How can you become a cook in Australia?

Simply complete a vocational qualification in cookery. If you have proper experience, you're eligible to apply directly for a certificate to become a professional cook.

Does Australia have a demand for cooks?

Absolutely! Chefs and cooks, in particular, are in high demand throughout Australia and are excellent candidates for permanent residency (PR).

What is Australia's minimum age requirement for cooking courses?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment. They must also have successfully completed the Australian Equivalent of Year 11 or above, with a minimum IELTS score of 5.5, PTE score of 42, or Certificate III in EAL or equivalent.

Cooking Courses in Australia for International Students: Your Path to Culinary Excellence

March 07, 2024

Do you consider yourself a food lover and get excited about your culinary techniques? If you have a passion for the food industry then it’s time to turn it into a profession.

Why take Cookery Courses in Australia?

You may ask why culinary education is so important in Australia. The best thing about the Australian hospitality industry is anyone can earn a decent salary even in an entry-level position and can move quickly with their careers. As Australia offers top-notch culinary institutions, international students who pursue a career in cookery can easily apply for PR because it's one of the most demandable occupations in the country's skilled migration visa.

Australia’s tourist and hospitality enterprises include some of the world's top bistros, restaurants, resorts, and hotels. Doing commercial cookery programs in Australia not only increases your chances of being hired but also increases your current salary and position. You will get hands-on practical training related to cooking skills. A cookery course will help you to provide the best customer service, multitask, have global recognition, get connected with multicultural communities, know about creating your own business and have amazing communication skills. This encourages students from all over the world to enroll in commercial cookery courses in Australia and take advantage of the networking opportunities available in these growing food service industries.

If you desire to be in the next Masterchef series then you must learn from the culinary experts!

Now the question comes, as an international student which commercial cooking courses should you pursue? There are many courses with certificates provided to train you as a professional in cooking skills. To clear up all your confusion, let’s explore the top 4 cooking courses in Australia.

Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management

Do you want to become the next owner of a Michelin Star Restaurant? Then pursuing a course in Hospitality Management is the best decision you can make.

Job Opportunities: Australia's booming tourism and hospitality industry offers exciting career paths for individuals with diverse skills and interests. From managing bustling restaurants to leading the charge in cultural development, explore the diverse job opportunities that could turn your travel dreams into a rewarding reality.Some rewarding career choices are :

Restaurant Manager
Resort Manager
Tourist/Cultural Tourist Development Manager
Travel Consultant
Hotel Manager/Staff
Airline or Cruise Manager/Staff
Food and Beverage Manager
Leisure, Sports, and Events Manager

Pre-requisite: There is also an entry-level course, which is called the Diploma in Hospitality. This hospitality course will improve your initial managerial skills to start your journey in hospitality enterprises. However, the advanced course will create a promising career path for you.

Pathway to PR: The Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management is not only a gateway to leadership roles but also a pathway to Permanent Residency. As you gain a nationally accredited qualification, you're not just building confidence in your hospitality management approach but also setting yourself up for exciting opportunities in career goals. This program aligns with the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), connecting your educational journey to long-term success in Australia's hospitality sector. So, it will help to add valuable points to the migration system.

Certificate IV in Patisserie

Do you love baking and eating cakes? Then Certificate IV in Patisserie is just the right course for you. This qualification is mainly designed for people who want to be pastry chefs seeking a supervisory or team-leading role in the kitchen.

Job Opportunities: From mastering the art of delicate pastries in a charming patisserie to showcasing your skills in renowned restaurants and hotels, your passion for baking can translate into a fulfilling career such as

Pastry Chef
Baker
Cake Decorator

Pre-requisite: Upon completing Certificate IV in Patisserie, a broad range of career paths will be waiting for you. If you don't have any experience you can start by taking the prerequisite course Certificate III in Patisserie.

Pathway to PR: Dreaming of becoming a pâtissier in Australia? Certificate IV in Patisserie not only teaches you to make great desserts but also provides a pathway to Permanent Residency. As an overseas student, this qualification connects you to Australia's Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), ensuring your educational journey aligns with long-term opportunities in the thriving world of patisserie.

Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Do you want a dynamic career in the kitchen sector but don't want to cook? Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery is just the perfect course to help you out.

