Certificate III in Horticulture
Sorry, this course is not available for international students.
If you are a local student you may be eligible.
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Overview
12 months full time / 18 months part time
February, July
Expand your green thumb
Nurture your love of greenery with the Certificate III in Horticulture AHC30722 at Melbourne Polytechnic. Working within a lush and broad field, you will receive state-of-the-art hands-on training in modern horticultural skills. With over 6.54 million tonnes of horticultural products produced within Australia every year, you’ll enter a booming industry at the completion of your Certificate III in Horticulture AHC30722. You’ll learn everything you need in order to develop your knowledge of the flora and fauna maintenance of which continues to be pivotal in conserving the environment for years to come.
Highly regarded experience and expertise
You’ll take part in important training from an array of experienced trade professionals in our industry replicated working environments. Melbourne Polytechnic is equipped with state of the art purpose-built horticulture workshops, run by qualified, industry-based teachers who will share industry insights and expertise throughout the course. You’ll learn the fundamentals of plant recognition and nutrition, pest, disease and weed control, critical skills in maintaining plant life. Melbourne Polytechnic’s extensive industry connections and partnership with the Nursery and Garden Industry of Victoria, will allow you to apply your new skills at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, granting your qualification invaluable real-world experience and a unique credibility.
Flourishing career opportunities
As a fully qualified horticulturist, you’ll have the advantage to work within a range of horticultural practices. An array of opportunities to maintain your love for greenery awaits, including landscape construction and design, contract maintenance, consultancy services, or management of botanic gardens and horticultural enterprises.
Career Pathways
Where will the Certificate III in Horticulture AHC30722 take me?
Successful completion of this course will see you more accomplished in your job and may make you eligible for other opportunities in the Horticultural field.
- Labourer
- Community Facility Groundskeeper
- Landscape Gardener
- Community Landscape Officer
- Nursery Maintenance Assistant
- Landscaping Business Operator
- Nursery Retail Salesperson
- Nursery Plant Propagator
- Groundsperson
Study Pathways
This qualification may lead to further study - the Certificate IV in Horticulture AHC40422, or other streams.
Course Details
Delivery methods
- Practical Work
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus
Interactive learning in a face-to-face environment. Classes will be held at a Melbourne Polytechnic campus or partner institute. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.
Assessment Methods
Competency assessment based on your abilities to achieve unit outcomes. There will also be workplace delivery and assessment of competencies and demonstration of skills, tests and assignments, folios, oral activities, and third party reports
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals | Core | 50 |
| AHCCHM307 | Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases | Core | 70 |
| AHCIRG346 | Operate pressurised irrigation systems | Core | 50 |
| AHCMOM304 | Operate machinery and equipment | Core | 40 |
| AHCNSY313 | Implement a propagation plan | Elective | 90 |
| AHCPCM305 | Implement a plant nutrition program | Elective | 60 |
| AHCPCM306 | Provide information on plants and their culture | Elective | 70 |
| AHCPCM308 | Identify and select plants | Core | 90 |
| AHCPGD307 | Implement a plant establishment program | Elective | 80 |
| AHCPGD308 | Plan and maintain plant displays | Elective | 60 |
| AHCPGD309 | Perform specialist amenity pruning | Core | 65 |
| AHCPMG301 | Control weeds | Core | 70 |
| AHCPMG302 | Control plant pests, diseases and disorders | Core | 80 |
| AHCSOL304 | Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas | Core | 60 |
| AHCTRF207 | Renovate grassed areas | Elective | 40 |
| AHCWHS302 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | Core | 50 |
| AHCWRK320 | Contribute to workplace health and safety processes | Core | 60 |
Attend an Information Session
Fees & Costs
| Free TAFE | Concession | Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $0 | $1160 | $5800 | $12600 |
| Materials fee | $150 | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $175 | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $400 | $1485 | $6200 | $13000 |
| Per year | $0 |
| Per semester | $0 |
| Materials fee | $150 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Fees explained
The State Government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition (excluding Amenities Fees and Materials Fees) for students who are eligible for government subsidised training and enrol into one of the Priority listed course.
Free TAFE is available to eligible students for one course enrolment in a lifetime.
Free TAFE places are limited. Please call 1300 635 276 and we can advise you whether Free TAFE places are still available.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition fees for students who are eligible. Materials and amenities may still apply.
The Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will pay your tuition fees for only one course. Once you have commenced in a tuition-free priority course, you are not eligible for further tuition-free places again, even if you do not finish your first tuition-free priority course.
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:
- Commonwealth Health Care card, or
- Pensioner Concession card, or
- Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
- Veterans Gold card.
The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
A list of equipment and reference material (which you will need to provide) will be distributed at the start of the course. Reference material is also available for loan in our libraries.
Necessary items may include your own:
- safety boots (steel capped)
- Hi-Vis vest
- good quality secateurs
- sunscreen
- USB flash drive
- one textbook and suitable writing materials
Horticulture courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Requirements
- Direct entry - no formal entry requirements
Next Steps
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
After you complete that form we will send you an email with a link to an application form webpage. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam and junk folders.
Complete the application form on the application form webpage.
You will be required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend an enrolment appointment over the phone or on campus.
For certificate-level courses, you can pay by weekly or fortnightly direct debit using our Tuition Payment Plan. Read more about Tuition Payment Plans here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
We're Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year
Study with Melbourne Polytechnic, proud winner of Victoria’s 2024 Large Training Provider of the Year! Recognised for our innovative programs, industry partnerships and commitment to student success, we’re here to help you build the skills for a thriving future.
Recognising Organisations
Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.