Course Overview
Start your hospitality career with this practical, hands-on course, designed for learners new to cafés and hospitality. This course is also ideal if you are already working in the industry and want to boost your skills and confidence.
Train in our real café-style environment where you’ll learn by doing everything from customer service and daily operations to barista skills and health and safety. Every lesson builds practical capability for entry-level roles in cafés and hospitality settings.
Note: If you’re already employed in a hospitality job, you can gain this qualification while you work. To apply for this option, choose ‘Apply’ then ‘Apply for work and study’ or for more information email [email protected]
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Barista) (Cafe Services) (Level 3)
| Locations | Rotorua, Tauranga, Wider BOP/Other |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Feb 2026 View more details |
| Study options |
1 semester full-time, including holidays (if applicable) |
| Total credits | 60 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | $4,236 for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
| Timetable | Rotorua: Mon - Wed, Tauranga: Wed - Fri, 8.30am-3.30pm |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
Graduates are well prepared for roles such as café assistant, barista, or food and beverage service staff. The course can also lead into Level 4 Cookery, Baking, Hospitality Management.
Combined with the New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3), this course gives students a real good foundation to work in Hospitality.
Topics you'll cover
Core Skills
- Build the essential safety and service skills cafés look for
- Communicate confidently with customers and your team
- Follow real hospitality procedures used in busy workplaces
- Step into the industry with the professionalism employers expect
Barista
- Discover the basics of coffee and what makes great espresso
- Create a full range of café-quality espresso drinks
- Use commercial machines and grinders with confidence
- Get service-ready with hands-on barista practice
Café Service
- Learn the fundamentals of counter and table service
- Take orders, serve food and beverages, and manage service flow
- Deliver excellent customer experiences every time
- Work as part of a fast-moving front-of-house team
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | $4,236 for domestic students |
|---|
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
Information Session
You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
For courses at levels 1-3, domestic and international students will be required to:
Provide evidence of ability to complete academic requirements.
Other Considerations
Limitations may be imposed on student numbers for this course due to health and safety factors, and space constraints which restrict the number of students who can be accommodated in the commercial kitchens, café/restaurant and barista facilities.
English language requirements
Level 3 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
Work and study intake (Domestic students only) - If you’re employed in a hospitality job, you can study towards the New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3) qualification while you work. To apply for this option choose ‘Apply for work and study‘.
Timetable:
- Rotorua: Monday - Wednesday, 8.30am-3.30pm
- Tauranga: Wednesday - Friday, 8.30am-3.30pm
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 23 Feb 2026 | |
| Rotorua | Mokoia Campus | 16 Mar 2026 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 16 Mar 2026 | |
| Wider BOP/Other | --- | 20 Jul 2026 |
Study options
- 1 semester full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
