Are you looking to advance your career in the culinary industry? Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 109658H) is a Certificate IV delivered by Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust over 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks). This qualification equips you with the skills to manage kitchen operations, design menus, and lead a team. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 02695C), it meets the standards for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this program is part of the vibrant hospitality sector in Queensland. With a work component of 12 weeks (8 hrs/week) and delivery locations across Southport, Ashmore, Spring Hill, and Brisbane, this course offers a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience. Whether you aim to become a head chef or kitchen manager, this qualification opens doors to Australia's thriving food and hospitality industry. Read on for fees, entry requirements, and how to apply.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS 109658H) is a VET qualification at AQF Level 4, falling under Field of Education 11 – Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, specifically Cookery (110109). Delivered by Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust, the course runs for 56 weeks (1 year 1 month) and is taught in English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study options. The course includes a mandatory 12-week work component (8 hours per week, totaling approximately 96 hours) that provides industry placement experience. This is an ideal pathway for those seeking to work in commercial kitchens, restaurants, or hotels in Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course, it ensures compliance with Australian education standards and student visa requirements. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) – a free resource with no referral fees.
This course covers advanced cookery skills and kitchen management principles. Students learn to design menus, manage food costs, supervise kitchen staff, and ensure food safety standards. The curriculum typically includes subjects like kitchen operations management, advanced cookery methods, menu planning, and workplace health and safety. Graduates are prepared for roles such as chef, kitchen manager, or catering supervisor. While the specific syllabus is set by Imagine Education, the field of education (Cookery) focuses on both practical cooking techniques and managerial competencies. This combination makes the qualification valuable for those aiming to run their own food business or lead a kitchen team. The work component provides real-world exposure, helping students apply their skills in a commercial environment.
The course duration is 56 weeks (1 year 1 month) as registered on CRICOS. Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). The study mode is typically full-time, with a combination of classroom learning and practical sessions. Students are expected to commit to approximately 20–25 hours per week of classes and self-study. The work component (12 weeks, 8 hrs/week) is integrated into the course schedule, often requiring flexibility for shifts. International students should ensure they meet the student visa condition of maintaining full-time enrolment. The duration is designed to cover all necessary competencies while allowing for a balance of theory and practice.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative at A$21,500, with non-tuition fees of A$500, making an estimated total of A$22,000. These fees are set by Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust and are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are NOT included. For the most current fee schedule, always check the provider's website at www.imagineeducation.com.au. Living costs in Queensland vary: in Brisbane, weekly rent ranges from A$200–$400 for shared accommodation, groceries around A$80–$150, and public transport about A$50–$80. These are guides only – your actual expenses depend on lifestyle and location.
To enrol, you typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) and have completed a qualification at AQF Level 3 or higher, such as Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. Some prior experience in a commercial kitchen is often beneficial. Imagine Education may have specific prerequisites, so it's essential to confirm directly. This course does not include foundation studies; however, pathway options may be available if needed. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the Student visa (Subclass 500). English language waivers may be possible if you've studied in an English-speaking environment. Always check with the provider for exact entry criteria.
This course includes a compulsory work-integrated learning component: 12 weeks (approximately 96 total hours) at 8 hours per week. This is an industry placement or internship in a commercial kitchen setting. It allows you to apply classroom knowledge in a real workplace, build professional networks, and gain hands-on experience under supervision. The placement may be arranged by the provider or self-sourced, subject to approval. This component is integral to the qualification and must be completed to graduate. The work hours count as part of your course load, so they won't affect your student visa work limits (48 hours per fortnight during term).
The course is delivered at four locations in Queensland: 13 Benowa Road, SOUTHPORT (Gold Coast); 151 Currumburra Road, ASHMORE (Gold Coast); Level 2, 170 Leichhardt St, SPRING HILL QLD (Brisbane); and Shop 4, 12 Annerley Road, WOOLLOONGABBA, BRISBANE. All campuses are in metropolitan areas with good public transport access. The Gold Coast and Brisbane are major hubs for hospitality and tourism, offering ample job opportunities during and after study. Queensland has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, and the state's lifestyle and climate attract many international students. Typical living costs in Brisbane are slightly lower than Sydney or Melbourne, with weekly rent averaging A$250–$400 for a room in a shared apartment.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment, attending classes, and meeting course progress. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks – subject to visa conditions. You must also have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study. Financial capacity evidence (tuition, living costs, OSHC) is required. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate IV), field (Food & Hospitality), and location (Queensland). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (as Imagine Education is: 02695C).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (e.g., IELTS 5.0–5.5), prepare documents (transcripts, English test results, passport), and submit your application through Imagine Education's website or admissions office. Pay attention to application deadlines.
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 apply for a student visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Processing times vary – apply early.
Queensland is a top destination for hospitality studies, with a strong tourism industry, diverse culinary scene, and warm climate. Brisbane and the Gold Coast offer numerous cafes, restaurants, and hotels where you can gain work experience. The state has a large international student community, with over 100,000 students enrolled in CRICOS courses. Living costs are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, making it an attractive option. However, consider your preference for city vs. coastal lifestyle. Brisbane offers urban amenities, while the Gold Coast provides a beachside environment. Public transport connects all campuses, so accessibility is good. If you're passionate about food and leadership, this course in Queensland could be an excellent choice.
Ready to advance your hospitality career? Visit Imagine Education Australia's website to apply for Certificate IV in Kitchen Management today, or use HeadStart Academy to explore more CRICOS-registered courses.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is a CRICOS-registered programme at Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust. 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.