Port Macquarie is on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, right on the Hastings River. It is the fastest-growing city in NSW, which is great for students looking for exciting opportunities, as well as a good education.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (Melb Only) CHC50121
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a highly sought-after qualification within the early childhood education sector. Upon completion, graduates will have the skills and knowledge to become a lead educator in delivering Early Childhood...


Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Melb Only) CHC30121
This qualification covers the fundamentals of early childhood development, education and care and is the minimum legal requirement for every childcare worker in Australia. Upon completion, you will have the skills, knowledge and experience to plan acti...


Certificate III in Horticulture AHC30716
The AHC30716 Certificate III in Horticulture is designed to provide you with the tools to set you up for a vibrant career in horticulture. You’ll learn all about plant identification, pest and disease, weeds, propagation, soils and plant nutrition, and...


Certificate IV in Leisure and Health CHC43415
The activities that clients in the aged care, health, and community services sectors take part in can have an extremely positive impact on their daily lives. Get the skills to make a difference. As you progress through the course content, you’ll...


Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) CHC33021
The Aged Care and Disability sector is one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing service industries. In 2021, 266,900 persons were employed in the Aged Care and Disability sector, and it is estimated to grow to 341,800 by 2026. Australia is experi...


Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30121
Demand for childcare is on the rise in Australia, with population forecasts estimating there will be 2.2 million children aged under 5 years in Australia by 2031, and 2.6 million by 2051. This population growth is driving increasing demand for early ch...


MYOB Advanced Certificate
Gain an advanced workforce-ready skillset in MYOB. It’s one of the most highly awarded MYOB courses that you could take. The Advanced Certificate in MYOB for accountancy, bookkeeping and administration roles is loaded with specially rated achievements....


Diploma of Social Media Marketing 10904NAT
Our nationally recognised 10904NAT Diploma of Social Media Marketing is designed to equip you with the tools to help you operate successfully in a Marketing or Business role. Learn the skills and confidence to ensure you are ready to implement Social M...


Certificate IV Celebrancy (Zoom Classroom) CHC41015
Are you looking for a career that will give you emotional fulfilment? When you become a marriage celebrant, your work day is to help your clients have the best day of their lives. Over recent years, there has been a staggering shift from traditional ch...


Diploma of Business BSB50120
Business management roles are one of the largest and most varied occupations in Australia. These include general administrative, frontline management, and core business operational roles, which are applicable across a range of industries. In fact, the...


Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication BSB40820
Become a confident communicator by learning how to apply solutions for marketing and communications situations in a variety of business contexts. You will develop a range of specialist marketing skills as well as other broad business skills that will a...


Certificate IV Celebrancy (Online) CHC41015
Are you looking for a career that will give you emotional fulfilment? When you become a marriage celebrant, your work day is to help your clients have the best day of their lives. Over recent years, there has been a staggering shift from traditional ch...


Diploma of Community Services CHC52015
The CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services will teach you how to listen to and understand people’s problems, background and circumstances, and to counsel them on the areas they are struggling with. You will also learn to help clients by setting them up...


Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40110
Move up the career ladder without attending a classroom with our nationally accredited CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building). You’ll learn safety, contracts, structural principles and materials, estimating, and many more skill...


Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Speech Pathology) HLT43015
Kick start a rewarding career in health and help make a real difference in people’s lives as a Speech Pathology Assistant, with Open Colleges’ HLT43015 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Speech Pathology)....


Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) CHC33021
Get started in a career in aged care and learn the practical skills and knowledge needed to provide individual support to elderly clients. Open Colleges’ online Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is an entry-level qualification that c...


Diploma of Graphic Design CUA50720
Our nationally recognised CUA50720 Diploma of Graphic Design is designed to combine the technical, creative and conceptual skills you need to create designs that meet client requirements. You’ll learn the fundamentals of graphic design, and move to the...


Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30121
This nationally recognised CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care will transform your love of teaching and working with children into a rewarding career. You will learn the skills, knowledge, and experience to support the health...


Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50121
The nationally recognised CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to prepare you for a successful career in Childhood education. You will learn how to develop the knowledge and skills to work across a range of early childhood...


Certificate IV in Disability CHC43115
Our nationally accredited CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability is designed to equip you with the skills to advocate for and empower vulnerable people. You’ll unlock a vast range of different job opportunities and learn how to become an inspiring suppo...


