Certificate III in Nursery Operations (CRICOS course code 116149D) is a Certificate III delivered by Rabarl Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 3 vocational course equips international students with practical skills in nursery production, plant care, and propagation. Graduates can work in nurseries, garden centres, or as landscape assistants. The course is delivered at two vibrant Australian locations: Cairns, Queensland, and Melbourne, Victoria. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets stringent Australian education standards for overseas students. Rabarl Pty Ltd, trading as ACAH (Australian College of Agriculture and Horticulture), has specialist expertise in horticulture education. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, Australia is a top destination for agricultural studies. Use code 116149D on the CRICOS register to find this course.
This course falls under the field of Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (05), specifically Horticulture and Viticulture (0503) and Horticulture (050301). At Certificate III level, students develop technical and supervisory skills in nursery operations. Typical learning areas include plant propagation, plant nutrition and health, pest and disease management, nursery production systems, work health and safety, and customer service. Graduates often advance to roles such as nursery supervisor, propagation technician, or horticultural assistant. The course blends theory with hands-on practical training, reflecting real workplace demands. It prepares students for the Australian horticulture industry, which values sustainability and innovation. For a detailed syllabus, refer to the provider Rabarl Pty Ltd.
The course duration on the CRICOS register is 53 weeks (1 year). Instruction is delivered in English, requiring applicants to meet English language proficiency. It is a single qualification; there is no dual or foundation study component. The study mode is full-time, typically involving face-to-face classes at the campuses. Students should expect a combination of classroom learning and practical workshops. This structure aligns with Australian standards for vocational education and training (VET). If you require a different study arrangement, contact Rabarl Pty Ltd directly to discuss options.
Rabarl Pty Ltd sets the following indicative fees for this course, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026: tuition A$10,000, non-tuition fees A$600, and an estimated total of A$10,600. Please note that these are indicative only and subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — approximately A$600–A$700 per year for single cover, living expenses (the Department of Home Affairs recommends A$21,041 per year for 2025–26, but this varies by city), and the Student visa application charge of A$1,600. Always check the provider’s website (acah.edu.au) for the most current fee schedule. ESOS Act protections safeguard your tuition fees if the provider fails to deliver.
General entry requirements for this Certificate III course include an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) with no band below 5.0. Applicants are expected to have completed Year 11 or equivalent, possibly with relevant work experience in horticulture. Some providers may accept foundation or pathway programs if you do not meet standard entry. It is essential to confirm exact requirements with Rabarl Pty Ltd. Note: English language requirements may vary by institution; always check the provider’s admissions policy. For visa purposes, you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and provide evidence of financial capacity.
This course has no mandatory work component. However, as a Student visa (Subclass 500) holder, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to applicable visa conditions. Working while studying can help cover living costs and provide valuable Australian work experience. Always check your visa conditions and ensure work does not interfere with your studies. The Department of Home Affairs provides official guidance on work rights.
Certificate III in Nursery Operations is delivered at two campuses: ACAH Cairns at 67 Lake St, Cairns, QLD, and ACAH Melbourne at 55 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC. Cairns is a tropical city with a lower cost of living (indicative weekly rent A$200–A$300 for shared accommodation, groceries A$80–A$100, and public transport A$30–A$40). Melbourne is a larger city with higher costs (rent A$300–A$600 per week, groceries A$100–A$150, transport A$50–A$70). Both cities have well-connected public transport and diverse student communities. Cairns has a smaller student population (approx. 15,000) while Melbourne has over 250,000 international students. Choose based on your climate and lifestyle preferences.
International students must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Rabarl Pty Ltd, evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + travel), and a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement. Student work rights are 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. The ESOS Act ensures you have legal rights including tuition protection. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Follow these three steps to start your Australian study journey: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register at cricos.teqsa.gov.au to verify Rabarl Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02494A) and this course (116149D). Filter by field of study, level, and location to compare options. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application through ACAH’s website (acah.edu.au). Prepare academic transcripts, English language test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other required documents. Meet application deadlines and confirm entry requirements. 3. Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) with the Department of Home Affairs. Include your CoE, OSHC evidence, financial documents, and a GTE statement. Seek professional help from a MARA agent if needed.
If you love working with plants and the outdoors, this course is a strong start. Consider your career goals: nursery operations lead to roles in production nurseries, retail garden centres, or landscaping. Also think about location: Cairns offers a tropical climate and lower living costs, while Melbourne provides urban opportunities and higher expenses. Both cities have strong horticulture sectors. Ensure you meet the English language requirements and have the physical stamina for practical work. Research the provider’s reputation, facilities, and graduate outcomes. Remember that all CRICOS-registered courses are protected by the ESOS Act, giving you confidence in the quality of education.
Ready to start your nursery operations career? Contact Rabarl Pty Ltd (ACAH) at acah.edu.au to apply or request more information.
Certificate III in Nursery Operations 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.