Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109811D) is a Certificate III delivered by TasTAFE over 1 year. This qualification is designed for international students who want to build a career in commercial cookery, covering fundamental culinary skills, kitchen operations, and food safety. TasTAFE is a government-owned provider registered on CRICOS (03041M) and delivers this course at its Launceston and Hobart campuses. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international student enrolment, including compliance with the ESOS Act. Students gain hands-on experience through a 4-week work placement, preparing them for roles in restaurants, hotels, and catering services. Whether you are starting your hospitality journey or upgrading your skills, this course offers a solid foundation in the Tasmanian context. HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge, sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026). Please verify details with TasTAFE before applying.
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This course falls under the field of Food and Hospitality (110109 - Cookery). At Certificate III level, students develop practical cookery skills and knowledge required in commercial kitchens. Typical learning outcomes include: preparing and cooking a variety of dishes (appetisers, mains, desserts), applying food safety and hygiene procedures, managing kitchen stock and supplies, using commercial kitchen equipment, working effectively in a team, and understanding menu planning. The course does not specify a set syllabus but reflects the national competency standards under the SIT30821 VET national code. Graduates are equipped for roles such as chef, cook, or kitchen supervisor. It is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program) and is delivered in English, requiring a minimum IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall or equivalent.
The course duration on the CRICOS register is 1 year (52 weeks). Students study full-time in a classroom and kitchen environment, with a strong practical component. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (Certificate III only) — it does not include foundation studies or lead to a dual award. However, it may serve as a pathway to further studies such as Certificate IV or Diploma in Hospitality. Class schedules are typically structured around workshops, demonstrations, and supervised kitchen sessions. Students should expect a mix of theory and hands-on practice. TasTAFE may offer intakes multiple times per year — check their website for exact dates.
Tuition for this course is A$18,815 (indicative). Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but students should budget for uniforms, knives, and other consumables as required by TasTAFE. The estimated total is A$18,815. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover — nor living costs and visa application charges. Living costs in Tasmania are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne: indicative weekly rent in Hobart or Launceston is around A$250–A$350 for shared accommodation, with groceries A$80–A$120 per week, and public transport A$30–A$50 per week. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of financial capacity to cover these costs. Fees are set by TasTAFE and subject to change — always confirm the latest fees on their website: www.tastafe.tas.edu.au/international. HeadStart Academy sources fee data from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
The indicative English requirement is IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent like TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English). Some providers may require higher for certain aspects (e.g., speaking). Prior qualifications: to enter Certificate III, students typically need to have completed Year 11 or equivalent. However, mature age students with relevant work experience may also be considered. There may be foundation or pathway options if you do not meet the English or academic entry requirements — contact TasTAFE directly for details. All applicants must demonstrate genuine access to course resources and the intention to comply with student visa conditions. Note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee enrolment or visa grant. Consult a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
Yes — this course includes a mandatory work component of 4 weeks, at 38 hours per week (approximately 152 total hours). This is structured as an industry placement (or internship) where students work in a real commercial kitchen under supervision. It provides invaluable practical experience and helps build professional networks. The placement is arranged by TasTAFE, though students may need to meet certain prerequisites (e.g., food safety certificates). This component is an integral part of the course and must be completed to attain the qualification. Work placements are unpaid in most cases and count as study hours for visa purposes. Students should note that during term, they can work up to 48 hours per fortnight under their student visa, but the placement hours are separate.
This course is delivered at two TasTAFE campuses in Tasmania: 93 Paterson St LAUNCESTON TAS 7250 (Launceston) and Drysdale Campus, 59 Collins Hobart TAS 7000 (Hobart). Launceston is Tasmania's second-largest city, home to about 75,000 people, with a growing hospitality scene. Hobart is the capital city with a population over 230,000 and a vibrant food culture. Both campuses are well-served by public transport. Launceston has around 3,000 international students, while Hobart hosts over 10,000. Living costs are lower than major mainland cities — ideal for students seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle. Each campus has commercial-grade training kitchens. TasTAFE also offers other campuses, but this specific course is only at these two locations.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa conditions include: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and academic progress requirements, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration, and comply with work limitations — 48 hours per fortnight while course is in session and unlimited during scheduled holidays. You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating that you intend to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity evidence is required — you need to show you can cover tuition, living costs (approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student), OSHC, and travel. The ESOS Act provides legal protections for international students, including tuition fee protection. For detailed visa guidance, visit the Department of Home Affairs or speak to a MARA-registered agent. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply as an international student: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to verify that TasTAFE (CRICOS 03041M) and course 109811D are current. Compare this course with others in commercial cookery at different providers. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application to TasTAFE through their website (www.tastafe.tas.edu.au/international). Ensure you meet the entry requirements (IELTS 5.0-5.5, prior qualifications) and submit all necessary documents (transcripts, English test results, passport copy). Check application deadlines for your preferred intake. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once TasTAFE issues a CoE, you can apply for your visa online. Include your OSHC policy, financial evidence, and GTE statement. The visa processing time varies; apply early. Remember that HeadStart Academy is a free resource — we don't charge referral fees.
Ready to start your cookery journey? Visit TasTAFE's website to apply, or explore more courses on HeadStart Academy.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at TasTAFE. 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.