Landscaping Courses in Australia for International Students

If you enjoy being outdoors, working with your hands, and creating beautiful spaces, landscaping might be the perfect trade course for you. 

And if you're already in Australia as an international student, you're in the right place to start.

TAFE (Technical and Further Education) offers practical landscaping courses that teach real-world skills. From garden design to building stone pathways, you’ll learn everything you need to start a job in the landscaping industry.

Let’s dig into everything you need to know about studying landscaping in Australia

Certificate III in Landscape Construction

• Duration: 12 to 24 months full-time

• Costs: AUD $10,000–$16,000 (varies by state and TAFE)

Course overview

This is a trade-level course that teaches you how to build and maintain outdoor spaces. You'll learn practical skills like paving, bricklaying, building garden features, and using tools and machinery safely. It’s a great first step if you want to work as a landscaper or start an apprenticeship.

Who is it for?

• Students who have finished Year 10

• No prior landscaping experience needed

• Great for those who enjoy hands-on, outdoor work

Outcome

• Prepares you for entry-level landscaping jobs or an apprenticeship

• You can also move on to Certificate IV in Landscape Design

Certificate IV in Landscape Design

• Duration: 12 months full-time

• Costs: AUD $12,000–$18,000 (varies by state and TAFE)

Course overview

This is where landscaping meets creativity. You’ll learn how to plan and design beautiful outdoor spaces. The course covers site analysis, plant selection, CAD drafting, and drawing up landscape plans for residential and commercial clients.

Who is it for?

• Students who have completed Year 12 or Certificate III

• Great for those with a passion for design and outdoor spaces

• Good next step after Certificate III in Landscape Construction

Outcome

• Prepares you for roles like junior landscape designer or design assistant

• You can also continue to a Diploma of Landscape Design

Diploma of Landscape Design or Horticulture

• Duration: 18 to 24 months full-time

• Costs: AUD $14,000–$22,000 (varies by state and TAFE)

Course overview

This is an advanced-level course for students who want to manage large landscape projects. It covers design, project planning, plant science, business skills, and sustainable landscaping. Some diplomas may focus more on design, while others go deeper into plant knowledge and horticulture.

Who is it for?

• Students who have completed Year 12 or Certificate IV

• Best for those planning to become senior designers or run their own business

• Good for students who want to take a leadership role in landscaping projects

Outcome

• Prepares you for careers like landscape designer, project manager, or horticulture consultant

• Can lead to university-level study in landscape architecture

Extra Training: Sustainability and Irrigation

Some courses include lessons in water systems and eco-friendly landscaping. These skills are useful for modern gardens and public spaces that need to save water and care for the environment.

Sources: TAFE South Metropolitan, TAFE SA, TAFE NSW

TAFE landscaping courses can vary depending on where you study in Australia. Some states focus more on construction. Others include more design or plant-focused subjects. For

This means the course you want may not be available in every state, or it might look a little different.

Not sure which state offers the course that suits you best?

Our IDP counsellors can help. They’ll guide you through your options, check the course availability in each state, and help you apply to the right campus. Talk to one of our friendly IDP counsellors for free today.

Enquire about a course

If you want to study landscaping, some of the well-known TAFE institutions offer great courses across Australia. Here are a few you might consider:

• TAFE NSW (New South Wales)

• TAFE Queensland

• TAFE Victoria

• South Metropolitan TAFE (Western Australia)

• TAFE SA (South Australia)

Each of these institutions offers different landscaping courses, from Certificate III to Diploma levels. They have good industry connections and practical training to help you succeed.

Since course availability and entry requirements can vary, it’s a good idea to check with IDP counsellors. They can confirm if the landscaping course you want is open to international students at your chosen TAFE.

Entry Requirements for International Students

Before you can enrol in a landscaping course at TAFE, you need to meet a few basic requirements. These are here to make sure you’re ready for the course and can keep up with the lessons.

1. Education Requirements

• Certificate III usually needs Year 10

• Certificate IV or Diploma may ask for Year 12

2. English Language Requirements

• Most courses ask for an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0

3. Student Visa

You’ll need a valid student visa (subclass 500) to study full-time in Australia. This lets you live, study, and work part-time during your course.

4. Other Requirements

• Some courses may ask for basic maths or science skills

• You might need to buy tools, boots, or a uniform for practical work

• In some cases, you may need to pass a physical fitness check because landscaping can be physically demanding

Not sure if you meet the requirements? 

Don’t hesitate to talk to one of our IDP counsellors. They can help you check your documents, English scores, and visa options so you don’t miss anything.

Ask about my entry requirements

Sources: TAFE South Metropolitan, TAFE SA, TAFE NSW

What You’ll Learn in a Landscaping Course

The list below combines core units commonly found in Certificate III in Landscape Construction courses across Australia, including TAFE SA and TAFE NSW. It gives you a good idea of what skills and knowledge you’ll gain from this qualification.

Core Units

• Build with bricks, stone, and concrete
  Learn how to construct outdoor features like paths, walls, and edges using different materials such as bricks, blocks, natural stone, and concrete.

• Install paving and retaining walls
  Get hands-on experience planning and completing projects like garden paving or tiered retaining wall systems.

• Improve soil and establish plants
  Understand how to prepare soil for healthy plant growth and follow correct methods to plant trees, shrubs, or turf.

• Install basic drainage systems
  Learn how to set up simple drainage to manage water flow and prevent flooding or erosion.

• Read plans and set out sites
  Gain skills in interpreting landscaping plans and marking out the area before construction starts.

• Use landscaping tools and machinery
  Get trained in using tools safely—from hand tools to powered landscaping equipment.

• Learn about plants and their care
  Study plant types, growing conditions, and how to maintain them in different climates and designs.

Career Opportunities After Finishing a TAFE Landscaping Course

Once you finish a landscaping course at TAFE, there are many job options you can explore. Your career path depends on the course level you completed and your personal interests. Here are some of the most common roles:

• Landscape gardener

• Landscape designer

• Garden maintenance worker

• Irrigation technician

• Landscape construction assistant

• Self-employment opportunities

• Some roles may be on the skilled occupation list for migration

Pathway to Permanent Residency After Finishing a Landscaping Course

When you study landscaping in Australia as an international student, you usually hold a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa lets you study full-time and work part-time during your course.

After you finish your course, you may be able to apply for a visa that leads to permanent residency (PR).

Some landscaping jobs, like Landscape Gardener, are on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This means these jobs are in demand, which can help you qualify for skilled migration visas.

Common visa options after studying include:

• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Allows you to stay and work in Australia for 18 months to 2 years after finishing your course. This time helps you gain work experience.

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Points-based visas for skilled workers. You can apply if your occupation is on the SOL and you meet the requirements, like work experience, English level, and age.

• State or Territory Sponsored Visas: Some states sponsor landscaping workers if they have a shortage in that field.

It’s important to plan early. The rules can change, and visa requirements can be complex.

Tip: Speak with our IDP counsellors to get the latest information on visa options. They can help you understand your pathway from student visa to PR and guide you step-by-step.

Start Your Landscaping Studies with IDP

Choosing the right landscaping course can feel like planting a garden.

You want to pick the best environment for your seed to grow, much like you’ll need the best support system for your dreams to flourish! 

Luckily, IDP is here to help you with all the tricky bits, from finding and applying to the perfect TAFE course to sorting out your student visa.

If you need to take the IELTS exam, IDP also offers trusted IELTS testing and preparation services. We provide expert advice and support to help you achieve the scores you need for your studies and visa.

Got more questions? Or are you ready to apply? 

Talk to one of our friendly IDP counsellors today.