Cookery courses for international students in Australia

Have you ever watched Master Chef and thought you could do better? 

Or ever felt like you could replicate Gordon Ramsay's Beef Wellington? (or maybe you already did!) 

Either way, if you love being in the kitchen, and cooking good food makes your heart warm, then you might want to study a cookery course in Australia. 

In this guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about cookery courses in Australia--where to study, the career opportunities for you, and the PR pathways that come with it.

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Whether you’re starting fresh or aiming to refine your skills, Australia offers a range of cookery courses to suit your career goals:

Certificate and Diploma Programs

These entry-level and advanced programs are ideal for learning the fundamentals of cooking and hospitality. Common qualifications include:

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

• Duration: Approximately 12 months (full-time)

• What you’ll learn: In this program, you’ll learn essential food preparation techniques, kitchen operations, and hygiene standards. 

• This is great if you want to start a career as a cook or chef in restaurants, hotels, or catering services.

Diploma of Hospitality Management

• Duration: 6-12 months (after Certificate III)

• What you’ll learn: In this program, you’ll learn leadership and management skills, menu design, cost control, team supervision, and advanced cooking techniques.

• This is great if you want to become a sous chef or manage a kitchen team.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Culinary Arts or Hospitality

For those aiming for leadership roles, these degrees blend culinary skills with business and management training.

• Duration: 3-4 years

• What you’ll learn: In this program, you’ll learn gastronomy, food science, hospitality management, and entrepreneurship. Some programs offer specialisations in international cuisine, sustainability, or food technology. It also includes industry internships.

• This is great if you want to lead in the hospitality industry, manage restaurants, or open your own culinary business.

Short Courses and Workshops

If you want to specialize or expand your skills, short courses provide focused training. Options include:

• Baking and Pastry Arts – Master desserts, bread-making, and chocolate confectionery.

• Vegan or Plant-Based Cooking – Learn innovative meat-free and sustainable cooking techniques.

• Advanced Culinary Techniques – Explore molecular gastronomy, international cuisines, and modern plating skills.

No matter your goal, there’s a program in Australia to help you build a successful career in the culinary industry. With many options for you, you’re probably more excited to study cookery in Australia! 

But wait–there’s just one important thing you need to master first: your English skills. 

Imagine this: your head chef shouts, “Slice the zucchini!” but you hear, “Spice the zucchini!” Now you’ve got a cinnamon-flavoured stir-fry, and no one’s happy. 

Strong English skills aren’t just about meeting course or visa requirements—they’re essential for thriving in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen. 

One mistake can be the difference between a five-star dish and a culinary disaster.  To be a successful cook, you need to understand complex recipes and safety guidelines. You must also communicate clearly with your team. That’s why cookery courses in Australia place a strong emphasis on English proficiency.

With this in mind, you need to achieve a specific IELTS score before you can qualify to study a cookery program. 

What’s the score you need? Find out below. 

Generally,  an IELTS of 6 – 6.5 with no band score below 5.5 is required for cookery courses in Australia. These requirements vary between institutions, so it’s always worth confirming with your chosen provider.

Not sure what IELTS score you need?

Figuring out the right score can be confusing, but it’s an important step for your course application. If you’re unsure, you can contact our education experts. We’ll verify the IELTS requirements for your chosen institution and guide you through the next steps.

Planning to take the test soon? You can book your IELTS today.

Need to prepare for IELTS? We provide expert study materials and free practice tests to help you get the score you need.

Completing a cookery course in Australia opens doors to a range of career opportunities in the hospitality industry. Your chosen qualification will determine your job prospects, from entry-level kitchen roles to leadership positions.

Here are some career paths you can pursue:

• Cook

• Chef de Partie (Station Chef)

• Sous Chef 

• Head Chef (Executive Chef)

• Catering Manager

• Restaurant Manager 

• Food and Beverage Manager

• Pastry Chef 

• Private Chef 

• Entrepreneur (Café/Restaurant Owner) 

With additional experience and training, you can advance into higher-paying roles, manage your own kitchen, or even launch your culinary brand.

If you’re an international student in Australia dreaming of a career in cookery, you might be asking yourself—why here? Here are some of the benefits of pursuing this career path in Australia. 

• High Demand = Job Security

Australia’s food service industry is worth over A$59 billion, and its thriving hospitality and tourism sectors ensure that chefs and cooks are always in demand. This means stable employment opportunities and a bright career outlook.

• Pathways to Permanent Residency 

Many chef roles are on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, making it easier to apply for permanent residency after gaining work experience.

• Impressive Earning Potential

Qualified chefs in Australia can earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, with even higher salaries for those with specialised skills or experience.

• Globally Recognised Skills

The skills you’ll gain in a cookery course are highly transferable, opening doors to opportunities not just in Australia but around the world.

With job stability, PR pathways, and competitive salaries, studying cookery in Australia is a recipe for success. But how do you qualify for a cookery program? 

For Certificate and Diploma Programs:

• Completion of high school (Year 10 or Year 12, depending on the course).

• No prior cookery experience required.

For Bachelor’s Degrees in Culinary Arts or Hospitality:

• Completion of high school (Year 12 or equivalent).

• Satisfactory grades in English and Mathematics.

• Some programs may require prior experience in hospitality or cookery.

