Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109829E) is a Certificate III delivered by Everest Institute of Education Pty Ltd over 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks). This qualification is for aspiring cooks who want to gain the skills to work in commercial kitchens across Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03374A), international students can study this course on a Student visa (Subclass 500) and gain practical experience through a mandatory work component. The course is delivered at two campuses in Victoria – Thomastown and Lalor – both within easy reach of Melbourne's CBD. With an indicative total fee of A$18,500 and an English requirement of IELTS 5.0-5.5, this course is a popular choice for international students aiming to enter Australia's hospitality industry.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS 109829E) is a nationally recognised qualification (VET national code SIT30821) at AQF Level 3. It is offered by Everest Institute of Education Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider since 2010. The course duration is 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks) with full-time study in English. It is a single qualification (not a dual or combined course) and does not include foundation studies. The course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 200 total hours), giving students industry exposure in real commercial kitchens. This work-integrated learning is designed to complement the theoretical and practical training delivered on campus. The course covers essential cookery skills, kitchen operations, food safety, and menu planning, preparing graduates for roles such as commis chef, cook, or kitchen hand in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies.
This course belongs to the field of Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, specialising in Cookery (Field 110109). Students learn a range of core and elective units that cover food preparation, cooking techniques, kitchen management, and hygiene standards. Typical topics include preparing appetisers and salads, cooking meats, poultry, and seafood, producing cakes, pastries, and breads, managing food safety programs, and working effectively in a hospitality team. The curriculum is aligned with industry standards and prepares students for the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery assessment requirements. While exact unit lists may vary, the training focuses on building practical competence in a commercial kitchen environment, with an emphasis on speed, accuracy, and teamwork. Graduates will be equipped to operate in a range of hospitality settings and may choose to further their studies with a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management or a Diploma of Hospitality Management.
The course runs for 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This duration includes the work component. Study is full-time and delivered on campus in a face-to-face setting, with practical training in commercial-standard kitchens. The language of instruction is English. Students are expected to attend classes and complete assessments, including practical demonstrations and written tasks. The course is a single qualification with no dual or nested awards. There is no foundation studies pathway built into this course; however, students who need additional English or academic preparation may explore options directly with Everest Institute.
The indicative fees for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Everest Institute of Education Pty Ltd are as follows: tuition fee A$16,550, non-tuition fees A$1,950 (which may include enrolment, materials, and administration costs), and an estimated total of A$18,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For current and exact fees, please visit the provider's website at http://www.everest.edu.au. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at around A$400-600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Students should budget accordingly for the full duration of their studies.
To enrol in this course, international students typically need to demonstrate an English proficiency of IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent) and have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Prior qualifications in cookery or hospitality are not required but may be advantageous. Students must meet the provider's specific entry criteria, which may include a pre-training review or interview. Foundation or pathway options are not part of this course, but Everest Institute may offer alternative entry pathways – contact them directly for details. All applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa application.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks, 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 200 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) is typically undertaken as an industry placement or internship in a commercial kitchen. It provides students with hands-on experience in real hospitality environments, applying the skills learned in class. The work component is a structured part of the course and may be scheduled during study periods or during breaks, subject to visa conditions. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, but the placement hours are in addition to these limits as they are part of the course.
The course is delivered at two locations in Victoria: - 157 High St, Thomastown VIC 3074 - 35 Duncan Road, Lalor VIC 3075 Both campuses are in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, approximately 20-30 minutes by train from the CBD. Thomastown and Lalor are residential areas with access to public transport, shopping centres, and affordable student accommodation. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city with a vibrant hospitality scene and over 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering similar courses. Living costs in these suburbs are generally lower than the city centre, with weekly rents for shared accommodation around A$180-250. The campuses are well-connected via the Mernda and Craigieburn train lines.
To study this course, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) or a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) if applicable. The visa requires enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (such as this one), sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, provided the work does not interfere with study. All international students must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects your rights, including access to refunds and complaints processes. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Everest Institute of Education Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to find providers offering this course at your preferred location. Filter by course level, field, and city to narrow your options.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Contact Everest Institute of Education (www.everest.edu.au) to check entry requirements, English test scores, application deadlines, and required documents. Submit your application along with proof of qualifications and English proficiency.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Melbourne is often called Australia's culinary capital, with a thriving food scene ranging from fine dining to multicultural street food. Studying commercial cookery here gives you access to a vast network of restaurants, hotels, and catering companies for placements and future employment. Melbourne has a large international student community – over 170,000 from many countries – and dedicated support services. Living costs are moderate compared to Sydney, with average weekly expenses of around A$500-700 including rent, food, and transport. Public transport is extensive with trams, trains, and buses. The city is also home to the iconic Queen Victoria Market and numerous food festivals. However, competition for jobs in hospitality can be intense; building a strong network through your work placement will be key. Consider your lifestyle preferences: Melbourne has a cooler climate than Brisbane or Sydney, with four distinct seasons. If you prefer a warmer environment, other states like Queensland may be a better fit.
Ready to start your cookery career in Australia? Explore more Certificate III courses or compare providers on HeadStart Academy – your free, independent guide to studying in Australia.
View the full Everest Institute of Education Pty Ltd profile →
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at Everest Institute of Education Pty Ltd. 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.