v1
Skip to main content
Campus Closures: Great Lakes, Kempsey, Taree, Port Macquarie, Nambucca CLC, Wauchope campuses will be closed for classes from Wednesday 21 May 2025 until further notice. Updates are available here.
Our enrolment and student portal is undergoing an important upgrade and will be unavailable from 7:00am until 10:00pm Saturday, 8 Mar 2025.
TEST
    Overview

    About this international course

    The Certificate IV in Permaculture prepares graduates for careers in project supervision, design or horticulture in urban and rural permaculture worksites.

    You will learn advanced permaculture skills at the TAFE NSW National Environment Centre (Thurgoona), a unique training facility that is located on a 180 hectare organically certified working farm.

    Use your knowledge and your passion for the environment, self-sustainability and the principles of caring for the earth to create stunning, future proof spaces for generations to come.

    **This qualification is superseded. You can still enrol in this course, and you will be contacted if you need to transition into the next version when it is available**

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through theory and practical course work you will learn to:

    • Provide advice on permaculture principles and practices
    • Plan and implement permaculture works
    • Use appropriate technology for permaculture systems
    • Identify and analyse bioregional characteristics and resources



    Gain practical experience

    TAFE NSW is known for delivering theory along with practical learning. You will strengthen your practical skills in permaculture, including:

    • Planning and implementing permaculture works
    • Using technology for permaculture systems
    • Analysing bioregional resources

    Develop your professional confidence

    Stand out in a global job market with a range of key professional skills, such as:

    • Good organisation and planning skills
    • Problem solving ability
    • Self-motivation
    • Leadership ability
    • The ability to work collaboratively

    Global industry demand

    Changing consumer preferences are driving global demand for sustainable, convenient and quality produce.

    Technological innovations are providing solutions for the industry in responding to changing climate and the reduction in land and water resources. This includes the use of robots and automation, machine learning and big data which enables the collection and analysis of information in controlled environments.

    Suitability

    International entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locations

    Starting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and units

    What you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    Packaging Rules To achieve this qualification competency must be demonstrated in 12 units of competency 5 core units plus 7 elective units The electives are to be chosen as follows: Select 1 unit from Group A, select 4 units from Group B, select 2 units from Group B or C or this or any other endorsed Training Package or Accredited course Core Units
    AHCPER401 Provide advice on permaculture principles and practices AHCPER404 Plan and implement permaculture works AHCPER405 Select appropriate technology for a permaculture system AHCPER406 Identify and analyse bioregional characteristics and resources AHCPER413 Evaluate suitability of species as solutions for permaculture applications

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    Pathways

    Continue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Build your expertise with a TAFE NSW Permaculture study pathway:



    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Services

    Campus facilities and support services

    You will study the Certificate IV in Permaculture in our specialist training centre - the TAFE NSW National Environment Centre (Thurgoona), an organically certified working farm.

    TAFE NSW offers you a range of on campus study environments you will have access to industry specific computer rooms, simulated work places, study and presentation areas as well as general student facilities to enhance your learning and student experience.

    Student facilities, amenities and support services include:

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service 
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support 
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service 
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International