Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 114835J) is a Certificate IV delivered by Shafston International Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~80 weeks). This qualification equips international students with advanced cookery skills, kitchen supervision, and menu management, preparing them for roles like chef or kitchen manager in Australia's thriving hospitality industry. Shafston International, a private provider based in Southport, Gold Coast, offers this course with a work component, ensuring practical experience. As a CRICOS-registered institution (03917H), Shafston meets Australian Government standards for international education. The Gold Coast, with over 70 CRICOS-registered providers, is a popular study destination offering vibrant student life and strong employment opportunities in hospitality. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource – no referral fees – to help you explore your options. Please note: all fees are indicative and subject to change; always confirm with the provider.
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Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS course code 114835J) is a Certificate IV (AQF Level 4) in the field of Food, Hospitality and Personal Services, specifically Cookery (110109). Delivered by Shafston International Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03917H), this course runs for 1 year 6 months (~80 weeks) with instruction in English. It is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies) and includes a mandatory work component of 6 weeks at 24 hours per week (approximately 144 total hours). The VET national code is SIT40521. This course is designed for students who want to advance their culinary career, covering kitchen operations, menu costing, stock control, and team leadership. According to the official CRICOS register, this course is offered at Shafston's Gold Coast campuses in Southport. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of many pathways to skilled migration and employment in Australia's hospitality sector.
This course falls under the field of education '11 - Food, Hospitality and Personal Services', subfield '1101 - Food and Hospitality', specialisation '110109 - Cookery'. At the Certificate IV level, students typically learn advanced cooking techniques, kitchen management, menu planning, food safety, and supervisory skills. Graduates will be able to manage kitchen operations, design menus, control food costs, and lead a team. While specific syllabus details should be confirmed with Shafston International, common units include 'Manage kitchen operations', 'Design and cost menus', 'Prepare food for complex dishes', and 'Manage financial resources'. The work component provides real-world experience in commercial kitchens, enhancing employability. This qualification aligns with Australian industry standards and is recognised nationwide.
The program is 80 weeks in duration, comprising both theoretical and practical components. Study is full-time and conducted in English. This is a standalone qualification, so you will receive a single Certificate IV upon completion. The course does not include foundation studies; students are expected to meet entry requirements directly. The 80-week period includes the 6-week work placement, ensuring a balanced learning experience. Shafston International offers this course at their campuses in Southport, Gold Coast, with modern kitchen facilities and dedicated teaching staff.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$28,000, plus non-tuition fees of A$900, bringing the estimated total to A$28,900. Please note: these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included in this estimate are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. Living costs on the Gold Coast average approximately A$500–A$600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Always check with Shafston International for the most current fees and any available scholarships or payment plans. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees – this is a free resource.
International students typically need an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall. Academic requirements generally include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. No specific prior qualification in cookery is required, but some providers may prefer applicants with relevant experience. For this Certificate IV level, a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent is often recommended. Contact Shafston International for exact entry criteria, including any alternative English tests accepted (e.g., TOEFL, PTE). The provider may also assess prior learning. If you do not meet requirements, pathway options such as foundation studies or English language courses may be available – ask the provider directly. Remember, only CRICOS-registered courses like this one can be used for student visa applications.
Yes, this course includes a work component of 6 weeks, with 24 hours per week (approximately 144 total hours). This work-integrated learning is designed to give students practical experience in a real kitchen environment, such as an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement. It allows you to apply classroom knowledge to commercial cooking, develop professional skills, and build industry connections. The placement is typically arranged by Shafston International and may be in restaurants, hotels, or catering companies in the Gold Coast area. This work component is structured and supervised to ensure learning outcomes are met. For visa purposes, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks, but placement hours usually count as part of the course.
This course is delivered at two locations in Southport, Queensland, on the Gold Coast. The primary campus is at 13 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215, and the Shafston Gold Coast campus is also in Southport. The Gold Coast is a vibrant city with over 70 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. Southport is the central business district of the Gold Coast, well-served by public transport (G:link light rail, buses) and close to beaches, shopping, and entertainment. Estimated living costs: weekly rent A$250–A$400, transport A$50, groceries A$100–A$150. The region's strong hospitality industry offers ample part-time job opportunities for students.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one), sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled holidays. The ESOS Act protects international students' rights, including course refunds and provider obligations. Always apply through the Department of Home Affairs and consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at Shafston International Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field (Cookery), and location (Gold Coast). Compare providers and ensure they are CRICOS-registered. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Check entry requirements (English test scores, academic qualifications) and application deadlines. Submit your application through Shafston International's website or via a registered education agent. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, Shafston will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include the CoE, proof of funds, OSHC, and GTE statement. Consult a MARA agent if needed.
Cookery is a popular field among international students due to Australia's strong hospitality industry and potential migration pathways. Before enrolling, consider the following: location – the Gold Coast has a high demand for chefs, but also high competition for jobs; cost – living expenses in Southport are moderate but budget carefully; qualification level – Certificate IV is suitable for supervisory roles, while a Diploma may lead to management; work rights – the 48-hour fortnight limit means you must plan finances accordingly. Also, ensure your chosen course is CRICOS-registered – all courses on HeadStart Academy are. With over 1,500 CRICOS providers and 26,000 courses, you have options. Use our free resources to make an informed decision.
Ready to start your culinary career in Australia? Contact Shafston International via their website or use HeadStart Academy's step-by-step guide to apply. Remember, this is a free resource – no referral fees.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is a CRICOS-registered programme at Shafston International 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.