Brinsbury College near Pulborough has applied for a zoo licence.
But staff are not planning to bring lions, tigers and elephants to West Sussex.
The animals that would be on show at the college are already living in the grounds and being cared for by students.
The college wants to open its animal husbandry work to the public once a week but before visitors are allowed, it needs the licence from Horsham District Council.
Joy Venturi Rose, head of the animal management department, said: "A zoo licence is probably not the best technical term but it is what you need to allow the public to see the courses open to our students."
The animals which will be on show if the licence is approved include rare breeds of pig, sheep, llamas, rabbits, ferrets and lizards.
The college runs courses in a wide variety of animal-related subjects, from dog grooming to veterinary nursing and attracts about 200 students a year.
It also teaches countryside activities, including farming and horticulture.
Mrs Venturi Rose said: "We already have school visits to the animal husbandry department but we would like our work to become more widely known.
"As well as a showcase for our work, the licence would help the students as part of their education because they would be in charge, greet visitors and take them round to explain what was going on."
If, after a two-month consultation, permission for the licence is approved, the college could be open to the public by the start of the autumn term in September.
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