Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I study with Le Cordon Bleu?

  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, Perth and Adelaide.

• What makes Le Cordon Bleu different from other culinary arts and hospitality education providers?

  Le Cordon Bleu is an international leader in culinary arts and hospitality education, with 120 years’ experience delivering industry-relevant training. Our superior programmes 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 programmes 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 Career Services 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.

• What are the advantages of joining Le Cordon Bleu degree programmes?

  Le Cordon Bleu bachelor’s degree programmes are intensive 2.5 to 3 year programmes, 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 programmes - 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.

• Where are Le Cordon Bleu schools located? Why should I choose Le Cordon Bleu in Australia?

  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 programmes. It has schools in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

  Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide, South Australia, delivers graduate and post graduate programs in hotel management, restaurant business and gastronomy as well as culinary arts. Adelaide, is a cosmopolitan city of 1 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 programmes. 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 in 2017 the Advanced Diplome of Hospitality Management. It boasts a thriving café and restaurant culture in what is arguably the culinary capital of Australia.

  Le Cordon Bleu Perth is our newest school opening in 2016 offering graduate programs in tourism and convention and event management.

• How many students commence their programme at Le Cordon Bleu Australia every year?
  We welcome approximately 1000 new students to our Culinary Programmes, 300 new students to our Bachelor of Business degree programmes and 100 new students to our Master programmes each year.
• What are the class sizes in our programmes?
  Typical class sizes for our culinary programmes are 15 students per class. This enables chefs to give more attention to the students. The typical class size for the Bachelor, Master programmes are generally 20 for practical classes and workshops and 40 for lectures.
• What countries do the students come from?

  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.

• Who are the lecturers?
  The lecturers at Le Cordon Bleu in Australia are experienced industry professionals and highly qualified educators. Students can be assured of new levels of achievement and fulfilment in mastering the management demands of the hospitality industry. Many of our lecturers have decades of global industry experience in countries such as the United States of America, France, Italy, Germany Switzerland and Australia.
• What training facilities do the Australian campuses provide?

  Our Adelaide, Sydney 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
  • Export standard butchery
  • 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 facility on campus and/or relatively close by.
  • Bookshop on campus
  • ATM and postal facilities
  • Employment placement service
• What programmes & courses does Le Cordon Bleu offer?

  Le Cordon Bleu Australia offers both culinary arts and hospitality management programmes in Adelaide and Sydney, Perth and culinary arts programmes in Melbourne:

  Sydney:   

  • Diplôme de Cuisine - Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
  • Diplôme de Pâtisserie - Certificate III in Pâtisserie
  • Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire - Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management (Commercial Cookery or Pâtisserie)
  • Grand Diplôme - Certificate III in Commercial Cookery & Pâtisserie
  • Bachelor of Business (International Restaurant Management)
  • Bachelor of Business (International Hotel Management)

  Adelaide:

  • Certificat de Commis de Cuisine - Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
  • Certificat de Commis de Pâtisserie - Certificate III in Pâtisserie
  • Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire - Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management (Commercial Cookery or Pâtisserie)
  • Bachelor of Business (International Restaurant Management)
  • Bachelor of Business (International Hotel Management)
  • Bachelor of Business (Food Entrepreneurship)
  • Master of International Hospitality Management

  Melbourne:

  • Diplôme de Cuisine - Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
  • Diplôme de Pâtisserie - Certificate III in Pâtisserie
  • Diplôme Avancé de Gestion Culinaire - Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management (Commercial Cookery or Pâtisserie)
  • Grand Diplôme – Certificate III in Commercial Cookery & Pâtisserie

  Perth:  

  • Bachelor of Business (Convention and Event Management)
  • Bachelor of Business (Tourism Management)
• How long are the Master programme?

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

• How long are the Bachelor programmes?
  The bachelor’s degree programmes are 3 years’ duration full time, including two 6-month Work Integrated Learning industry placements.
• How long are the culinary arts programs?

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

  In Adelaide you can fast track your study and complete the Certificate III programmes in 12 months, including Industry Placement.

