Study Culinary Online?
Gain Real World Culinary Skills with Guidance from Our Mentor Chefs

International Culinary Studio offers students the opportunity to learn advanced cooking and baking skills through a structured online experience. Blended learning combines in-person teaching and online education, and is a world class combination of the latest technology and innovation, together with mentorship by our industry experienced professional chefs. We offer a well-balanced education programme of culinary skills, methodology and industry externship to help your culinary dream come true.
Study interactive courses, engage with our professional chef instructors, engage with your fellow students in online discussions and on social media, and fine tune your techniques and knowledge to gain an accredited qualification – all in the comfort of your own kitchen or current place of work. The combination of live sessions, recorded sessions, online forums and 1:1 time with a chef instructor will enable you to learn and grow in the way that suits you to meet your learning style and needs.
International Culinary Studio strives to produce competent, confident professionals ready to step into the exciting world of culinary, or to give individuals already in the industry the opportunity to get a formal qualification to enhance their employment opportunities.
Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of our Domestic Students
International Culinary Studio is a online blended learning educator and we value the students who study with us. We are committed to supporting the well-being of all our students and we have a range of policies, processes and support services aimed at ensuring that our students get the best experience whilst studying with us.
International Culinary Studio is committed to both the Domestic code as well as that which covers the pastoral care of international students. More information about the international code can be found here.
Exactly what is the Domestic Code?
The code is to set out the minimum standards of care and support that are expected of all tertiary education providers.
The interim domestic code requires that:
• students experience a physically safe and mutually supportive learning environment that responds to the needs of all students
• students have adequate access to advice, information and services which help them to meet their basic needs
• students are assisted by providers to manage their physical and mental health, and to access support when needed
• students are assisted by providers to transition to tertiary study, progress and achieve in their studies, and to develop knowledge, skills and experience to prepare them for further work or study
• students experience an inclusive learning environment where they are accepted and valued, respected, free from racism and discrimination, and connected with social and cultural networks
• the mana of students is upheld in their learning environment and their voices are heard and integrated in decisions around the planning and provision of student support services
There are a range of requirements set out in the domestic code. For further information on the interim Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of Domestic Students 2021 in English or Te Reo Māori.
NZQA Accredited Qualifications
New Zealand Certificate in Cookery Level 4
The aim of this programme is to develop the skills and knowledge in basic principles of kitchen work, health and safety, and communication.
New Zealand Diploma in Cookery Level 5
The aim of this programme is to develop the learner's abilities in researching, planning, developing, implementing, and analysing of food products, recipes, and menus which ensure advanced practice in food preparation, cooking and presentation.
The New Zealand Diploma in Cookery Level 5 – Patisserie
Short Courses
Important Student Resources
Withdrawals, Refunds and Appeals
Before you make a decision to withdraw from a programme of study, please make yourself familiar with the process outlined here.
If you decide to withdraw from our programme, please fill out this withdrawal form.
Extension Policy
Here is the criteria and process involved when applying for a course extension.
Please fill out this Extension form..
Cancellations and Refunds
How do I cancel my course or apply for a refund? Click here
Student Fee Protection Policy
Student Complaints Policy
What to do if you have a complaint? Click here
Industry Placement
How do I find a commercial kitchen to work in? Click here
Kitchen Requirements
What you will need for your practical cooking assignments? Click here.
Technical Requirements
What IT related equipment you may need? Click here.
Student Handbook
Let’s hear it from our students
Testimonials
Anne Williamson
International Culinary Studio popped up on my Facebook feed and I decided that I needed to enrol as this is something that I have always wanted to do. Having this qualification, means I can earn $5-$6 per hour more. Most of my family member h…
Anne Williamson
International Culinary Studio popped up on my Facebook feed and I decided that I needed to enrol as this is something that I have always wanted to do. Having this qualification, means I can earn $5-$6 per hour more. Most of my family member have culinary qualifications and now I am proud to also be qualified.
Monika Rajnish
Being a mother of 1 child and a wife I am very excited to finish my studies. My dream is to open a Food Truck. I felt like a regular college would not suit me. Studying online was quite easy. We used Zoom Calls and when we met, students were al…
Charlyne Moody
I chose International Culinary Studio because it suited my lifestyle. I have a full-time job, am a mother of 2 children and a wife. I started working as a Kitchen Hand 20 years ago. It has always been a dream of mine to be called Chef and with this qu…
Charlyne Moody
I chose International Culinary Studio because it suited my lifestyle. I have a full-time job, am a mother of 2 children and a wife. I started working as a Kitchen Hand 20 years ago. It has always been a dream of mine to be called Chef and with this qualification I have earned the right to be called Chef. I wanted my kids and boss to be proud of me. I plan to study further and do my level 5 next year.
I found the experience with ICS fantastic, easier than I thought. Chef Helen is easy to learn from and nothing is too difficult for her. The sales team were amazing and if it was not for them, I would have never enrolled.

Rob Lewis
I chose International Culinary Studio for the flexibility of studying online at my own pace. Over the summer season I was very busy with work and lost motivation. My chef instructor was great and very helpful, we came up with a plan to get me back on track…

Rob Lewis
I chose International Culinary Studio for the flexibility of studying online at my own pace. Over the summer season I was very busy with work and lost motivation. My chef instructor was great and very helpful, we came up with a plan to get me back on track and my course completed.
I enjoyed the whole process, I did have to be very organised, but it was fun to do!
I have learned a great deal and it has improved my confidence. I look forward to carrying on with my online business and perhaps open a permanent venue in the future – I may even study level 5!
Refer a Friend!
You can refer a friend to us and receive a $100 Southern Hospitality or Countdown voucher for yourself and a $50 Southern Hospitality or Countdown voucher for your friend!
The process is very simple. When your friend enrols, they will give us your name as their referrer. When they have completed their first course module a voucher will be sent to them and to you.
*N.B To qualify, when enrolling your friend must click on “referred by a friend” when asked “How did you hear about us?”, then put your name under “referral friend’s name”. Your friend must successfully complete at least module one before voucher will be sent.
https://www.internationalculinarystudio.com/new-zealand-certificate-in-cookery-level-4/
Now, go forth and spread the news, the world needs more great kiwi chefs!

Interview with Sarah Hedgecock
INTERVIEW WITH SARAH HEDGCOCK Sarah is 20 years old, from Waimate in Timaru and currently working towards her NZQA Certificate in Cookery Level 4. She spoke to us about her experience training online so far, and her advice for other students keen to follow in...
Studying with ICS brings my family closer together
Studying with ICS brings my family together The struggle is real Working full time and also looking after a family of four, I really loved the concept of International Culinary Studio's City & Guilds Diploma where you are able to prove your learning through online...
Taking an opportunity to reach my community, whilst studying with ICS
Taking an opportunity to reach my community, whilst studying with ICS Giving back while studying Studying online via International Culinary Studio, (City & Guilds) is very accommodating because I don't need to travel far to go to school. I can study at home or...
What you can do with our world class online Learner Management System
- Receive unlimited access to an exclusive culinary library, as well as 100’s of recipes & videos.
- Submit images of your culinary creations and like other’s creations
- Record videos of yourself preparing your dishes and upload them for assessment
- Live video conferences with our head chefs
- You can work through your material to fit around your schedule and be flexible with your study times
- Grow your professional e-portfolio and apply for the job you want.