Menu
Finding the best training solution for your individual circumstances can be a time-consuming process. That’s why we have put together this list of questions and answers about our veterinary nursing, animal care, horse care and animal behaviour and training related courses. Whether you are studying in Perth, a non-resident, or in one of our states or territories in Australia including rural areas you can find out more here.
If you are unable to complete your course by your scheduled end date, you are eligible to apply for a course extension. Each request is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as:
1️⃣ Complete the Course Amendment Request Form – This is the first step in requesting an extension.
2️⃣ Application Review – Our team will assess your request based on your individual circumstances.
3️⃣ Next Steps – A team member will contact you with the outcome and any further requirements.
We recommend submitting your request 21- 30 days prior to your course completion date. This allows sufficient time for assessment and to ensure continuity in your studies.
This date can be found on your Statement of Enrolment that was emailed to you at the commencement of your course.
For full details on extension fees, deadlines, and policies, please refer to our Student Policies. Fees and deadlines may apply.
If you have a significant amount of coursework remaining, we strongly encourage you to focus on completing full units and blocks of study rather than working on small sections across multiple units. This will ensure you can receive a Statement of Attainment for any completed units of study, which may be useful if you wish to apply for credit transfers in the future.
For further information, please visit our Student Policies or contact our team for assistance.
If you are struggling to complete your coursework, we encourage you to explore strategies to manage your study load before requesting an extension:
If you’re WA based, our Blended Learning study mode option for the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is a great online option if you cannot attend campus regularly but are seeking more guidance and interaction with our AVT Trainers and Assessors.
Virtual classroom sessions are held weekly. You will remotely join a live on-campus classroom session, where course content is delivered by a Trainer and Assessor and will include presentations, class discussions, training videos, industry related scenarios and guest speakers throughout the course. It’s an interactive session where you can ask the Trainer and Assessor questions. These sessions complement the course material and help you better understand the content, rather than just reading all the information that is required.
Virtual tutorial sessions are held monthly with your Trainer and Assessor. These optional Zoom-like sessions (using Teams) are designed to offer support to a smaller group of online students. These face-time sessions allow you time to speak to your Trainer and Assessor and your fellow classmates directly. You can attend these sessions if you have questions about any aspects of the course, including questions about the assessments, workplace assignments and practical tasks that need to be completed in practice. Useful tips on how to approach each subject area and the associated assessments can also be discussed.
On-campus workshops are essential hands-on practical training sessions occur during these on-campus workshops spread out over the duration of the course. During these compulsory workshops, you also get to meet with the AVT Trainers and Assessors and your fellow classmates, who you usually only see online.
We do not hold a formal Open Day, however we often attend careers expos and events organised by schools. Throughout the year we conduct information sessions which are offered by invitation. If you are interested in attending one of these sessions please contact us.
We offer two flexible study options for our Animal Care courses.
1) Self-paced + Online
You can select our self-paced online eLearning option, which includes workplace training at an approved location of your choice. Our online eLearning courses are available for enrolment year-round. To get started, simply visit the qualification pages:
2) On-campus + Workplace
We also provide on-campus and workplace blended courses for our Animal Care programs. You can choose from our Certificate II courses at Cat Haven (Shenton Park) and Dogs’ Refuge Home (Shenton Park), Landsdale Farm (Darch), our Ascot campus, or our Certificate III course in collaboration with RSPCA (Malaga).
Each course has multiple intake opportunities throughout the year. For the latest course dates, we recommend checking our timetable and key dates. To learn more about our workplace blended courses, please visit the qualification pages:
If you’re a high school student, you can also explore our on-campus course in Ascot with two intakes available annually. Please note that Year 12 students are eligible to apply for the semester one intake. For more info, please see the qualification page:
The units are assessed using various methods. Throughout your course you may be expected to submit assessments via the following methods:
Animal Care Courses (Previously Animal Studies)
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care and ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (previously Animal Studies) are Online Courses except for the on-campus / on-site courses below:
For the online courses, you do not need to attend lessons. A majority of your study will take place at home, online. You will also need to attend an approved workplace to complete practical training. All assessments are completed and submitted online.
