Melbourne Polytechnic's Certificate III in Agriculture is the entry-level qualification necessary to start your career in agriculture or to build on prior qualifications. This course can get you started in a rewarding career that can take you all over the country.

Gain skills in demand around Australia
Does a career on the land sound appealing? Achieve specialist skills in beef, sheep and wool production while you study with us.
Livestock breeding, health and transportation, as well as establishing pastures and crop harvesting are all vital skills for a sustainable industry. Become a qualified operator of machinery such as tractors, skid-steers and front-end loaders and learn best practice for building stock fences and more. Choose units of study to suit your strengths and plans for the future.
We are ready to help build your skills and knowledge in all aspects of farm operation and management. You will step out of this course with the knowledge of what it’s really like to work in a position of responsibility in a team environment.
Industry connections and resources
Your teachers at Melbourne Polytechnic are experts in the fields of wool, sheep and beef production.
This course is delivered and assessed at our Epping campus and Yan Yean Farm training complex, with agricultural equipment and amenities of the highest standards.
The Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) – Student award. Most students opt to participate in the Show Steer category at the RAS Royal Melbourne Show.
Assessment
Assessment methods for this course include written activities and assignments, oral activities, participation in a group, written and oral tests, practical demonstrations or exercises, and projects.
Local Students
Code
AHC30116Campuses
EPPING, Yan YeanDepartment
Agriculture and Animal StudiesDuration
Full-time:
1 year
Part-time:
2 years
Integrated on- and off-the-job program of up to 2 years duration, flexible delivery
Class Schedule: *
Tue - AM and PM
Wed - AM and PM
Thu - AM and PM
Fri - AM and PM
*Classes run across these days and times. Detailed timetable information is available from an Education and Career Advisor
Modes of Delivery
Practical Work, Blended online, ClassroomFees
The student tuition fees as published are correct at time of publication and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. All enrolments excluding RPL/RCC and Higher Education incur an annual Amenities fee with a maximum cap of $250
Find out more on fees and charges
Materials
A list of equipment and reference material will be distributed at the start of the course. You will need suitable clothing and footwear for practical farm activities.Entrance Requirements
You must be at least 16 years of age. No other academic prerequisites are needed for entryPathways to further study
Depending on your interests and plans for the future you may want to take on additional units in Agronomy or Agriculture Diploma courses, as part of this qualification and on successful completion, you may consider studying in our AHC50116 Diploma of Agriculture and/or 22273VIC Diploma of AgronomyCareer Pathways
The Certificate III in Agriculture supplies you with sought after skills and experience needed in many areas of the Agriculture industryEnrolment Intake
- Ongoing
- February
- July
Units Of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact the department for the latest student contact hours information.
Code | Subjects | Hours |
---|---|---|
AHCBAC301 | Conserve forage | 80 |
AHCBAC302 | Establish pastures and crops for livestock production | 80 |
AHCBAC401 | Manage pastures for livestock production | 120 |
AHCCHM303 | Prepare and apply chemicals | 70 |
AHCCHM304 | Transport and store chemicals | 50 |
AHCINF301 | Implement property improvement, construction and repair | 70 |
AHCINF303 | Plan and construct conventional fencing | 60 |
AHCLSK309 | Implement animal health control programs | 50 |
AHCLSK312 | Coordinate artificial insemination and fertility management of livestock | 80 |
AHCLSK316 | Prepare livestock for competition | 90 |
AHCMOM202 | Operate tractors | 40 |
AHCMOM310 | Operate land-forming machinery and equipment | 80 |
AHCWHS301 | Contribute to work health and safety processes | 50 |
AHCWOL304 | Prepare fleece wool for classing | 50 |
AHCWRK303 | Respond to emergencies | 60 |
AHCWRK309 | Apply environmentally sustainable work practices | 50 |

Students may be eligible for Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.