Program Overview

Diploma of Agriculture AHC50122

The Diploma of Agriculture AHC50122 is a nationally accredited qualification designed for senior high school graduates or those who wish to gain higher technical skills and business-related knowledge required for a middle management career in a rural enterprise.

Program Overview

This program is offered over 9 months (3 terms) and provides students with the skills and knowledge to take responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work decisions, analyze information, and exercise judgment. Students will learn from expert vocational teaching staff who are industry leaders.

Delivery Modes

The program is available in two delivery modes:

• Blended option: Attend in-person classes at UQ Gatton's world-class facilities over 3 days (Monday to Wednesday), and submit assessments online.
• Online option: Students must live in Australia, have a reliable internet connection and computer, and have access to a farm or workplace for assessment activities. Teachers will support students via video conference, phone, or online chat sessions.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including written exams and reports, oral presentations, and practical demonstrations.

Start Date

The program starts on 9 February 2026.

Admission Criteria

To enroll in this course, students must meet one of the following criteria:

• Completion of Year 12
• Certificate III in any field
• Equivalent industry experience No ATAR is required.

Other Requirements

• Access to a computer with a Windows operating system, up-to-date versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a reliable internet connection.
• To meet occupational health and safety requirements for practical assessments: long-sleeved shirt and trousers, enclosed work boots, sun-safe hat, safety glasses, sunscreen, and water bottle.

Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) Testing

Students are required to complete a language, literacy, and numeracy test as part of the enrolment process.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If students have recent work experience, they may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Students must provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before their enrolment can be accepted.

Resources

The 2026 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 1.4 MB) includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal, and other policy information.

Fees

Students will need to contribute to the cost of their training through a co-contribution fee:

• Subsidised concessional fee: $14,560
• Subsidised non-concessional fee: $15,490
• Full fee without funding: $18,990

Career Boost Program

This program is funded by the Queensland Government's Career Boost.

VET Student Loans

This program is a VET Student Loan-approved program.

Tertiary Access Payment

Students who finished Year 12 last year and need to move from outer-regional or remote Australia to study at UQ Skills' Gatton campus may be eligible for the $5,000 Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) to help with relocation costs.

Scholarships

New and currently enrolled domestic students can apply for:

• The Rt Hon Doug Anthony AC, CH, FTSE Scholarship for UQ Skills

Units of Competency

To gain this qualification, students will need to successfully complete 10 units of competency:

Term 1

• Manage workplace health and safety processes (AHCWHS503)
• Monitor and manage soils for production (AHCSOL505)
• Develop climate risk management strategies (AHCAGB518)

Term 2

• Develop and implement sustainable land use strategies (ACHECR506)
• Develop a farm plan (AHCAGB513)
• Develop workplace policy and procedures for environment and sustainability (AHCWRK520)

Term 3

• Plan and monitor production processes (AHCAGB519)
• Select and use agricultural technology (AHCAGB521)
• Manage integrated crop and pasture production (AHCBAC510)
• Manage livestock production (AHCLSK501)

Careers

Graduates will be ready to work in farm enterprise management, agricultural businesses, rural merchandising, research support, or local government. Job titles relevant to this qualification include:

• Farm production manager
• Production unit manager
• Agronomist
• Station/property manager

Further Study

Once students have completed their Diploma of Agriculture AHC50122, they may wish to continue their studies and complete the Diploma of Agribusiness Management AHC51422 during the next term. Students can transfer credit from their Diploma of Agriculture into the Diploma of Agribusiness Management, which means they will only need to successfully complete an additional four units to gain the second qualification.

Term 4 (Diploma of Agribusiness Management)

• Manage business risk (BSBOPS504)
• Develop and review a business plan (AHCBUS516)
• Monitor and review business performance (AHCBUS517)
• Prepare and monitor budgets and financial reports (AHCBUS518)

Fees for the Diploma of Agribusiness Management AHC51422

The full fee for the Diploma of Agribusiness Management is $5,700.