Veterinary Nursing
Our ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing course is offered as online eLearning or on-campus delivery modes. If you choose our on-campus mode, you will be expected to attend classes at our campus each week throughout the term. Online students, do not need to attend classes.
Animal Behaviour and Training
ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training is offered via blended learning. Your theory and interactive lessons are studied from home via online eLearning and Zoom classes, plus you will attend group training workshops at a training facility in Perth WA.
We have a team of highly qualified Trainers and Assessors who have worked in various areas of the animal industry (take a look at our ‘Meet Our Team’ page!). Our Trainers and Assessors are always on hand to answer any questions or provide further support, explanations or clarification of any of the course material. They’ll mentor and coach you through the course material when required. You can contact our Trainers via phone, email or video call.
All of our accredited courses and TAFE accredited courses share the same qualification upon completion. For example, our Veterinary Nursing course, ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, provides graduates with the same nationally recognised qualification as TAFE offers.
Similarly, all of our animal care courses such as ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care provide graduates with the same qualification and benefits as TAFE offers such as meeting the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing.
As a private Registered Training Organisation, with 25 years of experience in the Australian Animal Care training industry, our offering to students is uniquely different to that of TAFE and Tech Colleges.
No, upon successful completion, both our courses and TAFE courses grant the same qualification. The qualification is recognised by industry bodies and employers. The difference lies in our delivery approach and industry focus as mentioned above.
AVT offers high quality study material written, reviewed and delivered by Veterinarians, Animal Scientists and Veterinary Nurses with formal training qualifications. Our in-house training team have spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours creating course resources for our units of competency across all courses.
The difference between registered training providers’ course content across all RTOs including TAFE is often the units contained in the course and the quality of the material. There are many units that can be included in a course and training providers nominate a selection of units they will offer to students.
Our courses are broad-based and give an excellent introduction to working with animals across all species. They provide a fantastic opportunity to learn about many different animals and most importantly allow you to apply what you learn from our online course material or in the classroom to the workplace.
To find out more about the units offered within each course visit the Course Content section on our qualifications pages.
There are many online training providers offering “Certified” courses in animal care such as the Vet Assistant Certificate, Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Assistant and Animal Welfare, Dog Grooming Certificate, Equine Studies Certificate, Cat Care and Training Certificate, Animal Welfare Certificate and many others. Generally, these online courses are not accredited and therefore not nationally recognised by the Australian Government.
Only nationally accredited certificates offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) meet the prerequisite for Veterinary Nursing. RTOs are regulated and audited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority or the relevant State regulator to ensure the course content meets certification standards and the provider complies with the legislation required to deliver the VET Quality Framework. The best way to find a nationally accredited organisation offering nationally accredited courses is to search training.gov.au. Also, as a general rule, animal care related courses, commence with a code starting with ACM e.g. ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care
There are a number of online trainer providers providing animal care related courses that are not RTO’s and therefore their courses do not meet the prerequisite for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Many of these courses are theory based and do not require you to obtain practical skills or have contact with animals which is essential for the prerequisite. If you are considering a course in an animal care related area, we highly recommend choosing an accredited course. This ensures your certificate will be recognised by a future employer and you can continue your study pathway to veterinary nursing or another area of study.
For more information about the prerequisite and entry requirements for veterinary nursing visit: Selection Criteria and Entry into Veterinary Nursing
All Veterinary Nursing (Certificate IV level) students receive a hard copy textbook at the commencement of the course.
If you are studying via our online course you will be given access to the units and additional study materials digitally via our Online Learning System.
If you are studying online, some retired unit textbooks are also available to purchase via our online store. Browse our store here >>
To successfully complete our on-campus / on-site Animal Care courses, attendance is compulsory for all practical training days and classroom days.
If you’re unwell, you’ll be asked to contact your Trainer in advance to arrange a time to catch up. Due to the intensive nature of the course, if you’re absent more than two (2) days, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to successfully complete your qualification within the given timeframe.
The table below details the duration and maximum allowable time you can take to complete our courses. Our online courses are self-paced, meaning you can obtain your qualification much sooner if you wish to as long as all assessments and training have been successfully completed.
