Culinary Collective (NZMA) (UP Education)

Founded in 1998 as part of NZMA, The Culinary Collective is New Zealand’s premier culinary institute dedicated to transforming food lovers into professional chefs, bakers, and hospitality leaders. It is part of UP Education — the largest private education group in New Zealand — and holds a Category One NZQA provider status, meaning the highest quality of education standards.

The institute emphasizes traditional and modern culinary techniques, sustainability, innovation, and the unique food culture of Aotearoa New Zealand, preparing students for careers in kitchens, bakeries, restaurants, hotels, and even entrepreneurship.

Why Study at The Culinary Collective?

• Practical Industry Training: Over 80 % of learning is hands-on in commercial kitchens, bakeries, bars, and restaurants.

• Internships: All core programmes feature internship placements with top industry employers across New Zealand and abroad. 

• Global Connections: Students gain access to international work opportunities in hotels such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Sofitel, and Walt Disney World Resort.

• Small Classes & Expert Tutors: Learning from professional chefs and food industry experts in small, supportive environments.

• Career Support: Dedicated career support team helps with CV writing, interview preparation, and job placement.

• Strong Industry Demand: Skilled chefs and hospitality staff are in high demand — including roles as chefs, pastry chefs, restaurant managers, and food entrepreneurs.

Rankings & Recognition

Being a specialised provider, The Culinary Collective is not part of traditional university rankings but:

• Holds a Category One NZQA rating (New Zealand’s highest education standard).

• It’s part of UP Education, where 80 %+ graduates secure employment or progress to higher studies.

• Recognised nationally as a winner of the National Training Excellence Awards for seven consecutive years.

Campus Locations

The Culinary Collective operates in state-of-the-art campuses across New Zealand.

• Auckland Central: 100 Symonds Street, Grafton – flagship campus with 6 commercial kitchens and a student-run restaurant.

• Sylvia Park: 56–60 Carbine Road – home to baking, patisserie and barista labs.

• Hamilton: 94 Tristram Street – focus on chef and bakery training with hands-on internships.

• Additional campuses across NZMA including Porirua, Manukau, and Christchurch offer wider vocational pathway options.

Other Hospitality & Related Courses

• Certificate and Diplomas in Hospitality and Restaurant Services

• Courses in food safety, nutrition, and bar service

• Culinary innovation workshops and masterclasses

Modes of Learning

• Onsite Learning: Main model — practical, hands-on in commercial kitchens, bakeries, bars and restaurants.

• Blended Learning: Some levels (especially Level 6 and management programmes) include a mix of face-to-face and online modules.

• Part-time and Flexible Options: Designed for working students and international learners needing flexible scheduling.

Highlights & Key Features

• Industry Placement: All courses include internships with top hospitality employers — many leading to jobs.

• Global Exposure: Partnerships with international hotels and culinary academies (e.g., Ritz-Carlton, Ottimmo International Mastergourmet Academy).

• Award-Winning Education: Consistent winner of national training awards.

• Entrepreneurship Focus: Mentorship programmes for students aiming to launch food businesses.

• Sustainable Gastronomy: Curriculum includes sustainability, seasonality, and provenance of ingredients.

Scholarship

TCC offers several scholarship options designed to make culinary education in New Zealand more accessible. Most of these are merit- or interview-based and awarded to eligible applicants before visa applications. Here’s what you need to know

1. TCC General Scholarship — Up to 25% Tuition Fee Waiver

• Value: Up to NZD 5,000 (≈ 25% of total tuition fee).

• Eligibility: International applicants enrolling in Levels 4, 5, or 6 programmes.

• How to Apply:

  • Submit a personal statement explaining why you deserve the scholarship.

  • Or participate in an interview with the TCC recruitment team.

• Selection: Based on academic potential, passion for the culinary arts, and future career goals.

• Deadline: Rolling, but best to apply early (3–4 months before intake) to maximise chances.

2. Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (PMSA)

This prestigious scholarship is funded by the New Zealand government and administered by Education New Zealand for select students to study cuisine in partner countries.

• Coverage: Over NZD 25,000 — includes flights, tuition, accommodation, meals, and pastoral care.

• Experience: Cross-cultural culinary intensives in Asian destinations (e.g., Indonesia, Japan, Singapore).

• Eligibility:

  • Top performing students nominated by TCC.

  • Completion of Level 4 or 5 certificate in cookery or pastry.

  • Commitment to promoting culinary diplomacy and cross-cultural learning.

• Outcome: International chefs or food entrepreneurs with enhanced global industry connections.

Example: TCC students were selected for Indonesia placement in 2022 through this programme, gaining international work and study experience thanks to Prime Minister’s Scholarship funding.

3. Government-Backed Fees-Free & Final-Year Scholarships

• Fees-Free Study:

  • Covers the first year of tertiary study for eligible first-time learners (ends 2024 in NZ, with a final-year option from 2025).

  • Applicants must be new to tertiary education and NZ-based for tax purposes.

• How to Apply: Via IRD in NZ upon arrival.

• Transition Note: From 1 Jan 2025, a “Final Year Fees-Free” scheme will replace the first-year scheme — helpful if you plan to complete Level 4 or a full diploma.

4. Competitive and Promotional Scholarships

TCC occasionally runs special scholarships (e.g., “Study Cookery for Free” campaign) and regional employer partnerships. These are usually time-limited and apply to specific intakes.

Eligibility Requirements for Most Scholarships

• International student status (not a NZ or Australian citizen or permanent resident).

• Minimum academic eligibility: secondary school graduation equivalent to NZ Level 3.

• English proficiency: IELTS 5.5–6.0 (depending on course).

• Strong motivation / personal statement demonstrating passion, career goals, and commitment to the culinary field.

• Work experience (for advanced scholarships): some awards require internship or industry experience (≥ 120 hours for Level 5).

What to Expect After Scholarships

Once scholarship recipients are selected, TCC guides them through:

• Student visa preparation

• Orientation & pastoral care according to the NZ Code of Practice for International Learners

• Career support: CV building, job placement in NZ or international hospitality industries

• Internships and industry links during the diploma courses.