Passionate about cooking and aspiring to turn that passion into a full-fledged career. Explore a variety of professional cookery courses at top New Zealand colleges and universities today. The country welcomes numerous international students worldwide to come and sharpen their culinary skills at its study institutions that offer a variety of cookery programs tailored to individual needs and interests. To help you make an informed choice, IDP Education experts can provide complete details on the different cookery courses offered at top-ranked universities in New Zealand.  

Why Study Cookery Courses in New Zealand?

Some of the top reasons why Indian students opt for cookery courses in New Zealand are as follows:

  • Varied local cuisine: The culinary style of New Zealand is influenced by a fusion of various flavours - Pacific Island, European, Maori, and Asian. This allows students to experience multi-cultural culinary learning.

  • Post-graduation employment prospects: The cookery courses in New Zealand for international students equip students with the desired industry-specific skills to secure better job opportunities after graduation. Graduates can also apply for post-study work visas in New Zealand.

  • Globally recognised degree: International students who study cookery in New Zealand can look forward to a course-completion qualification that is respected and recognised the world over. This is because the cookery courses in the country are offered by reputed institutions like Le Cordon Bleu, NZMA, and Otago Polytechnic. 

Specialisations in Cookery Courses in New Zealand for International Students

Students interested in pursuing a professional career path in the world of culinary science often take up Master's in cookery courses. The degree is offered by some specific New Zealand universities, such as Otago Polytechnic and Auckland University of Technology (AUT). The cookery courses degree is awarded as Master of International Hospitality Management, Master of Gastronomy, or Master of Culinary Arts.

Students pursuing an MSc in Cookery courses are also provided with the option of choosing from a variety of specialisations to suit their preference, interests, and career aspirations. These include: 

  • Sustainable Food Systems

  • Food Culture and Media

  • Research in Gastronomy

  • Culinary Innovation and Food Technology

  • Hospitality and Restaurant Management

Cost of Studying Cookery Courses in New Zealand for Indian Students

The average cookery course fees in New Zealand universities are estimated at NZD 8,250. This fee is subject to variation from one institution to another, depending on the college, its reputation and rank, location, and course curriculum.

Related Source: https://foodandwine.co.nz/full-time-courses/cooking/cookery-diploma/  

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Cookery Courses in New Zealand

The essential cookery course requirements in New Zealand for admitting international students to colleges in the country are listed below:

  • Students must be 17 years or older 

  • Past relevant industry experience is preferred

  • Some colleges may hold interviews for course applicants

  • For international students, an IELTS test score of 5.5 is required, with no band less than 5.0

Related Source: https://www.nzma.ac.nz/courses/cookery-overview/diploma-in-cookery-advanced-level-5   

Top Universities / Colleges in New Zealand for Cookery Courses 

If you want to pursue cookery courses in New Zealand universities, consider opting for the following institutions:

University 

QS World University Rankings 2025

The University of Auckland

65

University of Otago 

214

Auckland University of Technology

412

Victoria University of Wellington

244

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?countries=nz

Career Prospects After Pursuing Cookery Courses in New Zealand 

International students graduating with a degree in a cookery course from one of the New Zealand universities and institutes are eligible to apply for rewarding job opportunities in the field. Some of the top cookery course jobs in New Zealand are listed below. The average cookery course salary in New Zealand is also tabulated for your convenience:

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (Approx) 

Chef 

NZD 64,242 

Food and Beverage Director

NZD 70,309

Restaurant Manager

NZD 72,812

Entrepreneur / Restaurant Owner

NZD 11,002

Related Sources: https://nz.indeed.com/career/chef/salaries 

https://nz.indeed.com/career/director-of-food-and-beverage/salaries

https://nz.indeed.com/career/restaurant-manager/salaries

https://nz.indeed.com/career/entrepreneur/salaries?from=top_sb

Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP for Studying Abroad

To help students from India and other parts of the world realise their dream of becoming a professional chef, IDP Education offers complete guidance on pursuing cookery courses in New Zealand. Our expert consultants offer a wide range of Student Essentials Services, popularly known as SES, to help students pursue higher education overseas. These include:

  • Money transfer facility 

  • Student banking service

  • Forex service 

  • Education loan

  • Student Health Cover

  • Accommodation assistance

  • Guardianship support

  • SIM card issuance

FAQs for Cookery Courses in New Zealand

1. What is a cookery course in New Zealand?

It refers to a study program offered by a recognised university, college, or any other study institution equipping aspiring learners with the desired skills and knowledge to work professionally in the culinary world.

2. What are the entry requirements for cookery courses in NZ?

Some of the key eligibility criteria for studying cookery in New Zealand are:

  • Students must be 17 years or older

  • Past relevant industry experience is preferred

  • Some colleges may hold interviews for course applicants

  • For international students, an IELTS test score of 5.5 is required, with no band less than 5.0

Related Source: https://www.nzma.ac.nz/courses/cookery-overview/diploma-in-cookery-advanced-level-5

3. Is IELTS required for cookery courses in NZ?

Yes, most New Zealand universities do require an IELTS acceptable score for admitting international students into cookery courses.

4. Are scholarships available for cookery courses?

Yes, New Zealand universities offer scholarship options for international students pursuing cookery courses. You may check for more details with IDP Education consultants.

5. Can I work while studying a cookery course in NZ?

Yes, the New Zealand study visa laws permit international students to work part-time alongside their course. However, students can only work up to 20 hours per week.

Related Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/education-quals-study/working-on-a-student-visa#:~:text=You%20cannot%20work%20if%20you,less%20than%201%20academic%20year.

6. What is the minimum age to apply for a cookery course?

Most New Zealand institutions accept students who are 17 years or older to apply for cookery courses.

7. What are the career options after completing a cookery course?

Some of the top job roles that graduates in cookery courses become eligible to apply for include:

  • Chef

  • F&B Director

  • Restaurant Manager

Updated on May 8, 2025