If you're an international student interested in horticulture, the Certificate III in Nursery Operations (CRICOS course code 110468D) is a vocational qualification offered by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. This course provides foundational skills in nursery production, plant care, and sustainable horticulture practices. Delivered over 1 year (52 weeks) at the Mildura campus in Victoria, this AQF Level 3 course is designed to prepare you for entry-level roles in the nursery industry. As a CRICOS-registered provider (01985A), Sunraysia Institute of TAFE meets Australian Government standards for international student education. The indicative tuition fee is A$15,000, with no non-tuition fees listed. Note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or visa application costs. Students must meet an English language requirement of IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall or equivalent. This course carries the VET national code AHC31120. At HeadStart Academy, we source all course data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of them. Whether you're seeking a pathway to further study or direct entry into the workforce, this nursery operations qualification could be your first step. Read on for full details on fees, entry requirements, and how to apply.
Certificate III in Nursery Operations falls under the field of Horticulture (Field of Education 050301). This qualification covers essential skills for working in nursery production, including plant propagation, soil management, pest control, and sustainable horticulture practices. Students learn to operate nursery equipment, manage plant health, and comply with workplace safety standards. While this is a general description of the field, the exact syllabus is set by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. Typically, graduates are prepared for roles such as nursery hand, propagation worker, or horticulture assistant. This AQF Level 3 course provides a pathway to higher qualifications in horticulture or direct entry into the industry.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 52 weeks (1 year). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification, not a dual or combined course. There is no foundation studies component. Students should expect full-time study commitment. Classes are likely held at the Mildura campus, with a combination of theoretical and practical training. For exact study mode (e.g., face-to-face, online), contact the provider.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Nursery Operations is A$15,000. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$15,000. However, international students must also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge. These can amount to thousands of dollars per year. For the most current fee schedule, always visit Sunraysia Institute of TAFE's official website: www.sunitafe.edu.au. Course fees are set by the institution and subject to change. The ESOS Act protects your tuition fees if your provider ceases operation.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency, typically IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall or equivalent. Prior academic qualifications expected for Certificate III level usually include completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may require relevant work experience or prerequisite subjects. Sunraysia Institute of TAFE may also have specific entry criteria. There is no foundation studies component listed for this course. Contact the provider for detailed entry requirements and any pathway options. Note: Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee admission; each application is assessed individually. Always confirm directly with the institution.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, students may choose to seek part-time work during their studies to gain industry experience. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This flexibility allows you to offset some living costs and gain valuable Australian workplace exposure.
This course is delivered at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE - Mildura, located in Mildura, Victoria. Mildura is a regional city in the Sunraysia region, near the Murray River. It is known for its agricultural and horticultural industries, making it an ideal location for nursery operations training. The campus is likely accessible by public transport, though services are less frequent than in major cities. Mildura has a lower cost of living compared to Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent around $200-$350 for shared accommodation, groceries $80-$120, and transport $20-$40. The city has a small but growing international student population. Studying regionally may offer additional benefits such as extended post-study work rights for graduates.
To study this course in Australia, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course. You must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course like this one. Key visa requirements include: being a genuine temporary entrant (GTE), meeting English proficiency, having sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC. OSHC is mandatory for international students and provides medical insurance. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. For full visa details, visit the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; always consult a registered MARA agent for personalised advice.
Applying is straightforward. Follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to find Sunraysia Institute of TAFE (CRICOS 01985A) and verify that Certificate III in Nursery Operations (110468D) matches your study goals. 2. Apply directly to Sunraysia Institute of TAFE: Submit your application with required documents, including academic transcripts and English test results. Check the application deadlines and entry requirements on their website. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you receive your CoE, you can apply for your student visa. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. For visa application assistance, consult a registered migration agent.
Mildura offers a unique study experience in a regional setting. The cost of living is lower than in major cities, with weekly expenses for rent, groceries, and transport estimated at around $400-$600. The city has a warm climate and is close to natural attractions like the Murray River. However, public transport may be less frequent than in metropolitan areas. Mildura has a few CRICOS-registered providers, including Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, which specialises in vocational education. If you prefer a quieter lifestyle with a focus on agriculture and horticulture, Mildura could be an excellent choice. Consider your personal preferences and career goals when deciding. Regional study may also offer post-study work benefits for graduates.
Ready to enrol? Contact Sunraysia Institute of TAFE directly or explore more horticulture courses on HeadStart Academy.
Certificate III in Nursery Operations is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. 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.