Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 109673J) is a Certificate IV delivered by Durban International College Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This qualification is designed for aspiring chefs and kitchen managers who want to combine advanced cooking skills with supervisory and financial management capabilities. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 02915G), it meets the rigorous standards of the Australian education system and is available to international students seeking a practical pathway into Australia's thriving hospitality sector. Whether you plan to work in fine dining restaurants, hotels, or run your own catering business, this course provides the hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge needed to excel. With delivery locations in Melbourne's CBD, Adelaide city centre, and regional South Australia (Renmark), you can choose an environment that suits your lifestyle. All HeadStart Academy resources are free and data-driven from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 109673J) is a Certificate IV delivered by Durban International College Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This vocational qualification, coded SIT40521 under the national VET system, sits at AQF Level 4 and focuses on advanced cookery techniques, kitchen operations, menu costing, inventory management, and team leadership. The course belongs to the field of Food, Hospitality and Personal Services (narrow field: Food and Hospitality, detailed field: Cookery). Graduates typically emerge ready to take on roles such as chef, sous chef, kitchen manager, or catering team leader. At HeadStart Academy, we source all course data directly from the CRICOS register, ensuring you access the most up-to-date, trustworthy information about registered providers and courses. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, this course stands out for its integrated work component and multiple delivery locations.
While specific curricula vary by provider, Certificate IV in Kitchen Management typically prepares students for supervisory-level kitchen roles. Learning areas include advanced food preparation and presentation, menu planning and costing, workplace health and safety compliance, food safety management, team leadership and communication, and financial management for kitchen operations. The course blends classroom theory with practical kitchen sessions, building on skills developed at the Certificate III level. Students learn to manage stock, develop recipes, supervise kitchen teams, and ensure quality control. Because this is a CRICOS-registered course, international students benefit from ESOS Act protections, which guarantee education quality and consumer rights. Always check with Durban International College for their exact syllabus and assessment methods.
The course is scheduled over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a single qualification (not a dual or combined award) and all instruction is delivered in English. Study modes may include full-time face-to-face classes, practical kitchen sessions, and self-directed learning. Duration may vary if you study part-time, but international student visa holders must maintain full-time enrolment. The 78-week duration includes both teaching periods and scheduled holidays. No foundation studies component is attached to this course.
Tuition fee: A$20,500 (indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register). Non-tuition fees: A$0 (i.e., no additional compulsory fees listed on the register). Estimated total cost: A$20,500. Please note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC – approximately A$600–A$800 per year for single cover), living costs (e.g., rent, food, transport), or the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for a Student visa Subclass 500). Always confirm current fees directly with Durban International College via their website at https://dic.edu.au/. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change. HeadStart Academy provides fee data as a guide only; we receive no commission or referral fees.
International students must meet both academic and English language requirements. For Certificate IV level, a typical expectation is completion of Australian Year 12 (or equivalent overseas qualification). Some providers may also require successful completion of a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or relevant industry experience. English language proficiency: typically IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Durban International College may offer internal English tests or accept alternative scores such as TOEFL iBT or PTE. If you do not meet the direct entry requirements, consider pathway programs or foundation studies offered by the provider. Always verify precise entry criteria with the institution. Under ESOS, providers must be transparent about entry requirements and support students transitioning into higher-level courses.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 10 weeks, 20 hours per week (approximately 200 total hours). Work-integrated learning (WIL) such as industry placement, internship, or supervised kitchen practical hours is built into the curriculum. For kitchen management, this typically involves working in a commercial kitchen environment under supervision, applying advanced cooking techniques, and gaining real-world supervisory experience. This component helps you meet the Australian hospitality industry's expectations and can count toward the skilled migration work experience requirements. Ensure you have appropriate visa conditions for work placements; student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when study is in session, but work-integrated learning placements are usually counted as part of the course, not as employment.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is delivered at four locations: DIC Melbourne Campus at 166-172 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC; Durban Renmark at Old Calperum SA (regional South Australia); Level 1, Eastern Side, 128 Hindley Street, Adelaide SA; and Level 18, 45 Grenfell St, Adelaide SA. Melbourne is Australia's largest city for international students, with over 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering hospitality courses. Adelaide, a more affordable capital, has around 60 providers and a growing food scene. Renmark in regional SA offers a quieter, lower-cost lifestyle. Living costs vary: Melbourne weekly rent ~$350–$500, Adelaide ~$250–$400, regional SA ~$200–$300. All campuses are accessible by public transport. Check with the college for specific campus facilities and start dates.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Durban International College, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and meet health and character requirements. Student work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled holidays. You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and satisfactory course progress. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your visa. For visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only – we are not migration agents.
If you have a passion for cooking and want to move beyond the kitchen hand or commis chef level to take on supervisory and management responsibilities, this course is a strong fit. It also suits those aiming for skilled migration pathways, as Chef and Cook roles are in high demand on Australia's skilled occupation lists. Consider your preferred location: Melbourne offers a vibrant hospitality scene with diverse cuisines and career opportunities; Adelaide provides a more relaxed lifestyle with a growing food culture; Renmark gives a taste of regional Australia and potential for lifestyle migration points. Remember that hands-on work placement is integral to this qualification, so be prepared for practical, time-intensive training. Always cross-check your long-term goals with the latest immigration policies.
<strong>1. Research CRICOS-registered providers:</strong> Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate IV), field (Food, Hospitality and Personal Services / Cookery), and city (Melbourne, Adelaide, Renmark). Compare Durban International College with other providers offering similar courses. <strong>2. Apply directly to your chosen institution:</strong> Check entry requirements (IELTS 5.0-5.5, academic qualifications) and submit your application to Durban International College with required documents (transcripts, English test, passport). Deadlines vary – apply at least 3 months before course start. <strong>3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500):</strong> Once accepted, the college issues a CoE. Use this to lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, include OSHC evidence, proof of funds, and a GTE statement. After visa grant, book flights and accommodation. HeadStart Academy is a free resource – we never charge fees or receive commissions from providers.
Ready to start your kitchen management journey? Explore more Certificate IV cookery courses on HeadStart Academy or contact Durban International College directly.
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Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is a CRICOS-registered programme at Durban 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.