Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109911M) is a Certificate III delivered by PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD over 1 year 3 months (~66 weeks). This nationally recognised VET qualification (SIT30821) sits within the Food and Hospitality field (110109 - Cookery) and prepares students for entry-level roles in commercial kitchens, such as chef, cook, or kitchen hand. The course combines theoretical learning with practical work placement, building skills in food preparation, menu planning, kitchen management, and workplace safety. As part of Australia’s CRICOS-registered system, this course meets strict quality standards for international students. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) sources all course data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, providing a trustworthy resource for prospective students. Whether you aim to work in restaurants, hotels, or catering, this qualification opens doors to Australia’s vibrant hospitality industry. With campuses in Pakenham and St Kilda, Victoria, students can choose a location that suits their lifestyle. The course fee is indicative at A$16,000, with additional costs for materials and OSHC.
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This Certificate III in Commercial Cookery covers the fundamental skills required to work effectively in a commercial kitchen. The field of Food and Hospitality (broad field 11) encompasses cookery, food preparation, and hospitality management. At AQF Level 3, graduates gain practical competencies in menu design, food costing, catering control, hygiene, and team leadership. Typical learning includes preparing appetisers, mains, and desserts; operating kitchen equipment; managing stock; and ensuring food safety. The course also emphasises workplace communication, multi-tasking under pressure, and cultural awareness in diverse kitchen environments. According to the Australian Government’s training.gov.au, the SIT30821 qualification requires successful completion of core and elective units. While specific unit details are set by PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD, the CRICOS-registered program ensures alignment with national industry standards. Graduates may pursue further studies in Certificate IV or Diploma of Hospitality, or enter the workforce directly.
The course duration on the CRICOS register is 1 year 3 months (66 weeks). Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation studies program). The study mode is typically full-time, face-to-face at one of the delivery locations. International students should plan for 20-25 scheduled contact hours per week, plus independent study. The structured timeline includes breaks aligned with the academic calendar. As an AQF Level 3 course, it is designed to be completed within the stated period. Students must attend all compulsory sessions to maintain visa compliance. The provider may offer flexible study options; check with PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD via their website (http://www.wri.edu.au) for exact timetables.
Tuition fee: A$16,000 (indicative, sourced from CRICOS register). Non-tuition fees: A$2,000 (covers materials, resources, uniform, or campus services). Estimated total: A$18,000. These fees are set by PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD and are subject to change. They do NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For current fee schedules, always confirm directly with the provider at http://www.wri.edu.au. International students should budget additional costs: OSHC (approx. A$600-$1,500 per year), living expenses (approx. A$21,000 per year as per Home Affairs guidelines), and return airfares. The indicative total of A$18,000 covers only course-related fees. Remember, ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring fee transparency and refund policies.
General entry requirements for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (109911M) at PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD include an IELTS overall band score of 5.0-5.5 (or equivalent English proficiency). Applicants should have completed Australian Year 11 or equivalent (overseas secondary schooling). Mature-age students with relevant work experience may be considered. No specific prerequisite subjects are required, but a passion for cooking and ability to work in a fast-paced environment is beneficial. The provider may conduct a language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) assessment. For applicants who do not meet the English requirement, PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD may offer pathway options such as ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) — check directly with the provider. Always refer to the institution's official entry criteria before applying.
This course includes a mandatory work-based training component: 8 weeks, 24 hours per week, totaling approximately 192 hours. This industry placement (also called vocational placement or internship) is a supervised, practical experience in a real commercial kitchen. It allows students to apply classroom skills, build industry connections, and understand workplace expectations. The placement is typically arranged by PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD in partnership with local hospitality businesses. It counts towards the course duration and is a requirement for graduation. Students are expected to participate during scheduled blocks and adhere to workplace policies. Some placements may be paid, but this is at the employer's discretion. The work component strengthens resume and meets the vocational focus of the SIT30821 qualification.
The course is delivered at two campuses in Victoria: - Pakenham Campus: Unit 2, 66-68 Main St, PAKENHAM VIC 3810. Located in Melbourne's outer southeast growth corridor, Pakenham has a growing student population due to its affordability and access to public transport (Pakenham train station is nearby). The suburb offers a mix of suburban and rural living, with lower rent compared to inner Melbourne. - St Kilda Campus: Unit 3, 201 Fitzroy St, ST KILDA VIC 3182. St Kilda is a vibrant inner-city suburb known for its beach, restaurants, and nightlife. Close to Melbourne CBD (tram and train connections), it offers a more urban lifestyle. Rent and living costs are higher. Both campuses are CRICOS-registered delivery sites. Victoria is home to over 400 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses across all fields. International students in Melbourne enjoy a multicultural environment, strong hospitality industry, and extensive public transport network.
To study this course on a student visa (Subclass 500), you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate sufficient financial capacity, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The course duration of 66 weeks qualifies for a visa grant typically covering the course length plus additional time. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Dependents may have separate work conditions. The ESOS Act protects your tuition fees and provides a complaints process. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you complete at least 2 years of study. However, this course alone (66 weeks) may not meet the 2-year requirement unless combined with further study. Always verify current immigration policies on the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered MARA migration agent. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Victoria is Australia’s second-most popular destination for international students after New South Wales, with over 200,000 international students in 2023. Melbourne, the state capital, consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities. For cookery students, Victoria offers a thriving hospitality scene – from fine dining to multicultural food markets – providing excellent part-time work and networking opportunities. The cost of living varies: weekly rent in Melbourne is around A$250-$500 for shared accommodation; Pakenham is cheaper (A$200-$350), while St Kilda is higher (A$300-$500). Groceries average A$80-$150 per week, and a weekly public transport pass in Melbourne is about A$50. Victoria has a comprehensive train, tram, and bus network, making commuting feasible. Consider your budget, lifestyle preference (urban vs. suburban), and proximity to the campus when choosing. Both Pakenham and St Kilda campuses are well-connected but offer distinctly different environments.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (109911M) at PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy’s course filter to find Certificate III courses in your preferred state. Confirm the provider is registered – PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD holds CRICOS 03941H. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Review entry requirements (English test, academic qualifications) and submit your application through PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD’s admissions portal. Include all required documents: passports, academic transcripts, English test scores, and a personal statement. Application deadlines vary; check with the provider. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Upon acceptance, the institution will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. You must also arrange OSHC, demonstrate financial capacity, and satisfy the GTE requirement. For assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
Ready to start your culinary career? Explore Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at PAKENHAM INSTITUTE PTY LTD. Check entry requirements, compare courses, and apply through the provider’s website. Begin your Australian study journey with HeadStart Academy’s trusted CRICOS data.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at PAKENHAM INSTITUTE 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.