Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109871C) is a Certificate III delivered by Lead College Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~58 weeks). This qualification, aligned to the national VET code SIT30821, is ideal for international students seeking hands-on training in professional cookery. Graduates gain skills in kitchen operations, food safety, menu planning, and team leadership — opening pathways to roles such as chef, cook, or kitchen supervisor in Australia's vibrant hospitality sector. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 03636F), it meets Australian Government standards for overseas students, ensuring ESOS Act protections apply. With delivery across multiple campuses in New South Wales and Western Australia, this course offers flexibility for students choosing their study location. At HeadStart Academy, we provide this information as a free resource sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — no referral fees, just trustworthy data to help you plan your studies in Australia.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
| Metric | Value |
|---|
This Certificate III sits within the field of Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, specifically in Food and Hospitality (110109 - Cookery). At AQF Level 3, students develop practical and theoretical skills in commercial cookery, covering essential competencies like preparing appetisers, stocks, sauces, and main dishes; managing kitchen operations; maintaining food safety and hygiene standards; and working effectively in a team. The course also addresses sustainable work practices, cost control, and customer service. While the exact syllabus is set by Lead College, graduates typically exit with the ability to work independently in a commercial kitchen or pursue further studies in hospitality management. The VET national code SIT30821 ensures this qualification is nationally recognised, making it a valuable credential for international students planning to work in Australia or overseas.
The course runs for 1 year and 1 month (58 weeks on the CRICOS register), with instruction delivered in English. It is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies attached) and is intended for full-time study. The structure includes classroom learning, practical kitchen sessions, and a mandatory work component. Students should expect a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week of classes and practical training, plus self-study. Language of instruction is English, so meeting the English language requirement is essential. As a CRICOS-registered course, the duration and mode comply with Australian student visa conditions, which require a minimum of 20 scheduled contact hours per week for full-time study.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$18,000, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register, giving an estimated total of A$18,000. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Lead College Pty Ltd. They are subject to change – always confirm current fees directly with the provider at http://www.leadcollege.edu.au. Additional costs not included in this estimate include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders (see our OSHC guide at /visa/oshc-health-cover), living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transport, and the visa application charge for a Student visa (Subclass 500). For accurate budgeting, consider city-specific living costs – Sydney's weekly rent ranges from A$250–$350 for shared housing, while Perth is slightly lower at A$200–$300.
For international students, Lead College typically requires English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent in other tests like TOEFL or PTE). Additionally, applicants should hold a qualification equivalent to Australian Year 11 or 12, as Certificate III courses assume under of knowledge from secondary school. There are no foundation studies attached to this course, so students must meet entry criteria directly. Some providers may also require a pre-training assessment or interview. Always check with Lead College for the most up-to-date entry requirements. For visa purposes, you must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria and financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the provider's website or contacting their admissions team for personalised guidance.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks, with 20 hours per week (approximately 200 total hours). This is a work-integrated learning placement, typically in a commercial kitchen or hospitality setting, giving students hands-on experience under real industry conditions. The placement may be arranged by Lead College or require students to find a suitable host employer. It is an integral part of the assessment and helps develop practical skills in food preparation, teamwork, and time management. International students on a Subclass 500 visa can undertake this work component as part of their course, and hours spent in mandatory work placements do not count towards the student work limitation of 48 hours per fortnight.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is delivered at six CRICOS-registered sites operated by Lead College Pty Ltd: HAYMARKET (841 George St, Haymarket NSW), NORTH PARRAMATTA (15B Albert St, North Parramatta NSW), CANNINGTON (15 Leila St, Cannington WA), WEST PARRAMATTA (Unit 4, 1 River Rd W, West Parramatta NSW), PARRAMATTA (37 George St, Parramatta NSW), and SOUTH WINDSOR (6 Dowling Pl, South Windsor NSW). This means students can choose to study in the heart of Sydney's Haymarket area, the growing Parramatta region, or the Perth suburb of Cannington. Each location offers access to public transport, nearby amenities, and a multicultural environment. Note that the CRICOS register lists each site separately, so your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will specify the exact campus. Choose a location that aligns with your lifestyle and budget – for example, Parramatta offers lower rent than central Sydney, while Perth has a lower cost of living overall.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student as per Department of Home Affairs), and OSHC for the duration of the visa. On a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This course includes a mandatory work placement, which is considered part of the course and does not count towards the work limit. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring you receive quality education and consumer protections. For detailed visa information, see our guide at /visa/student-visa-subclass-500. Do not forget to arrange OSHC – our OSHC page at /visa/oshc-health-cover explains your options.
With five of the six delivery locations in New South Wales, this course is well-suited to students who want to study in Australia's most populated state. Sydney, the capital, is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and thousands of international students. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average – rent for a shared apartment ranges from A$250–$350 per week, plus A$50–$70 for groceries and A$30–$40 for public transport. Parramatta offers a more affordable alternative with good train and bus connections to central Sydney. South Windsor is a quieter suburb in the Hawkesbury region, ideal for students seeking a less urban environment. Cannington, in Perth, offers a different lifestyle – Western Australia has a lower cost of living (weekly rent around A$200–$300) and a strong hospitality sector. Consider your career goals, budget, and lifestyle preferences when choosing a campus. All sites are CRICOS-registered, ensuring the same qualification and ESOS protections.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Lead College Pty Ltd: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses by level, field, and city. This course is listed under Food and Hospitality with code 109871C. 2. **Apply directly to Lead College Pty Ltd** – Visit their website at http://www.leadcollege.edu.au, check entry requirements, prepare your English test results (e.g., IELTS 5.0–5.5), and submit your application before the deadline. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, Lead College will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa via the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you have OSHC and sufficient funds. HeadStart Academy does not process visas – consult a registered migration agent if needed.
Ready to start your culinary career? Apply directly to Lead College Pty Ltd after researching your options on HeadStart Academy. Remember, all CRICOS-registered courses are quality-assured under the ESOS Act.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lead College 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.