Extensions are available on a case by case review. For more information about extensions please visit our Student Policies page.
This is an intensive course and your practical days will be spent at our Animal Care Facility where tasks will be hands-on and working alongside fellow students. Theory classes will have a maximum of 36 students, while practical classes will have a maximum of 12 students.
The RSPCA Program is delivered two days a week. You will attend a theory and practical day at AVT, as well as a practical day at the RSPCA, where you will have the opportunity to work closely with fellow students, our qualified teaching team, and the RSPCA behavioural team.
You are required to commit to two (2) days of training per week during the week.
Due to the intensive nature of this course including the volume of study and practical hours required, all students are expected to meet the 100% attendance requirement for the weekly practical training and on-site training days.
This is an intensive course and a majority of the days spent at the Cat Haven and Dogs’ Refuge Home will be hands-on working alongside fellow students, as well as practical classroom activities with our qualified teaching team at our Ascot campus. In order to maximise your practical training, and provide as much support to individuals as possible, your class size will be no more than 12 students. Your theoretical sessions will be in larger groups.
We are only offering on-campus / on-site courses in Perth, Western Australia.
For students outside of WA, we recommend:
Our Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is offered on-campus at our Ascot training centre.
This course is 18 months long and we offer three intakes per year. There are 6-7 academic terms, each term runs for approximately 8–13 weeks with a 2–3 week break between terms. Classes run from 8am – 5pm with a morning, lunch and afternoon break. For the term schedule, including breaks, visit our calendar.
You will attend on-campus classes 1 day a week and you will attend your veterinary work placement for one day a week. You will also require approximately 4-6 hours per week for home-based study. During this time you will complete all homework assigned to you for that week, including reading course materials, completing online assessments and assignments, study and revision for any in-class tests and revision of your practical skills workbook and assignments.
You will also be required to attend excursions throughout the year. Your Trainers will assist you in managing your schedule to attend these events.
The application process for ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (Online) and ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Online) is simple. Here’s what to expect:
When will I receive my login details?
You’ll receive your login details after completing the LLN quiz and once all required documents and payments are accounted for. This process can take up to 3-5 business days from your application submission.
Can I set up a payment plan?
Monthly payment plans are standard for the course and set up to debit from the card details used to pay your enrolment fee. Modifications can be made to these payment plans at any time, please reach out to our friendly team. We’re happy to help.
Do I need to organise work placement now?
We recommend securing your work placement as early as possible. While it’s not required to start your coursework, you’ll need to complete practical hours as part of your qualification. Getting a head start on this will help you stay on track with your studies!
The application process for our Animal Care on-campus / on-site courses are as follows:
For an overview of all important dates and deadlines including details of the next intake for all AVT courses, visit our timetables and key dates page.
An LLN quiz assesses your Language, Literacy, and Numeracy skills to understand your abilities and ensure you have the correct support for your studies.
All AVT qualifications have been evaluated against the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) to determine the level of core skills required for successful participation in each course. Rather than simply evaluating general study readiness, the LLN ensures that you have the specific skills needed to meet the demands of your chosen course.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), AVT is required by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to assess and provide evidence of a student’s language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills prior to confirming their enrolment. For this reason, we have incorporated the LLN quiz as a compulsory step in our enrolment process.
Unfortunately, due to regulatory requirements, we must assess your language, literacy, and numeracy skills using the ACSF (Australian Core Skills Framework). This means all students are required to complete the current AVT LLN quiz, regardless of prior qualifications.
All applicants will be emailed a request to complete a quiz, which is conducted online and completed from home. We recommend carefully reading and answering each question rather than rushing through the quiz.
You’ll receive the link to complete your LLN quiz within 1–2 working days after we receive your application. Keep an eye on your email for the link—once it arrives, you can complete it online at a time that suits you.
This is an example Certificate II level LLN question:
Read the following text message and answer the questions:
“Hi Jenny, I’m at Tony’s Farm now but I’ll see you at the front gates of Landsdale Farm at 3pm for the hay delivery. From Sharon”
An independent organisation evaluates this quiz to determine if your current core skills meet the required level for the course. If you are a successful applicant and minor skill gaps are identified, you will be provided with the necessary support to develop the required skill level throughout the course.
