Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 111817B) is a Certificate III delivered by Lambda Education Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~58 weeks). This qualification sits at AQF Level 3 within the Food, Hospitality and Personal Services field (1101 Food and Hospitality, specifically Cookery 110109). Designed for aspiring chefs and cooks, the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in food preparation, kitchen operations, and menu execution. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03764J), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Graduates can work in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses, or pursue further study in commercial cookery or hospitality management. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and compliance with the ESOS Act.
This qualification covers core competencies in cookery, including kitchen hygiene, food safety, menu planning, bulk cooking, and specialised dietary requirements. Students learn to prepare appetisers, main courses, desserts, and baked goods using a variety of techniques such as grilling, roasting, frying, and steaming. The course also covers stock control, cost management, and teamwork in a commercial kitchen. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, typical units include SITHCCC023* Use food preparation equipment, SITHCCC027* Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery, SITHCCC029* Prepare stocks, sauces and soups, SITHCCC031* Prepare appetisers and salads, SITHCCC035* Prepare poultry dishes, SITHCCC036* Prepare meat dishes, SITHCCC038* Prepare, cook and serve food for food service, SITHKOP010* Plan and cost basic menus, and SITXINV006* Receive, store and maintain stock. The course emphasises hands-on training in commercial kitchens, aligning with industry standards.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Lambda Education Pty Ltd runs for 1 year 1 month (~58 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program). The course is delivered face-to-face at the provider's Australian campuses, with practical sessions in simulated or real commercial kitchen environments. Students are expected to attend classes full-time to meet visa requirements. A work component of 10 weeks (20 hours per week) is integrated, providing valuable industry experience. The duration includes scheduled breaks, typically aligned with holiday periods. International students must maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress to comply with student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (111817B) at Lambda Education Pty Ltd is A$16,000. Non-tuition fees (e.g., enrolment, materials, uniform) total approximately A$3,500, bringing the estimated total to A$19,500. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge for the Student visa (Subclass 500). For the most current fee schedule, always visit the provider's official website. HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees — all data comes directly from the official CRICOS register.
Applicants for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (no band below 5.0). Prior academic requirements generally include completion of Year 12 or equivalent. Some providers may consider mature-age entry or relevant work experience. As this is an AQF Level 3 course, no prior VET qualification is required, but foundation studies or bridging programs may be available for students who need additional preparation. Always check with Lambda Education Pty Ltd for their specific entry criteria. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; the provider may have limited places. CRICOS-registered courses like this one must adhere to ESOS consumer protection standards.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks, with 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 200 hours. This is an industry placement or internship in a real commercial kitchen, allowing students to apply their skills in a workplace setting. Work-integrated learning (WIL) is designed to enhance employability and meet industry competency standards. Placements may occur in partnering restaurants, hotels, or catering companies. Students are expected to secure their own placement with provider support. The work component counts towards course assessment and is a key part of the qualification. International students must ensure their visa allows work; Student visa (Subclass 500) holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is delivered at four Lambda Education Pty Ltd campuses: ISMT - Gosford (Gosford, NSW); ISMT - Liverpool (269 Bigge St, Liverpool NSW 2170); ISMT - Parramatta (NSW); and Level 1 575-597 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards NSW 2065. All locations are in New South Wales. Gosford is on the Central Coast, with lower living costs than Sydney (weekly rent ~$350–$450 for a room). Liverpool is a major southwestern Sydney hub with good public transport (train to city in 40 mins). Parramatta is Sydney's second CBD, with many student services. St Leonards is a North Shore suburb close to Sydney CBD (15 mins by train). Each campus offers kitchen facilities and student support. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, ensuring extensive educational options nationwide.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity, and 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. Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is required for the visa application. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your English proficiency, academic background, and ties to your home country. All CRICOS-registered courses, like this one, comply with ESOS Act protections, including tuition assurance and refund policies. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for personalised guidance.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Food and Hospitality), and location (NSW). Verify that Lambda Education Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03764J) is the right fit for you. Check their website for course details and entry requirements.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Prepare your documents (passport, academic transcripts, English test results) and submit an online application through Lambda Education's admissions portal. Meet any additional requirements such as a portfolio or interview. Ensure you apply well before the intake deadline to allow for visa processing.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online. You'll need to show financial capacity, OSHC, and meet GTE requirements. After visa grant, you can travel to Australia and commence your studies.
Ready to start your culinary career? Explore more Certificate III courses in NSW on HeadStart Academy — your free CRICOS database with 26,433 courses across 1,556 providers.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lambda Education 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.