Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109763G) is a Certificate III delivered by Department of Training and Workforce Development over 1 year. This AQF Level 3 qualification prepares students for entry-level cookery roles in commercial kitchens across Australia. Delivered at six campuses in Western Australia, including Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Joondalup, Broome, Bentley, and Mandurah, this course combines practical and theoretical training in food preparation, kitchen operations, and safety. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00020G), Department of Training and Workforce Development meets Australian Government standards for international student education. International students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality and financial safeguards. Whether you aim to work in restaurants, hotels, or catering, this course provides a pathway to a culinary career. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) presents this guide to help you understand course structure, fees, entry requirements, and application steps.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109763G) is a Certificate III delivered by Department of Training and Workforce Development over 1 year. This qualification is at AQF Level 3 and falls under the field of Food and Hospitality (110109 - Cookery). The VET national code is SIT30821. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. The course is taught in English and has no mandatory work component, though practical training is embedded in the curriculum. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is available to international students who meet entry requirements. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses in Australia, this program is part of a robust educational landscape. The course is delivered by a government provider, ensuring compliance with Australian quality standards.
The Certificate III in Commercial Cookery focuses on developing practical skills and knowledge for commercial cookery. Students learn about food safety, kitchen operations, menu planning, and preparation of various cuisines. The curriculum covers budgeting, teamwork, and communication within a hospitality environment. Typical learning outcomes include ability to prepare appetisers, main dishes, desserts, and manage kitchen stock. While specific units are subject to change, graduates are equipped for roles such as chef, cook, or kitchen manager. The course aligns with industry standards and prepares students for the Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery if they wish to advance. Field of education is Food and Hospitality, which is a growing sector in Australia, especially in tourism destinations like Western Australia.
The duration on the CRICOS register is 1 year (52 weeks). The course is delivered full-time in a classroom and practical setting. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification – no dual qualification or foundation studies. Students should plan for a full-time study commitment. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. The program may include campus-based practical sessions in commercial kitchens, allowing hands-on experience. The 52-week structure includes breaks as per the academic calendar.
Indicative fees for this course are sourced from the CRICOS register: tuition A$16,890, non-tuition fees A$5,387, estimated total A$22,277. These figures do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for student visa holders and costs approximately A$500-$700 per year. Living expenses vary by location: Perth is Australia's most affordable capital city, with weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$200-A$300, groceries A$80-A$120, and public transport A$40-$60. Regional campuses like Kalgoorlie or Broome may have lower costs. Always confirm current fees with the provider at http://www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au/. Fees are subject to change, so it's essential to verify before applying.
Entry requirements for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery typically include an IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications: completion of Year 10 or equivalent is generally expected for AQF Level 3 courses. Some providers may require a demonstrated interest or aptitude in cookery. There is no foundation or pathway component listed for this course, but students who do not meet English requirements may consider ELICOS programs. The Department of Training and Workforce Development may have specific prerequisites – check their website for details. Additional requirements may include a medical clearance or police check depending on the provider. Note: Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee admission; the final decision rests with the institution.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, practical training is integrated into the curriculum through on-campus kitchen sessions. Students may have opportunities for voluntary work placements or internships, but these are not required. The absence of a mandatory work component means the course is classroom- and practical-based, allowing students to focus on foundational skills. For those seeking work experience, hospitality internships may be arranged separately.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is delivered at six campuses across Western Australia: Central Regional TAFE – Kalgoorlie Campus in KALGOORLIE, Central Regional TAFE – Geraldton Campus in Geraldton, North Metropolitan TAFE – Joondalup Campus in Joondalup, North Regional TAFE – Broome Campus in Broome, South Metropolitan TAFE – Bentley Campus in Bentley, and South Metropolitan TAFE – Mandurah Campus in MANDURAH. Each location offers access to commercial kitchen facilities. Students can choose a campus based on lifestyle preferences: Kalgoorlie is a regional mining city with lower living costs; Geraldton is coastal; Joondalup is a northern Perth suburb; Broome is a tropical tourist hub; Bentley is near Perth city; Mandurah is a coastal city south of Perth. All campuses are easily accessible by public transport.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. The visa requires you to be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course and meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying and unlimited during scheduled breaks. Financial capacity: you need to demonstrate funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel. Dependants may also apply. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Department of Training and Workforce Development:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm CRICOS status at cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (English tests, academic documents) and application deadlines. Submit your application online via TAFE International Western Australia website.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you’ll receive a CoE. Prepare your visa application with GTE statement, OSHC, and financial evidence. Lodge via ImmiAccount.
Western Australia is Australia’s largest state, known for its mining industry, stunning beaches, and laid-back lifestyle. Perth, the capital, is home to over 2 million people and offers a vibrant multicultural scene. Regional areas like Kalgoorlie, Broome, and Geraldton provide unique opportunities and lower living costs. WA has over 300 CRICOS-registered providers, including public TAFEs and universities. For cookery students, the state’s growing hospitality sector, driven by tourism and resources, offers employment prospects. Consider your preference: city life in Perth or regional charm. Cost of living varies significantly: Perth is moderate, while regional areas are cheaper. Public transport connects campuses to city centers.
Ready to start? Research your CRICOS course today at headstartacademy.com.au and take the next step toward studying in Australia.
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Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at Department of Training and Workforce Development. 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.