Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 107918J) is a Diploma delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust over 1 year. This course is designed for international students seeking to develop the skills and knowledge required to work as early childhood educators in Australia. Melbourne City Institute of Education (MCIE) is a CRICOS-registered private provider (CRICOS 03024A) offering quality vocational education in Melbourne's city centre. As a CRICOS-registered course, this Diploma meets Australian Government standards for international students, ensuring you receive a qualification recognised across Australia. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000 courses available across Australia, this Diploma stands out for its strong work-integrated learning component and location in one of the world's most student-friendly cities. Whether you're planning to work in childcare centres, kindergartens, or early learning programs, this course provides the foundational qualification needed to meet the National Quality Framework requirements. HeadStart Academy is a free resource to help you compare CRICOS-registered courses and providers — no referral fees, just accurate data straight from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 107918J) is an AQF Level 5 qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework. It falls within the field of education (broad field 07 - Education, narrow field 0701 - Teacher Education, detailed field 070100 - Teacher Education, n.f.c.). This course prepares graduates to design and implement curriculum, lead teams, and manage early childhood services. It is a single qualification (not dual) and does not include foundation studies. The course is delivered over 52 weeks in English. A key feature is the mandatory work component of 20 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 400 total hours), providing real-world experience in Australian early childhood settings. This work-integrated learning meets the requirements for educator roles under the Education and Care Services National Law. The provider, Melbourne City Institute of Education, is a private college located at Level 8 Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD, offering easy access to public transport and student amenities. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring your tuition fees and student rights are safeguarded.
This Diploma covers the knowledge and skills needed to work as an early childhood educator in Australia. Students learn about child development, curriculum planning, inclusive practices, health and safety, and leadership in early childhood settings. The course combines theoretical study with practical application through assessments, case studies, and the work placement. Graduates are prepared to design programs that support children's learning and development from birth to school age. The content aligns with national quality standards and the Early Years Learning Framework. While specific unit codes are set by the provider, typical areas include: fostering children's development, designing and implementing curriculum, managing children's behaviour, promoting cultural competence, and leading teams in children's services. This level of study (Diploma) is designed to equip students with advanced vocational skills ready for roles such as group leader or centre coordinator. It also provides a pathway to higher education in early childhood teaching (e.g., Bachelor of Education) with potential credit exemptions.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a 1-year program, listed as 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English, with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Students are expected to attend classes at the Melbourne City Institute of Education campus in Melbourne's CBD. The study mode is typically full-time, combining face-to-face delivery and supervised work placement. The intensive nature of the program means students should be prepared for a demanding schedule of classes and placement hours. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment as per your student visa conditions. The duration meets the requirements for a Subclass 500 student visa, which typically allows you to live and study in Australia for the duration of the course plus a buffer. Always check the provider's current teaching calendar and intake dates as these can vary.
The tuition fee for this course is A$15,600, with non-tuition fees of A$1,250, bringing the estimated total to A$16,850. These fees are indicative only and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust and are subject to change without notice. Please refer to www.mcie.edu.au for the most current fee schedule. Additional costs not included in the estimated total include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students — see our guide on OSHC for more details. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at around A$29,000 per year for a single student (including rent, food, and transport), as per Department of Home Affairs financial capacity requirements. The visa application charge for a Subclass 500 student visa is also separate. We recommend budgeting approximately A$450–550 per week for accommodation in Melbourne, with city centre options on higher end. The indicative total of A$16,850 covers tuition and mandatory fees only; always factor in living expenses before committing.
Entry requirements for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care are set by Melbourne City Institute of Education. As a general guide, international students need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent approved test). You must also have completed Year 12 or equivalent prior study. Some providers may require a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or relevant work experience. There are no foundation studies bundled with this Diploma; however, MCIE may offer pathway options for students who do not meet direct entry. It is essential to check the provider's website for specific academic and English requirements. If you need to improve your English before starting, consider a pathway program at MCIE or another CRICOS-registered college. Remember: meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission — the provider makes final decisions based on capacity and your overall application. Always consult the provider for the most accurate and current entry criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 400 total hours). This work-integrated learning involves a supervised placement in an Australian early childhood education setting, such as a long day care centre, kindergarten, or preschool. During the placement, you will apply classroom learning to real-world practice under the guidance of experienced educators. This component is critical for developing practical skills and meeting the National Quality Framework requirements for early childhood educators in Australia. The placement hours count towards your course and are scheduled as part of the program structure. You must complete this component to graduate. Melbourne City Institute of Education will arrange placement opportunities for students. It is important to note that placement may require a Working with Children Check (or equivalent state check) and immunisations. The provider will advise on these requirements prior to placement.
This course is delivered at Melbourne City Institute of Education's campus located at Level 8 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and one of Australia's largest cities, with a vibrant student population of over 250,000 international students. The city is home to more than 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering a wide range of courses. Collins Street is in the heart of the CBD, with excellent public transport access via Flinders Street Station, trams, and buses. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with weekly rent for a shared apartment averaging A$250–$350 and a monthly transport pass around A$200. For education students, there are numerous early childhood services and employment opportunities in Melbourne's growing suburbs. The campus location offers proximity to libraries, student services, and cultural attractions. Consider whether Melbourne's climate and urban lifestyle suit your preferences before applying.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered Diploma are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) from the Department of Home Affairs. This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus additional time for travel. Work rights: you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to current visa conditions). The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement means you must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory — you and any dependants must maintain adequate health insurance. Financial capacity: you must show access to funds to cover tuition fees, living costs (minimum A$29,710 per year for a single student from October 2024), and travel. Melbourne City Institute of Education will issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) once you accept your offer and pay the required deposit. Visa processing times vary; apply early. HeadStart Academy provides general visa guidance but is not a registered migration agent. For specific advice, consult MARA-registered agents or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Melbourne City Institute of Education.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses by level, field, and location. Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered — MCIE is registered (CRICOS 03024A) and this course is listed with code 107918J. Check entry requirements, fees, and intake dates.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit www.mcie.edu.au to access the online application form. Submit required documents, including academic transcripts, English test results, and a copy of your passport. You may need to pay an application fee. The provider will assess your eligibility and may request an interview or additional documents.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If accepted, MCIE will issue a CoE. Use this CoE to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare for visa health checks, OSHC purchase, and biometric collection. Apply well before the course start date. Once visa is granted, you can make travel arrangements and attend orientation.
Ready to start your early childhood education career in Australia? Begin your application today by visiting Melbourne City Institute of Education's official website.
Diploma of 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.