course combines classroom learning with a mandatory work component of 360 hours, ensuring hands-on experience. It is delivered at two locations: Level 2 The Crescent Homebush in Sydney's inner-west, and in the Melbourne CBD. Both cities are vibrant hubs for international students, with over 100,000 international students in Sydney and 90,000 in Melbourne. Studying at a CRICOS-registered institution like Stellar College guarantees compliance with the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and student protections. As a free resource, HeadStart Academy provides this information sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS 109576K) is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 4). Stellar College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03808B) offers this course over 86 weeks, including a substantial work placement component. The course falls under Field of Education 110109 - Cookery, equipping students with advanced culinary techniques, kitchen management, and team leadership skills. As a CRICOS-registered provider, Stellar College meets strict Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses; this course is one of many pathways to a hospitality career in Australia. The indicative tuition fee is A$23,250, with no mandatory non-tuition fees, though international students must also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges.
This course prepares students for supervisory roles in commercial cookery. Typical study areas include food safety and hygiene, menu planning and costing, stock control, kitchen teamwork and communication, and human resource management. Students also develop skills in preparing a wide range of cuisines, from appetisers to desserts, and managing kitchen operations. At the Certificate IV level, the focus shifts from basic cooking to managing kitchen teams, controlling budgets, and ensuring quality standards. While the specific curriculum is set by Stellar College, all CRICOS-registered courses must meet Australian quality benchmarks. The course includes both theoretical and practical components, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through the work placement.
The course runs for 1 year 8 months (~86 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is offered full-time with English as the language of instruction. No dual qualification or foundation studies are included. The structure allows students to balance classroom learning with the mandatory work component. International students should be prepared for a full-time study load, typically 20 hours per week of scheduled classes, plus additional self-study and placement hours. The 86-week duration includes the 72-week work placement period, ensuring students gain extensive industry experience before graduation.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Stellar College is A$23,250 for the entire course (86 weeks). No non-tuition fees are listed on the CRICOS register, so the estimated total is A$23,250. However, this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living expenses in Sydney or Melbourne range from A$1,500–A$2,500 per month for rent, food, and transport. The student visa (Subclass 500) application charge is currently A$710 (subject to change). Always confirm fees directly with Stellar College through their website at www.stellarcollege.edu.au. Fees shown are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the institution.
For Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, a typical entry requirement is completion of Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent. International students must demonstrate English proficiency, usually IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent test score). A higher level may be required if the student needs to meet visa requirements for a packaged course or if the provider sets a higher standard. Prior qualifications expected at this level include year 12 or equivalent; however, mature-age entry with relevant work experience may be considered. Students should directly contact Stellar College for specific entry criteria and alternative pathway options. Note that foundation studies are not part of this course, but the provider may offer pathway programs for students who need additional preparation.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 72 weeks at 5 hours per week, totalling approximately 360 hours of work-integrated learning. This industry placement takes place in a real commercial kitchen environment, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting. The placement develops skills in kitchen operations, time management, and teamwork under professional supervision. It is an integral part of the course and contributes to the overall duration. Students should note that the placement may be arranged by the provider or require self-sourcing, and they must comply with workplace policies and insurance requirements.
The course is delivered at two locations: Level 2 The Crescent Homebush NSW 2140 (Homebush, a suburb of Sydney) and Melbourne CBD VIC. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 100,000 international students and over 500 CRICOS-registered providers. Melbourne is equally popular, with over 90,000 international students and a thriving hospitality scene. Homebush is in Sydney's inner-west, well-connected by public transport (trains and buses) to the city centre. Melbourne CBD is the heart of the city, with excellent tram and train access. Both locations offer diverse cultural experiences and job opportunities in the hospitality industry. The cost of living in Sydney is slightly higher than Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a shared room around A$350–A$500 in Sydney and A$300–A$450 in Melbourne.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus additional time for travel. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, provide evidence of financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC), and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Dependants accompanying you may have work rights depending on your visa conditions. Important: HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent. For visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring tuition protection and fair treatment.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's free search tool to filter courses by level, field, and location. Compare providers like Stellar College to find the best fit for your goals. 2. Apply directly to Stellar College Pty Ltd: Submit your application through their website (www.stellarcollege.edu.au) or via an authorised education agent. Ensure you meet entry requirements (IELTS 5.0–5.5) and provide academic transcripts. Deadlines vary, so apply early. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Stellar College will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge a visa application online. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Visa processing times can range from 4–12 weeks.
Before enrolling, think about your career goals: this course prepares you for supervisory kitchen roles, such as chef de partie or kitchen manager, in restaurants, hotels, or catering companies. Consider location carefully — Sydney and Melbourne both have strong hospitality industries, but differ in cost of living and job market. Homebush offers proximity to Sydney's Olympic Park and Parramatta, while Melbourne CBD is a global foodie destination. Also reflect on the work placement requirement: you'll need to commit 5 hours per week in a kitchen, which may be physically demanding. Financial planning is crucial: tuition is A$23,250, but you'll also need OSHC, living expenses, and visa fees. Finally, ensure your English level meets the requirements (IELTS 5.0–5.5) and that you have the prior qualification (Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent). As with all CRICOS-registered courses, you are protected by the ESOS Act.
Ready to start your culinary career? Explore Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Stellar College and apply now through HeadStart Academy.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is a CRICOS-registered programme at Stellar College 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.