Cookery Courses in Australia for International Students

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 explore 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. 

But first, why would you want to study cookery in Australia anyway? 

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: Provides essential skills in food preparation, kitchen operations, and hygiene standards.

• Diploma of Hospitality Management: Focuses on advanced culinary techniques, kitchen management, and leadership skills to prepare you for supervisory roles.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Culinary Arts or Hospitality

If you’re aiming higher, bachelor’s programs offer a detailed education in culinary arts or hospitality management. These programs combine practical skills with business and managerial training, opening doors to leadership roles in restaurants, hotels, or even entrepreneurship.

Short Courses and Workshops

If you want to specialise or expand your skill set, short courses provide focused training. Options include:

• Baking and pastry arts for desserts and confectionery.

• Vegan or plant-based cooking workshops.

• Advanced techniques like molecular gastronomy or international cuisine.

While individual courses and institutions may differ, generally an IELTS of 6 – 6.5 with no band score below 5.5 is required for cookery courses in Australia. 

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. 

From understanding detailed recipes and safety guidelines to coordinating with a busy kitchen team, strong English skills are crucial.

That’s why cookery courses in Australia place a strong emphasis on English proficiency. 

It’s not just about meeting course or visa requirements—it’s about ensuring you can thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environments.

Feeling like your English skills are holding you back?

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

The good news is, that improving your English is doable. 

By using targeted study materials, you can save time and focus on exactly what matters—developing the language skills needed for your course, career, and even visa success.

Lucky for you, we’ve got all the IELTS prep materials you need to level up your skills. 

From IELTS preparation modules tailored to your target score to materials designed for specific skill improvement, we’ll help you pass with confidence. 

Ready to start? Access everything you need to ace your IELTS here!

Book your IELTS test now

If you’re considering studying Cookery in Australia, here’s why it could be the perfect choice for your future:

• 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 PR 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.

Most cookery courses in Australia, especially Certificate III and Diploma programs, require:

• High School Completion: You must have completed high school or its equivalent to qualify for most entry-level courses.

• Additional Qualifications for Advanced Programs: For programs like a Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts or Hospitality, universities may require:

  • Prior studies in a related field, such as hospitality or food science.

  • Relevant certifications or diplomas in cookery.

• Work Experience or Internships: While not always mandatory, prior experience can strengthen your application. Work in the hospitality or food industry, such as roles in restaurants or catering, can give you a competitive edge.

• Internship Requirements for Advanced Courses: Some programs, like the Diploma of Hospitality Management, may require:

  • Evidence of an internship or practical experience as part of the application.

  • Completion of hands-on training during the course itself.

Meeting these requirements sets the foundation for success in Australia’s vibrant culinary scene, where your passion and skills can flourish into an exciting and rewarding career.

Because cookery is a very hands-on job, courses will be delivered through TAFEs or private institutions. 

There’s a wide range of options spread throughout Australia, you just have to find the right one for you. 

You’ll 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 for cookery roles. 

Le Cordon Blue Australia is considered the gold standard. They have four branches in Australia and offer Certificate III, Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management, and Certificate IV, as well as Certificate III and IV in Patisserie. 

William Angliss is another top culinary school, with branches in Melbourne and Sydney. They have certificates III and IV in cookery and patisserie, as well as the Bachelor of Culinary Management. 

Box Hill Institute has five branches in Victoria. They have Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, and a Diploma of Hospitality Management of offer. You learn and practice your skills at Fountains Restaurant and Lilydale Lakeside Restaurant, both well-known for producing high-quality graduates. 

TAFE Queensland is the premier cookery institute in QLD. They have Certificate IV, Certificate III, and Certificate III in Hospitality.  

TAFE South Metropolitan are a great option in Western Australia. As well as certificates III and IV, they also have a range of small courses on topics like food handling and safety. 

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 

Studying in Australia means learning under world-class chefs, and gaining global connections that set you up for success. 

But before you can get to that, you need to pass certain requirements. 

Here’s the thing: you don’t want to miss out on this chance just because of not passing your IELTS requirements or not knowing where to start.

That’s where we come in. At IDP, we’re here to make it easy. We’ll help you choose the perfect cookery course, guide you through the visa process, and even sort out your IELTS prep to make sure you get the score you need! 

If you want to gauge your current English proficiency, you can start with a free assessment.

Are you ready to review? Start browsing our free preparation materials. You can filter them according to a skill you want to improve.  

If you need more information on university applications or IELTS requirements, talk to our education experts today.