Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 107917K) is a Certificate III delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust over 1 year. This qualification is the entry-level credential for individuals seeking to work in early childhood education and care settings in Australia. It equips students with the foundational skills to support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing in a regulated environment. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) under provider code 03024A, ensuring international students can study with confidence. As an AQF Level 3 qualification, it prepares graduates for roles such as Early Childhood Educator or Family Day Care Worker. The program includes a compulsory work placement component, allowing students to gain practical experience in real early childhood settings. Melbourne City Institute of Education (MCIE) delivers this course at its Level 8 Collins Street campus in Melbourne’s central business district. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, this qualification opens doors to a rewarding career in one of the country’s fastest-growing employment sectors.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 107917K) is a Certificate III delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust over 1 year. This nationally recognised qualification (VET code CHC30121) is designed to meet the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. It covers essential competencies such as supporting children’s play and learning, ensuring health and safety, and working legally and ethically. The course is offered at AQF Level 3, which is ideal for those entering the workforce or seeking to upgrade their skills. As a CRICOS-registered program, it satisfies all Australian Government requirements for international student enrolment. The course fee includes tuition and non-tuition charges, but students should budget separately for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application fee. For accurate and current fee information, always refer to the provider’s website at www.mcie.edu.au. This course is a pathway to further study, including the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
The field of education for this course is Teacher Education (Broad Field 07), specifically Teacher Education not further classified. Students learn to plan and implement educational programs for children from birth to age five, focusing on learning through play, cultural competence, and inclusion. The curriculum covers child development theories, observation techniques, and fostering positive relationships with children and families. Practical units include first aid, nutrition, and workplace health and safety. While the specific syllabus is set by Melbourne City Institute of Education, the course is designed to align with national quality standards. Graduates are prepared to work in long day care centres, family day care, preschools, and outside school hours care. The course also emphasises reflective practice and professional identity, key traits for success in early childhood education. Students develop skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are transferable across various education settings.
The Course is delivered over 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and the program is a single qualification — it does not offer dual awards or foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes at MCIE’s Collins Street campus and complete a work placement component. The full-time study load typically involves 20 hours of face-to-face classes per week, supplemented by self-directed study and workplace training. The course is not offered online; it is campus-based to maximise hands-on learning. With a 52-week duration, students can plan their visa accordingly, as the student visa (Subclass 500) allows for the duration of the course plus any remaining holiday periods. MCIE may offer multiple intakes per year — check the provider’s website for exact start dates.
The indicative total cost for this course is A$16,850, comprising tuition of A$15,600 and non-tuition fees of A$1,250 (including materials, enrolment, and resource fees). These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change without notice. Always verify current fees directly with Melbourne City Institute of Education at www.mcie.edu.au before applying. Important: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included in this estimate. For a single student, OSHC costs approximately A$600–A$700 per year for standard cover. Living costs in Melbourne are around A$21,000–A$27,000 per year (including rent, food, transport, and utilities), with weekly rent averaging A$250–A$400 for shared accommodation. The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC when applying for a student visa.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (no band below 5.0). Alternative tests such as PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English may be accepted — check with MCIE for equivalents. Academic requirements typically include completion of Australian Year 11 or equivalent overseas qualification. While Certificate III is a lower-level AQF qualification, providers may consider work experience or other indicators of ability. There are no foundation studies or pathway programs directly attached to this course, but MCIE may offer bridging or English language courses for students who need additional support. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement as part of the student visa process. For specific entry criteria, contact Melbourne City Institute of Education directly. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent for individualised assessment.
This course includes a mandatory work placement of 8 weeks, totalling approximately 160 hours (20 hours per week). Students are placed in an early childhood education setting such as a long day care centre or preschool to gain practical experience under supervision. The placement enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, develop professional relationships, and meet the vocational competency requirements of the qualification. It is an integral part of the course and must be completed to graduate. MCIE assists students in arranging placements, but students may also source their own workplace with provider approval. The work placement is unpaid, and students are covered by MCIE’s insurance policies. This component satisfies the Australian Qualifications Framework requirement for work-integrated learning in VET programs.
Melbourne City Institute of Education delivers this course at Level 8 Collins Street — Melbourne, VIC. This campus is situated in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district, within walking distance of Flinders Street Station and multiple tram lines. Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city and home to over 200,000 international students from 170 countries. The city boasts a vibrant multicultural community, excellent public transport, and a high quality of life. There are more than 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering education-related courses in Melbourne, making it a competitive but supportive study environment. Living costs in Melbourne are higher than the national average but offer diverse accommodation options, from shared apartments to purpose-built student housing. The Collins Street campus is close to libraries, cafes, and early childhood education hubs, providing a stimulating learning atmosphere.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this full-time CRICOS-registered course. The visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus two months (if your course is longer than 10 months, you may get additional time). With a student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays — but always check current conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa period. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate that your stay in Australia is genuinely for study purposes. Financial capacity evidence is needed: you must show funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student), and OSHC. HeadStart Academy provides guidance but strongly recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or visiting homeaffairs.gov.au for personalised advice. Remember, all CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring consumer rights and tuition protection.
Melbourne is a leading destination for early childhood education studies, offering a dynamic blend of academic excellence and practical opportunities. With over 30 providers offering similar courses, you’ll have access to a wide network of potential employers and professional development. The city’s diverse population means you’ll work with children and families from various cultural backgrounds, enriching your learning experience. Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, with excellent public transport, affordable food markets, and numerous parks and recreational facilities. However, consider that living costs in Melbourne are higher than in regional areas — typical weekly expenses for a single student are around A$400–A$600. To manage costs, many students opt for shared housing or part-time work (up to 48 hours per fortnight). When choosing this course, think about your career goals: early childhood educators are in high demand across Australia, with strong job growth projected. Completing a Certificate III can lead to roles in child care centres, kindergartens, or even starting your own family day care. For further study, you can progress to a Diploma and then a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Start by exploring providers that offer Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in Victoria. Filter by location, course level, and duration on HeadStart Academy. Verify the provider’s CRICOS code (03024A) and course code (107917K) on the official CRICOS register at cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Submit your application to Melbourne City Institute of Education via their website www.mcie.edu.au or through an authorised education agent. You will need to provide evidence of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.0-5.5), academic transcripts, and a valid passport. Deadlines vary — check with MCIE for intake dates.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once MCIE assesses your application and you are accepted, they will issue a CoE. Use this CoE to apply for a Student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. You must also arrange OSHC, demonstrate financial capacity, and satisfy the GTE requirement. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent.
Ready to start your early childhood education career? Explore more Certificate III courses in Victoria on HeadStart Academy, or contact Melbourne City Institute of Education directly for application details.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE 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.