Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 107326M) is a Certificate III delivered by Lead College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is ideal for international students seeking entry-level roles in early childhood settings such as childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian quality standards and that international students are protected under the ESOS Act. Lead College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03636F) is a private provider with campuses in New South Wales and Western Australia, offering a practical, industry-focused curriculum. As an international student, you will gain foundational knowledge in child development, health and safety, and educational program design, preparing you to work under supervision in regulated children's services. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this Certificate III is a common starting point for those pursuing a career in early childhood education. Importantly, HeadStart Academy provides this data free of charge, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026—no referral fees, just trustworthy information to help you plan your study journey in Australia.
This course falls under the field of Education (07) with a focus on Teacher Education (0701), specifically Teacher Education, n.e.c. (070199). At the Certificate III level (AQF Level 3), students typically develop practical skills to support children's learning and development, plan and implement activities, ensure safety, and communicate effectively with families. The VET national code for this qualification is CHC30121. While exact subjects vary by provider, graduates are trained to work in regulated early childhood settings and may progress to a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. The course does not lead to a dual qualification nor is it a foundation studies program.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. All instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification—no bundled diploma or foundation year. Study modes may include face-to-face classes, online components, or a blend; confirm with Lead College for the specific mode at your chosen campus. International students should be aware that a full-time study load is typically required for student visa compliance.
Tuition fees are indicative at A$14,000 for the full program. Non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, materials, or resource fees) are estimated at A$1,500, bringing the estimated total to A$15,500. Please note: This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Actual fees are set by Lead College and are subject to change. Always check the provider's official website for the most current fee schedule. HeadStart Academy sources fee data from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and updates it periodically, but we recommend confirming directly with the institution.
For international students, the English language requirement is generally IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Academic requirements typically include completion of Year 10 or equivalent (Australian schooling). Some providers may require a police check or working with children clearance. Foundation or pathway options are not specified for this course; contact Lead College for details on alternative entry or English language support. Remember, meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee a place—providers have their own selection criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 4 weeks, 40 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours). This is an industry placement (also called work-integrated learning) where you will gain practical experience in a regulated early childhood education setting. Placements are supervised and may require a valid Working with Children Check or equivalent. International students should ensure their visa conditions allow for unpaid placements; generally, placements that are a compulsory part of the course are permitted under the Student visa (Subclass 500). Lead College will assist in arranging placements at approved sites.
Lead College Pty Ltd delivers the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at four locations: (1) HAYMARKET - LEAD COLLEGE PTY LTD - 841 George St, Haymarket, NSW (near Sydney CBD); (2) Lead - Hospitality - 15B Albert St, North Parramatta, NSW; (3) Lead - Perth - 15 Leila St, Cannington WA 6107; and (4) Parramatta Lead - 37 George St, Parramatta, NSW. Most campuses are in New South Wales (Sydney area). Parramatta is a major business district west of Sydney, well-served by public transport. Cannington is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Sydney and Perth both have large international student communities and offer diverse lifestyles. When choosing a campus, consider living costs: Sydney's average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$600–800, while Perth is slightly lower at A$400–600. Groceries and transport costs also vary—Sydney's public transport is extensive but more expensive. HeadStart Academy recommends comparing campus locations to find the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key visa conditions include: maintaining adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC); meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement; demonstrating sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel; and not working more than 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session (unlimited during scheduled breaks). The course includes a work placement, which is typically allowed as a compulsory component. For detailed visa guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agency—we provide general information only.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (107326M) at Lead College Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to find the right course and provider. Filter by course level, field, and city to see options. Always check that the provider is CRICOS-registered (Lead College is, with code 03636F). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Lead College to confirm entry requirements, English language test scores, application deadlines, and any required documents (e.g., academic transcripts, passport). Submit your application and pay any application fee. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Lead College will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. You must also arrange OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity. For visa assistance, speak to a registered migration agent.
With campuses in both NSW (Sydney and Parramatta) and WA (Perth), you have a choice between Australia's largest city and the vibrant west coast. Sydney offers iconic landmarks, a huge international student population, and world-class public transport. However, living costs are higher—expect weekly rent of A$600–800 for a one-bedroom apartment, and groceries/transport around A$200–300 per week. Perth is more affordable (rent A$400–600, other costs ~A$150–250), with a relaxed lifestyle and strong job market in early childhood education. Both states have many CRICOS-registered providers: New South Wales has over 400, while Western Australia has more than 150. Consider weather, lifestyle, and proximity to placement opportunities. Lead College's Parramatta campus is in a bustling commercial centre with excellent transport links, while Cannington offers a quieter suburban setting with easy access to Perth CBD.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey in Australia? Use HeadStart Academy to compare CRICOS-registered courses and providers—free, no commissions, just reliable data from the official CRICOS register.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lead College 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.