Frequently Asked Questions

Le Cordon Bleu’s tradition of excellence began over a century ago when its first school opened in Paris, 1895. Today, Le Cordon Bleu is linked to the world’s most prestigious restaurants, the grandest hotels, and the most successful hospitality events. Its reputation is built on delivering superior, industry-relevant programmes, with a perfect mix of practical and theoretical training.

Graduates of Le Cordon Bleu belong to an internationally recognised brand, with credentials that set them above the competition in a dynamic and evolving industry.

Le Cordon Bleu is a vital member of the international business and culinary community, with 20,000 graduates annually from 35 schools in over 20 countries, including London, Paris, Tokyo, Ottawa, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Le Cordon Bleu is an international leader in culinary arts and hospitality education, with over 120 years’ experience delivering industry-relevant training. Our superior programs and state-of-the-art facilities ensure our students have every chance of success. Our graduates’ reputation for excellence ensures they are in high demand.

Le Cordon Bleu’s programs offer membership to an exclusive worldwide Alumni association. You will find Le Cordon Bleu graduates from all cultures and nationalities - as an Alumni you are connected to a world class, international professional network.

Our Industry Engagement team will prepare you for long term career success. Le Cordon Bleu will support you within a network of graduates and Alumni services for your entire professional life.

Le Cordon Bleu bachelor’s degree programs are 3 year programs, with an essential Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component allowing students to work within the industry before graduating. Students are given the opportunity to experience a hospitality workplace, to use their theoretical knowledge, and gain valuable practical skills. This real world training prepares our graduates for the workforce, and gives them an edge when seeking employment.

Many hospitality education providers do not offer industry based work experience in their programs - a graduate without practical workplace experience is at a distinct disadvantage.

Le Cordon Bleu also recognises previous academic studies and work experience. Credit may be granted to reduce the length of your chosen studies.

Le Cordon Bleu is a global educator with campus locations and schools in France, UK, Canada, Japan, Korea, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, United States and Australia.

Le Cordon Bleu Australia is one of the few Le Cordon Bleu schools worldwide offering culinary arts, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. It has schools in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide, South Australia, delivers graduate and post graduate programs in hotel management, restaurant business as well as culinary arts. Adelaide, is a cosmopolitan city of 1.6 million people, and has lower living costs than many cities around the world. The lifestyle is relaxed, with a smaller population and gentler pace than larger cities - it’s the perfect study destination.

Le Cordon Bleu Sydney delivers culinary arts and bachelor's programs. A dynamic lifestyle and culture is offered in one of Australia’s most vibrant cities.

The Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne campus opened in 2015 offering the converted Grand Diplome and the SIT60316 - Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management. It boasts a thriving café and restaurant culture in what is arguably the culinary capital of Australia.

Le Cordon Bleu Brisbane is our newest school opening in 2018 offering the converted Grand Diplome and the SIT60322 - Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management.

Students come from many different countries around the world such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Taiwan, India, France, Korea, Brazil, UK, South Africa, Israel, Seychelles, Mauritius, Oman, Mexico, Peru, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Russia, Australia, and more.

We welcome the diversity of nationalities and view it as an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in different cultures in preparation for their career in a culturally diverse industry of hospitality.

Le Cordon Bleu Australia offers both Culinary Arts and hospitality management programs in Adelaide and Sydney and Culinary Arts programs in Melbourne and Brisbane:

Sydney:   

• Diplôme de Cuisine (SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery)
• Diplôme de Pâtisserie (SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie)
• Certificat de Chef de Partie Cuisine (SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management)
• Certificat de Chef de Partie Pâtissier (SIT40721 Certificate IV in Patisserie)
• Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire Cuisine (SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management)
• Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire Pâtisserie (SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management)
• Grand Diplôme (SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery & SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie)
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Business Administration Double Degree
• Bachelor of Business (International Restaurant Management)
• Bachelor of Business (International Hotel Management)

Adelaide:

