Diploma of Landscape Design (CRICOS course code 109048A) is a Diploma delivered by Rabarl Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification sits within the field of Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies, specifically Horticulture and Viticulture. It is designed to equip students with the skills to plan, design, and manage outdoor spaces, combining creativity with technical knowledge. Delivered at campuses in Cairns and Melbourne, this course is fully registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning international students can enrol with confidence. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource, drawing directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to give you accurate, up-to-date information. Whether you're looking to start a career in landscape architecture, urban planning, or environmental design, this diploma offers a pathway to further study or employment in Australia's growing green sectors.
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The Diploma of Landscape Design falls under the broad field of Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (Field of Education 05), with a specialisation in Horticulture and Viticulture (0503). At AQF Level 5, this diploma is designed to develop higher-level skills in design principles, plant selection, environmental sustainability, and project management. Graduates typically learn to create functional and aesthetic landscape plans, understand soil and site analysis, apply horticultural knowledge, and use design software. While specific subjects are set by the provider, the qualification aims to prepare students for roles such as landscape designer, horticulturist, or garden consultant. It may also serve as a pathway to a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture. For a detailed syllabus, contact Rabarl Pty Ltd directly or visit their website at http://www.acah.edu.au.
This course runs for 1 year (53 weeks on the CRICOS register), delivered in English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study component. The full-time structure is typical for international student visa holders, requiring a minimum of 20 scheduled contact hours per week. Students should expect a mix of classroom theory and practical design sessions. The standard duration allows international students to manage their workload while meeting student visa conditions.
Indicative fees for the Diploma of Landscape Design at Rabarl Pty Ltd are as follows: tuition A$17,000, non-tuition fees A$560, giving an estimated total of A$17,560. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change – always confirm with the provider. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For example, OSHC for a single student is approximately A$600–A$700 per year, living costs in Cairns or Melbourne range from A$20,000 to A$30,000 annually depending on lifestyle, and the current Subclass 500 visa application fee is A$710. HeadStart Academy recommends visiting the provider's website for the most current fee schedule.
International students must demonstrate English proficiency, typically IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications expected for this level include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. Some providers may require a portfolio or relevant work experience. Foundation or pathway options may be available through the provider – contact Rabarl Pty Ltd for details. All entry requirements are set by the institution; HeadStart Academy does not assess eligibility. For visa purposes, you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and have sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as an international student on a Subclass 500 visa, you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Always check your visa conditions – work rights are subject to the Department of Home Affairs rules.
The Diploma of Landscape Design is delivered at two campuses: ACAH Cairns (67 Lake St, Cairns, QLD) and ACAH Melbourne (55 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC). Cairns is a tropical city with a vibrant student community, home to over 20 CRICOS-registered providers. Melbourne is a major education hub with more than 250 registered providers and a diverse student population of over 200,000. Both campuses are accessible by public transport – Cairns has a bus network and the campus is walkable from the city centre; Melbourne's campus is on Swanston Street, a tram and train hub. Living costs vary: Cairns weekly rent A$150–A$300, groceries A$100–A$150, transport A$30–A$50; Melbourne weekly rent A$200–A$400, groceries A$100–A$200, transport A$40–A$60. These are indicative only.
To study this course, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, satisfactory course progress, and OSHC for the duration. You must also demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intent and financial capacity. All CRICOS-registered providers, including Rabarl Pty Ltd, are subject to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which protects your tuition fees and ensures quality standards. Your rights include access to a complaints and appeals process. For visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent.
Choosing between Cairns and Melbourne depends on your lifestyle and career goals. Cairns offers a relaxed tropical lifestyle, close to natural attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. It has a smaller student population (around 10,000 international students) and lower living costs. Melbourne is a bustling multicultural city with a huge student community, world-class cafes and arts, and more job opportunities in landscape design. Both cities have strong industry connections – Cairns in tourism and horticulture, Melbourne in urban development and architecture. Consider your budget, climate preference, and career aspirations when deciding.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Landscape Design at Rabarl Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare diploma courses in landscape design. Filter by location (Cairns or Melbourne), course level (Diploma), and field (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies). Check entry requirements, fees, and delivery modes.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Rabarl Pty Ltd's website at http://www.acah.edu.au or contact their admissions team. Submit required documents: academic transcripts, English test scores, passport copy, and any portfolio. Note application deadlines – typically 4–6 months before course start.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your Subclass 500 visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Processing times vary; apply early.
Start your journey towards a Diploma of Landscape Design – explore your options on HeadStart Academy.
Diploma of Landscape Design is a CRICOS-registered programme at Rabarl Pty Ltd. 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.