Certificate III in Patisserie (CRICOS course code 109758D) is a Certificate III delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic over 1 year. This qualification, in the field of Food and Hospitality (Baking and Pastrymaking), equips students with foundational skills in producing a range of patisserie products, from classic pastries to decorative cakes. Melbourne Polytechnic, a government-owned TAFE institution and CRICOS-registered provider (00724G), offers this course at its Preston Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. As an international student, you'll gain hands-on experience in commercial kitchens, learning from industry-experienced trainers. Upon completion, you'll be prepared for roles such as pastry cook or baker in hotels, cafes, and patisseries. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is a trusted pathway into the culinary industry. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Certificate III in Patisserie (CRICOS 109758D) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic (CRICOS 00724G). The course code in the VET national system is SIT31021. It is a single qualification with no work component, conducted entirely in English over 52 weeks (1 year). The field of education is 11 - Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, specifically 110107 - Baking and Pastrymaking. This course is designed for international students seeking to enter the patisserie industry in Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the standards set by the ESOS Act, ensuring international student protections. Melbourne Polytechnic is a government provider with a strong reputation for vocational training. The course is delivered face-to-face at the Preston Campus, providing access to industry-standard facilities.
This Certificate III in Patisserie covers essential skills for working in a commercial patisserie. Students learn to prepare and produce a variety of pastry and dessert items, including cakes, pastries, breads, and chocolates. The curriculum typically includes topics such as food safety, ingredient selection, mixing techniques, baking processes, and presentation. At this AQF Level 3, graduates are expected to apply a range of well-developed skills and knowledge to complete routine activities and solve predictable problems. The course focuses on both theoretical understanding and practical application in a kitchen environment. While the specific syllabus is set by Melbourne Polytechnic, the broad learning outcomes align with industry standards for pastry chefs in Australia's hospitality sector.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual qualification or foundation studies). Study is full-time and typically involves a combination of classroom learning and practical kitchen sessions. The Preston Campus provides modern training facilities. International students must maintain a full-time study load to comply with student visa conditions.
Tuition fees for Certificate III in Patisserie at Melbourne Polytechnic are indicative: A$13,500 total. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, giving an estimated total of A$13,500. Please note that these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the provider. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For current fees, always check Melbourne Polytechnic's website directly. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at around A$30,000 per year for a single student, covering rent, groceries, and transport. Melbourne has a large student population, with over 100 registered providers in the city.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). For this Certificate III level, applicants should have completed Year 12 or equivalent. There are no foundation studies options listed for this course. Prior experience or aptitude in cooking may be beneficial. Always confirm specific entry requirements with Melbourne Polytechnic, as they may have additional prerequisites. For visa purposes, you must demonstrate English proficiency and genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. While the course itself does not have a work placement, voluntary work or internships may be possible with employer agreement.
The course is delivered at the Preston Campus, located at 77-91 St Georges Rd, Preston, VIC 3072. Preston is a suburb in Melbourne's northern corridor, approximately 8 km from the city centre. The campus is accessible by public transport, including trains to Preston station and bus routes. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 200,000 international students and numerous CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Melbourne are higher than the national average, with weekly rent for a share house around A$200–A$300, groceries A$80–A$100, and a public transport pass about A$50.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, satisfactory course progress, and valid OSHC coverage. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs for visa applications.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Patisserie at Melbourne Polytechnic:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to search for courses like this one. Filter by course level, field, and city to compare options. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Melbourne Polytechnic's website, check entry requirements (including English test scores), and submit your application by the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Melbourne Polytechnic will issue a CoE. Then apply for your student visa online, including OSHC evidence and financial documents.
Ready to start your patisserie career? Search for more courses on HeadStart Academy or contact Melbourne Polytechnic directly for application details.
Certificate III in Patisserie is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne Polytechnic. 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.