You may not be suitable for a course if a significant core skill gap is identified. In such instances, you may be referred to an alternative study pathway or external support services to develop these core skills.
Once you’ve completed your LLN (Language, Literacy and Numeracy) quiz, our team will review your results. You won’t receive individual results, but we will only contact you if there’s a significant gap or if we believe you may benefit from additional support.
No, you do not need to hold a previous qualification or have experience to apply for ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services.
However, if you have not worked with animals or have limited experience, we highly recommend starting with a Certificate II level course to build a strong foundation.
For more detailed information about entry requirements for these courses, please visit the “Entry Requirements” section under Course Outline.
Yes absolutely, non- Perth based students including those living in Australian rural areas and in the Australian eastern states are encouraged to apply. Although, please be aware that to be accepted onto the online learning course from outside WA, you must have a practical work placement arranged.
Please see the Entry Requirements section on our course page for the latest information on how to apply.
The minimum age requirement for the Certificate II in Animal Care is based on academic school year. For the Certificate II in Animal Care, this is Year 10 High School or equivalent. Some exceptions may be possible. Please note the minimum age for our Intensive Courses is 18 years of age due to the policies of our work placement facilities.
The minimum age requirement for the Certificate III in Animal Care Services is based on academic school year. For the Certificate III in Animal Studies, this is Year 11 High School or equivalent. Some exceptions may be possible. Please note the minimum age for the RSPCA Program is 18 years of age due to RSPCA policy.
Due to the nature of the qualification including exposure to radiology equipment, pharmaceuticals, procedures and situations that require a high level of maturity, we require Veterinary Nursing students to be a minimum of 18 years of age or be turning 18 during the academic year.
Unfortunately, no, it does not matter how much time you have spent in practice or the amount of experience you have prior to starting the course; you still need to enrol in each unit to enable us to verify your practical skills. Your workplace supervisor may decide that you have the skills required based on previous observations, but we need to ensure you are completing the practical tasks with the theoretical knowledge you are obtaining during your studies.
If you have previous experience working in the veterinary industry you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL). To find out if RPL may be relevant to you please visit our RPL page.
As a veterinary nursing student, your work placement or practical training work hours can be completed at one or more workplaces. Student placements within veterinary practices are highly sought after, so it can prove difficult to find more than one practice throughout your training.
To complete your placement at two or more workplaces, you must complete and submit the Practical Work Placement Approval Kit for each workplace.
No, there is no requirement to find a work placement position for the Horse Care Fundamentals short course. The course is completely delivered online, allowing you to complete your learning and assessments at your own pace over a 6 month period.
Yes, you can complete your practical training at more than one establishment if you have the opportunity to do so. Whilst it’s not compulsory, training at two different workplaces can be very beneficial and provide you with valuable experiences. However, in saying this we would recommend that you limit your practical training to no more than two different organisations.
Please keep in mind, when choosing these workplaces, your practical placement must correspond with the species-specific unit that you choose as your elective unit.
Finally, we require a signed ‘Workplace Approval Form’ for each placement to ensure the suitability of the placement for your studies.
You will receive a Practical Task Workbook containing a logbook and all the practical assessments you must complete during your placement.
Practical assessments include ‘Workplace Assignments’ that include activities such as case studies, photographs, written descriptions of workplace procedures and video evidence of practical tasks. These assessments are designed to see how well you can apply the information covered in the theory component of each unit.
Each unit also includes ‘Practical Task Worksheets’ outlining various tasks that you are expected to complete during your placement, with each task signed off by a supervisor once successfully completed. All practical assessments must be submitted to us via our online learning platform for assessment by one of our tutors.
A student attendance record is also included in the Workbook and your supervisor must sign this to confirm that you have completed the required number of hours during a placement.
During your placement, we will contact your supervisor to obtain feedback on your performance. This feedback will then be relayed to you.