• Diplôme de Commis Cuisinier (SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery)
• Diplôme de Commis Pâtissier (SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie)
• Certificat de Chef de Partie Cuisine (SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management)
• Certificat de Chef de Partie Pâtissier (SIT40721 Certificate IV in Patisserie)
• Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire Cuisine (SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management)
• Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire Pâtisserie (SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management)
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Business Administration Double Degree
• Bachelor of Business (International Restaurant Management)
• Bachelor of Business (International Hotel Management)
• Master of International Hospitality Management

Melbourne:

• Diplôme de Cuisine (SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery)
• Diplôme de Pâtisserie (SIT31021 Certificate III in Pâtisserie)
• Certificat de Chef de Partie Cuisine (SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management)
• Certificat de Chef de Partie Pâtissier (SIT40721 Certificate IV in Patisserie)
• Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire Cuisine (SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management)
• Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire Pâtisserie (SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management)
• Grand Diplôme (SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery & SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie)
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Applied Hospitality Management
• Master of Applied Hospitality Management/ Master of Business Administration Double Degree

Brisbane:

• Diplôme de Cuisine (SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery)
• Diplôme de Pâtisserie (SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie)
• Certificat de Chef de Partie Cuisine (SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management)
• Certificat de Chef de Partie Pâtissier (SIT40721 Certificate IV in Patisserie)
• Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire Cuisine (SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management)
• Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire Pâtisserie (SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management)
• Grand Diplôme (SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery & SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie)

Depending on where you study in Australia, the culinary arts programmes have different durations.

In Adelaide you can fast track your study and complete the Diplôme de Commis Cuisinier (SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery) and Diplôme de Commis Pâtissier (SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie) programs in 12 months, including industry placement.

In Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, students can complete the Diplôme de Cuisine (SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery) and Diplôme de Pâtisserie (SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie) programs in 15 months, including an industry placement.

If you are looking to become a chef or work in the food industry, then our programs in cuisine or pâtisserie would be best suited.

If you are looking for a career working in prestige hotels or restaurants, then one of our Bachelor of Business programs, in either International Hotel or Restaurant Management are geared toward this goal.

Our 24 month Master of International Hospitality Management is ideal for those wanting to transfer into the hospitality industry after obtaining a bachelor’s degree from another discipline, or for people with hospitality experience (or relevant degree) who want to become senior managers with a postgraduate qualification. This program also includes a 6-month industry placement.

Our Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne campuses provide students access to modern training facilities and learning support.  Please note these may vary from campus to campus.

• Training restaurants – open to the public
• Commercial cookery kitchens
• State-of-the-art computer suites
• Industry standard wine tasting rooms
• Food science laboratories
• Commercial bakery facilities
• Conference rooms and auditoriums
• Video conferencing facilities
• Student Support Services, including academic and general counselling
• Learning Resource Centre – extensive library and database research facilities
• Gymnasium and other sporting facilities
• Cafeteria
• Medical facilities within close proximity.
• Bookshop on campus
• ATM and postal facilities
• Employment placement service

Le Cordon Bleu offers a range of scholarships for international and domestic students.

In Australia, there is a wide range of accommodation options available for students to choose from, depending on the type of accommodation that you would prefer.

In most student accommodations the following facilities are provided:

• Self-contained apartments
• Share or single apartments
• Internet or wireless facilities
• 24 hour security
• Kitchens
• Laundry facilities
• Transport information to help you settle in to Adelaide
• Games room
• Student common room
• Outdoor area

Please visit our Adelaide, Sydney or Melbourne website for more information on accommodation or contact us with your query and our staff will be able to provide you with further information.

Upon graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, our expertly trained students are ready for diverse careers in industry depending upon their area of specialisation.
Many graduates have gone onto careers such as chefs, business consultants, food and wine marketers, hotel executives, in publishing and food journalism, gastronomy lecturers, food research specialists, human resource managers and business owners.
Le Cordon Bleu graduates are employed in international companies and restaurants around the world including:

• Fairmont Hotels
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Mandarin Oriental Hotels
• Hilton Hotels
• Four Seasons Hotels
• Hyatt Hotels
• LuxBite Pâtisseries
• Dusit Hotel and Resort Group
• Shangri-La Hotels
• Intercontinental Hotel groups

Industry representatives approach Le Cordon Bleu to specifically recruit our graduates.

