Diploma of Production Horticulture (CRICOS course code 116156E) is a Diploma delivered by Rabarl Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian Government standards for international education. As a Diploma (AQF Level 5) in Horticulture (field 050301), it provides students with advanced skills in managing commercial horticulture production, including crop planning, pest control, irrigation, and business operations. Rabarl Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02494A) is a private provider operating under the ACAH brand, with campuses in Cairns and Melbourne. HeadStart Academy sources all course data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), offering a trusted, free resource for international students. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses available, finding the right program is straightforward. This page covers everything you need to know: fees, entry requirements, location details, and visa guidance. Ready to explore? Let's dive in.
The Diploma of Production Horticulture (CRICOS course code 116156E) is a one-year, AQF Level 5 qualification delivered by Rabarl Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02494A), a private education provider trading as Academy of Construction and Applied Horticulture (ACAH). This course is designed for international students seeking advanced knowledge in horticulture production, covering areas such as plant physiology, soil management, sustainable practices, and business planning. Graduates may pursue roles as farm managers, production supervisors, or horticultural consultants. As a CRICOS-registered course, it guarantees that the program meets Australian quality standards and that students are protected under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy provides independent, data-driven information to help you make an informed choice. All data is sourced from the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, ensuring accuracy and transparency. With more than 26,000 courses available across Australia, this diploma stands out for its focus on the horticulture and viticulture sector, which is vital to regions like Queensland and Victoria.
This Diploma sits within the field of Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies, specifically Horticulture and Viticulture (field code 0503). At AQF Level 5, students develop technical and theoretical knowledge in horticultural production systems, including crop selection, pest and disease management, irrigation scheduling, and post-harvest handling. The course also covers workplace health and safety, environmental sustainability, and business management applicable to horticulture enterprises. While HeadStart Academy does not provide a syllabus, typical diploma-level studies involve practical assessments, projects, and simulated work environments. International students gain skills that are directly transferable to Australia's thriving agricultural sector, which contributes over $60 billion annually to the economy. Understanding these competencies helps you evaluate whether this course aligns with your career goals. Remember, the CRICOS registration ensures the curriculum meets national standards. For detailed unit information, always check with the provider directly.
According to the CRICOS register, the Diploma of Production Horticulture runs for 53 weeks (1 year) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual or packaged program, and it does not include a foundation studies component. The course is designed to be completed on campus at one of Rabarl Pty Ltd's delivery locations: ACAH Cairns in Queensland or ACAH Melbourne in Victoria. The duration is standard for a Diploma-level VET course. International students should ensure they have a valid student visa for the entire period (student visa Subclass 500). The course structure typically includes a mix of classroom sessions, practical workshops, and possibly field trips to horticultural operations. No mandatory work component is attached, but students can undertake part-time work as per visa conditions. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider for exact study schedules and attendance requirements.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative at A$17,000, with non-tuition fees of A$600, making an estimated total of A$17,600. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. The tuition covers all academic costs, while non-tuition fees may include application charges, materials, or orientation. Importantly, fees for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the student visa application charge are not included. OSHC is mandatory for student visa holders and costs roughly AUD $500–$700 per year. Living expenses vary by city: in Melbourne, weekly rent averages $250–$400, while Cairns is more affordable at $180–$300. Always confirm current fees directly with Rabarl Pty Ltd via their website (http://www.acah.edu.au) before applying. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees; we provide this data as a free resource. ESOS Act protections ensure that international students are refunded if the provider fails to deliver.
International students generally need an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent) to enter a Diploma course. For the Diploma of Production Horticulture, Rabarl Pty Ltd may also require completion of Year 12 or equivalent (AQF Level 4 qualification or higher). Prior study in a related field is beneficial but not necessarily mandatory. If you do not meet the English requirement, some providers offer pathway programs or ELICOS. HeadStart Academy advises checking directly with Rabarl Pty Ltd for specific academic prerequisites, as entry requirements can vary. Remember, meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; the provider assesses each application individually. For visa purposes, you must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intention and sufficient financial capacity. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa-specific advice. All listed courses are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality standards.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Subclass 500 student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This allows you to gain practical experience in the horticulture industry while studying, though it is not a requirement of the course. Some providers may offer optional industry placements, but for this specific program at Rabarl Pty Ltd, no work component is listed on the CRICOS register. If you wish to gain professional experience, consider extracurricular internships or part-time jobs in agriculture or landscaping. Always check your visa conditions and balance work with study commitments. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a guide; verify with the provider for any updates.
The Diploma of Production Horticulture is delivered at two campuses: ACAH Cairns (67 Lake St, Cairns QLD) and ACAH Melbourne (55 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC). Cairns, in tropical North Queensland, has a strong agricultural sector with many horticulture farms and research facilities. The city hosts over 10,000 international students across several CRICOS providers. Living costs in Cairns are lower than in major capitals, with weekly rent averaging $200–$300. Melbourne, a global hub, has a diverse economy and over 250,000 international students from numerous institutions. Rent is higher ($250–$400/week), but public transport is extensive. Both campuses are centrally located near transport links. Choosing between them depends on your preference for climate, lifestyle, and industry exposure. HeadStart Academy's data shows Queensland has over 400 CRICOS providers offering agriculture-related courses, while Victoria has around 300. Consider your career aspirations: Cairns for tropical horticulture, Melbourne for broader opportunities.
International students enrolling in this Diploma must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study for the course duration (53 weeks) plus any eligible subsequent courses. Key requirements include: meeting the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, providing evidence of English proficiency (IELTS 5.5–6.0), and demonstrating sufficient funds for tuition, OSHC, and living expenses (at least AUD $29,710 per year as per DHA guidelines). Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Health insurance (OSHC) is mandatory for the entire stay. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually; HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice. For assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. All courses listed here are CRICOS-registered, so they automatically satisfy the education requirement for a student visa. Remember to apply well in advance.
Follow these three steps to enrol in this course: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to explore Diploma-level courses in Horticulture across Australia. Filter by field, level, and location. Rabarl Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02494A) is an approved provider. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit ACAH's website (http://www.acah.edu.au) to check entry requirements, submit your application with academic transcripts and English test results, and note application deadlines. You may need to provide a resume or statement of purpose. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, Rabarl Pty Ltd issues a CoE. Then, apply for the Student visa (Subclass 500) through ImmiAccount, ensuring you attach your CoE, OSHC proof, financial documents, and GTE statement. HeadStart Academy provides this guide for free; always confirm steps with the provider and DHA.
Deciding between ACAH Cairns and ACAH Melbourne depends on your personal and professional goals. Cairns offers a warm climate, lower living costs, and proximity to tropical horticulture industries like sugar cane, bananas, and tourism. Melbourne, a multicultural hub, provides access to a wider range of employers, internships, and networking events. Both cities have well-connected public transport: Cairns has a bus network, while Melbourne boasts trams, trains, and buses. Student populations differ: Melbourne's 250,000+ international students create a vibrant community, whereas Cairns offers a more intimate setting with around 10,000. Consider your budget: rent in Melbourne is 25-30% higher. Also, think about climate preferences and desired lifestyle. HeadStart Academy recommends visiting city guides and connecting with current students. Remember, the course is the same regardless of campus; only the delivery location changes. Both are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality.
Ready to begin your Diploma of Production Horticulture in Australia? Research providers, apply directly to Rabarl Pty Ltd, and secure your student visa with HeadStart Academy's free resources. Start your journey today.
Diploma of Production 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.