Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (CRICOS course code 112699F) is a Certificate III delivered by Yarra Education Australia over 1 year. This qualification is designed for individuals who want to become professional cooks in commercial kitchens. It covers a broad range of cookery skills, including preparing appetisers, salads, stocks, sauces, and main dishes, as well as managing kitchen operations and ensuring food safety. Graduates can pursue careers as chefs, cooks, or kitchen managers in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies. The course is offered at two locations in Victoria: the main campus in Coburg North and a Melbourne city campus. Both are well-serviced by public transport and close to hospitality industry hubs. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 04115A), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. Prospective students should note that this course includes a mandatory work component, providing valuable industry experience alongside classroom learning.
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Certificate III in Commercial Cookery falls under the field of Food and Hospitality, specifically Cookery. At this AQF Level 3, students develop practical skills in food preparation, cooking methods, and kitchen management. Core units typically cover hygiene, safety, stock control, and a range of cooking techniques for different cuisines. Electives may include specialisations like patisserie or menu planning. The course focuses on hands-on training to prepare students for real-world kitchen environments. Yarra Education Australia integrates both theory and practical sessions, using industry-standard equipment. Graduates are equipped to work as qualified cooks in various commercial settings.
The course runs for 1 year, equivalent to 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual award or foundation studies). Study mode is full-time, on campus at either the Coburg North or Melbourne location. This structure allows international students to maintain a full-time study load as required for the Student visa (Subclass 500). The course does not offer online or part-time options for overseas students. Yarra Education Australia provides a supportive learning environment with access to commercial kitchens and industry-experienced trainers.
Tuition fees for Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Yarra Education Australia are indicative at A$12,000 for the full course. Non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, materials, and resources) add A$1,200, bringing the estimated total to A$13,200. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. International students should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For current fees, always check with Yarra Education Australia directly. Living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$450–$650 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. More details on OSHC can be found on our visa guide.
International applicants typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) and completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. No specific prior cookery experience is required, but a passion for the hospitality industry is essential. Yarra Education Australia may also consider foundation or pathway programs if English levels are slightly below requirements. Always confirm with the provider for exact entry criteria. As with all CRICOS courses, applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have sufficient financial capacity.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 200 total hours). This work-integrated learning involves an industry placement in a real commercial kitchen, such as a restaurant, hotel, or caterer. It allows students to apply their skills under supervision, build professional networks, and gain Australian workplace experience. The placement is arranged by Yarra Education Australia to ensure it aligns with learning outcomes and visa work conditions. International students must ensure their work hours do not exceed Student visa limits (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks).
This course is delivered at two campuses in Victoria: 18 Lens Street, Coburg North VIC 3058 (Coburg North) and Location 6, 190 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Melbourne). Coburg North is a northern suburb about 10 km from Melbourne's CBD, with access to trains and buses. The Melbourne campus is in the CBD, close to Flinders Street Station and tram stops. Both locations are near hospitality businesses, offering networking opportunities. Victoria has over 300 CRICOS-registered providers, and Melbourne is Australia's second-largest student city with a vibrant food scene.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this full-time course. Key requirements include being enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one), maintaining OSHC, and demonstrating genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status and financial capacity. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. For dependents on Subclass 500, work rights may differ. The ESOS Act ensures tuition protection and consumer rights. Always check with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA) for your specific situation.
Yarra Education Australia (CRICOS 04115A) is a private registered training organisation based in Victoria. It offers vocational courses in hospitality, cookery, and other fields. The provider is registered for international students and complies with CRICOS standards. Its campuses in Coburg North and Melbourne provide modern facilities. For more details, visit the provider page on HeadStart Academy.
Victoria is home to over 200,000 international students and 1,500+ CRICOS courses. Melbourne is known for its multicultural food culture, making it ideal for cookery students. Living costs are moderate compared to Sydney, with weekly rent starting around $250 for shared accommodation. The state has excellent public transport, and students can work part-time easily. Consider your career goals: Victoria's hospitality sector is growing, with many job opportunities in cafes, restaurants, and event catering. However, always factor in personal preferences for climate, lifestyle, and network support.
Ready to start your cookery career? Visit the Yarra Education Australia provider page to learn more and apply.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is a CRICOS-registered programme at Yarra Education Australia. 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.