Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109762H) is a Certificate III delivered by Gordon Institute of TAFE over 1 year. This VET qualification (AQF Level 3, VET national code SIT30821) is designed for international students seeking foundational skills in cookery, kitchen operations, and food safety. As a CRICOS-registered course at a government TAFE provider (CRICOS 00011G), it meets the standards required for Student visa (Subclass 500) applications. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring accuracy and transparency for prospective students.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109762H) is a 1-year, full-time program offered by Gordon Institute of TAFE, a government-owned TAFE based in Geelong, Victoria. This qualification falls under the field of Food and Hospitality (11 - Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, 1101 - Food and Hospitality, 110109 - Cookery). It equips students with essential cookery techniques, menu planning, kitchen management, and food hygiene practices. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider ID 00011G), it is approved for delivery to international students and covered by the ESOS Act protections, including the Tuition Protection Service (TPS). Gordon Institute of TAFE has been a trusted education provider for decades, with multiple campuses in the Geelong region. This course does not offer a dual qualification nor foundation studies; it is a standalone Certificate III. Students who complete this qualification may progress to Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or related diploma programs. HeadStart Academy notes that Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students – this course is one of them.
The course covers practical and theoretical aspects of commercial cookery, aligned with the SIT30821 national training package. Students learn about kitchen operations, food preparation, cooking methods, plating and presentation, stock control, and workplace safety. The curriculum typically includes units on hygiene and sanitation, nutrition, menu development, and teamwork in a commercial kitchen. Graduates are prepared for roles such as commis chef, pastry cook, or kitchen hand in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses. While individual unit lists may vary, the focus is on building competence in a fast-paced kitchen environment. The course combines classroom learning with hands-on training in modern kitchen facilities at Gordon's campuses in East Geelong and Geelong city. Field of education: Food and Hospitality – a growing sector in Australia's tourism and hospitality industry, particularly in regional centres like Geelong which has a vibrant food scene and proximity to Melbourne's markets.
The course is scheduled for 52 weeks (1 year) of full-time study, as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no bundled or dual awards). Students attend classes and practical sessions at Gordon Institute of TAFE's delivery locations in Geelong. The study mode is face-to-face, with hands-on kitchen workshops. This duration meets the requirements for a Student visa (Subclass 500), which typically requires full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course. International students must maintain satisfactory attendance and course progress to comply with visa conditions.
The indicative fees for this course, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, are as follows: tuition fee A$17,000, non-tuition fees A$2,650 (covering materials, amenities, and other charges), estimated total A$19,650. These fees are set by Gordon Institute of TAFE and are subject to change without notice. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – mandatory for international students, currently around A$600–800 per year for single cover; living expenses – Geelong is more affordable than Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent A$200–300, groceries A$80–120, and public transport about A$30–50; visa application charge for Subclass 500 is approximately A$1,600 (subject to change). Always confirm current fees directly with Gordon Institute of TAFE via their website http://www.gordontafe.edu.au/. HeadStart Academy provides indicative amounts only – never guaranteed. ESOS Act protections apply to all fee payments.
International applicants must meet academic and English language requirements. For Certificate III level, applicants typically need completion of Year 11 or equivalent in their home country. English proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) is commonly required for this level. Some specific language skills may be necessary for cookery courses, such as communication in a kitchen environment. Applicants whose prior education was in English may be exempt. Gordon Institute of TAFE may also have specific prerequisite or bridging options. It is essential to check the provider's current entry criteria. For pathway information – if you do not meet the English requirement, consider English language courses (ELICOS) offered by many CRICOS-registered providers. Foundation studies are not part of this course but may be available separately. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting Gordon's international admissions team for accurate assessment.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 6 weeks of industry placement, at 30 hours per week (approximately 180 total hours). This work-integrated learning (WIL) provides practical experience in a real commercial kitchen environment, such as a restaurant, hotel, or catering facility. It allows students to apply skills learned in class, build professional networks, and gain Australian workplace references. The placement is arranged by Gordon Institute of TAFE, though students may also source their own host employer with approval. All students must comply with workplace health and safety regulations and may need a valid visa with work rights. The work component is graded as part of the course and is covered by the provider's insurance and student support services. International students can also work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks under the Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is delivered at two locations in Geelong, Victoria: 185 St Albans Road, East Geelong, VIC (Gordon's main campus) and Gordon Institute of TAFE - Geelong, in central Geelong. Geelong is Victoria's second-largest city, with a population of over 250,000. It has a strong hospitality sector, with many restaurants, cafes, and food producers. Geelong is approximately 1 hour from Melbourne by train, providing access to metropolitan attractions. Living costs in Geelong are lower than in Melbourne, making it an attractive study destination. Public transport (buses and trains) connects the campuses to accommodation areas. The region has several other registered providers; Gordon Institute of TAFE is the only government TAFE in the area. Students can explore the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula, and Great Ocean Road during breaks.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to undertake this course. Visa conditions include: maintaining full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course; satisfactory course progress and attendance; valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay; and not engaging in work beyond 48 hours per fortnight during term (unlimited during scheduled holidays). All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating they intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study. To apply, you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Gordon Institute of TAFE. The CoE is issued after acceptance of the offer and payment of fees. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice – consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personal assessment. ESOS Act protections ensure quality assurance and refund policies.
Follow these three steps to secure your place in Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Gordon Institute of TAFE: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to search for courses like this. Confirm that Gordon Institute of TAFE (CRICOS 00011G) holds current registration. Check entry requirements, fees, and location. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Gordon's website http://www.gordontafe.edu.au/ and submit an online application. You will need to provide academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), passport copy, and any other documents requested. Pay attention to application deadlines – courses may have intakes multiple times per year. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, Gordon will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Arrange OSHC, demonstrate financial capacity, and prepare for visa interview if required. HeadStart Academy provides guidance but always consult the official sources.
Start your culinary career in Australia – explore Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Gordon Institute of TAFE today. Visit http://www.gordontafe.edu.au/ for the latest information and to apply.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at Gordon Institute of TAFE. 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.