  In Sydney and Melbourne, students can complete the Certificate III programmes in 15 months, including an industry placement.

• After commencing my course can I defer?
  As per student visa regulations, overseas students are not eligible to defer their course, except on medical grounds. Australian students are permitted to defer.
• Which Le Cordon Bleu programme should I choose?

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

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

  Our Tourism and Convention & Event Management degrees provide graduates with the opportunity to become creative leaders in these highly specialised global industries.

  If you aspire to be an entrepreneur in the food industry, own your own restaurant, work in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) marketing or manage a business in food and wine, then the Bachelor of Business (Food Entrepreneurship) programme is for you.

  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 programme also includes a 6-month industry project.

• Am I allowed to work while studying?
  Under current visa regulations, students residing temporarily in Australia under a student visa are required to apply (when in Australia and after course commences) for work rights that will enable the student to work up to 40 hours a fortnight (two weeks) during course session and unlimited hours during school vacation and industry placement.
• How much can I expect to get paid?
  If you undertake a paid Work Integrated Learning placement, you may earn approximately AUD$12 to AUD$25 per hour. Australian law governs pay and award rates. Please keep in mind that you will be required to pay tax from your remuneration, however you can make a tax claim at the end of the financial year (from 1 July) and be reimbursed for some of that money as per Australian Tax Laws.
• Do you offer scholarships?

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

• What type of accommodation is available to 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.

• What career options do I have after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu?

  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.

• Will Le Cordon Bleu assist me in finding a job after I graduate?
  Le Cordon Bleu assists students to prepare for life after graduation and works with them to source job opportunities. When you graduate, we keep in touch and often advertise career opportunities across all industry sectors. Using our new alumni portal you will be able to access a variety of services and source information to help you in your job search.
• What is a delivery partner?
  A delivery partner is a provider who has an arrangement with Le Cordon Bleu Australia to deliver a course of study either wholly or in part on their campus as nominated. Le Cordon Bleu Australia remains the conferring body of all courses of study.
• What support services does Le Cordon Bleu provide?

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

  • Student events, including Orientation and Graduation programmes
  • 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

• What are the admission dates?

  Culinary Arts Programmes

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

  Bachelor Degrees

  • Adelaide – January and July
  • Sydney – January and July
  • Perth – January and July

  Master Degrees - Adelaide

  • Master of International Hospitality Management – February and August
• What are the entry requirements?

  Culinary Arts Programmes

  • Successful completion of year 11 studies or equivalent.
  • English proficiency of IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0 (If English is not the first language spoken)
  • Students must be 18 years of age at commencement of a programme.

  Bachelor 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 Degrees

  • Please refer to each program for specific requirements.
• What if my English language result does not meet the criteria?
  Le Cordon Bleu partners with some of the best English language providers across Australia. If you do not meet the required levels we can provide a packaged offer, including English tuition with your desired programme. This is available for most campuses.
• How many weeks of English do I need to undertake?
  Generally 10 weeks of English enables students to achieve 0.5 IELTS. Therefore if a student requires 6.0 IELTS and currently has 5.0 IELTS, the student will need approximately 20 weeks of English tuition.
• What if I do not have an IELTS result?
  If you do not have an IELTS result, our partner language providers provide offshore tests to be administered by your education agent. If you are onshore, a test on site with the English language provider can be accommodated at our Sydney campus.
• How many class contact hours will I have per week?

  The average class contact hours for bachelor’s degree programmes are approximately 35 to 40 hours per week (delivered over 5 days per week - 7 to 8 hours per day).  

  Culinary Arts programmes in Adelaide require approximately 40 hours per week (5 days per week). Sydney and Melbourne require approximately 27 hours per week (delivered over 3 days per week).  

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

• Can I study part-time?

  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.

• How much is the course fee?

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

• Can I pay the course fee by instalments?
  Students are required to pay course fees in advance per term/semester, 6-8 weeks prior to course commencement; you will receive an invoice listing all fees related information.
• What does the course fee include?

