Pre-Primary Education (CRICOS course code 065529G) is a Primary School Studies level course delivered by the Department of Education, a CRICOS-registered government provider (CRICOS 01723A) in Western Australia. This 1-year program is designed for international students seeking a foundation in general primary education within a dedicated school environment. Over 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offer more than 26,000 courses across Australia, and this course represents a pathway into the Australian education system for young learners. The Department of Education delivers this course at multiple primary school locations across the Perth metropolitan area, including Applecross, Ballajura, Beaconsfield, Beckenham, Bentley, and City Beach. Whether you're a parent exploring options for your child or an education agent, this page provides all essential details including fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa information. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Pre-Primary Education (CRICOS course code 065529G) is a Primary School Studies course delivered by the Department of Education over 1 year (52 weeks). This program falls under the field of education '12 - Mixed Field Programmes' and specifically '1201 - General Education Programmes' with a focus on general primary and secondary education. It is designed to provide international students with a foundational educational experience that aligns with the Western Australian curriculum framework. As a non-VET course, it does not carry a VET national code. The course is delivered in English and is a single qualification (no dual qualification or foundation studies component). According to the CRICOS register, the indicative tuition fee is A$14,575, with non-tuition fees of A$1,500, bringing the estimated total to A$16,075. These fees are set by the provider and subject to change; always confirm directly with the Department of Education via their website at www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au. The course includes no mandatory work component, focusing entirely on academic study.
As a course within the General Education Programmes field, Pre-Primary Education covers foundational learning areas typical of early childhood education. Students engage with key developmental domains including literacy, numeracy, social skills, creative arts, and physical development. The curriculum is designed to foster a love for learning, critical thinking, and collaborative skills in a supportive classroom environment. While specific syllabus details vary by delivery location, the course broadly prepares students for progression into primary school grades and aligns with the Australian Curriculum. Graduates develop essential competencies for future academic success, including communication, problem-solving, and cultural awareness. This program is particularly suited for young learners who will benefit from a structured yet nurturing educational setting. The Department of Education's experienced teachers ensure that all students receive quality instruction tailored to individual needs.
The Pre-Primary Education course has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course — it does not offer dual qualifications or foundation studies pathways. Students are expected to attend classes full-time at one of the designated delivery locations in Western Australia. The course structure typically includes core subjects in English, mathematics, science, and humanities, alongside specialist lessons in areas such as music, physical education, and languages. Assessment methods include continuous observation, formative assessments, and end-of-term reports. Parents should note that the program is designed to meet the educational standards required for international students under the ESOS Act, ensuring robust learning outcomes and student welfare protections.
The indicative tuition fee for Pre-Primary Education is A$14,575, with non-tuition fees of A$1,500, resulting in an estimated total of A$16,075. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the provider. Please note that fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the student visa application charge. For the most current fee schedule, always visit the Department of Education's official website at www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au. As a guide, international students in Perth should budget approximately A$400–600 per week for accommodation (rent), A$80–150 per week for groceries, and A$30–50 per week for public transport. These are indicative only and actual costs vary by lifestyle and location.
English language requirements for Pre-Primary Education vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For this primary school level course, the Department of Education may require a demonstrated proficiency in English through an approved test or previous schooling in an English-medium environment. Prior qualifications expected: students should have completed an equivalent level of early childhood education appropriate for their age. There are no foundation or pathway options specific to this course; applicants are advised to refer to the provider for detailed entry criteria. International students under 18 years of age at the time of enrollment may need a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for an accompanying parent or guardian. Always confirm specific entry requirements with the Department of Education before applying.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. Students are not required to undertake any practical work placement as part of the Pre-Primary Education program. However, international student visa holders (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. It is important to balance work commitments with study requirements to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
The Pre-Primary Education course is delivered at six primary schools within the Perth metropolitan area: Applecross Primary School in Applecross, Ballajura Primary School in South Ballajura, Beaconsfield Primary School in Beaconsfield, Beckenham Primary School in Beckenham, Bentley Primary School in Bentley, and City Beach Primary School in City Beach. All locations are in Western Australia, offering students access to quality educational facilities and community environments. Perth is a vibrant city with over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student population. The city offers excellent public transport, including buses and trains, making these schools accessible from various suburbs. Living costs in Perth are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$350–500 per week.
International students enrolling in Pre-Primary Education will require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Students under 18 at the time of visa application typically need a Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) for an accompanying parent or guardian. Key visa conditions include: maintaining adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay; satisfying the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion; demonstrating financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel; and maintaining enrollment in a CRICOS-registered course. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to note that HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice — consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa applications.
Follow these three steps to apply for Pre-Primary Education at the Department of Education: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers — filter by course level (Primary School Studies), field (General Education Programmes), and city (Perth, WA). Use the CRICOS register or platforms like HeadStart Academy to find suitable courses. 2. Apply directly to the Department of Education — meet entry requirements, including English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5–7.0 or equivalent), provide academic transcripts, and submit your application before the deadline. The provider's website (www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au) has full details. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) — once you have your CoE, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including OSHC and financial evidence.
Ready to apply? Visit the Department of Education's website at www.tafeinternational.wa.edu.au for application details and to confirm current fees.
Pre-Primary Education is a CRICOS-registered programme at Department of Education. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.