Online Port Macquarie courses also available
Popular Vocational Courses in Port Macquarie
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- Diploma of Counselling
- Certificate in MYOB 19
- Certificate III in Education Support (Teacher’s Aide)
- Certificate III in Aged Care
- Certificate IV in Bookkeeping
- Diploma of Share Trading and Investment
- Certificate II in Nail Technology
- Certificate IV in Small Business Management
- Diploma of Events
- Certificate III in Disability
What vocactional study options are available to me in Port Macquarie?
The institute provides students with a wealth of study opportunities. There are TVET courses for high school students, online and distance courses, special programs, short courses, traineeships and apprenticeships, degree programs, and an AtoB program – Apprentice to Business owner program. Of course, it also provides a wide selection of certificate and diploma programs in the following areas:
- Business
- Community Services & Health
- Construction & Transport
- Creative Industries
- Education & Access to Further Study and Employment
- Electrotechnology
- Hair & Beauty
- IT
- Language, Culture & Communication
- Manufacturing & Engineering
- Maritime
- Primary Industries & Natural Resources
- Retail & Logistics
- Sustainability
- Tourism, Hospitality & Events
Semester Courses
Most of the vocational courses at Port Macquarie are provided on a semester basis.
A sample of the courses available includes:
- Certificate I in Spoken and Written English
- Certificate II in Business
- Certificate II in Clothing Production (Complex or Multiple Processes)
- Certificate II in Warehousing Operations
- Certificates III in Aged Care
- Certificate III in Children’s Services
- Certificate III in Education Support
- Certificate III in Electronics and Communication
- Certificate III in Marine Studies
- Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
- Certificate IV in Community Services Work
- Certificate IV in Fitness
- Certificate IV in Hairdressing
- Certificate IV in Retail Management
- Diploma of Beauty Therapy
- Diploma of Communication and Media
- Diploma of Dance and Teaching Management
- Diploma of Management
- Diploma of Information Technology
- Diploma of Remedial Massage
- Diploma of Tourism
- Advanced Diploma of Events
- Associate Degree of Accounting
Short Courses
There are a variety of compliance-based short courses and other short courses available for professional development and personal interest. Compliance-based short courses are available in the following areas:
- Business; for example, BAS Agent
- Maritime; for example, Working in Confined Spaces
- Hospitality; for example, Food Safety for Supervisors
- Health; for example, Apply First Aid
- Construction; for example, Bonded Asbestos Removal
- Electrotechnology; for example, Electrical Disconnect/Reconnect
- Horticulture; for example, Chemical Risk Management
- Transport; for example, Forklift Operation
Other short courses at Port Macquarie include:
- Body Tanning for the Beauty Industry
- Certified Web Design Specialist Skill Set
- Statement of Attainment – Computer Accounting
- Creative Hair Cutting
- Digital Photography Introduction
- Hot Stone Therapy
- Photoshop Basic
Online Courses
Vocational education provides students with plenty of options when it comes to online and distance learning. There are over 70 online courses, as well as over 70 flexible distance courses (print and digital format). Vocational courses are the supremely flexible option for students who want to complete control over their studies.
Some distance learning courses include:
- Certificate II in Community Pharmacy
- Certificate II in Museum Practice
- Certificate III in Arts Administration
- Certificate III in Holiday Parks and Resorts
- Certificate IV in Bookkeeping
- Certificate IV in Business
- Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
- Diploma of Aquaculture
- Diploma of Children’s Services – Early Childhood Education and Care
- Diploma of Marketing
- Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)
Online courses on offer include:
- Certificate II in Animal Studies
- Certificate III in Business Administration – Legal
- Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology (Support)
- Certificate IV in Human Resources
- Certificate IV in Legal Services
- Certificate IV in Property Services Real Estate
- Diploma of Business
- Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
- Advanced Diploma of Management
Port Macquarie for Students
The Greater Port Macquarie region has an 84km coastline, so it has plenty of beaches, but it also has forests and mountains, so students can get back to whatever nature they please. Adding to its attraction as a student city is its subtropical climate, which, according to Wikipedia, is one of the most liveable in the country.
Port Macquarie is prime koala territory. You can learn more about the iconic creatures at the Billabong Koala and Wildlife Park, which also boasts snow leopards and a range of other exotic animals. It’s not the cheapest outing for students, but it’s an experience that ought not to be missed. You can also get your Koala fix at the Koala Hospital, where you can see koalas receiving medical treatment. There are also guided walks and tours. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
If you’re a stargazer then you might want to pop down to the Port Macquarie Observatory, which is run by the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association Inc. It’s open to the public on Sunday and Wednesday nights, so you can take a look through the telescope and enjoy an hour-long presentation. At only AU$8, it’s very affordable.
There are various markets where you can do bargain shopping, or go in search of unique treasures. Some of the regular markets include the Foreshore Market, which combines fresh local produce with art, the Artist Market in the Vines, Laurieton Riverwalk Market, Kendall Showground Markets, Port Macquarie Sunday Markets, and John’s Rover Country Markets. Don’t forget all the walking and hiking opportunities in the area. Tacking Point Lighthouse is a particular favourite among walkers.
If you don’t fancy making much effort you can always go to Majestic Cinemas to see a film or lounge on one of the many beaches.