Course Overview
If you're passionate about food, consider turning your passion into a rewarding career. The New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) will equip you with the skills and confidence to excel in the kitchen and beyond.
You'll master the art of preparing a variety of dishes for restaurants, cafes, and more, all while gaining invaluable hands-on experience under the guidance of industry experts.
Practice your craft by cooking for real customers in our on-campus restaurant, and develop essential hospitality skills such as menu planning, pricing, and teamwork.
If you’re employed in a culinary job, you can study towards the Culinary Arts (Level 4) qualification while you work. To apply for this option choose ‘Apply’ then ‘Apply for work and study‘ or for more information email [email protected].
Makayla Todd, Graduate
"Tutors pass on the food tips and tricks they’ve acquired over many years… that significantly improves your food preparation, cooking and presenting.”
Culinary dishes created by Makayla Todd
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4)
| Locations | Rotorua, Tauranga, Wider BOP/Other |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Feb 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable) |
| Total credits | 120 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | $7,993 for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
- Intermediate‐level opportunities as chefs
Topics you'll cover
- Preparation, cooking and culinary techniques
- Cold larder preparation and presentation (salads, sandwiches, dressings, buffets)
- Stocks, sauces and soups
- Vegetable, fruit and pulses
- Farinaceous products, rice, grain and egg dishes
- Meat, poultry and offal, cuts and dishes
- Fish and shellfish, cuts and dishes
- Healthier foods and balanced/special diets
- Patisserie and bakery products, hot and cold desserts
- Introduction to menu planning, costing and catering
- Food presentation
- Food safety practices, contamination hazards, and food storage
- Workplace health and safety, and workplace first aid
- Handling and maintenance of knives, equipment and tools in a commercial kitchen
- Teamwork
- Customer service and hosting an event
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | $7,993 for domestic students |
|---|---|
| Course related costs | Domestic students: During your induction week, you'll have the opportunity to purchase your uniform and kit from our preferred supplier. You can expect to spend approximately $700 - $800 on course-specific equipment and uniforms. This can be covered by the 'Course-Related Costs' component of your student loan if applicable. Please contact StudyLink for more information. International students: Uniform and equipment supplies will be charged in addition to standard tuition fees. |
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
Information Session
You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
For courses at Level 4, domestic students will normally be required to have:
NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori or education achievement at least equivalent to NCEA Level 2; OR
Evidence of ability to complete academic and any other programme requirements.
Other Considerations
You will need to confirm you have the physical capability to safely withstand 4‐8 hour sessions of working in the commercial kitchen environment.
Due to health and safety factors and space constraints, which restrict the number of students who can be accommodated in the commercial kitchens, limits on numbers may be imposed on this course.
English language requirements
Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
If you’re employed in a culinary job, you can study towards the Culinary Arts (Level 4) qualification while you work. To apply for this option choose ‘Apply’ then ‘Apply for work and study‘ or for more information email [email protected].
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua | Mokoia Campus | 17 Feb 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 17 Feb 2025 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 17 Feb 2025 | |
| Rotorua | Mokoia Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 14 Jul 2025 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 14 Jul 2025 |
Study options
- 1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
