Personalised for LOCAL students.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.
Personalised for INTERNATIONAL students.
International student means; you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.

Certificate III in Agriculture

Free TAFE Code: AHC30122

Sorry, this course is not available for international students.

If you are a local student you may be eligible.

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Overview

Duration

12 months full time / 2 years part time

Next Intake

February, July

Land a career that matters with a Certificate III in Agriculture AHC30122

Love to work outdoors? A Certificate III in Agriculture AHC30122 is a great way to gain in-demand skills around Australia. Help secure a sustainable future for a growing population with practical skills in livestock breeding, crop harvesting and establishing pastures.

Harvest valuable skills

From biology and chemistry to geology and pedology, studying a Certificate III in Agriculture AHC30122 means you touch on multiple disciplines in a practical way. You’ll learn how to operate machinery like tractors and skid steers, as well as develop a deep understanding of best practice in farm operations.

Cultivate industry connections

You’ll learn from teachers who are experts in wool, sheep and beef production. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in agricultural shows with Melbourne Polytechnic's show cattle team.

Use our Certificate III in Agriculture AHC30122 to secure a high yield job

Build skills and gain knowledge that will help you succeed in the farming industries. This course is delivered at our Northern Lodge at Eden Park training complex using high quality agricultural equipment and amenities.

Career Pathways

Where will the Certificate III in Agriculture AHC30122 take me?

Build skills and gain knowledge studying a Certificate III in Agriculture AHC30122 in Melbourne that will help you succeed in the $30 billion food and fibre industry.

  • Station Hand
  • Livestock Transport Driver
  • Farm Operator
  • Farm Hand

Study Pathways

Once you’ve successfully completed the Certificate III in Agriculture AHC30122, you may consider further study in the Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116.

Studying Agriculture at Melbourne Polytechnic

Our working farm at Northern Lodge offers practical training in livestock management, forage cropping, and beekeeping.

The campus features classrooms and demonstration areas showcasing agricultural technologies.

Course Details

How you will study

Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.

On-campus

Interactive learning in a face-to-face environment. Classes will be held at a Melbourne Polytechnic campus or partner institute. Visit the How You'll Study page for more information.

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods for this course include observation and written assessment.

Units of Study

The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.

Code Subject Elective Hours
AHCBAC316 Maintain agricultural crops Elective 40
AHCBAC410 Plan and implement a pasture establishment program Elective 120
AHCCHM304 Transport and store chemicals Elective 50
AHCCHM307 Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases Elective 70
AHCINF305 Implement property improvement, construction and repair Elective 70
AHCINF307 Plan and construct conventional fencing Elective 60
AHCLSK316 Prepare livestock for competition Elective 90
AHCLSK317 Plan to exhibit livestock Elective 80
AHCLSK341 Coordinate artificial insemination and fertility management of livestock Elective 90
AHCLSK402 Develop livestock feeding plans Elective 140
AHCLSK409 Supervise animal health programs Elective 110
AHCMOM216 Operate side by side utility vehicles Elective 50
AHCMOM317 Operate tractors with attachments Elective 60
AHCWHS302 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes Core 50
AHCWRK320 Contribute to workplace health and safety processes Core 60
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid Elective 18
Woman with blue hair and shirt standing in front of field smiling
I'm able to travel around Australia. I can work on different farms in different places. It has been a great opportunity having a female teacher. It's been amazing to see what it's been like for her being a female in the industry.
Kasey Humphrey
Certificate III in Agriculture Student

Fees & Costs

Tuition Fees
Free TAFE Concession Government subsidised fee Non-subsidised fee
Tuition fee $0 $1140 $5700 $13650
Materials fee $150 $150 $150 $150
Maximum annual amenities $250 $175 $250 $250
Total payable $400 $1465 $6100 $14050
Per year $0
Per semester $0

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.

Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.

Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.

After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.

For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.

Fees explained

The State Government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition (excluding Amenities Fees and Materials Fees) for students who are eligible for government subsidised training and enrol into one of the Priority listed course.

Free TAFE is available to eligible students for one course enrolment in a lifetime.

Free TAFE places are limited. Please call 1300 635 276 and we can advise you whether Free TAFE places are still available.

Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative covers the cost of tuition fees for students who are eligible. Materials and amenities may still apply.

The Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will pay your tuition fees for only one course. Once you have commenced in a tuition-free priority course, you are not eligible for further tuition-free places again, even if you do not finish your first tuition-free priority course.

