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New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)

STARTS: February 2025
Madras Street; Timaru
International Close Date: 19 December for January start; 13 January for February start; 23 June for July start

Become competent and confident cooking complex dishes in fast-paced commercial kitchen environments.

This programme covers the skills required to create a wide range of complex dishes from hot meals and desserts to pastries.

You'll learn about preparation and presentation techniques, food safety, health and safety, operating policies of commercial kitchens and communication practices between colleagues, managers and customers.

To meet Health and Safety requirements, applicants must be physically able to undertake the practical components of the programme in an industry emulated environment.

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$7,627 - $8,486 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

Fees for 2025

Domestic Fee
$8,085 - $8,995 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$370.50 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2025

10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits and 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits

OR New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3) OR equivalent

OR If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

  • If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
  • Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

What if English is not my first Language?

If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.

  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic

  • 5.0 Listening
  • 5.0 Reading
  • 5.0 Writing
  • 5.0 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Find out more

Career opportunities

This qualification will give you the skills to work as an intermediate-level chef in a professional kitchen.

Study pathways

Graduates with this qualification can progress to the New Zealand Diploma in Cookery (Advanced) (Level 5) with strands in Cookery and Patisserie.

Recommended school subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • Food technology

New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)

FULL-TIME - 1 Year

Become competent and confident cooking complex dishes in fast-paced commercial kitchen environments.

Information
Type Certificate
Code NZ2101
Next Starts February 2025
May be available for Study Visa? Yes
International application close date 19 December for January start; 13 January for February start; 23 June for July start
Credits 120
Level 4
Additional Equipment/Fees $1000 Approximately for uniforms, knives, and textbook
May be eligible for Studylink? Yes
May be eligible for Fees Free? Yes
Reference NZ2101-MAIN

Fees for 2024

Domestic Fee
$7,627 - $8,486 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$350 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2024

Fees for 2025

Domestic Fee
$8,085 - $8,995 per year
Indicative Student Services Fee
$370.50 per year
Valid To
December 31, 2025

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Enquire Now View Dates & Apply
NZ Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) - Feb 2025 - Christchurch
Start date: 17 February 2025
Apply
NZ Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) - Feb 2025 - Timaru
Start date: 24 February 2025
Apply

With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…

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Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.

Find out more

Documents

Area of Interest

Key Information for Students

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