  Culinary Arts programme 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 programme 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 programme fees include tuition and use of education facilities. Additional fees include textbooks and the Student Services fee required by all University students.

• Do I have to pay Overseas Student Health cover (OSHC)?
  All international students must pay for health insurance during their stay in Australia. This is an international student visa requirement. This will be issued for the month prior to commencement date, as per Immigration requirements.
• Do I have to wear uniform? Do I have to pay extra?

  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.

• If I have previous education experience or hospitality industry experience, am I eligible to obtain credit?
  Le Cordon Bleu acknowledges and grants status to individuals who can provide evidence of previous industry experience and study achievements. Assessment of each applicant will be based on demonstrated competence as outlined in the Credit Transfer (CT) / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy. If you already hold a certificate or diploma in hospitality studies or have equivalent industry experience, appropriate credit may be given. You will be required to: complete the Le Cordon Bleu Academic Credit application form; provide evidence of academic transcripts, subjects outlines, learning outcomes, subject hours studied, curriculum documentation and references from employers stating dates of employment, position held, duties undertake and hours worked.
• How do I apply / enrol for the course?

  Apply online for Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or Perth 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.

• How long does the application process take?
  Le Cordon Bleu endeavours to process the application form when complete supporting documentation has been provided, within 2-3 working days. Please contact our office if you have not received a response.
• If I decide to cancel my enrolment, what is the procedure?
  Cancellation of application or enrolment must be made in writing to the Admissions Office. Please request the Notification of Withdrawal and Refund Form (where applicable) from Admissions.
• What is the refund policy?

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

• I am currently studying at another education provider and want to transfer to Le Cordon Bleu. What is the procedure? Do I need to change my visa?

  Overseas students may only apply to other education providers after 6 months 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.

• Can I transfer from Le Cordon Bleu Australia campuses to another Le Cordon Bleu school?
  Yes, you may apply directly to the individual Le Cordon Bleu School or via Le Cordon Bleu Admissions Australia.
• Upon completion of Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or Pâtisserie, can I get credit in the Bachelor degree programs?
  Yes, you may be eligible for some credit into the Bachelor’s Degree. The Admissions team will provide a summary of credit granted on your new Letter of Offer.
• What do I have to do to get an Australian student visa?

  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).

• Can I get a student visa when I am already in Australia?

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

• How much is the visa application fee?
  The fee is approximately AUD$550 for a student visa application.
• Do I need to undertake a medical examination? How much is the fee?
  Generally, you will need to undertake a medical examination. Students studying less than 12 months may not require an examination. Check with the Australian Embassy, as different regulations apply for each nationality.

• Do I get paid for my Work Integrated Learning (WIL)?
  If you secure paid Work Integrated Learning Placement you could expect to be paid at award rates in accordance with local legislation. While every effort is made to secure placements for students, paid placements are not guaranteed in times of low availability. Payment for placements in other countries will be dependent on the country’s specific legislation and visa requirements. Our Career Services team can assist by providing advice to students depending on their choice of placement location.
• Will Le Cordon Bleu assist me with finding Work Integrated Learning (WIL)?
  Yes, Le Cordon Bleu’s Career Services team will help students find an organisation for the Work Integrated Learning component of their programme that will meet the specific needs and requirements of the individual student. Students may also be required to interview for jobs, and it is also the student’s responsibility to help Career Services find a suitable placement. Assistance is provided in resume writing, interviewing techniques and mock interviews. Advice and guidance is available for career development.
• What establishment and position can Le Cordon Bleu students usually obtain?

  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: One&Only Hayman Island; Hamilton Island; Hilton; The Hyatt; Starwood Hotels; Four Seasons; Grant Hyatt; Shangri-La; The Langham; Ayers Rock Resort; and the Mandarin Oriental.

• After I complete my Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or Pâtisserie, which level of Chef can I be eligible to be employed?
  Students completing Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or Pâtisserie 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 Pâtisserie).

CRICOS Provider Number: 02380M
RTO ID number: 4959