Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 107223G) is a Certificate III delivered by Bankstown Community College Inc. over 1 year. This qualification is designed for individuals who want to work in early childhood education settings, such as childcare centres, preschools, or family day care. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03447M), Bankstown Community College Inc. is approved to enrol international students under the ESOS Act. This page provides detailed information on course content, fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and the student visa process. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource helping international students find and compare CRICOS-registered courses across Australia.
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This qualification falls under the field of education, specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). At AQF Level 3, students typically learn foundational skills for working with children aged 0-5 years, including promoting child development, supporting play and learning, and maintaining a safe environment. The course covers practical competencies such as communicating with families, working within legal and ethical frameworks, and applying first aid. While the specific syllabus is set by Bankstown Community College Inc., graduates of similar Certificate III programs in Early Childhood Education and Care often develop skills in observation, programming, and building relationships with children and families. This qualification meets the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) requirements for early childhood educators.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered over 1 year (52 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual award, and does not include foundation studies. Students attend classes at either the Bankstown Campus or City Campus in Sydney. The course is offered in a blended mode combining theory and practical components. Being a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the required 20 scheduled contact hours per week for student visa purposes.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$10,000 for the full program, with additional non-tuition fees of A$700, bringing the estimated total to A$10,700. Please note: this does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. International students should budget for OSHC (approximately A$500–A$600 per year for single cover), living expenses (the Department of Home Affairs suggests A$29,710 per year for a single student), and the student visa application fee (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees directly with Bankstown Community College Inc. at www.bcci.edu.au, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy provides indicative figures from the CRICOS register only.
Prospective students typically require an IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 overall (or equivalent) for direct entry. At Certificate III level, prior qualifications usually include completion of Year 10 or equivalent. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and provide evidence of financial capacity. Some applicants may need to complete a foundation or pathway program if they do not meet the academic entry criteria. For specific requirements, contact Bankstown Community College Inc. directly. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the latest entry criteria on the provider's website.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 5 weeks of work placement at 32 hours per week, totalling approximately 160 hours. This industry placement allows students to gain practical experience in early childhood education settings under supervision. Work placements are arranged by the college and may occur at various childcare centres in Sydney. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can undertake this placement as part of their course requirements. The placement also helps students build professional networks and enhance employability after graduation.
This course is delivered at two campuses: Bankstown Campus (Level 1, 457 Chapel Road, Bankstown NSW 2200) and City Campus (Level 1, 16-22 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills NSW 2010). Both are located in Sydney, New South Wales — Australia's largest city with a diverse international student population of over 200,000. Sydney offers extensive public transport options, including trains, buses, and light rail, making both campuses accessible. Bankstown is a vibrant multicultural hub with affordable living options (indicative rent A$200–A$300 per week for shared accommodation), while Surry Hills is close to the city centre with more expensive living costs (A$300–A$500 per week). Students can choose the campus that best suits their preferences.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study at a CRICOS-registered provider, work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions), and accompanying family members. Applicants must meet the GTE requirement, obtain OSHC, and demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. The ESOS Act provides legal protections including tuition assurance and complaint mechanisms. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent — for visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Bankstown Community College Inc.:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and providers. Filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Early Childhood Education), and city (Sydney). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered — Bankstown Community College Inc. (CRICOS 03447M) is listed on the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Check entry requirements including English language proficiency (IELTS 5.0-5.5) and academic qualifications. Prepare your documents (transcripts, passport, English test results) and submit an application through Bankstown Community College Inc.'s website (www.bcci.edu.au). Note application deadlines and any additional requirements.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: If accepted, the college will issue a CoE. Use this CoE to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. You must also arrange OSHC, pay the visa application fee, and attend a biometrics appointment if required. Once granted, you can commence your studies in Australia.
Sydney is Australia's most popular destination for international students, with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. The city boasts world-class education, a multicultural environment, and excellent career opportunities. However, living costs are higher than in other Australian cities. Indicative weekly expenses: rent A$250–A$500, groceries A$80–A$120, public transport A$30–A$50. Sydney's public transport network (trains, buses, ferries) makes commuting easy, but consider travel time to your campus. Bankstown and Surry Hills are well-connected. If you prefer a smaller city or lower costs, explore other locations in NSW or other states using HeadStart Academy's provider locator.
The early childhood education sector in Australia is growing, with strong demand for qualified educators. This Certificate III is the entry-level qualification for working in childcare centres, and it can lead to further study (e.g., Diploma or Bachelor). Consider your personal attributes: patience, creativity, and a genuine interest in child development. Work placements are a core part of the course, so be prepared for hands-on learning. Check if the qualification meets your home country's requirements if you plan to return. Australia's ESOS Act protects international students, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. Use HeadStart Academy to explore all available courses and make an informed decision.
Ready to start your journey in early childhood education in Australia? Explore this course on Bankstown Community College Inc.'s website or use HeadStart Academy to compare similar CRICOS-registered courses in Sydney.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Bankstown Community College Inc.. 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.