Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109919C) is a Certificate III delivered by Datum College Pty Ltd over 1 year 3 months (~66 weeks). This course provides foundational skills in commercial cookery, preparing you for entry-level roles in the hospitality industry. You'll learn kitchen operations, food safety, and menu planning, with a work placement component to gain real experience. Datum College is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03979E) offering this course at two locations in Melbourne: West Melbourne and Footscray. As an international student, you'll benefit from Australia's strong vocational education system and ESOS Act protections. This page covers everything you need to know—fees, entry requirements, visa steps, and more.
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Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 109919C) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification under the national VET code SIT30821. It falls within the field of Food, Hospitality and Personal Services (11) and specifically Cookery (110109). This course is designed to equip students with the technical skills required to work as a commercial cook or chef in various hospitality settings. Graduates often pursue roles in restaurants, hotels, clubs, and catering businesses. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, including a mandatory work component. Datum College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03979E) delivers this course over 66 weeks (1 year 3 months), with English as the language of instruction. There are no dual qualifications or foundation studies attached to this course.
This Certificate III in Commercial Cookery covers core competencies in food preparation, cooking methods, kitchen management, and hygiene. Students learn to prepare appetisers, main courses, and desserts, as well as manage stock, control costs, and work in a team. The curriculum follows the Australian VET framework, ensuring industry relevance. While specific syllabus details are set by Datum College, typical topics include: safe food handling, knife skills, cooking techniques (grilling, baking, frying), menu planning, and kitchen communication. The course also emphasises workplace health and safety. Assessment methods include practical demonstrations, written assignments, and observation during work placement.
The course runs for 1 year 3 months (66 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. Instruction is in English, and the course is delivered face-to-face at Datum College's campuses. There is no online or blended option listed for this course. It is a single qualification, meaning you earn only the Certificate III upon completion—no bundled diploma. The study load is typically full-time, requiring around 20–25 hours of class per week plus self-study. The work component adds a further 8 weeks (approx. 192 hours).
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is A$17,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$2,500 (including materials, uniforms, etc.), bringing the estimated total to A$19,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Always confirm current fees directly with Datum College via their website. Living costs in Melbourne are around A$500–600 per week for rent, food, and transport. You should budget at least A$21,041 per year for living expenses as per Department of Home Affairs requirements.
International students need a minimum IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent). Academic qualifications: typically completion of Year 10 or equivalent. Prior experience in hospitality is not mandatory but may be beneficial. There are no foundation studies offered with this course. For detailed entry criteria, contact Datum College directly. English language waivers may be available for applicants from certain countries. Always verify with the provider.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks (approximately 192 hours in total). This is an industry placement where you work in a real commercial kitchen to apply your skills. It's unpaid but counts towards your course hours. The placement helps you build industry connections and gain Australian work experience. Datum College will assist in arranging placements at approved hospitality venues. Completion of the work component is required to graduate.
Datum College delivers this course at two locations in Victoria: 11-17 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003 (West Melbourne campus) and Footscray Campus, Footscray VIC. Both are in the greater Melbourne area, Australia's second-largest city with over 200,000 international students. Melbourne offers excellent public transport, a vibrant food scene, and many hospitality job opportunities. West Melbourne is close to the CBD, while Footscray is a multicultural suburb with affordable housing. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with weekly rent averaging A$250–400 for shared accommodation.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, have sufficient funds, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). On a student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). After the course, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet requirements. Always check current visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent for personal guidance.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Datum College Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Confirm Datum College's CRICOS registration (03979E) and the course code 109919C.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check Datum College's entry requirements (IELTS 5.0–5.5, Year 10 equivalent) and submit your application with required documents (transcripts, English test results, passport copy). Deadlines vary; apply early.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Then apply for a student visa online, providing the CoE, evidence of funds, OSHC, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant statement. Processing times vary.
Ready to start your culinary career? Browse more Certificate III courses in Victoria on HeadStart Academy.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at Datum 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.