English for Childcare (CRICOS course code 106241B) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Shafston International Pty Ltd over 14 weeks. This ELICOS program focuses on English language skills tailored to the childcare context, preparing students to communicate effectively in early childhood settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03917H), it meets Australian government standards for international students. Whether you're planning to work with children or pursue further studies in early childhood education, this course builds foundational English proficiency in a real-world context. Shafston International is a private provider with campuses in Kangaroo Point and Gold Coast, Queensland. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses in Australia, you can trust that this program is part of a regulated system. The course covers language for professional interactions, child safety vocabulary, and cultural awareness in Australian childcare environments. No prior childcare qualification is required, but you'll need to meet English entry requirements – typically IELTS 5.5 or equivalent. Upon completion, you'll have enhanced English competence for childcare roles or further study. Note that this is a non-award course, meaning it does not lead to a formal qualification but provides valuable language skills.
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This course is classified under the field of education 091501 – ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) within the broader Society and Culture field. As an ELICOS program with a specialised focus on childcare, you will develop English language skills relevant to early childhood settings. Typical learning outcomes include understanding and using terminology related to child development, health and safety, and family communication. You'll practice listening and speaking in scenarios like parent-teacher interactions, reporting incidents, and instructing children. Reading and writing tasks may cover policy documents, activity plans, and simple reports. The course emphasises practical communication over academic theory, aligning with the Non AQF Award level. While the exact syllabus is set by Shafston International, graduates generally gain confidence in using English for childcare tasks. This course can also serve as a pathway to further study in early childhood education or related VET qualifications. Australia’s ESOS Act ensures that the course content and delivery meet quality standards for international students.
The English for Childcare course runs for 14 weeks as listed on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English, as expected for an ELICOS program. This is a single qualification course – no dual qualification is offered. The course is designed to be intensive, typically requiring full-time study. Classes are likely held on-campus at Shafston International’s delivery locations, with options in Kangaroo Point (Brisbane) and Southport (Gold Coast). Students should expect a structured timetable of 20–25 contact hours per week, plus self-study. The duration is suitable for students who need to improve their English efficiently before entering the workforce or further studies. As a CRICOS-registered course, it complies with student visa requirements for full-time study. International students must maintain satisfactory attendance and progress. The course does not include a work component, so all time is dedicated to language learning.
The indicative tuition fee for English for Childcare is A$6,300, with non-tuition fees of A$502, making an estimated total of A$6,802. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as of April 2026. Please note that fees are set by the institution and subject to change – always confirm directly with Shafston International before applying. The non-tuition fee may cover materials, administration, or student services. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For 14 weeks, you should budget for OSHC (approx. A$150–300), weekly living costs in Brisbane or Gold Coast (rent A$200–400, groceries A$80–150, transport A$30–50), plus visa fees (currently A$710 for Subclass 500). Use the provider’s website to get the most current fee schedule. Shafston International’s CRICOS registration 03917H ensures fee transparency and protection under the ESOS Act.
English language requirements for this course vary by provider, but typically an overall IELTS score between 5.5 and 7.0 is expected, depending on the course level. For a Non AQF Award like English for Childcare, the requirement is likely on the lower end – check with Shafston International for exact equivalencies (e.g., TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge). Prior qualifications are not strictly specified for this level, but you should have completed secondary schooling or equivalent. Some providers may require a minimum age of 18. If you don’t meet the English level, pathway options such as general ELICOS or a foundation program may be available – consult the provider. Remember that meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a student visa; you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and financial capacity. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting Shafston International directly for the most accurate entry criteria. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, so you can trust their standards.
This course has no mandatory work component. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may still undertake casual work subject to visa conditions. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Since this 14-week ELICOS course is full-time, you might have limited time for work, but the breaks (if any) can be used for employment. Always check your visa conditions and ensure work does not compromise attendance and progress. The absence of a work component means the course is purely academic English. If you are looking for a program with practical placement, consider a VET course in early childhood education. Remember that work rights are a visa benefit, not a guarantee – consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for personalised advice.
English for Childcare is delivered at two campuses of Shafston International Pty Ltd in Queensland: - 46 Thorn Street, Kangaroo Point, QLD 4169 (Brisbane) - Shafston Gold Coast, Southport, QLD 4215
Brisbane is Queensland’s capital with a population of 2.5 million, hosting over 60,000 international students and many CRICOS-registered providers. The Kangaroo Point campus is well-connected by public transport, close to the CityCat ferry and bus routes. Living costs in Brisbane are moderate – rent A$200–400 per week for a share house, groceries A$80–150, and transport A$30–50. The Gold Coast campus in Southport is part of a major student hub with over 20,000 international students. Southport offers easy access to light rail and buses, and living costs are similar to Brisbane. Both locations provide a vibrant student environment. Choosing between them depends on your preference for city or coastal lifestyle. Both are CRICOS-approved delivery sites.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study English for Childcare full-time. You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Shafston International before applying. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during study, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa duration. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement means you need to demonstrate that your primary intention is to study and return home. Financial capacity must show you can cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year as per DHA), and OSHC. The current visa application fee is A$710. This course’s 14-week duration means you may be granted a visa slightly longer than the course. For detailed guidance, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for English for Childcare at Shafston International Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Filter by course level (Non AQF Award), field (ELICOS), and location (Queensland) on HeadStart Academy. Confirm the course is CRICOS-approved (106241B) and aligns with your goals. 2. Apply directly to Shafston International – Check entry requirements (English proficiency, prior qualifications) and prepare required documents (transcripts, passport, English test scores). Submit your application via the provider’s website or admissions office. Meet any application deadlines. 3. Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa – Once accepted, you’ll get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for the Student visa (Subclass 500) online. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Await visa decision. Start planning your travel and accommodation. Always confirm current procedures with Shafston International. For visa help, use a MARA-registered agent.
Queensland is a popular destination for international students, with over 150,000 enrolled across the state. It offers a warm climate, diverse landscapes, and a strong education sector. Brisbane, the capital, has a thriving job market, while the Gold Coast is known for its beaches and tourism. Living costs are generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne. For those studying English for Childcare, Queensland’s growing childcare sector provides potential part-time work opportunities. However, consider your personal preferences: urban vs. coastal, public transport availability, and lifestyle. Both Shafston campuses are in well-serviced areas. Also factor in that ELICOS courses often have multiple intakes, making it flexible to start. Before committing, research accommodation options, student support services, and local community. HeadStart Academy’s data shows Queensland has 180+ CRICOS-registered providers, giving you many choices. Use our resources to compare providers and locations.
Ready to start your English for Childcare journey? Explore Shafston International Pty Ltd on HeadStart Academy.
English for Childcare is a CRICOS-registered programme at Shafston International 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.