Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 109630J) is a Certificate IV delivered by Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd over 1 year 5 months (~74 weeks). This qualification is designed for aspiring chefs and kitchen managers who want to develop advanced cookery skills, menu planning, cost control, and team leadership abilities. Acknowledge Education (CRICOS 00197D) is a private provider with campuses across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Brunswick, VIC. The course sits within the Food and Hospitality field (110109 Cookery) and is ideal for international students seeking a pathway to supervisory roles in commercial kitchens. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, meaning they meet Australian Government standards for international education. With over 1,500 providers and 26,000 courses registered, Australia offers extensive options. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during breaks, subject to visa conditions. The course includes a 10-week industry placement, providing real-world experience essential for employment. ESOS Act protections apply to all listed institutions, ensuring your rights as an international student. Use this page as your guide to fees, entry requirements, locations, and the application process.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS 109630J) is classified under Field of Education 11 - Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, specifically 110109 Cookery. At AQF Level 4, graduates typically develop skills in complex food preparation, menu costing, inventory management, and staff supervision. While the exact syllabus is set by Acknowledge Education, students can expect to learn about kitchen operations, food safety, recipe development, and financial management. This level builds on foundational cookery knowledge (usually a Certificate III) and prepares students for roles such as chef de partie, kitchen manager, or sous chef. The course also emphasises work-readiness through its integrated work component. Australia's hospitality industry is growing, with strong demand for qualified kitchen managers in restaurants, hotels, and catering services. Studying in a multicultural environment like Australia also enhances communication and teamwork skills valued globally. Always confirm the specific units of study directly with the provider, as courses may vary between institutions.
The course runs for 1 year 5 months (74 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Delivery is full-time in English, with no dual qualification or foundation studies attached. This duration includes the work component (10 weeks of industry placement at 28 hours per week), which is integrated into the program. Students should expect a structured timetable combining classroom learning, practical kitchen sessions, and placement hours. As a single qualification, you will graduate with a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management upon successful completion. The 74-week period begins from your course start date and includes any scheduled breaks. Always check with Acknowledge Education for precise term dates and study load information. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
Tuition fees for Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Acknowledge Education are listed as A$16,000 on the CRICOS register, with non-tuition fees of A$0, giving an estimated total of A$16,000. These fees are indicative as at April 2026 and set by the provider. Important: Additional costs not included in the course fee include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. For the 2025-26 financial year, the Australian Government recommends a living cost of approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student. Rent varies by city: in Melbourne, a one-bedroom apartment averages A$350–450 per week; in Perth, A$300–400; in Brisbane, A$280–380; and in Sydney, A$450–600. Always visit the Acknowledge Education website for the most current fee schedule before applying. Course fees may change, and you should factor in all expenses when budgeting. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees; all data is sourced directly from CRICOS.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) for Certificate IV level. Acknowledge Education may also require completion of a Certificate III in Cookery (or equivalent) as a prerequisite, given the advanced nature of this qualification. For students without a prior cookery background, the provider may offer pathway options such as a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. Always check the specific entry criteria on the provider's website. Foundation studies are not included in this course. Meeting the English requirement is essential for visa eligibility. If you need to improve your English, consider pathway programs offered by many institutions. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting with the provider directly or a registered education agent for tailored advice. Remember, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a visa; the Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually against the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks at 28 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours. This is an industry placement or internship in a commercial kitchen, designed to give you hands-on experience in a real workplace. You may be placed in restaurants, hotels, or catering venues where you apply the skills learned in class, such as food preparation, menu execution, and kitchen management. The placement is supervised by both the provider and the employer. It is an excellent opportunity to build a professional network, gain Australian work experience, and enhance your employability. As part of your Student visa (Subclass 500), you are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Note that your placement hours may count toward this limit if paid. ESOS Act protections ensure your work placement meets quality standards. Discuss placement arrangements with Acknowledge Education before enrolment.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is delivered at multiple campuses across Australia, giving you flexibility to choose your study location: 107 Brunswick Road – Brunswick, VIC; 166-172 Exhibition St – Melbourne, VIC; 647 Wellington St Perth – Perth, WA; Brisbane Campus - 225 St Pauls Tce, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006; Kent St/Hickson Rd – Sydney, NSW; and Level 4 222 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Melbourne, as a major hub, hosts over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. The city offers excellent public transport (trains, trams, buses) with frequent services to campuses. Sydney has a similar vibrant scene with about 180 providers, while Perth and Brisbane are more affordable with diverse hospitality sectors. Fortitude Valley in Brisbane is known for its dining precinct. When choosing a location, consider cost of living: Sydney is the most expensive for rent and transport, while Perth and Adelaide are more budget-friendly. All campuses are listed on CRICOS and backed by ESOS protections.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Acknowledge Education, proof of English proficiency, sufficient funds for tuition and living costs (indicative A$21,041/year plus tuition), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and a genuine intention to stay temporarily (GTE criterion). Once enrolled, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. Your Education provider must be CRICOS-registered to enrol you, which Acknowledge Education (00197D) is. The ESOS Act protects your tuition fees through Tuition Protection Service (TPS) and ensures quality education. For visa application, it is strongly recommended to consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice. Stay informed about visa condition changes by regularly checking official sources.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Acknowledge Education: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses and compare providers. Filter by level, location, and field to find the best fit. 2. Apply directly to Acknowledge Education – Meet the entry requirements (English test, prior qualifications) and submit your application through the provider's website. Include all required documents, such as academic transcripts and passport. Application deadlines vary, so check early. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use it to lodge your visa application via ImmiAccount. Prepare supporting documents: OSHC policy, financial evidence, GTE statement. Visa processing times vary; apply at least 8 weeks before course start. For personalised help, speak to a registered education agent or migration agent. HeadStart Academy provides free resources and no-charge guidance – but we are not a migration service.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is ideal if you have basic cookery skills and want to advance to a supervisory role. You should enjoy fast-paced environments, leading teams, and creating menus. If you are new to cookery, consider starting with a Certificate III or a foundation program. Also think about location: Melbourne offers a vibrant food scene with many job opportunities but higher living costs. Perth and Brisbane are more affordable with growing hospitality sectors. All cities have good public transport access to campuses. Remember that this is a full-time commitment of 74 weeks. If you prefer part-time study, this may not suit you. Factor in the work placement, which requires a 10-week block of 28 hours per week – ensure you have availability. Australia's strong employment outlook for chefs and kitchen managers makes this a worthwhile investment. Use HeadStart Academy to compare similar courses and make an informed decision.
Ready to take the next step? Follow the application process above to secure your place in Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Acknowledge Education. Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and start your journey today.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is a CRICOS-registered programme at Acknowledge Education 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.