New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3)

• Open entry; there are no academic entry requirements.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure you are ready for this study.  
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

For the Dunedin-based programme, please email info@op.ac.nz for information on learning and assessment in your workplace.

Additional documentation

You must supply your academic records, along with certified copies of proof of identity and proof of residency (where appropriate).

Selection procedure

If the number of applicants exceeds the available places, a waitlist will be used to ensure preference is given to applicants in order of application.

During your induction day, you have the opportunity to purchase your full uniform from our preferred supplier. You should expect to spend approximately $700 on programme specific equipment. This will be covered by the "Course-Related costs" section of your students loan (if you are eligible).

Upon completion of this Certificate, further your learning and skills with our New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4).

There are a number of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) issues associated with practical work in areas specific to a commercial kitchen environment. These include, but are not limited to, burns from hot liquids or hot objects and cuts from sharp instruments. You will have access to an orientation booklet which covers the associated risks in more detail.

This programme is hands-on and involves a lot of practical work to intensively develop your kitchen skills in a commercial facility. 

Upon successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

• Apply health and safety, food safety and security practices to ensure own safety and minimize potential hazards for customers.
• Communicate effectively and behave in a professional manner with colleagues, managers and customers.
• Follow standard operating procedures to deal with familiar problems in a commercial kitchen.
• Apply fundamental cookery skills to prepare, cook and present a range of basic dishes employing commodities commonly used in industry. 

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification. Phone 0800 762 786 or email info@op.ac.nz.

While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative ONLY. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.

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