Self-organised work placements are only required for selected courses and delivery methods. As a general rule, our intensive, on-campus or on-site courses do not require you to organise a work placement. For more information, please check the relevant Work Placement information, found in the Course Outline section on the appropriate course page.
Special note for ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing students: Only regional WA (non-funded) and non-WA students are required to organise their own work placement.
If you are required to organise your own placement, you will be required to:
If your work placement is not approved by AVT, and it is unsuitable for the purposes of this course, then any hours already completed there will not contribute to the completion of this qualification or any of the units of competency. That’s why, it’s important to receive written confirmation from us before you get started! 👍
Many of our Animal Studies and Animal Care students, unless employed at a suitable workplace, complete their required hours in a voluntary position whether that be as a volunteer in an animal or wildlife shelter or an animal-related business.
Prior to commencing your work placement, you will need to submit a Practical Work Placement Approval Kit. Once received, our Student Liaison Officer will assess the organisation to ensure it meets the workplace criteria for your course.
It is a general rule that we prefer you to do your practical work placement during the week. Often weekend practice is quiet and might only see emergency cases. If the practice you are considering offers a full service, including sterilisations on weekends, then it might be a possibility. You can discuss this with our Student and Industry Liaison Officer.
All of our courses are vocational, which means that they are specifically designed to provide students with the skills, experience and knowledge to enter the animal care workplace. Working in an animal care facility, where you are responsible for a number of different animals and sometimes a range of different species on a daily basis is very different to caring for your own pets at home.
Therefore to successfully complete your qualification you will need to secure a formal workplace practical training placement in a animal related business or organisation. If you are completing our veterinary nursing qualification, you will need to complete your placement in a veterinary practice.
Below are just a few examples of the types of skills and knowledge that must be covered in all of our courses, which cannot be learned from caring for your own animals –
For the Certificate II in Animal Care, you are only required to work with two different species as part of your work placement or workplace practical training. One must be a companion animal and one must correspond with the elective ‘Species-specific’ unit you have chosen as part of your course.
Yes, our qualifications in Vet Nursing, Horse Care (previously offered) and Animal Studies/Care are nationally recognised and accredited.
Our company, Applied Vocational Training (AVT), is fully registered by the Australian Government training registration authority ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority). Our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) number is 5273. The qualifications we offer are nationally recognised Certificates.
We’re also supported and endorsed by the Australian Veterinary Association. Our registration authority can be viewed on the training.gov.au website, which is the Australian Government’s website for details of registered courses and training providers – view our details here.
We strongly recommend you search the training.gov.au website for any training organisation you may be considering.
The Animal Care and Management Package, (ACM10), outlines the qualifications and contents of the individual nationally recognised qualifications. Over the past years, this package has been updated to reflect the needs of the animal care industry and as a result, the course code and name have evolved over this period.
In November 2017, Certificate II in Animal Studies was upgraded from ACM20110 to ACM20117. The content and requirements for this particular certificate did not change and the newer certificate was deemed equivalent to ACM20110.
In April 2021, ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies was superseded by ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care with changes to core and elective units. For more detailed information about this upgrade and course availability see the detailed post Certificate II and Certificate III in Animal Studies Qualifications to be replaced with updated training packages ACM20121 and ACM30122
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services is the latest training package at a Certificate III level in animal care. ACM30110 Certificate III in Animal Studies, ACM30117 Certificate III in Animal Studies, ACM30121 Certificate III in Animal Care Services are now superseded by the new course.
Course codes change from time to time because the Government department that oversees the training packages, including the Animal Care Package (ACM10) regularly review courses and revise content guidelines in line with industry feedback. These guidelines are then provided to Registered Training Organisations such as ourselves so we can revise and update our course material. This results both in changes to the content within certain units and in some cases, units being replaced. Some qualifications may change significantly, some others may not.
When qualifications in the Animal Care Package are updated, training providers generally have between 12 and 24 months to transition students to the new course code. This transition time can differ from time to time depending on extensions permitted by the government.
Each superseded certificate is deemed equivalent to the new qualification.
