Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109847C) is a Certificate III delivered by The Centre of Excellence Pty Ltd over 1 year. This program is designed for international students who want to start a career in the culinary industry, providing foundational skills in food preparation, cookery methods, kitchen operations, and workplace safety. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international student enrollment and is listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The Centre of Excellence Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03512G) is a private provider with campuses in Melbourne and North Geelong, Victoria. This page provides an overview of the course structure, indicative fees, entry requirements, and work-integrated learning opportunities. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that helps international students find CRICOS-registered courses and providers across Australia.
The Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS 109847C) is a vocational education and training (VET) qualification at AQF Level 3. This course falls under the field of Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, specifically Cookery (field code 110109). Graduates typically gain the skills to work as a qualified cook in commercial kitchens, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other hospitality venues. The course is delivered by The Centre of Excellence Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03512G). Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, ensuring a wide range of options for those pursuing hospitality careers. As an international student, you are protected by the ESOS Act 2000, which ensures quality education and consumer rights.
The Certificate III in Commercial Cookery covers a comprehensive range of competencies required to become a commercial cook. While the exact syllabus is set by The Centre of Excellence Pty Ltd, typical learning areas include food safety and sanitation, preparation of appetisers, salads, stocks, sauces, and soups, cooking methods such as roasting, grilling, braising, and frying, handling and preparing meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables, managing kitchen operations, and portion control. Students also develop skills in menu planning, cost control, and teamwork. This level of study builds practical skills through hands-on training and knowledge of industry standards. The course is delivered entirely in English, with assessments including practical demonstrations, written tests, and work-based projects.
The course is structured to be completed in 1 year, which equates to 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. It is a single qualification (not a dual qualification) and does not include foundation studies. The language of instruction is English. Students are expected to attend classes on campus at one of the delivery locations: Melbourne Campus in Melbourne, VIC, or North Geelong Campus in North Geelong, VIC. The course includes both theoretical learning and practical kitchen sessions. For international students, full-time study is required to maintain compliance with student visa conditions, which typically means a minimum of 20 scheduled contact hours per week.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS 109847C) at The Centre of Excellence Pty Ltd is A$13,750. Non-tuition fees such as application fees, materials, or equipment are estimated at A$1,250, bringing the estimated total to A$15,000. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), or the Student visa application charge. As a guide, living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$500–$600 per week for accommodation, groceries, and transport. In Geelong, costs may be slightly lower. Always confirm current fees with the provider at their official website: www.coe.vic.edu.au. Course fees are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 — subject to change by the institution.
For international students, The Centre of Excellence Pty Ltd typically requires an English proficiency level equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall. In addition, applicants should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent, or have relevant work experience. The course is at AQF Level 3, which generally requires a Certificate II or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options may be available through the provider for students who do not meet direct entry requirements — check directly with The Centre of Excellence. It is important to note that these are indicative entry requirements; the provider sets final conditions. For more details on English language tests accepted, visit the provider's website.
This course includes a mandatory work component consisting of 10 weeks of industry placement at 20 hours per week (approximately 200 total hours). This work-integrated learning element typically involves practical experience in a commercial kitchen, such as a restaurant, hotel, or catering company. It allows students to apply their skills in a real workplace environment, develop professional networks, and satisfy requirements for vocational competence. The placement is arranged or facilitated by the provider, but students may also source their own placement with approval. International students must ensure their student visa conditions allow for this work component; generally, work-integrated learning that is part of the course is allowed without additional work rights limitations.
The Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is delivered at two campuses: 1) Melbourne Campus in the heart of Melbourne, VIC — Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city with a vibrant hospitality scene, over 60,000 international students, and excellent public transport including trains, trams, and buses. Average rent for a shared apartment in the city is around $250–$350 per week. 2) North Geelong Campus in North Geelong, VIC — Geelong is a growing regional city 75 km from Melbourne, with a lower cost of living (rent ~$200–$280 per week) and a strong local food culture. Both locations are well connected by public transport. Students can choose the campus that best fits their lifestyle and budget. The provider may require attendance at either campus; contact The Centre of Excellence for details.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term (and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks), and bring eligible family members. Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily in Australia, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents. The cost of living is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs; currently around A$21,041 per year for a single student (excluding tuition). You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and comply with visa conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent — for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS 109847C) at The Centre of Excellence Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm that The Centre of Excellence (CRICOS 03512G) offers this course and meets your preferences.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Review the specific entry requirements for this course — including English language test (IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall), academic qualifications, and application deadlines. Submit your application online through The Centre of Excellence's website (www.coe.vic.edu.au) or via their admissions team.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements.
Victoria is a popular destination for international students, home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Melbourne is known for its multicultural food scene, making it an ideal place to study cookery. The state offers a high quality of life, excellent public transport, and a strong hospitality industry. However, living costs in Melbourne are higher than in regional areas like Geelong. If you prefer a smaller city with lower living expenses, North Geelong may be a better fit. Consider your budget, study preferences, and career goals. HeadStart Academy can help you compare locations and find the right provider for your cookery studies.
Ready to start your cookery journey? Explore your options at The Centre of Excellence or compare other CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at The Centre of Excellence 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.