Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109765E) is a Certificate III delivered by Victoria University over 50 weeks (~12 months). This course is designed for students who want to start a career in the culinary industry, gaining practical skills in food preparation, cooking, and kitchen management. Located at Victoria University Footscray Nicholson in Melbourne, Victoria, this course is registered on CRICOS, ensuring it meets Australian standards for international students. With a work component of 20 weeks, students gain real industry experience. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource from the official CRICOS register. Whether you are an international student looking to study cookery in Australia or a migrant seeking to upskill, this course offers a pathway into the hospitality sector. Victoria University (CRICOS 00124K) is a government-funded institution with a strong reputation for vocational education. The indicative tuition fee is A$18,086, with an estimated total cost of A$18,737 including non-tuition fees. Note that additional costs such as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application fees are not included. All data is sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
This qualification is in the field of Food and Hospitality, specifically Cookery (ANZSCO 110109). Students develop skills in food preparation, cooking methods, kitchen hygiene, and safety. Graduates typically learn to plan and prepare menus, manage food costs, supervise kitchen operations, and lead teams. The course covers both basic and advanced techniques, including stock and soup preparation, vegetable cutting, meat and seafood cookery, and baking. It also emphasizes workplace communication, teamwork, and customer service. This vocational qualification leads to roles such as chef, cook, kitchen supervisor, or catering manager. The VET national code is SIT30821. Victoria University's curriculum is designed to meet industry standards, and the course includes practical assessments in commercial kitchen environments.
The course runs for 50 weeks, which is approximately 12 months. It is delivered full-time in English. This is a single qualification—not a dual or nested award. Students should expect a commitment of around 20 hours per week of classes and practical sessions. The duration is fixed on the CRICOS register and cannot be shortened. If you need a faster option, consider programs with accelerated delivery, but confirm with the provider. Victoria University uses a face-to-face delivery mode at its Footscray Nicholson campus, combining theory and hands-on training in commercial kitchens.
Indicative tuition fee: A$18,086. Non-tuition fees: A$651. Estimated total: A$18,737. These fees are set by Victoria University and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. They are subject to change—always check the provider's website for current fees. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) at approximately A$600–$700 per year, living expenses (around A$1,500–$2,000 per month in Melbourne), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Scholarships may be available—contact Victoria University directly.
International students typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent) with no band below 5.0. Applicants must have completed Year 12 or equivalent. Some providers may require previous study in hospitality or relevant work experience. For this course, no foundation studies are required, but if you do not meet English requirements, pathway programs or English language courses may be offered. Academically, a Certificate II in Cookery or equivalent is sometimes preferred but not mandatory. Always verify specific entry requirements with Victoria University, as criteria can change.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks, with 6 hours per week (approximately 120 total hours). This is a work-integrated learning placement in a commercial kitchen. Students gain hands-on experience in real hospitality settings, applying skills learned in class. The placement helps build industry connections and confidence. It may be in restaurants, hotels, or catering companies. Victoria University coordinates these placements, ensuring they meet CRICOS requirements for international students' work hours. Note that the work component is part of the course, not additional paid work—though students may be able to work extra hours under their student visa conditions.
This course is delivered at Victoria University's Footscray Nicholson campus in Footscray, Victoria. Footscray is an inner-western suburb of Melbourne, approximately 5 km from the city center, with excellent public transport via train, tram, and bus. The area is culturally diverse and known for its food scene. Melbourne itself is home to over 200,000 international students and dozens of CRICOS-registered providers. Studying in Melbourne offers access to a vibrant culinary industry, with many restaurants, catering businesses, and hospitality events. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate: indicative weekly rent A$200–$350, groceries A$80–$120, and public transport A$40–$60. The Footscray campus provides modern kitchen facilities and student support services.
To study this course on campus, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, proving you intend to stay temporarily for study. You need adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa—Victoria University may offer its own OSHC policy. Financial capacity evidence is required (tuition, living costs, travel). Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment, attendance, and academic progress. For detailed guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Melbourne is Australia's culinary capital, with over 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,433 courses. For cookery, there are dozens of options across certificate and diploma levels. Studying in Melbourne gives you access to a multicultural food scene, high employment in hospitality, and strong industry links. However, consider the cost of living—Melbourne is more expensive than regional areas but offers more part-time work opportunities. The Footscray campus is well-connected, but check commute times. Also, confirm that Victoria University's course includes the work component you desire. With ESOS Act protections, your tuition fees are safeguarded. Always verify CRICOS registration status on the official register before applying.
Follow these three steps to enroll:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Compare courses using HeadStart Academy's free resources. Filter by level (Certificate III), field (Food and Hospitality), and location (Victoria). Ensure the course is CRICOS-registered (109765E).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Meet entry requirements (English test, academic qualifications). Submit your application through Victoria University's online portal or via an authorized education agent. Check application deadlines and required documents (transcripts, passport, English test results).
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 your student visa. Provide evidence of OSHC, finances, and GTE. After visa grant, prepare for arrival in Melbourne.
Start your culinary career in Australia — check the latest fees and entry requirements for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Victoria University on the official website.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at Victoria University. 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.