Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109831M) is a Certificate III delivered by National Training Centre of Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This qualification equips students with essential culinary skills in food preparation, kitchen operations, and menu planning, preparing graduates for roles such as commis chef or cook in commercial kitchens. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03399C), it meets Australian Government standards for international students, including ESOS Act protections. The course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks (240 hours), providing hands-on industry experience. Located in Melbourne, Victoria, students benefit from studying in a city with over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant hospitality scene. This page provides an independent overview of the course, fees, entry requirements, and visa pathways. Always verify details directly with National Training Centre of Australia before applying.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS 109831M) is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 3). The course is offered by National Training Centre of Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03399C), a private provider based in Melbourne. The field of education is Food and Hospitality (110109 Cookery), and the VET national code is SIT30821. Students develop practical skills in cookery methods, food safety, menu planning, and kitchen management. The course is delivered in English over 78 weeks, with a work placement component integrated into the curriculum. This qualification is ideal for international students seeking to start a career in Australia's hospitality industry. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students receive full ESOS Act protections, including tuition assurance and complaints handling. HeadStart Academy sources all course data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring accuracy and reliability.
The Certificate III in Commercial Cookery covers a range of core and elective units that align with industry standards. Students learn to prepare appetisers, main dishes, desserts, and baked goods, while also mastering kitchen operations such as stock control, waste management, and team collaboration. Typical topics include safe food handling, knife skills, cooking methods, menu costing, and dietary requirements. Graduates gain competencies in supervising kitchen sections and ensuring compliance with health regulations. While the exact unit list is set by National Training Centre of Australia, the course broadly prepares students for entry-level positions in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies. This qualification is part of the Food and Hospitality training package (SIT), which is nationally endorsed by Australian Industry Skills Committees.
The course duration is 1 year and 6 months, equivalent to 78 weeks as registered on CRICOS. Instruction is in English, and the program is delivered as a single qualification (no dual awards). There is no foundation studies component. Students are expected to attend full-time, with a mix of classroom theory and practical kitchen sessions. The course structure typically includes scheduled breaks in accordance with Australian student visa conditions. For up-to-date timetables and study modes, contact National Training Centre of Australia directly.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at National Training Centre of Australia is A$18,500. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, making the estimated total cost A$18,500. Please note that 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 student visa application charge. As a guide, living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$500–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Always confirm current fees with the provider at http://www.ntca.edu.au. International students should budget for at least A$21,041 per year in living costs as required by the Department of Home Affairs.
To enrol in Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, international students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent), demonstrating English proficiency. Applicants should have completed Year 10 or equivalent, as the course is at AQF Level 3 (Certificate III). No previous cookery experience is required, but a passion for the industry is beneficial. Some providers may have additional requirements such as a pre-training assessment or interview. For specific entry conditions, refer to National Training Centre of Australia. If you need to improve your English, pathway programs may be available; contact the provider for options.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks, with 24 hours per week, totalling approximately 240 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) can take the form of an industry placement or internship in a commercial kitchen, giving students real-world experience and networking opportunities. The placement is designed to apply classroom skills in a supervised environment, enhancing employability upon graduation. It also satisfies the work requirement often valued by employers in Australia's hospitality sector. Detailed arrangements are coordinated by National Training Centre of Australia, and students may be placed with partner restaurants, hotels, or catering services.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is delivered at two locations: NTCA - Level 11, 190 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, and NTCA Kitchen Melbourne in Richmond, VIC. Both locations are in Melbourne, Victoria's capital city, known for its multicultural food scene and strong hospitality industry. Melbourne has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a popular destination for international students. The campuses are accessible by public transport; Queen Street is near Flinders Street Station, and Richmond is serviced by trains and trams. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with average rent for a shared room around A$300–400 per week.
International students studying Certificate III in Commercial Cookery must obtain a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course and offers work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the course duration, and sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, and travel). The cost of a student visa application is currently A$710 (subject to change). For detailed guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course as an international student:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Food and Hospitality), and location (Melbourne) on HeadStart Academy. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (National Training Centre of Australia, code 03399C).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit http://www.ntca.edu.au to check entry requirements, submit your application, and provide evidence of English proficiency (IELTS 5.0-5.5) and academic transcripts. Applications may require payment of a non-refundable application fee.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE from the provider. Use this to apply for your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include your OSHC policy, GTE statement, and financial evidence. Allow at least 4–6 weeks for processing.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 200,000 international students. It offers a diverse culinary culture, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and food festivals. The city has excellent public transport, including trams, trains, and buses. Student communities are vibrant, and there are many part-time job opportunities in hospitality. However, the cost of living is higher than in smaller cities like Adelaide or Brisbane. A typical international student budget in Melbourne is around A$500–600 per week. Consider your lifestyle preferences and budget before choosing Melbourne. If you prefer a quieter environment, explore regional Victoria where some providers offer similar courses.
Ready to start your culinary career? Visit National Training Centre of Australia at http://www.ntca.edu.au to apply for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
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Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at National Training Centre of Australia 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.