Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 106996C) is a Diploma delivered by Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~76 weeks). This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it meets Australian Government standards for international education and can be used to support a Student visa (Subclass 500) application. As a VET Diploma (AQF Level 5) with national code CHC50121, it prepares graduates to work as early childhood educators in a variety of settings including long day care centres, preschools, and family day care. The course includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks (approximately 280 hours), giving students hands-on experience with children aged 0–5 years. HeadStart Academy presents this profile based on official CRICOS register data as at April 2026. Always verify current fees and availability directly with Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03400D).
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 106996C) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) in the field of Society and Culture (09) with a focus on Human Welfare Studies and Services (0905) and Childrens Services (090503). Delivered by Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03400D) at its Parramatta campus in New South Wales, the course runs for 76 weeks (1 year 6 months) and is taught in English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The course includes a work component: 14 weeks of industry placement, totalling approximately 280 hours. This placement is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills in real early childhood settings. Students who complete this Diploma may articulate into higher-level qualifications or directly enter the workforce as early childhood educators. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students; this course is one of them. HeadStart Academy sources all data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care covers the knowledge and skills required to plan, implement, and evaluate programs for children in early childhood settings. Students learn about child development, fostering inclusive environments, supporting children's health and safety, and building partnerships with families and communities. At the Diploma level (AQF Level 5), graduates are expected to demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, coordinating, and evaluating services, and to supervise and lead other staff. The course typically includes units on designing curriculum, managing workplace compliance, and promoting children's wellbeing. While specific unit details are set by Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd, the CRICOS registration confirms that the course meets national standards for training outcomes. Graduates can apply for roles such as early childhood educator, centre director, or family day care coordinator. For the most detailed syllabus, contact the provider or visit their website.
This Diploma is scheduled for 1 year 6 months, totalling 76 weeks on the CRICOS register. The course is delivered in English, and it is a single qualification with no dual award or foundation studies component. Study mode is typically face-to-face at the Parramatta campus; however, students should check with Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd for any online or blended options. The duration includes both classroom-based learning and the work placement. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. Parramatta offers a vibrant multicultural environment with many support services for international students, including public transport to the campus via train and bus.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is A$18,500. Non-tuition fees (such as application fees, materials, and student services) are estimated at A$1,000, bringing the estimated total cost to A$19,500. These fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are set by Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd. Fees are subject to change — always confirm directly with the provider before applying. The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the Student visa application charge. For reference, living costs in Parramatta (part of Greater Sydney) are roughly A$450–600 per week for rent, A$80–120 for groceries, and A$40–60 for public transport. These are estimates only; actual costs vary. Visit the provider's website (www.acos.edu.au) for the most current fee schedule.
While specific entry requirements are set by Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd, typical expectations for this Diploma level include completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) and an English proficiency of IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Applicants may also need to demonstrate relevant work experience or prior study in early childhood. The course is open to international students who meet the provider's academic and English criteria. Some students may be eligible for pathway or foundation programs if they do not meet direct entry requirements — contact the provider for options. All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the Student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website or contacting their admissions team for precise prerequisites. Note: This course has a work component, so a Working with Children Check or similar may be required by the placement provider.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks, with an estimated total of 280 hours (approximately 20 hours per week). This is a supervised industry placement in an approved early childhood setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. Work-integrated learning is a key part of the Diploma, allowing students to apply theory in real-world environments under supervision. The placement hours count towards the overall course duration and are scheduled as part of the program. International students on a Student visa are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, but the work component is part of the course requirements, not employment. Placement may involve working with children aged 0–5 years, and students must adhere to the workplace's policies and regulatory standards.
The course is delivered at Level 5, 20 Macquarie Street, Parramatta, NSW. Parramatta is a major commercial and cultural hub in Western Sydney, home to a large student population. The campus is accessible via Parramatta train station (a short walk), multiple bus routes, and the Parramatta ferry. There are over 50 CRICOS-registered providers in Parramatta itself, making it a popular study destination for international students. The area offers diverse accommodation options, from shared apartments to homestays, and has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and services. Studying in Parramatta combines proximity to Sydney's CBD with a more affordable cost of living compared to the inner city.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a CRICOS-registered course, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and dependents (if applicable), OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the duration of your stay, and English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5–6.0). Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and not working before course commencements. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring quality standards and student support. For detailed visa information, visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (106996C) at Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the official CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03400D) offers this course and meets your needs.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit the provider's website (www.acos.edu.au) to review specific entry requirements, English language test scores, application deadlines, and documentation. Submit your application online or via their admissions team.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Then apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. After visa grant, you can commence your studies in Parramatta.
Ready to start your journey as an early childhood educator? Check the latest fees and apply directly at www.acos.edu.au. For more CRICOS-registered courses in Parramatta, explore HeadStart Academy's course directory.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Academy of Nursing 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.