FAQs

Q. If I do a shorter course first can I get credits towards a certificate or longer study programs later?
A. Yes. We will assess previous studies to give you appropriate credits. Doing it this way will probably take a little longer and cost more in fees though.

Q. When can I start my course?
A. Anytime of the year

Q. I live in another country. Is that a problem?
A. No! Our students come from over 100 countries and we have offices in both Australia and England. When our staff are asleep in one country, you can reach them in the other. In effect, you can contact an office 16 hours every working day.... few other colleges offer such a service!

Q. Can I pay in instalments?
A. Yes, however full payment up front is the cheapest option.
All courses can be paid in two instalments, some can be paid in three or more. (Please refer to fee schedule on enrolment form for more information)

Q. Do we get a discount if two of us enrol together?
A. You may claim a 5% discount on fees if you both enrol in courses at the same time.

Q. Do we get a discount if we enrol in a second course.
A. Yes, you may claim a 5% fee discount when you enrol in a second course.
(This does not apply however to the second stage or part of the same certificate or longer study programs.)

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while?
(eg. Get sick, go on holidays, have a baby).
A. Apply for an extension. It's OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Do I need any extra books?
A. You are supplied with all "essential" references. Extra books are always useful though, especially for special projects. Tutors will advise you what to buy if you decide you would like to get any extra books. Our web sites and online student room contain thousands of additional articles and even entire (electronic) books to provide additional support for students.

Q. How do I contact my tutor?
A. Write, fax, email or phone the school. Leave a message if your tutor isn't available and they will phone, write or fax back; whatever suits you. We aim to answer all student queries within 8 working hours of when they are received.

Q. How long does a shorter course (ie. 80-120hrs) take to complete?
A. Commonly no more than one year. Some students finish in less than 6 months. We also have mini courses that are even shorter (10 hours) and cheaper.

Q. How long does a certificate take to complete?
A. Commonly

• around 6 months, if studying full time;
•  or around 2 years if studying part time.

 With dedication, part time students can complete a certificate in one year.

Q. How does recognition of the school compare with other colleges?
A. Overall exceptionally well in horticulture and related disciplines.

We are internationally recognised by the International Accreditation and Recognition Council (IARC). We are a registered provider of Education & Training in the UK. In addition, in many respects we are more widely recognised, due to the fact that we have been established and trained students for so long, through all states, and many overseas countries. (Most other colleges tend to operate only in one state or region, and may be poorly recognised outside that area). Close involvement with industry has seen many employers sponsor staff through our courses, and many graduates develop strong careers as leaders in their respective industries.

Q. Why should I choose to Study Horticulture with ACS?
A. We have unique resources and services that other colleges don't offer. Our staff include world leaders in their fields, and unlike many colleges, we provide unlimited access for students to communicate with these expert, professional horticulturists over the phone or by email. A great variety of additional support services are available including videos (for loan), an online student room, free careers & horticultural business advice, etc. Also, courses are being continually updated and expanded. ACS has been unique in horticultural education since 1979 and offers a wider variety of courses than almost any other horticultural college in the world.

Q. WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK OF THIS SCHOOL?
Here are just a few of the many unsolicited comments we've received:

"Having completed the Advanced Hydroponics Course I have since gone on to open my own successful hydroponics retail shop, now in it's third year of trading."
Ted, Sydney, NSW.

"Thanks for the tips you gave me on the journalist job....I was given the job of writing an article....the experience was great, and at least I will be published for the first time."
Gavin, VIC, studying Journalism.

"My time with ACS has been extremely beneficial....and I would recommend the school to anyone seeking to study by Distant Education."
Victor , QLD, studying Adv.Certificate Applied Management (Horses)

"I complement you on the quality of the course. It has helped me immensely, already, in my job with the local council's parks & gardens department."
Lester , QLD, studying Certificate in Horticulture-Landscaping.

"...it is very informative and worthwhile. I am glad I started the course. Of the many available from different schools, this offers the best value for money."
Sonia, QLD , studying Human Biology.

"This course was one of the best."
Rhonda, NSW , studying Garden Centre Management.

"Clients...that have completed courses with The Australian Correspondence Schools that we have spoken to, have all been extremely happy. Leanne & myself are more than happy with the assistance we receive and the prompt attention."
Dynamic Workforce Solutions, Sydney, NSW.

"I wanted to study herbs but I could not find a course at my closest TAFE, and travelling to Adelaide each day was not practical. The Australian Correspondence School offered the best option - study at home, at my own pace and still tutor contact when I needed it. I was undecided in the facet of herbs that I wanted to specialise in - that was until I completed an assignment to produce three herbal products. My tutor tested my products and encouraged me to set up a small business making and distributing a range of natural herbal cosmetic and household products. His guidance has helped me establish an interesting and profitable business from my studies."
Catherine, SA, studying Certificate in Applied Management.

Q. How do your longer study programs compare with other Australian colleges, such as TAFE?
A. In the past, accredited diplomas involved well over 2000 hours of study, however, under the governments new Australian Qualifications Framework, many TAFE diplomas can be completed in much less time. We believe that the time you spend studying is important to the quality and long term recognition of a qualification. As such, we are maintaining old standards and distinguishing our graduates from those undertaking studies elsewhere.