The Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) is designed for aspiring chefs who want to build advanced culinary skills in a professional environment. The programme focuses on practical learning, with approximately 80% of study time spent in commercial kitchens preparing a wide variety of dishes.

Students benefit from:

• NZQA-approved Level 4 qualification
• Practical, industry-focused curriculum
• Approximately 80% hands-on kitchen training
• Opportunity to undertake an industry internship
• Food Safety Certificate included
• Training from experienced professional chefs
• Modern commercial kitchen facilities
• Strong industry links and employment opportunities
• Open to international students
• Pathway to higher-level culinary qualifications.

Subjects / Programme Structure

Students develop professional culinary knowledge through topics including:

• Preparation of complex dishes
• Commercial kitchen operations
• Advanced cookery techniques
• Food preparation and presentation
• Sauces and soups
• Meat preparation
• Seafood preparation
• Knife skills and safe handling procedures
• Commercial food production
• Food safety and hygiene
• Communication with customers, colleagues and managers
• Professional kitchen practices
• Industry internship
• Educational culinary field trip

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme develops skills across:

• Professional Cookery
• Commercial Kitchen Operations
• Culinary Arts
• Food Preparation
• Food Presentation
• Food Safety
• Hospitality Operations
• Professional Kitchen Communication

Programme Highlights

• NZQA-recognised qualification
• Approximately 80% practical kitchen training
• Internship opportunities
• Food Safety Certificate included
• Learn in modern commercial kitchens
• Experienced chef tutors
• Industry-focused curriculum
• Educational food industry field trip
• Excellent preparation for employment in hospitality
• Pathway to higher culinary qualifications

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

• Commis Chef
• Chef de Partie (with experience)
• Restaurant Chef
• Hotel Chef
• Café Chef
• Catering Chef
• Banquet Chef
• Commercial Kitchen Cook
• Institutional Cook
• Hospitality Kitchen Supervisor (with experience)

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Current published intakes are available for Hamilton (20 July 2026) and Sylvia Park, Auckland (10 August 2026).
• Internship opportunities are available to help students gain practical industry experience.
• Students receive a Food Safety Certificate upon successful completion of the relevant requirements.
• Practical training requires students to participate in commercial kitchen activities and safely handle kitchen equipment and knives.
• International students must maintain valid travel and medical insurance throughout their studies.

Student Visa Requirements

International students are generally required to obtain a New Zealand Student Visa before commencing study. Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from NZMA
• Valid passport
• Proof of payment or financial capability for tuition fees
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Medical and travel insurance
• Any additional documentation required by Immigration New Zealand