The Master of International Hospitality Management is 2 years’ in duration, including a 6 month industry placement.

The Master of Business Administration and Master of Applied Hospitality Management are 2 years' in duration

Le Cordon Bleu Australia provides a number of support and referral services, including:

• Student events, including Orientation and Graduation programs
• Student general and academic documentation
• Accommodation information
• Enquiries and assistance with student visas
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) advice
• Counselling and learning support services
• Employment referral service on campus
• English as a Second Language (ESL) support service

Students completing Diplôme de Cuisine (SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery) or Diplôme de Pâtisserie (SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie) are generally employed at Commis Chef level (assisting Demi Chef), and then can later make their way through the hierarchical kitchen structure to Demi Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine and Executive Chef. However, according to Trades Recognition Australia, to be considered a qualified chef in Australia, one must have (a minimum of) Certificate IV in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery - Cuisine or Patisserie).

Learn more here.

Culinary Arts Programs

• Adelaide – January and July
• Melbourne – January, April, July and September
• Sydney – January, April, July and September
• Brisbane – January, April, July and September

Bachelor's Degrees

• Adelaide – January, May and August
• Melbourne – January, May and August
• Sydney – January, May and August

Master's Degrees

• Adelaide – January, May and August
• Melbourne – January, May and August

Culinary Arts Programs

• Successful completion of year 11 studies or equivalent.
• English proficiency of IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5 (If English is not the first language spoken)
• Students must be 18 years of age at commencement of a programme.

Bachelor's Degrees

• Successful completion of year 12 studies or equivalent
• English proficiency of Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5 (If English is not the first language spoken)
• Students must 18 years of age at commencement of a programme.

Master's Degrees

• Please refer to each program for specific requirements.

“The average class contact hours for Culinary Arts programmes in Adelaide require approximately 34 hours per week (5 days per week). Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane require approximately 24 hours per week (delivered over 3 days per week). Le Cordon Bleu reserves right to change the weekly hours and timetable. You will be advised of this prior to enrolment to enable you to make an informed decision.

Bachelor’s degree programmes are approximately 35 to 40 hours per week (delivered over 5 days per week - 7 to 8 hours per day).  

Master’s degree programme are generally 6 contact hours per week with additional hours for research and assignments.

The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs states that international students under student visas are required to undertake their course on a full-time basis.

Australian students are able to request to undertake selected courses part time.

Please refer to our website or the current application form (international student or domestic students) for correct pricing information.

Culinary Arts program fees include tuition, student handbooks, and use of education facilities, e.g. library, computers and email facilities, campus facilities and employment placement services. The uniform and toolkit is an additional fee, which will be outlined in your Letter of Offer.

Bachelor’s degree program fees include tuition, student handbooks, textbooks, professional uniform, and use of education facilities, e.g. library, computers and email facilities, campus facilities, industry visits and employment placement services.

Master’s degree program fees include tuition and use of education facilities. Additional fees include textbooks and the Student Services fee required by all University students.

Culinary Arts students must wear their uniform whilst on campus. This is an additional fee as outlined in your Letter of Offer.

Bachelor’s degree students have a corporate uniform they are required to wear for the duration of their degree. There is no additional fee for this uniform.

Master’s degree students are not required to wear a uniform.

Apply online for Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane programs. Or download an application form from our website.

Complete and return the application form including other supporting documents as requested to Le Cordon Bleu Australia Admissions.

A Letter of Offer will then be emailed to you and/or your education representative with the details of your requested programme, including orientation dates, tuition expenses and other related fees.

An Acceptance of Offer form will be included with your Letter of Offer.

To accept the offer issued, we require the completed Acceptance of Offer form, any outstanding conditions, and payment as outlined in your Letter of Offer.