Job Opportunities: The Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery equips you with the skills and knowledge to navigate diverse culinary careers for example:

Chef
Cook
Sous Chef
Head Chef
Food Stylist (Media)
Culinary Educator
Food & Beverage Manager
Research & Development Chef
Culinary Consultant
Catering Manager
Food Critic
Food Blogger
Food Influencer

Pre-requisite: If you have any doubts about your experience, you can also take the course Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, which will help you build your basic knowledge of industry operations.

Pathway to PR: The best part of this course is that it aligns perfectly with the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), offering a migration pathway. As an international student, you'll easily be able to apply for PR and add valuable points to your migration profile.

Certificate IV in Kitchen Management

If you have cooking skills and the talent to manage kitchen operations then you can pursue Certificate IV in Kitchen Management. It will not only improve your culinary experience in the kitchen but will also teach you to supervise commercial kitchen teams. This program equips you with the skills to manage all aspects of a kitchen operation, from menu planning and food safety to budgeting and staff leadership.

Job Opportunities: This qualification opens doors to management positions in the culinary industry and provides opportunities for career advancement and specialization which are:

Kitchen Manager
Restaurant Manager
Catering Manager
Food Service Supervisor
Sous Chef
Culinary Team Leader
Banquet Manager
Food and Beverage Manager

Pre-requisite: After finishing your Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, you will have access to a variety of professional opportunities. But if you have no prior experience, you can begin by taking the prerequisite course Certificate III in Kitchen Management.

Pathway to PR: Moreover, Certificate IV in Kitchen Management is one of the best career strategies for international students who wish to pursue culinary careers in Australia. As qualified chefs and managers are listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), completing this culinary course offers a potential pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

Exploring Eligibility Criteria for Hospitality Courses in Australia

Ever dreamt of crafting exquisite pastries, mastering culinary techniques, or leading a bustling kitchen? Whether you're an Australian resident or an international student, this guide demystifies the eligibility requirements for various exciting hospitality courses in Australia.

This table provides a clear overview of the entry points for each course, allowing you to chart your culinary journey with confidence. So, grab your chef's hat and prepare to embark on your delicious educational adventure!

Course	Eligibility Criteria (Local Students)	Eligibility Criteria (International Students)
Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management	Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) OR mature-age entry requirements met. Demonstrated English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5 or equivalent).	Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) OR relevant work experience and qualifications. Demonstrated English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or equivalent). Meet student visa requirements and obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from the institution.
Certificate IV in Patisserie	Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) OR mature-age entry requirements met. Demonstrated English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).	Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) OR relevant work experience and qualifications. Demonstrated English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5 or equivalent). Meet student visa requirements and obtain a COE from the institution.
Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery	Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) OR mature-age entry requirements met. Demonstrated English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).	Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) OR relevant work experience and qualifications. Demonstrated English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5 or equivalent). Meet student visa requirements and obtain a COE from the institution.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management	Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) OR mature-age entry requirements met. Demonstrated English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).	Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) OR relevant work experience and qualifications in commercial cookery (e.g., Certificate III in Commercial Cookery). Demonstrated English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5 or equivalent). Meet student visa requirements and obtain a COE from the institution.

Average Hospitality Career Salaries in Australia:

Wondering how much you can earn in the Australian hospitality industry? This table outlines the average salary ranges for various qualifications, helping you assess your earning potential. Whether you're a passionate baker, a seasoned cook, or an aspiring kitchen leader, discover your ideal career path and its financial rewards.

Qualification	Average Salary Range (AUD)	Source
Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management	$83,896	au.indeed.com
Certificate IV in Patisserie	$65,000 - $75,000	www.seek.com.au
Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery	$55,000 - $74,117	au.talent.com
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management	$70,000 - $100,000	au.talent.com/

If you wish to pursue Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, Norton Institute would be your best choice. Spice up your career and develop your culinary skills at Norton Institute. From sweet to savoury take hands-on practical skills from the best. Norton Institute will prepare you to handle any situation in the culinary scene.

Do you already have experience in any of the jobs mentioned above? Then what are you waiting for? If you have more than a year of experience in any of these job roles or relevant fields, you can apply for a Certificate directly. In that case, the certificate will be recognized as a nationally accredited qualification. With that certificate, you can also apply for PR.