For more information about the changes to ACM40412 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing to ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing we recommend reading Important changes to the National Qualifications in Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing
Please note the new course code is ACM40418. ACM40417 was not released.
We follow the national training package for all qualifications. The latest version of the training package can be viewed here. Training.gov.au is the Australian Government Website for registered training courses and providers.
Understanding your fees at AVT can seem tricky at first — especially when you hear terms like full fee, funded non-concession, and funded concession. Let’s break it down for you:
Government funding helps reduce the cost of your course through programs like Jobs and Skills WA (if you’re eligible).
If you meet the funding eligibility criteria, your course fee will be ‘subsidised‘ or ‘funded’ — meaning the government pays part of the course cost on your behalf.
There are two types of government subsidised fees:
For the purposes of understanding AVT fees, a concession fee is a further discount on the government funded fee.
To access the additional concession fee, you must hold a valid concession card or be in receipt of services from a Commonwealth support or employment services program at the time of enrolment. A valid concession card is current (not expired) and issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Accepted concession cards include persons and dependants of persons holding a:
Commonwealth support and employment service programs accepted include:
Note: this list is current at the time of publishing and may change from time to time.
| Category | What it means |
|---|---|
| Full Fee | You are not eligible for any government funding and must pay the full course cost. Even if you have a concession card, if you are not eligible for funding, you still pay the full course fee |
| Funded Non-Concession | You are eligible for government funding but do not have a valid concession card. You pay a reduced fee. |
| Funded Concession | You are eligible for government funding and hold a valid concession card, so you pay the lowest available fee. |
Understanding whether you qualify for a concession fee or just the standard government funding can make a difference to your course costs. It’s important to check your eligibility before enrolling!
Unfortunately, government funding and concessions are not available for AVT’s online courses.
Concession fees and government-funded places are only available to eligible students enrolling in selected on-campus courses under the Jobs & Skills WA funding initiative.
For more information and links to eligible courses, visit our Government Funding page.
The Certificate 3 Guarantee is a Queensland Government initiative designed to support eligible students in completing their first post-school Certificate III qualification.
The program also assists school students to access training and Queensland’s Year 12 graduates to transition to employment by providing free training in high priority qualifications.
Unfortunately, AVT is currently unable to assist students under the Queensland Government Certificate III Guarantee Funding Programme. For Queensland based students, we can only accept general applications from full-fee paying students who wish to study online with us.
Find out more about our online course option for Certificate III in Animal Studies here
You may be able to find a local Queensland provider and further information by visiting http://www.skillsgateway.training.qld.gov.au
WA-based students may be eligible for a government-subsidised place under the Jobs and Skills WA initiative. You can find out more information by visiting our Government Funding Page
You may also be able to apply for financial or government assistance such as Austudy. You can find out more information by approaching The Department of Human Services (Centrelink).
For our online courses requiring an application fee during the enrolment process, the fee will be refunded if your application is unsuccessful.
AVT courses are not eligible for Government HECS-HELP or VET Student Loans (formerly VET FEE-HELP).
HECS-HELP is a scheme that assists eligible Commonwealth supported students to pay their student contribution amount with either a loan or a discount for certain up-front payments. HECS‑HELP loans are available at all public universities and at a handful of private higher education providers.
VET Student Loans is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students studying diploma level and above qualifications to pay their tuition fees. There are no Government loans available for Certificate IV and lower levels of study including those offered at AVT.
To find out if you may be eligible for alternative support such as Youth Allowance, we recommend contacting Centrelink .
We offer flexible monthly payment plans with instalments for all students. We do not require upfront full payment for any of our courses. Total course fees and payment plan structure vary with each course and individual circumstances. Visit the relevant qualifications page for more information or contact us for further details.
This answer specifically addresses students who wish to study in Australia on a Student Visa.
Unfortunately, we cannot assist individuals studying as international students as we do not hold the required CRICOS (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) registration.
The following link outlines the main steps to study in Australia homeaffairs.gov.au. This will require applying for a student visa under the Vocational Education and Training Sector. However, you will need to have been accepted into a full-time study course by a CRICOS approved provider and then apply for a student visa. These normally take approximately 46 days to process.