On receipt of payment of your course fees, Le Cordon Bleu Australia will send you an official Confirmation of Enrolment package. Please note, your place in the programme is not confirmed until this document is issued.

Overseas students will be required to submit the Confirmation of Enrolment form to the Australian Embassy in your country to be granted a student visa. For application and information on student visas, please visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

After obtaining your student visa, please book your flights and accommodation. Please check the website for information about accommodation.

Please refer to our Fees, Conditions and Refund Policy for further detailed information.

Overseas students may only apply to other education providers after 6 months of the principal course with the same provider, unless there are exceptional circumstances and you obtain approval of release from your current education provider. You may be required to change your visa.  Please contact the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) for more information.

The Australian Embassy in your country or Department of Education and Border Protection (DIBP) website can provide you with advice and assistance in preparing your Australian student visa application. For further information on student visas please visit Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for a student visa in Australia.  For further information visit the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

Work Integrated Learning allows you to explore career aspirations in a real workplace before graduating. Our network of industry partners includes luxury establishments and international brands – your placement might be in a hotel, restaurant or resort. With a focus on career development, WIL provides key opportunities for your professional and personal growth. If you are doing research as part of a degree, you might explore that area of interest within an organisation during placement. WIL gives you a chance to develop specialist skills for your career.

To learn more about our WIL programme click here.

Students can undertake Work Integrated Learning in varied hospitality businesses, from large or small hotels and restaurants, to catering companies and convention centres.

Our students are placed in such roles as food and beverage attendants, guest services agents (front office), rooms division attendants, and catering/banqueting attendants. The following organisations have taken student placements: Hayman Island; Hamilton Island; Hilton; The Hyatt; Starwood Hotels; Four Seasons; Grand Hyatt; Shangri-La; The Langham; Ayers Rock Resort; and the Mandarin Oriental.

Culinary (Cuisine and Patisserie) and Master students complete one WIL placement, where they must achieve at least 400 hours. While Bachelor students complete two WIL placements, where they must achieve at least 300 hours each (totally at least 600 hours across both placements).

- Obtaining a greater awareness of host organisation' expectations, Australian workplace culture and the hospitality job market - Gain workplace skills - Develop industry connections - Access to Le Cordon Bleu’s Industry Partner network - Increased employability - Personal and professional growth

You will be prepared for WIL placement on-campus by lecturers and though specialised WIL workshops with the Industry Engagement team. During placement, the host organisation and our Industry Engagement team work together to assess your learning and performance. Le Cordon Bleu is dedicated to ensuring you are work-ready at graduation, with a range of career development activities, such as: - Exclusive workshops & industry seminars - Invitations to Career Fairs - One-on-one coaching sessions - Advice for personal and professional growth - Career pathway consultation - One-on-one visits and welfare meetings during WIL placement - Membership to our international alumni network

WIL placements differ according to your study program: - Culinary Arts programs: up to 6 months placement during Certificate III - Bachelor's degree: 2 x 13-week period placements during first and second year - Master's degree: 6 months placement at the end of the degree.

If you believe you won’t be able to obtain enough hours during your allocated WIL placement (up to 6 months for Culinary Arts, 2 x 13-week periods for Bachelor’s or 6 months for Master’s), please discuss this with your manager to see if you can pick up some extra shifts in your department or get cross-trained in other departments. If for any reasons there are no extra shifts you could do, please check with the matrix below on what other alternatives you could potentially do to make up for your hours and ensure your Industry Engagement Representative is involved throughout the process: - Paid shifts at the same property, in other departments - Paid shifts at different property - Unpaid internship with current property (in HR, Marketing, Events, etc) - Unpaid internship in Small Business Enterprises (Research projects, Social Media work for local winery/restaurant/food business) - Volunteering in local events / festivals / exhibitions (event creation, event development, event operations, etc) - Volunteering in Non-Profit Organisations (Research projects, Social Media work in charities/religious bodies/environmental & conservation bodies) - Contact your Industry Engagement Representative for further advice