Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 107590F) is a Diploma delivered by Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust over 50 weeks (~12 months). This qualification (CHC50121) is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it meets Australian standards for international students. The course is in the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101) and is designed to prepare graduates for roles such as early childhood educator, group leader, or centre coordinator. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses in Australia, this Diploma is a recognised pathway to employment or further study. HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). All students benefit from the ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 107590F) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust. The course runs for 50 weeks (~12 months) with instruction in English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The VET national code is CHC50121. The course includes a mandatory work component of 35 weeks (approximately 280 total hours), giving students practical experience in early childhood settings. This CRICOS-registered course is available at multiple campuses across Queensland and South Australia, providing flexibility for international students.
This Diploma focuses on the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Students gain advanced skills in designing and implementing educational programs for children from birth to age five. Topics typically include child development, learning frameworks, family engagement, health and safety, and inclusive practices. Graduates learn to lead teams, supervise other educators, and ensure compliance with national quality standards. While specific syllabi vary by provider, the course equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical competencies to work in long day care, preschool, or family day care settings. The work-integrated learning component (35 weeks) allows students to apply these skills in real early childhood environments under supervision.
The Diploma is delivered full-time over 50 weeks (approximately 12 months). All instruction is in English. This is a single qualification, not a dual or packaged course. Students are expected to attend classes at one of the six campus locations (see Delivery Locations). The duration is set by the provider and recorded on the CRICOS register. Full-time study typically requires 20-25 hours of scheduled class time per week, plus additional study and placement hours. International students must hold a valid Student visa (Subclass 500) and maintain enrolment in a full-time CRICOS-registered course.
The tuition fee for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Imagine Education Australia is A$29,500 (indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register). Non-tuition fees are A$500, bringing the estimated total to A$30,000. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the Student visa application charge are not included. OSHC is a mandatory requirement for international students; for single coverage, expect around A$600–A$700 per year. Living costs vary by location: in Queensland and South Australia, weekly expenses (rent, groceries, transport) are approximately A$400–A$550. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider at www.imagineeducation.com.au. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change.
International students typically need an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Applicants are expected to have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent. Prior study or experience in early childhood education can be advantageous but is not always required. Some students may need to complete foundation or pathway programs if they do not meet entry criteria. This course is at AQF Level 5 (Diploma), so students should be prepared for academic reading, writing, and assessment. For exact entry requirements, including English test alternatives and recognition of prior learning, refer to the provider’s website or contact Imagine Education Australia directly.
This Diploma includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 35 weeks (approximately 280 total hours). This is typically an industry placement in a licensed early childhood centre, supervised by qualified educators. Students practise skills in program planning, child supervision, family communication, and team collaboration. The placement is a requirement for graduation and provides valuable Australian workplace experience. Work hours per week vary but are designed to fit alongside classroom study. International students must ensure their Student visa allows such work placements; generally, placement is considered part of the course and does not count toward the 48 hours per fortnight work limit.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at six campuses across Queensland and South Australia: 13 Benowa Road, SOUTHPORT (Gold Coast, QLD); 151 Currumburra Road, ASHMORE (Gold Coast, QLD); 413-417 Ross River Road, Cranbrook (Townsville, QLD); Level 2, 170 Leichhardt St, Spring Hill (Brisbane, QLD); Angle Vale Campus (near Adelaide, SA); and Ingle Farm Campus (Adelaide, SA). Queensland is Australia’s third-largest state with a strong early childhood sector, while South Australia offers a more affordable cost of living. Gold Coast and Brisbane have large international student communities and excellent public transport. Townsville provides a tropical lifestyle with lower living costs. Each campus is CRICOS-registered for this course.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain full-time enrolment at a CRICOS-registered provider and make satisfactory course progress. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for personalised visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Search for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care on HeadStart Academy. Filter by provider (Imagine Education Australia), location, and study level to confirm CRICOS registration. 2. Apply Directly: Visit Imagine Education Australia’s website (www.imagineeducation.com.au) to review entry requirements, submit an application, and arrange English language testing if needed. Check application deadlines and required documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport). 3. Receive CoE and Apply for Visa: Once accepted, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement. Allow processing time (usually 4-8 weeks).
Both Queensland and South Australia have strong demand for qualified early childhood educators. Queensland has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering education courses, with major hubs in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Townsville. South Australia has more than 50 providers, concentrated in Adelaide. Living costs in these states are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne: weekly rent for a shared apartment ranges from A$180–A$300 in Adelaide and A$200–A$350 in Brisbane/Gold Coast. Public transport is accessible, with student discounts available. The early childhood sector is growing due to government investment, offering good job prospects post-study. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered and protected by the ESOS Act.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Browse other Diploma courses on HeadStart Academy or contact Imagine Education Australia for application details.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust. 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.