You may find CRICOS registered training institutions in Australia that can offer qualifications to international students. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions hold CRICOS registration and offer Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing courses.
Related FAQ’s:
Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?
I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?
Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?
I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?
Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS
In some cases, registered training organisations (RTOs) may enrol non-resident students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa. Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.
Funding and visa eligibility varies by course. Please refer to the links below for details:
ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care – Eligibility details for each stream:
ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (RSPCA) – Eligibility details >>
ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing – Eligibility details >>
Related FAQs:
In some cases, a registered training organisation (RTO) may enrol students who are temporarily visiting or reside in Australia on certain visas, other than study visas. However, some visas include restrictions on training. Most visas and sub-class visas clearly outline what your study rights are in Australia. It is the responsibility of the individual to check their study and work rights according to their individual visa* . Further information is also available from the Department of Home Affairs.
*Any course undertaken by a student visa holder must be registered on CRICOS and training must be provided by a CRICOS registered provider (The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Applied Vocational Training is not a registered CRICOS provider and as such we are unable to accept applications from individuals wishing to study on a student visa.
Related FAQ’s:
I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?
I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?
Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?
Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?
Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS
This answer specifically addresses international students who wish to study in Australia on a Student Visa.
Unfortunately, we are unable to assist individuals with studying as an international student in Australia as we do not have the necessary registration with our government to enrol students in Australia on a Student Visa. The required registration for this is CRICOS ‘The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students’.
To find out more about studying in Australia we recommend visiting the Australian Government website: homeaffairs.gov.au. This will require applying for a student visa under the Vocational Education and Training Sector. However, you will need to have been accepted into a full-time study course by a CRICOS approved provider and then apply for the student visa. These normally take approximately 46 days to process.
You may find CRICOS registered training institutions in Australia who can offer qualifications to international students. Some TAFE (Technical and Further Education) institutions hold CRICOS registration and offer courses in Animal Studies and Veterinary Nursing
Related FAQ’s:
Is the Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing recognised worldwide?
Can an RTO enrol an overseas visitor into a course and not be CRICOS registered?
I wish to study in Australia on a student visa. Can I study with Applied Vocational Training?
I live overseas, can I still study your courses online?
I am a non-resident visa holder, can I study with AVT?
Tags: international, overseas, visa, CRICOS
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning (RPL) are two methods to receive credit towards your course, but they differ in how credit is awarded.
Credit transfer is available if you have previously completed the same unit, or one that matches in content and outcomes, at another recognised VET or higher education provider. To apply, you must provide verifiable evidence, such as a Statement of Attainment or qualification certificate, proving your competency. Once approved, you will not need to repeat assessment for that unit.
Please note that many of AVT’s courses are clustered. Clustering involves delivering and assessing two or more units together in groups (or blocks), in a meaningful and purposeful way. It avoids duplication and repetition and creates a logical flow to the delivery of your course. As a result, you may still need to complete training and assessments that cover similar concepts found in the unit for which you’re requesting a credit transfer
Recognition of prior learning (RPL), on the other hand, allows you to be assessed on the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through previous training, work experience, or life experience. To apply for RPL, you must supply evidence, such as records of completed training, assessment items, or declarations from your employer. Your provider will then assess your competency against the requirements of the course to determine if further training or assessment is needed.
Both options can reduce your study load, but RPL assesses existing skills, while credit transfer recognises previously completed qualifications.
For more information about AVT’s process for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning, please see our policies page.
To receive a credit for a unit of competency that you have previously been awarded, you must be able to supply a verifiable Testamur (certificate) or Statement of Attainment obtained from the issuing provider.
A Testamur or Statement of Attainment must either contain the wording ‘The qualification is recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework’ or the AQF logo authorised by the AQF Council.
A Record of Results or Statement of Academic Record by itself is not sufficient when applying for a credit transfer of a nationally recognised unit of competency.
If you do not have a copy of your Testamur or Statement of Attainment you are responsible for requesting a copy from the issuing provider, we are unable to do this on your behalf.
For more information about RPL see our frequently asked questions here.
