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Commercial Cookery & Hospitality Courses in Australia
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
The main cookery courses for international students are the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) and the Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521), often followed by the Diploma (SIT50422) or Advanced Diploma (SIT60322) of Hospitality Management. You must complete 48 complete service periods in a commercial kitchen. Chef 351311 is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and Cook 351411 on the Short-term list, and Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) assesses both. Graduates nominating Chef usually start with TRA's Provisional Skills Assessment for the 485 visa, because the vocational 485 stream needs an occupation on that list.
Commercial Cookery Courses at a Glance
| Qualifications | SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery; SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management; SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management; SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management |
|---|---|
| Practical work | 48 complete service periods in a commercial kitchen (unit SITHCCC043) |
| Skills assessment | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). TRA matches Cook to SIT30821 and Chef to SIT40521 |
| Graduate pathway | TRA Provisional Skills Assessment (about 12 weeks), then the 485 visa (Chef only, as the occupation must be on the MLTSSL) and the Job Ready Program |
| Example occupations | Chef 351311 (MLTSSL), Cook 351411 (STSOL), Pastrycook 351112 (STSOL) |
Course Options by Study Level
| Qualification | Level | Typical length | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) | AQF 3 (VET) | 1 to 2 years, often packaged with Certificate IV | Cook roles; TRA links Cook 351411 to this qualification |
| Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521) | AQF 4 (VET) | 6 months to 2 years, usually after or with Certificate III | Chef and kitchen supervisor roles; TRA links Chef 351311 to this qualification |
| Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT50422) | AQF 5 (VET) | 1 to 2 years | Hospitality supervisor and manager roles |
| Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT60322) | AQF 6 (VET) | 1.5 to 2 years | Restaurant, cafe and venue management |
Practical Kitchen Training
The Certificate III core unit Work effectively as a cook (SITHCCC043) requires 48 complete service periods in a commercial kitchen. Choose a provider with a real commercial kitchen and strong links to restaurants, and ask how service periods are organised.
TRA Skills Assessment for Cooks and Chefs
Trades Recognition Australia assesses Chef and Cook. If you finish an Australian CRICOS cookery qualification, the usual first step is the Provisional Skills Assessment (around 12 weeks), which you need for the Temporary Graduate (485) visa. The 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream needs an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, so Chef (linked to the Certificate IV) qualifies but Cook currently does not. You can then do the Job Ready Program to gain a full skills assessment through supervised employment in Australia.
Employer sponsorship: for the 482 and 186 visas, Chef and Cook positions in limited service restaurants (such as fast food, takeaway or coffee shops) and mass production are excluded.
Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists
These occupations are linked to cookery and hospitality courses. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skilled lists (15 Oct 2026) | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chef | 351311 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Cook | 351411 | STSOL, CSOL | TRA |
| Pastrycook | 351112 | STSOL, CSOL | TRA |
| Cafe or Restaurant Manager | 141111 | STSOL | VETASSESS |
Lists: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), ROL (Regional Occupation List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas). Check any occupation in our Occupation Finder.
How to Start
- Choose your course and levelTell us your previous study, English results, budget and career goal. We shortlist courses and providers that fit.
- Check the kitchen and placementsAsk the provider about its commercial kitchen and how your 48 service periods will be completed.
- Check the provider on CRICOSInternational students must study a course registered on CRICOS. The CRICOS duration also matters for the 485 visa, which needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia over at least 16 months.
- Apply and accept your offerApply with your documents, accept the offer, pay the deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. The provider then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Apply for your Student visaLodge your Student visa (subclass 500) with evidence of funds, English and the Genuine Student requirement. Since 2 October 2026 most applicants must apply from outside Australia. See our Student visa guide.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We compare cookery providers on their kitchens, placements and total package length, help with your application and Student visa, and our Registered Migration Agent can guide you through the TRA Provisional Skills Assessment and the 485 visa.
Free tools for students
Related courses and visas
Not sure which commercial cookery course or provider suits your goals? Get free course advice, plus Student visa help from a Registered Migration Agent.
Get course adviceSources: SIT30821 on training.gov.au · SIT40521 on training.gov.au · SITHCCC043 assessment requirements · TRA Provisional Skills Assessment · TRA occupations assessed
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Is commercial cookery still good for PR in Australia?
Chef is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and Cook is on the Short-term list as at 15 October 2026. PR still needs a skills assessment, work experience and enough points or a nomination, so plan the whole pathway before you enrol.
What is the difference between Certificate III and Certificate IV in cookery?
Certificate III (SIT30821) trains you as a cook. Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521) adds supervision and kitchen management. TRA links Cook to the Certificate III and Chef to the Certificate IV.
What are service periods?
A service period is a complete shift preparing and serving food in a commercial kitchen. The Certificate III requires 48 complete service periods.
Who assesses Chef and Cook occupations?
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). Australian graduates usually start with the Provisional Skills Assessment, then the Job Ready Program.
Can I work in a restaurant while I study?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. Use our Work Hours Tracker to stay within the limit.
Can a chef be sponsored by any restaurant?
No. For the 482 and 186 visas, positions in limited service restaurants such as fast food and takeaway outlets are excluded. The employer must also be an approved sponsor.
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