Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 111221H) is a Certificate III delivered by Sydney Centre for Finance Studies Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification, with VET national code SIT30821, is designed for international students seeking to begin a career in the commercial cookery industry. The course covers essential cookery skills, kitchen operations, and food safety practices, preparing graduates for roles such as commis chef or cook in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolments. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource to help you understand the course structure, fees, and visa requirements. Always confirm details directly with the provider, as fees and offerings may change.
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Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 111221H) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification delivered by Sydney Centre for Finance Studies Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03736B) over 1 year (52 weeks). The course falls under the field of education 11 - Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, specifically 1101 - Food and Hospitality. It provides foundational skills for the commercial cookery sector, including food preparation, cooking methods, kitchen hygiene, and teamwork. Graduates may pursue further study at Certificate IV level or seek employment in commercial kitchens. HeadStart Academy sources all information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of many options for international students.
This qualification focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of commercial cookery. Students learn to prepare a variety of dishes, apply food safety procedures, manage kitchen operations, and work effectively in a team. The field of Food and Hospitality covers culinary skills, menu planning, nutrition, and cost control. At AQF Level 3, graduates develop a range of skilled operations requiring discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services, or contingency measures. While HeadStart Academy does not publish the exact syllabus, typical units include following standard recipes, applying food hygiene, handling food safely, cleaning kitchen premises, and contributing to workplace health and safety. The course combines classroom learning with practical kitchen sessions.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not dual) and does not include foundation studies. Students attend on-campus classes at the delivery location. The full-time study load typically requires around 20 hours per week of scheduled classes, plus independent study. International students must maintain satisfactory attendance and course progress to comply with student visa conditions.
Tuition fee: A$12,000 (indicative). Non-tuition fees: A$1,250 (includes materials and administrative costs). Estimated total cost: A$13,250. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. Sydney Centre for Finance Studies Pty Ltd sets these fees; always check their website for the most current fees. According to the Department of Home Affairs, international students should budget for living costs of approximately A$21,041 per year (2026 rates), plus OSHC and travel. For Sydney, weekly expenses may include rent A$250–$500, groceries A$70–$100, and transport A$30–$50.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) to meet English language requirements. Prior qualifications expected for this level include completion of Year 10 or equivalent (or Certificate II in Cookery). No foundation studies component is attached to this course, but the provider may offer pathway options – contact Sydney Centre for Finance Studies for details. Always verify specific entry requirements with the institution, as they may require a skills assessment or interview. HeadStart Academy does not determine entry criteria; we provide general guidance only.
This course includes a work component: 48 weeks of structured work-integrated learning, approximately 192 total hours (estimated at 4 hours per week). The work component involves industry placement or internship in a commercial kitchen environment, allowing students to apply their skills in a real workplace. It is a mandatory part of the course and helps meet vocational competency requirements. Students should be prepared to work in shifts and follow industry standards. The provider will arrange placement opportunities, but students may also source their own host employer with approval.
The course is delivered at Suite 1, Level 1, 34 Macmahon St, Hurstville NSW 2220. Hurstville is a suburb in Southern Sydney, approximately 15 km from the Sydney CBD. It has a large multicultural community and is well-served by public transport, including trains and buses. Hurstville is home to many international students, offering a range of affordable housing, restaurants, and shops. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, and this location provides access to the broader Sydney hospitality industry. Students can expect a vibrant local environment with ample part-time work opportunities in hospitality and retail.
International students enrolled in this course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa, and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. However, these conditions may change – always check the Department of Home Affairs website. The ESOS Act protects your tuition fees and ensures course quality. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for visa advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Sydney Centre for Finance Studies Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to find courses and compare options. Filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Food and Hospitality), and city (Sydney). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, provide evidence of English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent), and submit required documents (transcripts, passport copy, resume). Meet application deadlines – the provider will inform you of intake dates. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): The provider issues a CoE after accepting your application. Then lodge your visa application online, pay the visa fee, and attend a biometric appointment if required. Wait for a decision before travelling to Australia.
Sydney is Australia’s largest city with a thriving hospitality and tourism sector, offering excellent job prospects for cookery graduates. The city has a high cost of living compared to other Australian capitals, but also higher wages. Hurstville provides a more affordable suburban lifestyle while still being close to the city centre. Consider your budget, preferred climate, and lifestyle. Sydney’s public transport network makes commuting easy. For cookery students, Sydney has countless restaurants, cafes, and hotels for potential internships and employment. Talk to current students or alumni to get a realistic picture.
Before enrolling in a cookery course, think about your career goals. Certificate III leads to entry-level roles like chef de partie or cook. Do you want to pursue further study to become a head chef or run your own business? Consider the physical demands of working in a kitchen – long hours on your feet, heat, and pressure. Also, evaluate the provider’s facilities, trainer qualifications, and placement support. Sydney Centre for Finance Studies is a private provider; research their reputation and student outcomes. HeadStart Academy is a free resource – we do not receive commissions, so you can trust our listings.
Ready to start your cookery journey? Visit the Sydney Centre for Finance Studies Pty Ltd website to apply or contact them for more information. Use HeadStart Academy as your free resource to explore other courses and providers.
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Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sydney Centre for Finance Studies 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.