Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 110516A) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) delivered by Unity College Australia Incorporated over 1 year (52 weeks). This course, in the field of Food and Hospitality – Cookery, provides foundational skills for a career in commercial kitchens. As a CRICOS-registered program (provider 02160A), it is open to international students seeking to study in Australia. Australia offers over 26,000 CRICOS courses across 1,500+ providers, ensuring diverse options. At HeadStart Academy, we help you navigate this landscape with verified data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). This page covers fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and visa guidance for this specific course.
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Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 110516A) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification in the field of Food, Hospitality and Personal Services (11), specifically in Food and Hospitality (1101) – Cookery (110109). It is delivered by Unity College Australia Incorporated, a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 02160A). The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) with instruction in English. It is a single qualification (no dual or foundation). The course includes a work component of 20 weeks (6 hours per week, approximately 120 total hours) providing practical industry experience. The VET national code for this qualification is SIT30821. This course prepares students for roles such as commis chef or cook in commercial kitchens.
The Certificate III in Commercial Cookery covers essential cookery skills including food preparation, cooking methods, kitchen hygiene, food safety, and menu planning. Students learn to work effectively in a commercial kitchen environment, manage time and resources, and produce a range of dishes. The curriculum aligns with AQF Level 3 expectations, focusing on applied knowledge and practical skills. Graduates typically demonstrate competence in operating kitchen equipment, following recipes, and maintaining workplace safety standards. This qualification is a pathway to further study, such as Certificate IV or Diploma of Hospitality, and is recognized nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program). Study mode is likely full-time, but confirm with the provider. Delivery includes classroom learning and a mandatory work component (industry placement) of 120 hours. Students may also need to complete additional self-study. The course is designed to be completed within one calendar year, aligning with standard student visa duration requirements.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Unity College Australia Incorporated is A$16,000. Non-tuition fees (such as materials, enrollment, or administration) are A$1,250. The estimated total cost is A$17,250. 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 (e.g., rent, food, transport), and the Student visa application charge. Always confirm current fees directly with Unity College Australia at http://www.unity.edu.au. HeadStart Academy provides indicative figures only; the provider sets final fees.
Entry requirements for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery typically include an IELTS overall score of 5.0-5.5 (or equivalent English proficiency test). Applicants should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. No specific prerequisites in cookery are required, but relevant experience may help. The provider may also require a welfare assessment for students under 18. For the work component, students may need to meet industry placement requirements (e.g., vaccinations, police check). Foundation or pathway programs are not offered with this course; contact Unity College for alternative entry options. All requirements are subject to provider policies.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks, 6 hours per week, totaling approximately 120 hours. This is an industry placement or internship in a commercial kitchen, allowing students to apply practical skills in a real workplace. Work-integrated learning is a core part of the qualification, enhancing employability. Students are typically responsible for arranging their own placement, though the provider may offer assistance. The placement may be unpaid but is structured to meet learning outcomes. Work hours count toward the course duration. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for this placement. This component does not count toward the 48 hours per fortnight work limit unless paid.
This course is delivered at Unity College Inc – Belconnen, located in Belconnen, Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Belconnen is a suburb of Canberra, Australia's capital city. Canberra has a student population of over 40,000 and hosts several CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Canberra are moderate: indicative weekly rent A$250–400, groceries A$80–150, transport A$30–50. Public transport includes buses and light rail connecting Belconnen to the city center. The campus is accessible via regular public transport. For more on studying in ACT, see our /states/act page. Unity College is one of several providers offering cookery courses in ACT.
Canberra offers a safe, multicultural environment with a strong focus on education. It has a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, making it attractive for international students. The city is known for its national institutions, parks, and a growing hospitality scene, providing potential part-time work opportunities. However, it is smaller and may have fewer hospitality venues than larger cities. Consider your career goals: Canberra has a mix of restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Public transport is adequate, but having a bike or car can be convenient. HeadStart Academy recommends researching the local job market for cooks before committing. Always check CRICOS registration status before applying.
To study Certificate III in Commercial Cookery with a CRICOS-registered provider, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC, travel). For detailed guidance, see our /visa/student-visa-subclass-500 page. Note: HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Cookery), and location (ACT). Verify Unity College Australia Inc (CRICOS 02160A) is registered. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (English test, academic documents), prepare your application, and submit before the deadline. Provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS 5.0-5.5) and prior qualifications. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Unity College will issue a CoE. Use it to apply for the visa, pay the application fee, arrange OSHC, and attend a visa interview if required. For visa help, see our /visa/student-visa-subclass-500 page.
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Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at Unity College Australia Incorporated. 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.