Certificate III in Horticulture (CRICOS course code 105563C) is a Certificate III delivered by TAFE SA over 1 year. This qualification is ideal for international students seeking practical skills in horticulture, including plant care, soil management, and sustainable gardening practices. Delivered at the Urrbrae Campus in Netherby, South Australia, the course combines hands-on training with theoretical knowledge. TAFE SA is a government-owned provider (CRICOS 00092B) with a strong reputation for vocational education. As a CRICOS-registered course, this program meets Australian standards for international student enrolment. Whether you're aiming for a career in landscaping, nursery management, or park maintenance, this certificate provides a solid foundation. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy. Explore the course details below, including fees, entry requirements, and visa information.
Certificate III in Horticulture (CRICOS course code 105563C) is a Certificate III level qualification (AQF Level 3) delivered by TAFE SA. The course falls under the field of Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies, specifically Horticulture and Viticulture. Graduates typically learn practical skills such as planting, pruning, pest control, irrigation, and garden maintenance. They also gain knowledge of plant biology, soil science, and sustainable horticultural practices. This course is designed to prepare students for roles in the horticulture industry, including positions in nurseries, parks, gardens, and landscaping companies. TAFE SA is a government-owned institution with over 40 years of experience in vocational training. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00092B), it meets strict Australian Government standards for international education. The course is delivered in English and is a single qualification (no dual or foundation options). Students can expect a mix of practical workshops, outdoor sessions, and classroom learning. The Urrbrae Campus features dedicated horticulture facilities, including gardens and glasshouses, providing a realistic training environment.
The field of education for this course is Horticulture (050301), which covers the science and practice of cultivating plants. At the Certificate III level, students typically learn to: identify and select plants suitable for specific environments; prepare and maintain soil and growing media; operate and maintain horticultural equipment; apply fertilizers and pesticides safely; manage irrigation systems; and prune trees and shrubs. The curriculum also includes workplace health and safety, environmental sustainability, and communication skills. While the exact syllabus is set by TAFE SA, the CRICOS registration confirms that the course meets national training standards. Students will develop both technical and employability skills, preparing them for entry-level positions in the horticulture industry. Australia's horticulture sector is growing, with demand for skilled workers in urban landscaping, food production, and environmental restoration. This course can also serve as a pathway to higher qualifications such as a Diploma of Horticulture.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual qualification or foundation studies component). Students are expected to attend classes on a full-time basis at the Urrbrae Campus. While the CRICOS register does not specify study mode, vocational courses of this type typically involve a combination of face-to-face lectures, practical workshops, and supervised work-like activities. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as a condition of their Student visa (Subclass 500). TAFE SA may also offer part-time options, but visa conditions require at least 20 hours of study per week. It is important to check with the provider for the exact timetable and attendance requirements.
The indicative fees for this course, sourced from the CRICOS register, are as follows: Tuition fee: A$10,895; Non-tuition fee: A$0; Estimated total cost: A$10,895. These fees are indicative only and set by TAFE SA. They are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with the provider. The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For current fees, visit the TAFE SA international website. As a guide, international students should budget for OSHC (approximately A$500–A$700 per year), living expenses (approx. A$21,041 per year according to the Department of Home Affairs), and the visa application fee (currently A$1,600). Adelaide is one of Australia's most affordable cities, with indicative weekly costs: rent (shared) A$150–A$250, groceries A$60–A$80, and public transport A$30–A$50. HeadStart Academy recommends always confirming costs with the provider before applying.
While specific entry requirements are set by TAFE SA, general guidance suggests an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) for Certificate III level courses. Students should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Prior experience in horticulture is not mandatory but may be advantageous. Some providers may require a portfolio or interview. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet direct entry requirements — contact TAFE SA for details. Note that these are indicative requirements; the institution may have additional prerequisites. Always check the provider's website or contact their international office. Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are limited.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. According to the CRICOS register, there is no work placement or internship required for completion. However, students are encouraged to seek casual or part-time work to gain experience and supplement their income. As an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work rights are subject to visa conditions and must not interfere with your studies. HeadStart Academy recommends discussing work opportunities with TAFE SA's career services.
This course is delivered at the Urrbrae Campus located in Netherby, South Australia. Netherby is a suburb of Adelaide, approximately 6 km south of the city centre. The campus is easily accessible by public transport, with bus routes connecting to the Adelaide CBD. Adelaide has a student population of over 60,000 international students from more than 130 countries. The city offers a relatively low cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with affordable housing and transport. Adelaide also has a strong horticulture industry, with many parks, botanical gardens, and agricultural areas in the surrounding regions. There are several CRICOS-registered providers in Adelaide offering horticulture courses, but TAFE SA is one of the most established.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition and living costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You must also meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent). As a visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Your family members may accompany you on a dependent visa. After completing this course, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet the requirements. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent — consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for individual visa advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Horticulture at TAFE SA: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS website to confirm that TAFE SA (CRICOS 00092B) offers this course. Check that the course code 105563C matches your interest. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit TAFE SA's international website (tafesa.edu.au/international) to review entry requirements, English language tests, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with required documents (transcripts, English test results, passport copy). You may apply online or through an education agent. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If accepted, TAFE SA will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE requirements.
Adelaide is known as the 'City of Churches' but also boasts a vibrant cultural scene and a thriving horticulture sector. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and more than 1,000 courses, it is a popular destination for international students. The city has a Mediterranean climate, ideal for outdoor study in horticulture. Living costs are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne — estimated weekly expenses for a single student are A$350–A$500 including rent, food, and transport. Public transport is accessible via buses, trams, and trains, with student discounts available. Adelaide's job market has opportunities in horticulture, especially in landscaping, viticulture, and park management. However, competition for part-time work can be moderate. Consider whether you prefer a smaller, more affordable city with a strong focus on sustainability and green spaces. HeadStart Academy provides free resources to help you compare providers and courses across Australia.
Ready to start your horticulture journey? Explore more Certificate III courses in South Australia or contact TAFE SA for application details.
Certificate III in Horticulture is a CRICOS-registered programme at TAFE SA. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.