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Food science and production courses
11 food science and production qualifications in Australia, from certificates to the degree, compared side by side: cost, duration, providers and where each one leads.
- Qualifications
- 11
on this page
- Providers
- 207
across all qualifications
- Median pay
- $64,700–$73,700
across roles in this field
- Employment growth*
- +3%
2 of 2 roles in shortage
Which of these is right for you?
We don't recommend one provider over another, but four things usually decide which qualification is the right one to start with.
- How much time can you give it?
- A certificate usually runs months, not years, and gets you working sooner. A degree is a multi-year commitment, but it's the only route into a registered profession like pharmacist.
- Do you want to study online, on campus, or both?
- Check each qualification's study modes below. Some are online only, some require placements or on-campus units even in a mostly online course.
- What's your entry point?
- If you're starting from school leaver or career change with no background in the field, the lowest rung on the ladder is usually the realistic start, not the top qualification.
- Which role are you aiming for?
- Some roles need one specific qualification. Others accept several. The roles section below says which qualification on this page actually gets you there.
The food science and production qualifications
11 qualifications, from certificates through to a degree. Each links through to cost, duration and the providers that teach it.
Certificates and diplomas
Certificate II in Meat Processing
6 providersThis is the entry point into meat processing work, whether that is a slaughter floor, boning room, cold store, knackery or small goods plant.
Certificate IIMeat Process WorkerView qualification →Certificate III in Baking
28 providersThis qualification trains you to work as a baker in a commercial bakery, producing bread, cakes, pastry and biscuits to a consistent standard.
Certificate IIIBakerView qualification →Certificate III in Cake and Pastry
16 providersYou learn to make the cakes, pastries and biscuits sold in bakeries and cafes, using commercial equipment and recipes scaled up to production sizes.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Food Processing
26 providersThis qualification is for people who run the equipment that turns raw ingredients into packaged food and drink, and who take charge of a line or part of a plant rather than just one machine.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Meat Processing
10 providersAs a skilled operator in a meat processing plant, you would take responsibility for part of a line or the equipment that keeps it running, using your own judgement when something is not routine.
Certificate IIIMeat Process WorkerView qualification →Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher)
14 providersThis is the trade qualification for retail butchers, covering the whole job from breaking a carcase down to serving the customer who buys the meat.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate III in Patisserie
50 providersThis course teaches you to make the cakes, pastries, desserts and yeast-based products a pastry kitchen turns out each day, working at commercial scale rather than a home bench.
Certificate IIIView qualification →Certificate IV in Baking
9 providersThis qualification takes bakers who already have a trade-level background and extends them into advanced bread and pastry work.
Certificate IVView qualification →Certificate IV in Patisserie
41 providersThis qualification is for people who want to work as pastry chefs, preparing cakes, pastries, desserts, chocolates and showpieces at a level where they can run a section or lead a small team.
Certificate IVView qualification →Diploma of Food Science and Technology
5 providersThis diploma prepares you to work on the science side of food manufacturing, developing new products, running production trials and keeping quality and safety consistent across a production line.
DiplomaView qualification →
What food science and production study leads to
The 2 roles where a food science and production qualification is a recognised route in, which qualification on this page it is, and what else you need.
Meat Process Worker
Enter through the Certificate II in Meat Processing or the Certificate III in Meat Processing. Work under the supervision described by the qualification and meet food-safety and workplace requirements.
Median salary for the role
$64,700
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Jobs and Skills Australia, ANZSCO Occupation data, February 2026.
Baker
The direct route is the Certificate III in Baking. Complete the baking trade training and required workplace or apprenticeship arrangements; comply with food-safety and workplace requirements. This catalogue groups awards: verify the chosen provider, programme and intake; the family-level link is not confirmation that every offering is approved.
Median salary for the role
$73,700
A year, before tax. Median for everyone in the occupation, not a graduate starting salary. Jobs and Skills Australia, ANZSCO Occupation data, February 2026.