Study agriculture full time at Tocal

Why study at Tocal?

Tocal is renowned as a leader in practical training for the agriculture and horse industries. The CB Alexander campus is located in the picturesque Hunter Valley about 180km north of Sydney. Tocal is the only residential agricultural college in New South Wales and has large commercial farms where students learn practical skills hands on.

Who should come to Tocal?

School leavers and others interested in a career in agriculture or horse husbandry will receive a great head start by studying at Tocal. Our courses prepare students to take up roles that lead to many satisfying careers on the land including:

What will I study?

Studying full time at Tocal involves practical work on the college and local farms, practical skills training and case studies covering a wide range of topics. You will also develop communication and team skills through the many excellent personal development opportunities. 

Depending on the course you are taking you will study units such as:

Practical Work

Students gain experience on the large Tocal farms and on commercial farms and horse properties around the Hunter Valley. Practical work includes working with beef cattle, horses, dairy cattle, sheep, farm machinery, poultry, pastures and fodder crops and farm maintenance. Students are also trained in a range of practical farm skills covering livestock husbandry, machinery, fencing, motorbikes and quads, chainsaws and other useful skills.

Tours

Tours to nearby farms and horse properties are a regular part of the course as is a tour to western New South Wales. In some years optional tours to New Zealand or Japan are organised to study agriculture in countries with close trading ties with Australia.

How long does the course take?

• If you study at Tocal for one year and fulfil the requirements of the course you will be awarded the Certificate III in Agriculture or Certificate III in Horse Husbandry
• In two years you can complete a Certificate IV in Agriculture ;
• If you would like to leave Tocal with a Diploma of Agriculture, you can complete extra units in your spare time which will count towards a Diploma. Successful completion of the Diploma provides considerable credit towards a Degree at several Australian universities [details].

What are the admission requirements?

Students are required to have completed year 10 or equivalent, to meet minimum requirements in English and Maths and have a strong interest in a career in agriculture or horse husbandry.

How do I apply?

Before enrolling in first year, students will need to decide if they want to take the general agriculture stream or the horse husbandry stream. Then:

1. Complete the application form and provide copies of your most recent school results. 
2. Arrange an informal interview at the College. Interviews are held during Open Days. Students who are unable to attend an open day can arrange an interview at another time and in some cases you can have an interview by phone.

When should I apply?

• Applications for the Horse Husbandry course close in early October
• Applications for the Agriculture courses close in December. Later applications may be considered in January if places are still available. 

More information

• Register to receive Tocal information by mail or email
• Download the course prospectus
• Attend one of our open days
• Download an application form
• Fees
• Scholarships
• Check out our articulation arrangements (credit for study at Tocal) with Australian universities
• Contact us