Program Overview

Undergraduate Certificate in Agricultural Studies

The Undergraduate Certificate in Agricultural Studies is a course offered by Charles Sturt University, providing a pathway into the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, the Bachelor of Agriculture, or the Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management. This certificate is part of an articulated program of study, allowing students to build on their study to achieve the right level of qualification for them.

Key Information

• Study Mode and Sessions: On Campus, Online
• Next Session Start: March 2, 2026
• Duration: Minimum time - 0.5 year(s), Maximum time - 1 year(s)
• Entry Score: TBA
• Indicative Fees:
  • Domestic on campus: $6,128.00 (Commonwealth grant scheme)
  • Domestic online: $6,128.00 (Commonwealth grant scheme)
• Course Points and Codes: Credit Points: 32, AQF: Level 5
• Additional Information: Commonwealth supported places available, First Nations Direct Entry Program, On campus intensive school, Work-integrated learning

Why Study with Us?

• Step into uni study with a high school certificate, a Certificate III (or higher), a Tertiary Preparation Certificate, or relevant work experience.
• Take the first step to your bachelor's degree, with a pathway into the Bachelor of Agricultural Science, the Bachelor of Agriculture, or the Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management.
• Learn from experts who are at the cutting edge of the industry, working with organizations like the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the Department of Primary Industries.
• Study options include on-campus or online study, with opportunities for intensive schools and short work placements in the agriculture industry.

Career Opportunities

• Forge a career path as a farm technical assistant, experiencing the diversity of the role through working in reselling stores and selling industry products.
• Further your studies with one of the undergraduate or postgraduate programs in agriculture, tailoring your studies to land your dream career in the industry.
• Did you know that there are currently four jobs in the agriculture sector for every graduate, and 40 per cent of those roles are actually in cities?

What You Will Study

• For each 8-point subject, expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations.
• Essential Set (32 pts):
  • Core subject: Foundations of Agriculture (8 credit points)
• Restricted Electives (24 Credit Points): Select three subjects from the list, including:
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agribusiness Systems
  • Biology in Agriculture
  • Livestock Production Systems
  • Managing Contemporary Farm Systems
  • Plant Production Systems
  • Chemical Fundamentals
  • First Nations Foundations: Knowing, Relating and Understanding Country
  • Business Law
  • Introduction to Microbiology
  • Soil Science
  • Preparing for University Study
  • Academic Literacies

Costs

• Calculate My Fee: The section is designed to allow selection of the option specific to circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for the student.
• Undergraduate Certificate in Agricultural Studies:
  • Course Fees: If eligible for a Commonwealth supported place, the fee is $TBA for 1 year full-time equivalent.
  • Payment Options:
    1. Pay all of the student contribution up front direct to the university.
    2. Pay part of the student contribution to the university and defer the balance via a HECS-HELP loan.
    3. Defer all of the student contribution via a HECS-HELP loan.
• Session Availability: This course is offered in the following sessions for enrolment.

Scholarships

• Charles Sturt University has scholarships and grants, totaling over $11 million annually, covering various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living, and individuals in unique circumstances.

Entry Requirements

• Selection Rank: TBA
• Academic Entry Requirements:
  • A completed High School Certificate (or equivalent)
  • A completed AQF Certificate III (or higher) qualification
  • A completed Tertiary Preparation Course from an Australian University or an accredited provider
  • Work experience, within the same industry as the course profile, of at least two years full-time or equivalent
• Language Requirements: Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.
• Inherent Requirements: Refer to the course profile for this course.

Credit and Pathways

• If you've completed relevant tertiary study or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree.
• Charles Sturt University has several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first.

How to Apply

• Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy; choose how you want to apply below.
• Apply via UAC: Refer to key dates on the UAC website.
• Apply via VTAC: Refer to key dates on the VTAC website.
• Apply directly to Charles Sturt: Check out direct application closing dates.

Related Courses

• Diploma of Agricultural Studies
• Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management
• Bachelor of Agricultural Science
• Bachelor of Agriculture
• Bachelor of Horticulture
• Bachelor of Wine Science