Study culinary and become a chef

New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)

Programme highlights

Are you interested in becoming a chef in one of New Zealand's many kitchens?

Develop your creativity in the kitchen and learn the advanced cooking skills you need to become an intermediate level chef.

When you graduate you will be ready for roles in restaurants, cafés, commercial catering, hotels and events. Or you can further develop your chefing skills with our level 5 programme.

International students

Key facts

Start month(s)

February, May, July, October
Study location(s)

MIT Ōtara
Level 4
Domestic fees

$8,200 (approx.)

Click here to see individual course fees
Youth Guarantee (fees-free*)

Not available

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Programme code NZ2101
Duration

Full-time for 1 year (32 teaching weeks), 3-4 days per week.
Study method

Full-time
Credits 120
International fees This programme is for domestic students only. Please see the International Diploma in Cookery.
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Scholarship (fees-free*)

Available (eligibility criteria applies)

Click here to find out more
Qualification leads to

New Zealand Certificatein Cookery (Level 4)

Study culinary at Manukau Institute of Technology

Entry requirements

General

Open entry for domestic students

There are no academic requirements that need to be met to enter this programme.

International students: English language entry requirements

For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/

International students will generally be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, for this programme an IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 is required. Equivalent acceptable evidence can be seen at the following NZQA link:https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/nzqa-rules/nzqf-related-rules/the-table/

International students

Test your English level to help you plan.

Take our free online English test to get a basic indication of your English level. This will help you understand what programmes you can apply for and what preparation you may require before you start your programme of study.

Need IELTS?

Book your British Council IELTS test with us.

You will complete your test in one day, plus get free online tuition to help you succeed. We offer paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS. Choose computer-delivered IELTS and get your results in 3-5 days.

Programme structure

You will need to complete the below eight courses (120 credits):

461.430 Boiling poaching and steaming (15 credits)

Prepare to work in a commercial kitchen by learning how to confidently, safely and hygienically use wet methods of cookery such as boiling, poaching and steaming.

461.431 Frying (15 credits)

Prepare to work in a commercial kitchen by learning how to confidently, safely and hygienically use short order methods of cookery such as frying.

461.432 Baking, roasting and grilling (15 credits)

Prepare to work in a commercial kitchen by learning how to confidently, safely and hygienically use hot line methods of cookery such as baking, roasting and grilling.

461.433 Cold food service (15 credits)

Prepare to work in a commercial kitchen by learning how to confidently, safely and hygienically produce cold food items.

461.434 Farinaceous and dairy (15 credits)

Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of dishes using farinaceous and dairy items and employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.

461.435 Fruits and vegetables (15 credits)

Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of dishes using fruit and vegetable items and employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.

461.436 Meat, fish and poultry (15 credits)

Apply cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of dishes using meat, fish and poultry items and employing complex preparation and presentation techniques.

461.437 Desserts (15 credits)

Prepare, produce and present a range of dessert and patisserie dishes in a commercial kitchen.

Key dates and timetables

To find the key dates and timetables of this programme, please view the baking, culinary and hospitality calendar.

Career opportunities

Intermediate level positions in restaurants, cafés, commercial catering, hotels, functions and events. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.

Further training or study

MIT is becoming Te Pūkenga

Vocational education in Aotearoa is changing to better meet the needs of learners like you.

As part of this transformational change, MIT will next year become fully part of Te Pūkenga, a national network delivering skills training in a wide range of locations throughout Aotearoa. This means that while you’re applying with MIT now, from Semester 1, 2023 when you enrol you’ll become a Te Pūkenga learner.

The new system has the success and wellbeing of learners at its heart, and a review of all programmes is currently underway to help support this, including the programme that you’ve enrolled with. The aim is to make qualifications more portable, consistent and closely aligned with the needs of industry, and more in tune with where the world is headed.

As the programme review is ongoing, the courses outlined may be liable to change over time. Rest assured that we’ll notify you of any material changes to delivery that might impact what you’re studying, where you’re studying or the ways you’re learning.

Download a baking, culinary and hospitality brochure

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Information is correct as at 6 September 2022. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2023 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2023 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2023 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2023 are based on the 2022 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2023. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology Limited is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.

Come join us, where the best makers are made.