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SFI50119 Diploma of Aquaculture

National ID
SFI50119
WA Course Code
BEJ2
CRICOS code
0100601
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Two People holding and observing a fish
Five students stand together, facing the camera with big smiles. In the background is a body of water and a scenic view of the Perth skyline

Why choose this course?

Turn the ocean into your office with a career in the aquaculture industry. This qualification will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to manage the operations of fish farms, marine farms and hatcheries. You will learn skills in developing and implementing a breeding strategy, planning ecologically sustainable practices, biosecurity, managing stock health, developing a stock production plan, managing staff and business operations and developing marketing strategies that comply with government regulations and restrictions.

Our campuses have extensive salt and freshwater aquaculture facilities that will enable you to acquire practical, hands on training that relates directly to the aquaculture industry.

Students at Geraldton campus will have access to the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) for a minimum of three days per week in a simulated workplace and aboard the training vessel master class.

Career opportunities

  • Hatchery Manager
  • Hatchery Technician

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 5.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of SFI30119 Certificate III in Aquaculture is required for entry into this course.

​Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

Your study options

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $782
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

Year 10/11/12
SFI30119 Certificate III in Aquaculture - BEI5
1 semester
SFI50119 Diploma of Aquaculture - BEJ2
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 12 units. These 12 are comprised of 2 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • SFIAQU504 Plan and implement environmentally sustainable aquacultural practices
  • SFIBIO501 Plan and implement an aquaculture biosecurity plan
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • AHCWRK502 Collect and manage data
  • BSBLDR522 Manage people performance
  • SFIAQU404 Operate hatchery
  • SFIAQU410 Implement a program to operate, maintain or upgrade a recirculating aquaculture system
  • SFIAQU501 Develop a stock nutrition program
  • SFIAQU502 Develop and implement an aquaculture breeding strategy
  • SFIAQU505 Plan stock health management
  • SFIAQU506 Manage an aquaculture research trial
  • SFIAQU508 Plan and design stock culture or holding systems and structures
  • SFIAQU509 Develop stock production plan

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written questions and assessments, practical demonstration of skills and written and verbal communication using role plays and assignments such as projects and evidence portfolios.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to support materials and learning resources, copy of the assessment tools used for this program, access to equipment and industry standard facilities.

Facilities and equipment may include access to a simulated workplace consisting of aquaculture facilities such as hatcheries, fresh and salt water systems, fresh and salt water fish and crustacean species, molluscs, fully equipped classrooms, and a commercial kitchen.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | Central Regional TAFE (52789)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $1,300
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course however, students need access to a real or simulated workplace to meet all course requirements. Central Regional TAFE provides access to the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute and training vessels including a 62ft training vessel ‘Master Class’.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 12 units. These 12 are comprised of 2 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • SFIAQU504 Plan and implement environmentally sustainable aquacultural practices
  • SFIBIO501 Plan and implement an aquaculture biosecurity plan
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL924005 Process and interpret data
  • MSL925004 Analyse data and report results
  • MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
  • SFIAQU501 Develop a stock nutrition program
  • SFIAQU503 Establish an aquaculture facility
  • SFIAQU505 Plan stock health management
  • SFIAQU506 Manage an aquaculture research trial
  • SFIAQU508 Plan and design stock culture or holding systems and structures
  • SFIAQU509 Develop stock production plan
  • SFIAQU512 Plan and design water supply and disposal systems

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include direct observation, knowledge assessments and projects. In most cases, observations are used to assess performance criteria tasks, and knowledge assessments for knowledge skills. Observation assessments will occur at the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) or at industry visit worksites. Knowledge assessments will occur in the classroom and project plans will be submitted at the end of the respective unit.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to computers, internet for research and design, specialised software products and project design guides and templates.

Facilities and equipment may include access to a fully equipped teaching laboratory with analytical equipment, microscopes, autoclave, fume hood, a simulated workplace consisting of aquaculture facilities, fish tanks, fish cultures, transport equipment, water monitoring equipment, fish food, nets, scales, refrigeration, live food cultures and commercial aquaculture facilities at industry sites.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2026

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2026
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $782
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

Year 10/11/12
SFI30119 Certificate III in Aquaculture - BEI5
1 semester
SFI50119 Diploma of Aquaculture - BEJ2
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 12 units. These 12 are comprised of 2 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • SFIAQU504 Plan and implement environmentally sustainable aquacultural practices
  • SFIBIO501 Plan and implement an aquaculture biosecurity plan
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • AHCWRK502 Collect and manage data
  • BSBLDR522 Manage people performance
  • SFIAQU404 Operate hatchery
  • SFIAQU410 Implement a program to operate, maintain or upgrade a recirculating aquaculture system
  • SFIAQU501 Develop a stock nutrition program
  • SFIAQU502 Develop and implement an aquaculture breeding strategy
  • SFIAQU505 Plan stock health management
  • SFIAQU506 Manage an aquaculture research trial
  • SFIAQU508 Plan and design stock culture or holding systems and structures
  • SFIAQU509 Develop stock production plan

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written questions and assessments, practical demonstration of skills and written and verbal communication using role plays and assignments such as projects and evidence portfolios.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to support materials and learning resources, copy of the assessment tools used for this program, access to equipment and industry standard facilities.

Facilities and equipment may include access to a simulated workplace consisting of aquaculture facilities such as hatcheries, fresh and salt water systems, fresh and salt water fish and crustacean species, molluscs, fully equipped classrooms, and a commercial kitchen.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2026

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2026
Where | Central Regional TAFE (52789)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,480
  • Resources fee: $1,300
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course however, students need access to a real or simulated workplace to meet all course requirements. Central Regional TAFE provides access to the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute and training vessels including a 62ft training vessel ‘Master Class’.

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 12 units. These 12 are comprised of 2 core units and 10 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • SFIAQU504 Plan and implement environmentally sustainable aquacultural practices
  • SFIBIO501 Plan and implement an aquaculture biosecurity plan
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MSL924005 Process and interpret data
  • MSL925004 Analyse data and report results
  • MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
  • SFIAQU501 Develop a stock nutrition program
  • SFIAQU503 Establish an aquaculture facility
  • SFIAQU505 Plan stock health management
  • SFIAQU506 Manage an aquaculture research trial
  • SFIAQU508 Plan and design stock culture or holding systems and structures
  • SFIAQU509 Develop stock production plan
  • SFIAQU512 Plan and design water supply and disposal systems

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include direct observation, knowledge assessments and projects. In most cases, observations are used to assess performance criteria tasks, and knowledge assessments for knowledge skills. Observation assessments will occur at the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) or at industry visit worksites. Knowledge assessments will occur in the classroom and project plans will be submitted at the end of the respective unit.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to computers, internet for research and design, specialised software products and project design guides and templates.

Facilities and equipment may include access to a fully equipped teaching laboratory with analytical equipment, microscopes, autoclave, fume hood, a simulated workplace consisting of aquaculture facilities, fish tanks, fish cultures, transport equipment, water monitoring equipment, fish food, nets, scales, refrigeration, live food cultures and commercial aquaculture facilities at industry sites.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

View our TAFE application process page for detailed advice

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

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Last updated on April 19, 2024