Additional Requirements (varies by institution):

• Statement of purpose outlining your interest in culinary arts or hospitality.

• Relevant work experience in the food industry (optional but beneficial).

• Some programs may require an interview or skills assessment.

English Proficiency:

• Proof of English language skills, usually through an IELTS test.

• Minimum IELTS score: Overall band of 5.5–6.5, with no individual band lower than 5.0–6.0 (varies by institution).

Meeting these requirements is an exciting step toward your culinary career in Australia. Since English is the language of instruction and the key to working in professional kitchens, cookery courses require proof of your English proficiency.

If you’re still worried about your English skills, we've got you! 

Don’t worry, you’re not the first to panic over pronouncing “Worcestershire.”

The good news is that improving your English is totally doable. You just need the right approach. Instead of wasting time on random exercises, focus on what really matters—building the language skills needed for your course, career, and visa success.

That’s where we come in. Our preparation materials are designed to help you study smarter.

Do you want to focus on a specific component of the test?  Choose from our Speaking, Reading, Writing, or Listening materials.

Do you want to practice the questions that will get you a higher band score? Filter our resources by your target score and practice the questions that will get you there! 

Ready to start? Access everything you need to succeed here!

For professional cookery roles, you'll typically need the 52-week AQF Certificate III in Commercial Cookery plus at least two years of work experience, or the 26-week Certificate IV in Kitchen Management at minimum.

Le Cordon Bleu Australia – Best for Classic French Training

If you want to train at a globally renowned institution, Le Cordon Bleu is the gold standard in culinary education. Their classical French techniques combined with modern gastronomy make this a top choice for aspiring chefs aiming for Michelin-starred kitchens.  

Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane

Programs Offered:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

• Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management

• Certificate III in Patisserie

• Certificate IV in Patisserie

William Angliss Institute of TAFE – Best for Industry Connections

William Angliss Institute is Australia’s largest specialist in food, hospitality, and tourism education, with over 85 years of experience. Known for its strong industry ties, the institute ensures graduates are job-ready. 86.3% of employers recommend William Angliss Institute’s training programs. Whether you’re starting your career or upskilling, its hands-on approach and expert-led training set you up for success.

Locations: Melbourne, Sydney

Programs Offered:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

• Certificate III in Patisserie

• Certificate IV in Patisserie

• Bachelor of Culinary Management

Box Hill Institute - Best for Practical, Career-Focused Training

If you want hands-on training that prepares you for real-world jobs, Box Hill Institute is a great choice. With nearly 100 years of experience, it focuses on career-relevant education that helps you succeed in the workforce. You’ll train in modern facilities, including real and simulated kitchen environments, so you graduate with the skills employers are looking for.

Locations: Five campuses across Victoria

Programs Offered:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

• Certificate IV in Kitchen Management

• Diploma of Hospitality Management

TAFE Queensland  – Best for Hands-On Learning and Job-Ready Training

If you’re looking for practical training that leads straight to job opportunities, TAFE Queensland is a solid choice. With over 140 years of experience, it’s the largest provider of vocational education in the state. You’ll learn through industry-based curricula and hands-on training, ensuring you graduate with the skills employers need.

Locations: 60 campuses across Queensland

Programs Offered:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery Certificate III in Hospitality

TAFE South Metropolitan – Best for Short Courses & Specializations

If you’re in Western Australia and want to specialize, TAFE South Metropolitan offers a range of cookery courses along with short programs in food safety and handling. This is a good option for those who want to upskill or improve specific techniques.

Location: Western Australia

Programs Offered:

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

• Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

• Short courses in food handling, safety, and specialized cooking techniques

Because of the high demand for cooks, there are multiple pathways to residency.  

Initially, you’ll be on a student visa (500) and from there, you are eligible for a post-higher education work visa (485). From there, you can either be hired on a training visa (407) if certain requirements are met, or you can apply for an employment visa directly. 

Cooks and pastry cooks are eligible for: 

Permanent visas: 

• 190 - Skilled nominated 

• 186 - Employer nomination scheme visa - Transition pathway 

Provisional visas: 

• 489 - Skilled regional visa, this can be State or Territory nominated 

• 482 – Skills in demand visa - Short-term stream 

• 494 - Skilled employer-sponsored regional, employer-nominated 

• 491 - Skilled work regional visa, State or Territory nominated 

Confused About Visa Rules?

Figuring out your pathway to permanent residency (PR) can feel overwhelming—visa requirements change, processing times vary, and one small mistake can delay your plans.

If you need expert guidance on your visa options and PR pathway, you can consult with one of our migration experts at IDP. They can guide you on regional opportunities or points-tested visas. When you’re ready, they can also help prepare and submit your visa application.

Book a consultation with our migration experts today.

Studying in Australia means learning from world-class chefs and gaining global connections that set you up for success. But before you can get there, you need to meet certain requirements—including proving your English skills.

Strong English skills aren’t just a requirement. They’re what help you communicate in fast-paced kitchens and thrive in the hospitality industry.

Without good English, you could struggle to follow instructions, misinterpret important details, or face challenges in team-based environments. 

That’s why preparing for your IELTS test isn’t just about passing—it’s about building the confidence and skills you’ll need for your studies and career.

Want to check your current English level? Take our free assessment. Ready to prepare? Access our free IELTS study materials, or if you're planning to take your IELTS soon, book your test today!