Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 107902F) is a Certificate III delivered by Shafston International Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks). This entry-level qualification, classified under AQF Level 3 and field of Education: Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101), equips you with foundational skills for roles in childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. It is a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03917H), ensuring it meets Australian Government standards for international students. The curriculum covers child development, play-based learning, health and safety, and family engagement. You'll also complete a mandatory work component of 160 hours (16 weeks at 10 hours/week) in an early childhood setting. Shafston International Pty Ltd, a private provider, offers this course at its campuses in Kangaroo Point (Brisbane) and Southport (Gold Coast), giving you a choice of two vibrant Queensland locations. With the VET national code CHC30121, this qualification is a solid start for a career in early childhood education. As with all CRICOS courses, international students are protected by the ESOS Act.
In this Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, you'll gain foundational knowledge in early childhood development, learning frameworks, and care practices. Core units typically cover supporting children's health and safety, fostering positive relationships, implementing play-based learning activities, and working with diverse families. You'll also develop skills in cultural competence, inclusion, and communication. The course is designed to prepare you for entry-level roles in the early childhood sector, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. Graduates often pursue careers as early childhood educators, playgroup supervisors, or family day care educators. This qualification can also serve as a pathway to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, allowing you to advance your skills and career prospects. The field of education (070101) focuses on preparing individuals to work with children from birth to school age, emphasising both theoretical understanding and real-world application.
The course duration is 1 year and 1 month (56 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual award). Students are expected to attend full-time, which may include a mix of classroom-based learning, online components, and practical placements. The 56-week period includes both study and assessment time. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. Upon successful completion, you will receive the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, a nationally recognised VET qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
The indicative tuition fee for this course at Shafston International Pty Ltd is A$10,000, with non-tuition fees (such as administration and materials) of A$300, bringing the estimated total to A$10,300. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. You should confirm current fees directly with Shafston International Pty Ltd before applying. Additional costs not included in this estimate are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application fee. For a single student, OSHC typically costs around A$630 per year, and living costs are estimated at A$21,041 per year (Department of Home Affairs 2025 figures). HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not charge any referral fees – always check with the provider for the most up-to-date fee schedule.
Entry requirements for international students include an overall IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent English test, such as TOEFL or PTE) and completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. As this is a Certificate III level course, prior study in a related field is not required, but some providers may assess your academic background. If you do not meet the English requirement, you may be able to enrol in an English language pathway course before starting your main studies. Always check with Shafston International Pty Ltd for their specific entry criteria, as requirements can vary. Additionally, you may need to provide evidence of financial capacity and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for your student visa. HeadStart Academy provides guidance but does not offer immigration advice – consult a MARA-registered agent for visa-related questions.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 16 weeks at 10 hours per week (approximately 160 hours total). This is typically a supervised industry placement in an early childhood education setting such as a childcare centre, kindergarten, or preschool. During the placement, you will apply your classroom learning to real-world situations, develop professional communication skills, and build relationships with children, families, and educators. The work component is an essential part of the course and must be completed satisfactorily to graduate. It also provides valuable Australian work experience that can enhance your employability after graduation. Note that work placement hours are in addition to your study hours, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Shafston International Pty Ltd delivers this course at three locations in Queensland: 46 Thorn Street, Kangaroo Point, QLD 4169 (Kangaroo Point); Gold Coast Shafston – 72 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215 (SOUTHPORT); and Shafston Gold Coast – SOUTHPORT, QLD. The Kangaroo Point campus is located just across the Brisbane River from the city centre, easily accessible by ferry, bus, or bike. The Southport campus is in the heart of the Gold Coast, near public transport stops and student amenities. Brisbane has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community, while the Gold Coast offers a coastal lifestyle with a strong early childhood education sector. Living costs vary: in Brisbane, indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$200–300, with groceries around A$80–100; on the Gold Coast, rent is slightly lower at A$180–280. Both cities have excellent public transport networks.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time and work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, which assesses your genuine intention to study and return home. You also need to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your stay – HeadStart Academy recommends comparing OSHC providers for the best rates. Additionally, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs provides detailed guidance. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent – for personalised visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Shafston International Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Education), and location (Queensland) to find Shafston International Pty Ltd and compare with other options. 2. Apply directly to Shafston International Pty Ltd: Check the entry requirements, prepare your English test results (e.g., IELTS 5.0–5.5), and submit your application by the deadline. You may need to provide academic transcripts and a statement of purpose. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Shafston will issue a CoE. Use it to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you meet all health, character, and financial requirements.
Queensland is a top destination for international students, with over 100,000 enrolled across its universities and VET providers. The state offers a warm climate, diverse cities, and a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Brisbane, the capital, is a thriving hub for education and culture, while the Gold Coast is famous for its beaches and tourism industry – providing unique part-time work opportunities in early childhood settings. When choosing between the two, consider your lifestyle preferences: Brisbane offers urban amenities and easy access to other parts of Queensland, while the Gold Coast combines study with a coastal experience. Both cities have strong job markets for early childhood educators. Public transport from Shafston's campuses is excellent: from Kangaroo Point, you can take a ferry or bus to the Brisbane CBD; from Southport, light rail and buses connect to major centres. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers nationally and 26,433 courses on offer, Queensland provides ample choice for your study journey.
Ready to start your journey in early childhood education? Explore this course and more on HeadStart Academy – your free resource for studying in Australia.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care 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.