Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 109619D) is a Certificate IV delivered by Datum College Pty Ltd over 1 year 9 months (~92 weeks). This qualification, coded SIT40521 in the national VET register, is designed for aspiring chefs and kitchen managers. You'll gain advanced cookery skills, menu planning, stock control, and supervisory abilities. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03979E), international students are protected under the ESOS Act. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, making it a trusted destination for hospitality studies. This course is ideal if you want to work in commercial kitchens or pursue further studies in hospitality management.
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This qualification falls under the field of Food, Hospitality and Personal Services (broad field 11) and specifically Food and Hospitality (narrow field 1101) with a focus on Cookery (110109). At the Certificate IV level, you'll develop technical and managerial skills for kitchen operations. Typical study areas include: preparing and cooking complex dishes, managing food safety programs, designing menus, controlling kitchen costs, and leading kitchen teams. You'll also learn about food costing, purchasing, and inventory management. The course blends theory with practical application, preparing you for roles like chef, kitchen supervisor, or caterer. While the exact syllabus is set by Datum College, these are the standard competencies expected at this level. Graduates may also pathway to a Diploma of Hospitality Management.
The course runs for 1 year 9 months, which equates to approximately 92 weeks of study according to the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English, and this is a single qualification (no dual award). The program includes both classroom learning and practical kitchen sessions. As a full-time international student, you will need to maintain satisfactory course progress to comply with visa conditions. The provider may offer flexible study modes such as part-time options, but the CRICOS registration shows the standard duration. Full-time study typically requires 20–25 hours per week of classes and self-study.
The indicative fees for this course, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, are: tuition A$21,000, non-tuition fees A$2,500 (which may include materials, uniforms, or other charges), giving an estimated total of A$23,500. Please note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For the most current and detailed fee breakdown, always check with Datum College directly. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at $450–$600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport, depending on your lifestyle. OSHC required for student visa holders costs around $600–$900 per year. All fees are subject to change and are set solely by the institution.
As a Certificate IV level course, typical entry requirements include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. For international students, an English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) is generally expected. Since this is a standalone Certificate IV (not a foundation or pathway program), you may need to demonstrate previous experience or qualifications in cookery, such as a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. The provider may also require a pre-training assessment or interview. Contact Datum College for precise entry criteria. If you do not meet the English requirements, consider pathway options like an ELICOS course.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 12 weeks, totalling approximately 240 hours. This is an industry placement where you'll gain real-world experience in a commercial kitchen. Activities may include cooking, plating, and managing kitchen operations under supervision. This work-integrated learning is designed to build your confidence, develop employer-valued skills, and satisfy the practical requirements of the qualification. It also allows you to network with industry professionals and may lead to employment opportunities. Ensure you have a valid student visa with work rights for the placement.
Datum College Pty Ltd delivers this course at two campuses in Victoria: (1) 11-17 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne, VIC 3003 and (2) Footscray Campus, Footscray, VIC. Both are located in the Greater Melbourne area, which is home to over 200,000 international students. The West Melbourne campus is close to the CBD with easy access via public transport, while Footscray is a vibrant multicultural hub with affordable living options. Victoria has the second-highest number of CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, offering a wide range of courses. Living costs in Melbourne are generally higher than regional areas but lower than Sydney. Choose a location that suits your lifestyle and budget.
To study this course in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for visa assistance. The Department of Home Affairs has full details. Remember, all CRICOS-registered courses meet the requirements for a student visa, and this course is no exception.
Applying for Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Datum College is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course finder to filter by course level (Certificate IV), field (Cookery), and location (Victoria). Confirm the course code 109619D.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Datum College's website, check their specific entry requirements (including English level and academic prerequisites), gather necessary documents (transcripts, English test results, passport), and submit an application. Be aware of application deadlines.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE, which you'll need for your visa application. You can apply online through the Department of Home Affairs. After approval, you can start your studies and enjoy life in Australia.
Victoria is a top destination for hospitality education, with over 80 CRICOS-registered providers offering cookery courses. Melbourne's culinary scene is world-renowned, and the state has a strong demand for skilled chefs. As an international student, you'll benefit from multicultural communities, excellent public transport, and a high standard of living. However, consider factors like climate (cool winters), cost of living (Melbourne is about 20% cheaper than Sydney), and the competitive job market. Work placement in this course will give you a foothold. Always compare other states like NSW or Queensland, which also have strong hospitality sectors.
Ready to start your cookery career? Explore Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Datum College or use HeadStart Academy to find similar courses across Australia.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is a CRICOS-registered programme at Datum 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.