Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 109601C) is a Certificate IV delivered by Highgate International College Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This CRICOS-registered course is designed for international students seeking to advance their career in commercial cookery and kitchen management. Based in Perth, Western Australia, the program builds on foundational cookery skills and adds management competencies in menu planning, cost control, team leadership, and workplace safety. Australia is home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this qualification sits within the Food and Hospitality field at AQF Level 4. Graduates can pursue roles such as chef, sous chef, or kitchen manager in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with Australian government standards and ESOS Act protections for international students. The indicative tuition fee is A$22,500, with additional non-tuition fees of A$1,050, totalling A$23,550. The course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks (approximately 200 hours) to gain hands-on experience in a real kitchen environment.
The Certificate IV in Kitchen Management falls under the field of education 'Food, Hospitality and Personal Services' (broad field 11) and specifically 'Cookery' (detailed field 110109). At AQF Level 4, this course typically covers advanced culinary techniques, kitchen operations management, menu design and costing, inventory management, team leadership, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Students learn to plan and execute complex dishes, supervise kitchen staff, control food and labour costs, and ensure food quality and presentation standards. The course also includes units on nutritional awareness and sustainable practices. While the exact syllabus is set by Highgate International College Pty Ltd, graduates of similar Cert IV programs often develop skills in problem-solving, communication, and financial management specific to hospitality. This course is ideal for those who have completed a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent and want to move into supervisory roles.
The course runs for 1 year 6 months, which is approximately 78 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual award). Study modes may include classroom-based theory sessions, practical kitchen workshops, and supervised work placement. Highgate International College offers this program at its CBD campus in Perth, Western Australia. Students should expect a mix of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on cooking assessments. The duration includes the 10-week work component, which is integrated into the course structure to provide real-world experience.
Course fees shown are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Highgate International College Pty Ltd sets the following fees for this course: tuition fee A$22,500, non-tuition fees A$1,050 (which may include materials, uniforms, and student services), giving an estimated total of A$23,550. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge for the Student visa (Subclass 500). For current and exact fees, always confirm directly with Highgate International College via their website. Living costs in Perth are approximately AUD 20,000–25,000 per year for a single student, covering rent, groceries, transport, and entertainment. OSHC costs vary by provider but typically range from AUD 500–700 per year. The student visa application fee is currently AUD 1,600 (subject to change).
International students must meet English language proficiency requirements. For this course, an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) is typically required. Prior academic qualifications expected include completion of Year 12 or equivalent, and often a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or relevant industry experience. Applicants without the formal pre-requisite may be able to enter via a pathway program — check with Highgate International College for details. This course does not include foundation studies. All students must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion as part of their visa application and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. For definitive entry requirements, refer to the provider's website or contact their admissions team.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks, totalling approximately 200 hours. This is an industry placement or internship integrated into the curriculum, giving students practical experience in a commercial kitchen. The placement allows students to apply their skills in a real workplace, build industry connections, and prepare for employment after graduation. While the specific hours per week are not specified on the CRICOS register, typical placements involve 20 hours per week over 10 weeks. Work-integrated learning is a key feature of VET courses in Australia, helping international students gain local industry experience and improve job prospects. Students must comply with their visa work conditions during placement.
The course is delivered at Highgate International College's CBD campus: Level 4, 251 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, Western Australia. Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, with a population of over 2 million and a vibrant hospitality scene. The city is home to numerous CRICOS-registered providers offering food and hospitality courses. Perth offers a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent for a share house around AUD 200–300, groceries AUD 80–120, and public transport AUD 50–70. The campus is well-connected by public transport, with bus stops and train stations nearby. Perth’s sunny climate and multicultural environment make it an attractive study destination for international students.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Under current conditions, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. However, visa conditions are subject to change, so always check the Department of Home Affairs website. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Financial capacity evidence is required — you must show you can cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. The ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student, including tuition fee protection and access to complaints processes. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Highgate International College Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to compare courses and providers. Filter by course level (Certificate IV), field (Food and Hospitality), and location (Perth). Confirm that the course (109601C) and provider (03927F) are currently registered on CRICOS.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Highgate International College's website or contact their admissions office. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent), and any prior qualifications. Check application deadlines — courses often have intake in February and July.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you meet all requirements and pay any deposit, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa online through ImmiAccount. You can include family members in your application. After visa grant, arrange OSHC and plan your travel to Perth.
Perth is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, with a strong economy driven by mining, services, and tourism. For students in cookery and kitchen management, Perth offers a dynamic hospitality industry with diverse dining scenes, from fine dining to casual cafes. The city is known for its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and warm climate. Living costs in Perth are moderate: average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around AUD 350–450, while sharing can cost AUD 200–300. Public transport is efficient with a smartrider card system. The city has a large international student community, with over 50,000 students from around the world. However, Perth is geographically isolated — flights to other Australian cities can be expensive, and the time zone is slightly behind the east coast. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences before choosing Perth. HeadStart Academy’s data shows Perth has over 100 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a wide range of courses.
Ready to start your kitchen management career? Apply for Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (109601C) at Highgate International College today.
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Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is a CRICOS-registered programme at Highgate International 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.