Check your eligibility

The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment. 

Check your eligibility here.

The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.

Check your eligibility here.

Concession fees are charged at 20 per cent of the standard fees for enrolments in Certificate I to IV courses. To be eligible students must meet Skills First eligibility criteria and present a valid:

  • Commonwealth Health Care card, or
  • Pensioner Concession card, or
  • Any dependent spouse or dependent child of one of the above cardholders, or
  • Veterans Gold card.

The following groups are eligible for concession fees from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
  • Asylum Seekers and victims of human trafficking

Additional expenses

The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:

  • $250 for full fee-paying students; and
  • $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.

Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.

You will need:

  • Steel capped boots
  • PPE – eye protection
  • Clothing suitable for farm work in a range of environmental conditions
  • Access to laptop and internet
  • Hat and sunscreen (Hat will be provided part of material fee paid)

The material fee paid will cover the following:

  • Melbourne Polytechnic Agriculture branded Hoodie
  • Melbourne Polytechnic Agriculture branded brim hat
  • AusChem User Manual (Class Text Book)
  • Ag Guide Fencing (Class Text Book)

Agriculture courses at Melbourne Polytechnic

Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management AHC51120
Agriculture and Conservation - Full Time - Epping, Northern Lodge at Eden Park
VTAC Agriculture and Conservation - Full Time - Epping, Northern Lodge at Eden Park
With our Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management AHC51120 you can help manage Australia’s natural resources in the long term.
Bachelor of Agriculture and Technology - Agronomy
Agriculture and Conservation - Full Time, Part Time - Epping
VTAC Agriculture and Conservation - Full Time, Part Time - Epping
Agronomy is the study of management in crops and pastures with a focus on sustainability and agricultural production. The world’s agriculture industry faces many challenges in the future with climate change, a growing world population, new technologies and changing resource conditions.
Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116
Agriculture and Conservation - Full Time - Epping, Northern Lodge at Eden Park
Free Tafe VTAC Agriculture and Conservation - Full Time - Northern Lodge at Eden Park, Epping
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate IV in Agriculture AHC40116 will build your leadership potential for a career on the land.
Whole Farm (Property) Planning
Agriculture and Conservation - Short Course - Northern Lodge at Eden Park
Agriculture and Conservation - Short Course - Northern Lodge at Eden Park
Our Whole Farm (Property) Planning short course is designed for people thinking of buying a lifestyle block or larger farm on which Local Government Planning permission is required.
Agricultural Chemical Skill Set AHCSS00074
Agriculture and Conservation, Horticulture - Full Time - Workplace and Industry, Fairfield
Free Tafe Agriculture and Conservation, Horticulture - Full Time - Workplace and Industry, Fairfield
The Agricultural Chemical Skill Set has been designed for people who require an understanding of farm chemicals. It is necessary to apply for the Agricultural Chemical Users Permit.
Diploma of Agriculture AHC50122
Agriculture and Conservation - Full Time - Northern Lodge at Eden Park
Agriculture and Conservation - Full Time - Northern Lodge at Eden Park
With our Diploma of Agriculture AHC50122 you will be at the forefront of specialist knowledge and skills that are in demand right across Australia. With increased concern about the welfare and husbandry of livestock, soil health, and sustainable farming and climate risk management, Agriculture is a dynamic industry that will provide a rewarding career.
Bachelor of Agriculture and Technology - Sports Turf Science and Management
Agriculture and Conservation, Horticulture - Full Time, Part Time - Epping, Fairfield
Agriculture and Conservation, Horticulture - Full Time, Part Time - Epping, Fairfield
Melbourne Polytechnic's unique Bachelor of Agriculture and Technology (Sports Turf Science and Management) is the only higher education offering in this field in Australia, backed by the ASTMA.

Requirements

There are no entry requirements.

Next Steps

The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.

After you complete that form we will send you an email with a link to an application form webpage. If you don’t receive the email, check your spam and junk folders.

Complete the application form on the application form webpage.

You will be required to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.

Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend an enrolment appointment over the phone or on campus.

For certificate-level courses, you can pay by weekly or fortnightly direct debit using our Tuition Payment Plan. Read more about Tuition Payment Plans here.

If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.

Recognising Organisations

Nationally Recognised Training

Nationally Recognised Training This course is government accredited and has national recognition.

You are currently looking at information for local students

Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.