Diploma of Early Childhood Education (CRICOS course code 102714F) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Proteus Technologies Pty Ltd over 2 years. This qualification prepares you to work in early childhood settings, including long day care, family day care, and preschools. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for delivering education to overseas students under the ESOS Act. You'll gain skills in child development, program planning, and team leadership. The course includes a mandatory work placement to give you hands-on experience. It's available at four campus locations: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Whether you're just starting out or upskilling, this diploma opens doors to a rewarding career in Australia's growing early childhood sector. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this diploma is one of the most popular choices among international students interested in education. Read on for detailed information on fees, entry requirements, and the application process.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education (CRICOS 102714F) is a full-time course at AQF Level 5. It falls under the field of Education (07) with a focus on Early Childhood Education. Proteus Technologies Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03581E) is a private provider trading as Ikon Institute (www.ikon.edu.au). This course is designed to meet industry needs and provides a pathway to further study or employment. International students benefit from CRICOS registration, ensuring quality and consumer protection under the ESOS Act. Graduates are prepared for roles such as early childhood educator, team leader, or centre coordinator. The course content aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards, ensuring national recognition.
At the Diploma level, you'll study core concepts in early childhood education including child development, curriculum design, health and safety, and inclusive practices. You'll learn to plan and implement programs that support children's learning and well-being. The course also covers leadership and management skills for early childhood settings. You'll explore theories of early childhood development, develop skills in observation and documentation, and learn to create nurturing environments. The curriculum emphasizes play-based learning and cultural competence. You'll also study ethics and professional practice in early childhood settings. Assessment includes assignments, projects, and practical demonstrations during placement. This foundation prepares you for lifelong learning in the education sector. Graduates typically find work as early childhood educators, team leaders, or centre coordinators.
The course runs for 104 weeks (2 years) on a full-time basis. All instruction is in English. This is a single qualification — there is no dual award or foundation studies component. The course is delivered through face-to-face classes at one of the four campus locations. Some components may include online learning or self-study hours. Students are expected to attend sessions 20-25 hours per week, plus additional study time. The duration meets CRICOS requirements for international student visa holders, ensuring you can maintain full-time enrolment as required by the Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$44,600 for the full program. Non-tuition fees (such as materials, resources, and student services) are approximately A$795, bringing the estimated total to A$45,395. These fees are set by Proteus Technologies Pty Ltd and may change. Always check the provider's website (www.ikon.edu.au) for the most current fee schedule. International students must also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For example, living costs in major Australian cities range from A$1,200 to A$1,800 per month depending on location and lifestyle. OSHC typically costs around A$500-700 per year. The student visa application charge is currently A$1,600 (subject to change).
To enrol in this course, international students typically need an IELTS overall band score of 5.5-6.0 (or equivalent). You must also have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent. Some providers may consider relevant work experience. Since this is a Diploma level course, you may need to have completed a Certificate III or IV in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Proteus Technologies Pty Ltd may offer pathway programs if you don't meet the entry criteria — contact the provider directly for details. Always verify English language requirements with the institution as they may vary. Some providers accept alternative tests such as PTE or TOEFL. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
This course includes a mandatory work placement of 6 weeks (240 hours total) at 40 hours per week. During the placement, you'll work under supervision in an early childhood setting such as a childcare centre, preschool, or kindergarten. This practical experience allows you to apply classroom theory to real-world situations, develop professional skills, and network with employers. It's an integral part of the qualification and may lead to job opportunities upon graduation. Your provider will help arrange the placement at a suitable location. The placement is a key feature of VET-style courses and counts towards your overall course hours. International students must ensure their visa allows work placement (Student visa Subclass 500 permits work and placement as part of the course).
This course is delivered at four Ikon Institute campuses: Ikon Adelaide Campus (Adelaide, SA), Ikon Brisbane Campus (Brisbane, QLD), Ikon Melbourne Campus (Melbourne, VIC), and Ikon Sydney Campus (Haymarket, NSW). Each city offers a unique student experience. Adelaide has a lower cost of living, with weekly rent around A$300-400, and a growing education sector with over 50 CRICOS-registered providers. Brisbane offers a subtropical climate and affordable living, with over 100 providers. Melbourne and Sydney are larger, with more than 200 providers each, but higher living costs (weekly rent A$400-600). All campuses are accessible by public transport. When choosing a location, consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and career goals.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). With this visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement applies — you need to demonstrate that you intend to study genuinely in Australia. You'll also need to show financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. For full details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide visa advice.
Applying for Diploma of Early Childhood Education at Proteus Technologies Pty Ltd is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. Research: Use HeadStart Academy to compare CRICOS-registered providers and find the course that fits your goals. You can filter by location, fees, and duration. Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered.
2. Apply: Submit your application directly to Proteus Technologies Pty Ltd (Ikon Institute). Prepare your documents: academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.5-6.0 or equivalent), passport copy, and statement of purpose. Pay attention to application deadlines for your preferred intake.
3. Enrol and Visa: If accepted, you'll receive a Letter of Offer and then a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). With the CoE, apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via ImmiAccount. Include OSHC evidence and financial documents. Once granted, you can start your studies in Australia.
Each campus offers a distinct environment. Adelaide (SA) is known for its affordable cost of living and close-knit student community. Brisbane (QLD) offers a warm climate and outdoor lifestyle. Melbourne (VIC) is a cultural hub with extensive public transport. Sydney (NSW) is a global city with diverse opportunities. Consider factors like climate, part-time job market, and community when deciding. All campuses are Ikon Institute locations, so the quality of education is consistent. Visit the Ikon website to explore each campus virtually. Remember that living costs vary: Adelaide and Brisbane are generally cheaper, while Melbourne and Sydney require a higher budget.
Below are answers to common questions about this course.
Ready to apply? Start by researching CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy and then apply directly to Ikon Institute.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education is a CRICOS-registered programme at Proteus Technologies Pty Ltd. 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.