Recognition & History

Trusted Horticultural Education Since 1979

Choosing a course provider is an important decision. You want to know that the education you receive is respected, practical and relevant to today's horticulture industry.

Since 1979, ACS Distance Education has built an international reputation for delivering high-quality horticultural education that prepares students for real careers. Our courses are written and continually updated by experienced horticulturists, educators and industry professionals to ensure graduates gain practical knowledge they can apply immediately.

Understanding Recognition

Recognition can mean different things depending on the country, employer or professional association.

ACS has earned its reputation through decades of delivering quality education, producing knowledgeable graduates and maintaining high academic standards. Our courses are used by individuals seeking professional development, career advancement, business ownership and personal enrichment.

Many employers recognise the value of practical knowledge and proven capability alongside formal qualifications.

Industry Engagement

ACS has a long history in industry and with international organisations including International Society of Horticultural Science, International Plant Producers Association, International Herb Society and others.

We actively contribute to many national and international industry bodies, including serving on committees, organising industry events, and sponsoring the activities of associations. Our school, staff and courses are well known and respected by many of the organisations and individuals who lead the global horticulture industry.

ACS has supported and partnered with A.I.H since the 1980's. It is a member of the AIH Education Alliance and our certificate students are offered free student membership.

The college's Principal, John Mason, has been a member of this leading UK body since the 1990's! He was promoted to Fellow in the early 2002.  The CIH offers free student membership to all ACS horticulture certificate students.

ACS has been engaged with the global permaculture movement for many decades and a member of the Permaculture Association for close to two decades.

ACS has been supporting and partnering with the RHSV - Australia's oldest horticulture organisation - since the 1980's and writing regularly for it's Gardeners Gazette magazine.

John Mason is a founding member of the Australian garden council and chair of it's education committee. The AGC was launched in 2016 at Parliament House in Canberra as a body to promote gardening and engage with Australian politicians to that end. 

ACS is a member of the Society for Precision Agriculture.  ACS students are invited to apply for free student membership.

ACS has collaborated with and supports Landscaping Victoria. Victorian students studying relevant courses with ACS are invited to apply for free membership with L.V.

ACS has been a member of Greenlife Queensland since the 1990's and has supported and collaborated with it on many occasions. GIQ is an affiliate with rights to deliver ACS courses.

ACS has a formal partnership, and regularly collaborates with GIWA as a Bronze sponsor.

The principal has been an active member of the International Plant Producers Association since the 1980's, and the school and it's staff have worked on many IPPS projects over the decades - and continue to do so.

HortCourses History

For more than 45 years, ACS Distance Education has been delivering specialist education to students around the world. Since opening in 1979, more than one million people have studied our courses, with programmes now delivered under licence by affiliated colleges in several countries across both the public and private sectors.

1979 – A New Approach to Learning

ACS was founded by John L. Mason, who recognised that many capable students were unable to access horticultural education because of limited college places. He developed a practical correspondence learning model, launching the Australian Horticultural Correspondence School in 1979 with its first intake of 37 students.

1980s – Innovation and International Growth

ACS was an early adopter of computer-based course materials and quickly expanded beyond Australia, attracting students from more than 25 countries. During this period, the school built a strong reputation through publishing, consultancy and industry involvement, while expanding its course range and beginning to license courses internationally.

1990s – Digital Education

A second Australian office opened on the Gold Coast, and ACS became one of Australia's first private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Recognising the potential of online learning, ACS invested early in websites and digital course delivery, establishing international partnerships with organisations in Bermuda, the United States and beyond.

2000s – A Global Education Provider

The school expanded internationally with the opening of its UK office and developed educational partnerships with organisations including the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). During this period, ACS adopted problem-based learning principles, expanded its publishing activities, and in 2005 became ACS Distance Education.

2010s – Modern Learning

ACS introduced eBooks, developed its own Learning Management System, expanded its international affiliate network, and launched a range of micro-credential courses to meet growing industry demand for shorter, skills-focused learning.

2020 to Today

The rapid growth of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced ACS's long-standing expertise in distance education. Today, ACS offers more than 600 courses across horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, business, health and many other disciplines. Courses are studied by students worldwide and delivered directly by ACS as well as through a network of affiliated colleges.

Under the leadership of Nicholas L. Mason, with founder John L. Mason continuing to guide educational development, ACS remains committed to providing practical, industry-relevant education that prepares students for employment, business and lifelong learning.