Cook
- NQF Level 4
- NSFAS bursary
Train as a cook: prepare, cook and present food safely in restaurants, hotels, catering companies and institutional kitchens.
Applications open until 12 November 2026 at 23:59 · to start in January 2027
Applications close on
12 November 2026 at 23:59
Apply now to start studying in January 2027.
Time left to apply
- –days
- –hours
- –min
- –sec
At a glance
- Level
- NQF Level 4
- You receive
- Occupational Certificate
- On completion
- Duration
- 1 year
- Full-time
- Tuition
- R 27 959.00
- per year (2027)
What is Cook?
This programme prepares you to work as a cook in a professional kitchen. You learn to prepare and cook a range of dishes safely and consistently, and to work as part of a kitchen team.
What you'll learn
- Food safety and hygiene
- Kitchen equipment and knife skills
- Preparing and cooking meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, starches and sauces
- Baking and desserts
- Working in a professional kitchen team
This is an occupational qualification registered with the QCTO. It is made up of knowledge (theory) modules, practical skills modules and workplace experience, and ends with an external integrated summative assessment. When you pass, you receive an Occupational Certificate.
Where can this take me?
- Cook
- Commis chef
- Line or station cook in a restaurant or hotel
- Cook in hospital, school or mine catering
- Your own catering business
What qualification do I receive?
Occupational Certificate
When you complete Cook, you receive an Occupational Certificate at NQF Level 4.
- NQF Level 4
- Certificate
- SAQA ID 102296
Accredited by
What do I need to apply?
You can apply from Grade 11 or NQF Level 3, or any of the other options below.
Minimum requirement: any ONE of the following, or a higher qualification.
- 1Option 1: Grade 11 with Consumer Studies or Hospitality Studies
- 2Option 2: NC(V) Level 3 inHospitality
- 3Option 3: Any other qualification at NQF Level 3 with Kitchen Hand
Where can I study this?
How long does it take?
Full-time
1 year
When you study full-time.
Part-time
Not available
This programme is not offered part-time.
How much does it cost?
Tuition fee
R 27 959.00
Per year, for 2027.
Can I get financial aid?
Yes, financial aid is available
This programme is covered by the NSFAS bursary. If you qualify, it pays your tuition, and it can include allowances for accommodation, transport and personal care. A bursary is not guaranteed, so apply early.
You don't have to wait for the college to accept you: you can already apply for NSFAS, separately, on the NSFAS website.
Your next steps
- 1
Check the entry requirements
Make sure you have one of the qualifications listed above.
- 2
Apply before the closing date
Applications to start studying in January 2027 are open until 12 November 2026 at 23:59. Use the Apply now button.
- 3
Apply for an NSFAS bursary now
You don't have to wait for the college to accept you: you can already apply for NSFAS, separately, on the NSFAS website ↗.
