MAKE YOUR MOVE

Four days, three mentors, one shot at a $10,000 scholarship. Here is how you get in.

Apply now

HOW IT WORKS

Who can apply?

If you are an apprentice or trainee chef with a real hunger for this industry, we want to hear from you.

To be eligible to apply, you must be:

  • 18 or older by 31 December 2026.
  • Graduating from, or have graduated from, a recognised cooking or patisserie course in Australia or New Zealand in 2026.

Please note: applicants who reach the final 32 will be subject to reference checks as part of the entry criteria.

How to apply

Your application runs across three stages, and it saves as you go - so you can start now and come back anytime.

Step 1: Tell us about you. Your details, and where you are based.

Step 2: Your studies, your employment and your referee - including a short video or letter of recommendation from your teacher or employer.

Step 3: Your dish. The concept, the story behind it, and the two hero dairy products it features. Plus a short video on your goals and your dish. This is just a dish concept, no need to give granular details of ingredients. If you're selected, you will be required to prepare two of the same dish within a 2.5 hour time frame including 30 minutes for prep.

Applications close 19 October 2026.

LET US GET YOU IN, CHEF

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Set up your account and your progress saves as you go. Start now, come back whenever suits.

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GOT QUESTIONS, CHEF?

Who can apply?

You need to be 18 or older by 31 December 2026, and graduating from or have graduated from a recognised cooking or patisserie course in Australia or New Zealand in 2026. Apprentice and non-apprentice students are both welcome.

When do applications close?

Applications open 10 August and close 19 October 2026. There are no extensions, so get your entry in before the deadline.

What do I need to include in my application?

Your details and studies, a referee with a short video or letter of recommendation from your teacher or employer, and your dish - the concept, the story behind it and the two hero dairy products it features. You will also record a short video about your goals and your dish.

How long do I have to prep and cook my dish and how many dishes?

You need to prepare two of the same dish within a 2.5 hour time frame including 30 minutes for prep

Can I save my application and come back to it?

Yes. Create an account and your progress saves as you go, so you can start now and finish whenever suits.

What happens if I am selected as a finalist?

The final 32 head to Melbourne for a four day, all expenses paid culinary adventure with masterclasses, dining experiences and field trips - and the overall winner takes home a $10,000 scholarship. Finalists may be subject to reference checks.

Do I need professional filming equipment for my video?

Not at all. A phone, decent light and 30 honest seconds are all it takes. There are tips on the How to apply page if you want a hand.

Who should my referee be?

A teacher or employer who knows your work and can vouch for you - they will need to provide a short video or letter of recommendation as part of your application.

When will finalists be announced?

Finalists will be announced after judging wraps up. Keep an eye on your inbox and our socials - that is where the news drops first. [Date to be confirmed]

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