Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 109612M) is a Certificate IV delivered by Prospect Education Group Pty Ltd over 1 year 4 months (~68 weeks). This qualification, mapped to national code SIT40521, is designed for aspiring chefs and kitchen managers who want to combine practical cookery skills with supervisory and business management knowledge. Offered in the heart of Melbourne, this course provides hands-on training in commercial kitchens and classroom learning in hospitality management. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 03962C), international students are protected under the ESOS Act and can access Australia's student visa framework. Whether you aim to work in fine dining, hotels, or run your own kitchen, this course builds the technical and leadership skills needed in the food and hospitality industry. At HeadStart Academy, we present this information sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions.
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Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS 109612M) is a nationally recognised vocational qualification at AQF Level 4. It is specifically designed for international students seeking to advance their career in the culinary arts. The course covers advanced cookery techniques, menu planning, food safety, team leadership, and financial management for kitchens. Graduates are prepared for roles such as chef de partie, kitchen manager, or sous chef. This is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. The course is delivered in English over 68 weeks, providing comprehensive training that meets Australian hospitality industry standards. All data here is sourced from the CRICOS register, ensuring you rely on accurate, government-verified information.
This course falls under the field of education 'Food, Hospitality and Personal Services' (broad field 11) and specific field 'Food and Hospitality' (1101) with detailed field 'Cookery' (110109). Students learn to plan and prepare menus for various dietary requirements, manage kitchen operations, control costs, supervise staff, and maintain food safety standards. The curriculum integrates practical kitchen sessions with theoretical knowledge in hospitality management, purchasing, and stock control. While specific unit details may vary, typical competencies include preparing appetisers and salads, cookery for main courses, desserts, and patisserie, as well as leadership skills for managing a kitchen team. This blend of cookery and management ensures graduates are job-ready for supervisory roles in commercial kitchens.
The course duration is 1 year 4 months (68 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in a full-time face-to-face mode with English as the language of instruction. There are no part-time or online options for this CRICOS registration. It is a single qualification — not part of a dual or packaged program — and does not include foundation studies. Students should expect a mix of classroom theory and practical kitchen sessions across the duration. Campus attendance is required at the specified locations in Melbourne.
Course fees are indicative and set by Prospect Education Group Pty Ltd. As per the CRICOS register, the tuition fee is A$17,500 and non-tuition fees (such as materials, uniforms, and administration) are A$2,000, giving an estimated total of A$19,500. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For current and confirmed fees, always visit the provider's official website. Fees are subject to change and should be verified before applying. HeadStart Academy provides these figures as a guide only, sourced from the April 2026 CRICOS data.
International students typically need to demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall. Additionally, applicants are expected to have completed an Australian Certificate III in Cookery or equivalent, or possess relevant industry experience. Academic requirements may include completion of Year 12 or equivalent. Some providers offer pathway programs if you do not meet direct entry criteria. Always check specific entry requirements with Prospect Education Group Pty Ltd, as they set their own admission standards. For visa purposes, you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. This guidance does not constitute migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for personalised assessment.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a student visa holder, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Any work is separate from the course and not assessed. Practical kitchen sessions are part of the curriculum, but these are not considered a work placement.
The course is delivered at three locations in Melbourne, Victoria. These are: Level 8, 118 Queens St, Melbourne VIC; Swanston Institute, 364 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000; and Swanston Institute Kitchen, 318 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000. All are centrally located in Melbourne's CBD, providing easy access by train, tram, and bus. Melbourne is a vibrant multicultural city with a thriving food scene, offering excellent opportunities for hospitality students. The city hosts over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering cookery courses. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$1,200–1,500 per month for rent, groceries, and transport, but these vary based on lifestyle.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course, with work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during holidays. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate a genuine intention to study and return home. As a CRICOS-registered course, you are protected by the ESOS Act, which ensures education quality, tuition protection, and refund rights. Always verify visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
Follow these three steps to start your journey: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses. Filter by course level (Certificate IV), field (Food and Hospitality), and city (Melbourne). Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Prospect Education Group Pty Ltd to check entry requirements, submit your documents (academic transcripts, English test results, etc.), and meet application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement.
Melbourne is Australia's culinary capital, boasting an eclectic food scene with restaurants, cafes, and markets. Over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offer cookery and hospitality courses here, making it a top destination for aspiring chefs. The city has excellent public transport, diverse cultural experiences, and a student population of over 250,000 international students. Living costs are moderate compared to Sydney, with weekly rent for a share house around A$200–350. However, competition for jobs in hospitality can be high. Consider your budget, career goals, and lifestyle preferences when choosing Melbourne. For more city-specific advice, explore our location guides.
Explore more cookery courses in Melbourne on HeadStart Academy and start your application today.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is a CRICOS-registered programme at Prospect Education Group 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.