Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (109767C) - Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd

What you'll study

This Certificate III in Commercial Cookery focuses on developing the skills and knowledge required to work as a commercial cook in various hospitality settings. The curriculum covers core competencies such as food safety and sanitation, kitchen equipment operation, preparation of appetisers, salads, stocks, sauces, and soups, cooking methods for meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables, and menu planning. Students learn to work effectively in a team, manage time and stress, and communicate with colleagues and customers. Upon completion, graduates will be able to prepare and present dishes to industry standards and contribute to kitchen profitability. The course aligns with the national VET qualification SIT30821 and is recognised across Australia.

Duration and study mode

The course has a duration of 50 weeks (~12 months) as registered on CRICOS. Delivery is full-time, face-to-face in a classroom and commercial kitchen environment. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). Students must attend a minimum number of contact hours per week to maintain student visa compliance. Practical training forms a significant part of the study, allowing students to apply theory in real kitchen settings.

Fees (indicative)

The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$12,000, with non-tuition fees set at A$0, resulting in an estimated total cost of A$12,000. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional expenses not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge. International students should budget for living expenses: approximately A$500–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport, depending on location. Always confirm current fees directly with Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd via their website.

Entry requirements

To enrol in this course, international students typically require an IELTS overall band score of 5.0 to 5.5 or equivalent. Prior academic qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 10 or Certificate II are expected. No specific prerequisite subjects are required, but basic numeracy and literacy skills are necessary. Acknowledge Education may also consider mature-age applicants with relevant work experience. Students who do not meet the English language requirement may be able to undertake an ELICOS pathway program offered by the institution. Contact the provider for detailed entry conditions.

Work component

This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks (28 hours per week, approximately 280 total hours). This work-integrated learning involves an industry placement or internship in a commercial kitchen. Students gain hands-on experience under the supervision of professional chefs, enhancing their employability and practical skills. The placement may be arranged by the provider or sourced by the student with approval. It is an excellent opportunity to build a professional network and understand Australian workplace culture. Work hours outside of placement are subject to student visa work conditions.

Delivery locations

Acknowledge Education delivers this course at six Australian campuses, giving students flexibility to study in major cities: 107 Brunswick Road, Brunswick VIC; 166-172 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC; 647 Wellington St Perth WA; Brisbane Campus - 225 St Pauls Tce, Fortitude Valley QLD; Kent St/Hickson Rd Sydney NSW; Level 4 222 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000. Each campus is in a vibrant urban area with access to public transport. For example, Melbourne has the largest international student population in Australia (over 250,000) with a rich culinary scene. Sydney and Brisbane also offer strong hospitality sectors. Perth provides a growing food culture. Students should consider housing costs: Melbourne CBD rent averages A$250–350/week for shared accommodation, while Sydney is higher at A$300–450/week.

Student visa

International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key conditions include maintaining full-time enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and adequate attendance. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement must be satisfied. It is mandatory to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa. Students must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. The ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Check Acknowledge Education's CRICOS code 00197D and compare courses. 2. Apply directly to the institution: Submit your application through the provider's website, meeting entry requirements including English proficiency (IELTS 5.0–5.5) and academic documents. Deadlines vary; apply early. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Acknowledge Education will issue the CoE after acceptance. Then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including OSHC and financial evidence. Ensure you meet the GTE requirement.

Ready to start your culinary journey? Apply now to Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Acknowledge Education and take the first step toward a career in Australia's thriving hospitality industry.

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