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  4. Certificate III in Horticulture
QUALIFICATION

Certificate III in Horticulture


 National Code: AHC30722
 TAFE SA Code: TP01435Fee Free


2026 start

Description

Gain the skills and knowledge you need to work as a horticulturist or gardener with this comprehensive horticulture qualification. Learn all about plants and their culture, plant pests and diseases, how to control weeds, and how to improve gardens and turf areas. Develop your knowledge even further in your areas of interest with our comprehensive range of electives including site inspections, hydroponic systems, landscape maintenance, plant nutrition, operating machinery and equipment, and the safe use of chemicals. Get your hands in the dirt and grow your career with TAFE SA.

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Duration
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12 months 

Full Time or Part Time equivalent

Horticultural Assistant
Horticultural Assistant
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Locations & Applications

Campus / Location
Code
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled
Barossa Valley

Closed

Blended Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Part Time Part Time
Day Only
Apply on Mon 3 Aug 2026
Barossa Valley

644336

On Campus On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Part Time Part Time
Day & Evening Day & Evening
Apply Now
Mount Gambier

655303

On Campus On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Full & Part Time Full & Part Time Full & Part Time
Day Only
Apply Now
Mount Gambier

655347

Blended Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Part Time Part Time
Day Only
Apply Now
Port Lincoln

624313

Blended Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Part Time Part Time
Day Only
Apply Now
Urrbrae

Closed

Blended Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Part Time Part Time
Day Only
Apply on Mon 3 Aug 2026
Urrbrae

693316

On Campus On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Full & Part Time Full & Part Time Full & Part Time
Day Only
Apply Now

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On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

  • Completion of a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Assessment (LLND)

Please Read Before Applying

Additional Uniforms, Equipment and Costs
You will need to buy and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety boots and appropriate workwear (eg sun protection (hat), long pants, long sleeve shirt)-(approximately $100 - $200). Incidental items - $50.00 for other personal protective equipment (eg gloves, safety glasses and spray suit)


Fees

Tuition Fees
Cost

Fee Free TAFE Fee-Free TAFETuition fees are fully covered for eligible students.

Free

ConcessionFee ConcessionsReduced fees for eligible concession card holders.

$3,023- $3,754

SubsidisedSubsidisedThe SA Government pays part of the course cost for eligible students.

$4,418- $5,486

Full FeeFull FeeFull course cost if subsidies or concessions do not apply.

$6,836- $8,489

This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free places are limited and eligibility criteria applies. If all Fee Free TAFE places have been allocated, you may be offered a subsidised place instead.

Fees are paid per semester and vary depending on the units you enrol into. TAFE SA and its agents reserve the right to make any necessary changes.


  • Help with Fees

    Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

    Read More

    Payment Plan

    If you have difficulty paying your fees upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

    Read More

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include Horticulturist and Gardener.

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Certificate III in Horticulture (AHC30722)
    This certificate develops skills and knowledge in carrying out WHS procedures, providing information on plants, controlling weeds, pests and diseases, chemical use, installing and operating irrigation systems, plant nutrition, plant establishment, landscape construction and maintenance, sports turf construction and maintenance, specialist pruning, propagation and maintenance of nursery plants, machinery and equipment operation and maintenance. To complete the qualification, you are required to complete all 11 core units and 6 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply environmentally sustainable work practices 60
    Contribute to workplace health and safety processes 50
    Control plant pests, diseases and disorders 80
    Control weeds 70
    Identify and select plants 90
    Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas 60
    Operate machinery and equipment 40
    Operate pressurised irrigation systems 50
    Perform specialist amenity pruning 65
    Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases 70
    Transport and store chemicals 50

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply biosecurity measures 100
    Collect native seed 40
    Conduct Front End Loader Operations 60
    Establish Horticultural crops 25
    Implement a grassed area maintenance proram 60
    Implement a landscape maintenance program 100
    Implement a maintenance program for hydroponic systems 60
    Implement a plant establishment program 80
    Implement a plant nutrition program 60
    Implement a propagation plan 90
    Implement ecosystem reconstruction works 90
    Install hydroponic systems 60
    Install pressurised irrigation systems 70
    Maintain nursery plants 40
    Operate and maintain chainsaws 40
    Operate Tractors 40
    Plant horticultural crops 25
    Plant trees and shrubs 20
    Provide information on plants and their culture 70
    Renovate grassed areas 40
    Troubleshoot irrigation systems 50

Further Information

Brochure

Course guide

Brochure

Pre-enrolment Brochure

Contact us

Course enquiries and more information

Certificate III in Horticulture
TP01435
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