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Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand Institute
1) About Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand
Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand (Wellington campus) is part of the global Le Cordon Bleu network — a long-established, internationally recognised culinary and hospitality education group with campuses around the world. The Wellington campus delivers professional culinary, pâtisserie and hospitality programmes (from short certificate courses up to a Bachelor degree) using industry kitchens, demo theatres and a training restaurant.
2) Why choose Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand
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Global brand & recognised credential — Le Cordon Bleu’s reputation opens doors worldwide.
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Industry-focused training — hands-on classes in specialised cuisine and pâtisserie kitchens plus a fully licensed training Brasserie where students serve real customers.
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Small, intensive classes — practical chef training means close instructor contact and real-service practice (useful for building a portfolio and work experience).
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Wellington location — compact capital city with a lively food scene, relatively safe and student-friendly living environment. Le Cordon Bleu provides local student support (visa guidance, career services).
3) Rankings & Reputation
Le Cordon Bleu is a specialised professional network rather than a conventional research university, so it doesn’t appear in the same league tables as multi-faculty universities. Its “ranking” is best judged by its global brand reputation, alumni employment in hospitality/restaurant sectors and the long history of Le Cordon Bleu as a premier culinary school. For program quality and industry recognition, rely on course content, facilities and graduate outcomes rather than traditional university rankings.
4) Campus locations (New Zealand)
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Wellington — the main Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand campus (city centre), equipped with demonstration theatres, cuisine & pâtisserie kitchens and the Brasserie training restaurant. The official campus pages and campus tours provide photos and visitation info. Le Cordon Bleu’s global site also lists Wellington as the NZ campus in Oceania.
5) Types of courses / study levels
Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand offers a range of culinary and hospitality qualifications, for example:
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Short Certificates (e.g., New Zealand Certificate Level 2 in French Cuisine / Pâtisserie — short courses ~10 weeks).
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Diplomas and Diplôme (e.g., Diplôme de Cuisine, Diplôme de Pâtisserie, Diplôme Avancé) — vocational, practical diplomas (9–18 months depending on programme).
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Bachelor of Culinary Arts & Business — a full undergraduate degree (designed for students aiming at management, ownership or senior hospitality roles).
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Short courses / workshops and seasonal offerings (e.g., high tea events, short professional modules).
6) Mode of learning (onsite / e-learning / blended)
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Primarily on-campus, hands-on learning. Practical kitchen and brasserie work require in-person attendance.
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Le Cordon Bleu Online exists within the global network for some theory modules and professional development, but the Wellington campus’s core culinary and pâtisserie programmes are delivered face-to-face. If you need blended or online options, check specific course pages or ask admissions.
7) Number of programs offered (summary)
Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand offers a selection of certificate, diploma and degree programmes across cuisine and pâtisserie categories. Public listings and partner pages list multiple programmes (several certificate/diploma tracks plus the Bachelor degree). For a current, exact programme list and intake dates consult the official programmes page or contact admissions.
8) Campus highlights & student facilities
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State-of-the-art demonstration theatres and specialised kitchens for cuisine and pâtisserie.
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Brasserie Le Cordon Bleu — a fully licensed student training restaurant where students gain front-of-house and kitchen real-service experience.
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Library resources focused on culinary, wine and hospitality management; student lounge and study spaces; industry guest events and networking with local food/hospitality groups.
9) Practical matters for international students
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Visas & immigration: Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand provides visa information and can help with standard student visa requirements — check the campus visa page and contact admissions/agents for the most current rules.
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Accommodation: the Wellington campus pages and partner sites note that Le Cordon Bleu does not manage on-site student housing; students commonly arrange private rental or homestay. Start searching early — Wellington has a competitive rental market.Cost of living & fees: estimated living costs and tuition indications appear on partner/admissions pages; always confirm current tuition and living cost estimates on the official fees page or with an admissions adviser
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Work while studying: New Zealand student visa conditions (work hours, eligibility) change over time — verify current New Zealand Immigration rules for international students. The campus provides guidance on this topic.
Scholarship
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Bachelor of Culinary Arts & Business — Academic Merit Scholarship (International students)
What it is: 15% tuition reduction for the last two years (Year 2 & Year 3) of the Bachelor of Culinary Arts & Business. -
Other campus / institutional or international Le Cordon Bleu scholarships
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Le Cordon Bleu (global) sometimes runs other scholarships and campus-specific awards; these vary by year and campus — check the international/campus pages and local announcements.
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Master’s scholarships (domestic) — example: the Master’s Domestic Scholarship listed on the NZ site is for New Zealand citizens/permanent residents only (not for international students). If you’re looking for a postgraduate scholarship in NZ, note many are campus- or country-specific.
Bottom line: for international students at the Wellington campus, the main published / guaranteed scholarship is the 15% Bachelor merit scholarship.
Who is eligible (key eligibility rules for the Bachelor scholarship)
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Open to international students (not NZ citizens/permanent residents).
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Age: Must be over 17 years at course commencement.
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Not eligible: current or past Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand students (scholarship is for new applicants).
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English requirement (Bachelor): Academic IELTS 6.0 with no sub-score under 5.5, or equivalent accepted test.
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Academic entry: Applicants must meet New Zealand university degree entry standards (documented evidence required).
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Academic performance to keep the scholarship: to be awarded for Years 2 & 3 the scholarship is tied to academic merit — students must maintain an 80% average during Year 1 to be eligible for Year 2, and the same standard applies to continue for Year 3. The school may suspend/withdraw the scholarship if satisfactory academic progress is not maintained.
Important notes & small print
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The scholarship applies to the 2nd and 3rd years (it’s academically based). You cannot expect a tuition reduction for Year 1 from this particular award.
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No application fee is required for the scholarship.
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Scholarship awards are conditional on maintaining academic progress (80% average); LCBNZ can withdraw the award if progress is unsatisfactory.
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There may be other external scholarships or industry-funded awards (e.g., hospitality industry scholarships in NZ) — these are separate from Le Cordon Bleu’s internal awards and change year to year; check external trusts, government and industry scholarship announcements and the LCBNZ news page.
Tips to improve your chance of success
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Apply early (≥2 months before intake) with complete documents — incomplete apps slow things down.
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Write a strong statement of purpose that shows your industry goals, leadership potential and how the degree + scholarship will help you contribute back to Le Cordon Bleu or the NZ hospitality scene.
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If your English score is borderline, consider taking a short language course or resitting IELTS to reach the required band — the scholarship requires the academic IELTS standard
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Keep evidence of extracurriculars / community involvement — LCBNZ expects scholarship recipients to participate in extra-curricular activities representing the institute.

