Are you looking to specialise in modern horticulture practices? Certificate IV in Protected Horticulture (CRICOS course code 116153H) is a Certificate IV delivered by Rabarl Pty Ltd over 1 year 5 months (~74 weeks). This course, registered under AHC40224, focuses on advanced skills in controlled environment agriculture such as greenhouses, shade houses, and hydroponics. Rabarl Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02494A) operates through ACAH campuses in Cairns, Melbourne, and Loxton. As a CRICOS-registered provider, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. With indicative tuition of A$16,000 and non-tuition fees of A$600, the estimated total is A$16,600 (excludes OSHC, living costs, visa fees). This page covers everything you need to know: study content, duration, fees, entry requirements, locations, and the application process. HeadStart Academy is a free resource – no commissions, no referral fees – helping you navigate 26,433 CRICOS courses from 1,556 providers (April 2026). All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register. Ready to explore? Start below.
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Certificate IV in Protected Horticulture (CRICOS course code 116153H) is a Certificate IV delivered by Rabarl Pty Ltd over 1 year 5 months (~74 weeks). This qualification is at AQF Level 4 and falls under the field of Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (05), specifically Horticulture and Viticulture (0503). It provides specialised training in protected cropping environments, preparing students for supervisory roles in the horticulture industry. Rabarl Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02494A) is a private provider offering this course through its ACAH network. As a CRICOS-registered institution, Rabarl Pty Ltd can lawfully enrol international students. The course is delivered in English and does not include a work component. For current course details, always check the provider's website at http://www.acah.edu.au. HeadStart Academy sources its data from the official CRICOS register (as at 1 April 2026) – your trusted starting point for Australian study.
This course is designed for those seeking advanced knowledge in protected horticulture. Students typically learn about controlled environment management, crop nutrition, pest and disease control, irrigation systems, and business planning for horticultural enterprises. The curriculum combines theoretical understanding with practical skills relevant to greenhouse, shade house, and hydroponic operations. At the Certificate IV level, graduates are prepared to take on roles such as horticulture team leader, crop production supervisor, or protected cropping manager. Note: this is a general description based on the field of education and AQF level – not a guarantee of specific subjects. Always request a detailed syllabus from Rabarl Pty Ltd. The course sits within the 050301 Horticulture sub-field, part of Australia's growing agriculture sector.
The course runs for 1 year 5 months (~74 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. This duration reflects the expected full-time study period. Instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification – no dual or combined awards. There is no foundation studies component. Students should plan their study schedule accordingly, factoring in semester breaks and assessment periods. For international students, maintaining full-time enrolment and attendance is a visa condition. The 74-week duration means you'll likely have two or three semesters, depending on the provider's academic calendar. Contact Rabarl Pty Ltd for exact start dates and term structures.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$16,000, with non-tuition fees of A$600, making an estimated total of A$16,600. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Important: this total does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students – costs vary by provider and coverage level. Living costs in Australia depend on location: for example, a single student needs approximately A$21,041 per year for living expenses (Department of Home Affairs guideline). For current fees, always confirm directly with Rabarl Pty Ltd at http://www.acah.edu.au. HeadStart Academy displays indicative fees as a starting point – never a guarantee.
For international students, typical English language requirements for this level range from IELTS 5.0 to 5.5 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications expected: completion of an Australian Certificate III or equivalent in a related field, or relevant industry experience. Some providers may require a satisfactory English test score and academic transcripts. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you don't meet the direct entry criteria – contact Rabarl Pty Ltd for details. All entry requirements are set by the institution; HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only. Always check with Rabarl Pty Ltd for the most current and specific entry criteria.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. While no internship or work placement is built into the program, students may still be eligible for part-time work under their student visa conditions (see Student Visa section below). Practical training components, if any, are integrated into the curriculum as part of classroom or simulated environments. For courses with work components, CRICOS registration will specify – for 116153H, the register states 'No work component'. If you are seeking hands-on industry experience, consider discussing elective options with the provider.
Rabarl Pty Ltd delivers this course at three ACAH campuses: (1) ACAH Cairns – 67 Lake St, Cairns, QLD; (2) ACAH Melbourne – 55 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC; and (3) ACAH RiverLand – Belgravia Leisure, The Precinct Loxton, Loxton, SA. Cairns is a tropical city in Queensland with a strong agricultural sector – living costs are lower than Sydney or Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent around A$250-350. Melbourne is a major cultural hub with higher living costs (weekly rent A$350-500) and excellent public transport. Loxton is a regional town in South Australia's Riverland, known for horticulture – cheaper living (weekly rent A$200-300) but limited public transport. Each location offers unique study and lifestyle experiences. Choose based on your preferences for climate, cost, and industry connections.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Other requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs assesses applications individually. HeadStart Academy cannot guarantee visa outcomes – always consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for official information. ESOS Act 2000 protects international students' rights, including refund policies and course quality.
Follow these three steps to begin your study journey:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the official CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Rabarl Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02494A) offers this course at your preferred campus.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit the ACAH website (http://www.acah.edu.au) to access the application form. Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0-5.5 or equivalent), passport copy, and any prior qualification certificates. Note application deadlines and submit your application.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, Rabarl Pty Ltd will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online via ImmiAccount. Include evidence of financial capacity, OSHC policy, and a genuine temporary entrant statement. Processing times vary – apply early.
Need help? HeadStart Academy provides free guides, but for visa advice, consult a registered migration agent.
If you are passionate about sustainable food production and enjoy working with technology in agriculture, protected horticulture could be an excellent career path. Australia's horticulture sector is growing, with demand for skilled supervisors in greenhouse and hydroponic operations. Consider your location: Cairns offers a tropical climate and proximity to agricultural industries; Melbourne provides urban opportunities with a diverse economy; Loxton immerses you in Australia's Riverland horticulture region. Living costs vary significantly – budget accordingly. Also, think about future employment options: graduates may find roles in crop management, nursery production, or agribusiness. This course is ideal for those who have completed a Certificate III and want to advance to supervisory level. Remember, any CRICOS-registered course gives you ESOS protections and access to student visa pathways. Use HeadStart Academy to compare similar courses across Australia.
Ready to take the next step? Follow our 3-step How to Apply guide above, or explore similar courses on HeadStart Academy.
Certificate IV in Protected Horticulture 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.