Yes. If you have completed and passed the exact same unit as delivered by AVT, you will receive a credit transfer for the unit. You must be deemed competent and be awarded a PASS in the unit.
At the time of application, you will be required to provide us with a Statement of Attainment from a recognised and approved training provider. We will verify your previous studies with the training provider.
For information about fees and charges that apply to credit transfers, please see our student policy page.
Credit transfer fees do not apply for students who have completed a previous qualification with AVT.
Students with eligible credit transfers may apply, however, due to the course delivery format, 100% attendance is required for induction and practical training/on-site days and therefore full course fees will apply. Credit transfer fees do not apply for Jobs and Skills WA funded students.
Yes. You can use units of competency received from a prior qualification even if the unit is different from an elective unit required by AVT. You can claim a credit transfer (CT) for these units as long as:-
If this is the case, then you may use previous units of study to fulfil the elective component of the qualification.
You will be required to provide us with a Statement of Attainment from a recognised and approved training provider at the time of application. We will verify your previous studies with the training provider.
For information about fees and charges that apply to credit transfers, please see our student policy page.
Please note, we are unable to offer RPL or Train and Assess any other elective unit of competency other than the ones provided in the courses offered on our website.
For a full list of our qualifications visit our Qualifications Overview page
In meeting the required rules of evidence and principals of assessment, AVT is unable to provide recognition of prior learning (RPL) to candidates who can not demonstrate recent and current skills and knowledge.
Applicants need to be able to demonstrate that they meet the competency requirements of the current training package including application of current industry techniques using the latest technology, equipment and supplies in accordance with the current standards and regulations.
If you wish to gain certification as a veterinary nurse or animal carer without having current experience, you will need to enrol in and complete the full course.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available to enrolled students of AVT qualifications. The prior learning may be in the form of previous studies or completed qualifications (including superseded qualifications), on the job experience or volunteer work.
To find out more detailed information about RPL visit our RPL page.
A USI is your individual education number for life. It also gives you an online record of your vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia.
To complete nationally recognised training, you need a USI. Without one, you can’t get your qualification or statement of attainment.
How do I get a USI?
Getting a USI is quick, easy and free. Follow the steps on the USI website.
In this video, AVT Trainer and Assessor Fiona Cowie explains the benefits of our two 4-day intensive workshops in Perth for our ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training course. Designed with flexibility in mind, these workshops give you the chance to apply practical skills, receive support, and grow your confidence. Whether you’re balancing work or changing careers, this blended learning approach helps you build real-world experience and lasting connections in the industry.
In this video, AVT Trainer and Assessor Fiona Cowie explains how working with your own dog during practical workshops in the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training helps build confidence, create a supportive learning environment, and develop real-world training skills. Please note: if you live interstate or your dog isn’t suitable, we’ll match you with a dog that is ready for training.
The ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training course is delivered with a combination of online learning and practical training. The practical component includes 2x four day intensive workshops held in Perth, WA. The workshops are a crucial part of the course and attendance in person is compulsory. The hands-on experience gained during these workshops is essential for successful completion the course.
Due to the specific contact hours required for students to successfully complete the ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training course, the workshops must be conducted in person and cannot be conducted virtually.
We are here to support our students coming from other parts of Australia. We organise the workshop dates well in advance. The dates for the 2x four-day intensives are set prior to enrolment. This allows you to ensure the dates work for you, plus plenty of time to plan your travel arrangements.
AVT has been delivering Vet Nursing and Animal Care related courses for over 25 years. It's safe to say there are no plumbing or hairdressing courses here!
A recent NCVER VET student outcomes report found 93% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95% of graduates would recommend the training provided by AVT.
Our qualified teaching team have many years of experience as well as extensive backgrounds in the veterinary and animal care industry. They're approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The leader in delivery of Australian Nationally Recognised Qualifications including ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly Animal Studies), ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services, ACM40818 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) delivers a range of qualifications and short courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals.
AVT is a Registered Training Organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. More about us →
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where our campus is based, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and we commit to walking alongside our indigenous brothers and sisters. We extend that respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our community.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is proudly a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 5273).