Australian Culinary Education Schools

Expect to find more on the menu Down Under than just bloomin’ onions and steaks. Actually, most cuisine in Australia bears strong influences from England, from traditional fish and chips to sausages and puddings. And, of course, it’s well known for its barbecues and Vegemite. With it cultural influences and its regional location between Asia and the Americas, Australia offers a rich culinary foundation for aspiring chefs. And there are a number of programs across the country that offer degrees for chefs and managers.

Finding a quality program

You won’t be doing all your cooking on a grill in the Outback. A quality kitchen will be essential to your training. So look for programs that feature a professional kitchen that is fully equipped and run by the students. Some schools, such as the Box Hill Institute of TAFE, also offer a student-run restaurant that provides valuable hands-on training. In the classroom, make sure there are experienced instructors, preferably those who have worked in the industry. Finally, make sure the program has support services for job placement or opportunities for internships or apprenticeships. Box Hill also offers apprenticeship opportunities for its students.

Typically, you will only be required to have a high-school diploma or GED to get into a culinary program, as well as some basic academic requirements. If the program is more selective, you may be asked to take a test of your culinary knowledge, or to prove that you’ve had some experience in the kitchen, either through work or attendance at workshops or other events. But the visa process to study overseas may be the most challenging part of beginning your studies. The process can take several months, and it requires a lot of official documentation and interviews. Be sure to allow enough time to navigate the process before you are set to begin your studies.

Finishing your studies

Your culinary studies can be completed in as little as 12 weeks, depending on the track you choose. Typically, degree programs take about two years to finish. And some management degrees can take up to four years. But certificate and diploma options are available in much less time to allow you to enter the work force as quickly as possible.

Many options are available for completing your degree online if you are looking for flexibility or comfort. The SITE Academy is based in Australia and offers online degrees, or there are many more programs based elsewhere that offer online programs for students anywhere. Video instruction is available for teaching cooking techniques. More often, online culinary classes are meant to compliment previous experience in the kitchen. Management degrees are more common, and they can often be finished completely online.

Exploring the job market

If you plan to work in an international market, keep in mind that visa requirements will vary by country. Be sure to research the rules before you start looking for positions. No matter where you find a job, some basic facts will be applicable. If you work in a major metropolitan area, you can expect there to be more demand, as well as higher pay. Your years of experience will also affect your marketability and your salary. The top jobs will pull in the top pay, from head chefs and cooks down to sous chefs, assistant cooks and line cooks. The more exclusive and highly rated an establishment, the better the salary, as well. Look for jobs at hotels, resorts, spas and fine-dining restaurants.

Campus-based programs

Academia International
152 Elizabeth St.
Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
(+61) 3-9671-4755
academia21.com
Commercial Cookery
Food Processing
Patisserie
Hospitality Management
No regional accreditation
DEEWR recognized

Box Hill Institute of TAFE
465 Elgar Road
Box Hill VIC 3128, Australia
(+61) 1300-269-445
boxhill.edu.au
Hospitality Management
NFQ accredited

Canberra Institute of Technology
GPO Box 826
Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
(+61) 6207 3100
cit.edu.au
Baking
Commercial Kitchen
Cookery
Hospitality
Hotel Management
NFQ accredited

Le Cordon Bleu – Adelaide
Days Road, Regency Park
South Australia 5010 Australia
(+61) 8-8346-3700
cordonbleu.edu/adelaide/
International Hotel Management
International Restaurant Management
International Hospitality Management
No regional accreditation
IACP approved

Le Cordon Bleu – Melbourne
Victoria University
P.O. Box 14428
Melbourne, Victoria 8001 Australia
(+61) 3-9919-1164
cordonbleu.edu/melbourne/
Culinary Management
No regional accreditation
IACP approved

Le Cordon Bleu – Sydney
250 Blaxland Road, Ryde
New South Wales 2112 Australia
(+ 61) 2-8878-3100
cordonbleu.edu/sydney/
Diplome de Cuisine
Professional Culinary Management
No regional accreditation
IACP approved

Shafston School of Hospitality
46 Thorn Street
Kangaroo Point, Brisbane
Quuensland 4169 Australia
(+61) 7-3392-1400
shafston.edu
Hospitality Commercial Cookery
Hospitality Patisserie
NEAS accredited

SITE Academy
Level 3, Hindmarsh Stadium
Holden Street
Hindmarsh
South Australia 5007 Australia
(+61) 8-8346-2788
site.edu.au
Hotel and Resort Operations
No regional accreditation
AHLA association

Online-based programs

The Art Institutes of Pittsburgh – Online Division
www.aionline.edu/
Hotel and Restaurant Management
MSCHE accredited

Johnson and Wales University
www.jwu.edu/campus.aspx?id=25934
Baking & Pastry Arts and Food Service Management
Culinary Arts & Food Service Management
NEASC accredited

Penn Foster Career School
www.pennfoster.edu/
Hotel and Restaurant Management
DETC & CHEA accredited

SITE Academy
www.site.edu.au/
Hospitality
Tourism
No regional accreditation
AHLA association

Sullivan College
www.sullivan.edu/
Beverage Management
CCSACS & ACF accredited