Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108105E) is a Diploma delivered by Australian City International College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is designed for individuals seeking to develop the skills and knowledge to work in early childhood education settings, such as childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. As a Diploma-level qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 5), it provides a pathway to supervisory and management roles in the sector. The course covers areas including child development, program planning, health and safety, and building relationships with families and communities. With a work component of 14 weeks (280 hours), students gain practical experience in real early childhood settings. Australian City International College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03888H) is a private provider with campuses in Darwin, NT, and Parramatta, NSW. All international students must study at a CRICOS-registered provider to comply with student visa conditions. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Note: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute migration advice.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 108105E) is offered by Australian City International College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03888H), a private education provider. This qualification (CHC50121) is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework at Diploma level (AQF Level 5). It prepares graduates to work as lead educators, centre directors, or family day care coordinators. The course is designed for international students who want to gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge in early childhood development, curriculum design, and regulatory compliance. With a strong focus on work-integrated learning, students complete 280 hours of supervised placement in licensed early childhood settings. The field of education is Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101), which encompasses child growth, learning strategies, and inclusive practices. CRICOS registration ensures the course meets Australian government standards for international students. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
This Diploma covers the core competencies required to work effectively in early childhood education. Students explore child development from birth to school age, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects. They learn to design and implement play-based learning programs that foster creativity, language, and numeracy. The curriculum also addresses legal and ethical frameworks, workplace health and safety, and inclusive practices for children with diverse needs. Graduates gain skills in observing and documenting children's learning, building partnerships with families, and leading teams of educators. While specific unit titles vary, the course aligns with the national training package CHC50121, ensuring consistency across providers. This field of education (070101) is regulated by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), meaning graduates meet quality standards for employment in the sector.
The course is delivered full-time over 1 year (52 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English, and the program is a single qualification (no dual awards or foundation studies). Students attend classes and complete a work placement component of 14 weeks, totaling approximately 280 hours. The course is not offered in a part-time or online mode for international students under this CRICOS registration. Study is campus-based, with face-to-face teaching supported by practical workshops. The duration includes scheduled breaks, during which students may work unlimited hours subject to visa conditions. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for specific academic calendars and timetables.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$16,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,750, giving an estimated total of A$17,750. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. The non-tuition fees may cover application charges, enrolment, materials, and other administrative costs. Additional expenses not included in the total are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders, living costs (accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge. For current fees, always refer to Australian City International College Pty Ltd's official website. HeadStart Academy does not set fees and provides this information as a guide only. ESOS Act protections ensure that students receive a refund if the provider fails to deliver the course.
International students typically need an IELTS overall band score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent) to meet English language requirements. Academic entry generally requires completion of Year 12 or equivalent secondary schooling. Some providers may also require previous study in a related field or relevant work experience. Foundation studies are not offered for this course, but the provider may offer pathways through other qualifications. Always check with Australian City International College for specific entry criteria, including any prerequisite units or recognition of prior learning. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are limited. The Department of Home Affairs also has its own Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visa applicants.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 14 weeks, at 20 hours per week (approximately 280 total hours). Students undertake a supervised industry placement in a licensed early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. This practical experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop professional skills, and build networks in the sector. Placements are arranged by the provider and may be in various locations near the campuses. International students must ensure their visa allows for work-integrated learning; student visa holders can undertake placements that are a compulsory part of the course without affecting their work hours. This hands-on training is a key feature of the Diploma and is designed to meet ACECQA requirements for educators.
The course is delivered at two main campuses: Darwin Campus (25 Cavenagh St DARWIN CITY NT 0800 and 43 Cavanagh Street, DARWIN CITY NT 0800) and a campus in Parramatta, NSW (Suite 1, Level 2, 17-21 Macquarie Street, PARRAMATTA NSW 2150). Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory, with a smaller but growing international student community and around 20 CRICOS-registered providers. Living costs in Darwin are higher than the national average, with weekly rent around A$400–A$600 for a one-bedroom unit. Parramatta is a major hub in Western Sydney, home to many education institutions and a large student population. Rent in Parramatta ranges from A$300 to A$500 per week. Public transport is accessible at both locations. Students should consider climate, lifestyle, and job opportunities when choosing a campus.
To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course, with work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and meet attendance and progress requirements. All student visa applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. You also need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa period. Financial capacity requirements apply; you must show you can cover tuition, living costs (approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Early childhood education is a growing sector in Australia, with strong demand for qualified educators. This Diploma can lead to roles such as early childhood teacher, centre director, or family day care coordinator. Consider the location: Darwin offers a unique tropical lifestyle and smaller class sizes, while Parramatta is close to Sydney's job market. Both cities have affordable public transport and student support services. The work placement is a valuable opportunity to gain local experience, which can enhance employability. Also, note that after graduation, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet requirements. Always compare multiple providers using the CRICOS register to find the best fit. HeadStart Academy helps you navigate over 26,000 courses from 1,556 registered providers.
Follow these three steps to secure your place: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy or the CRICOS register to confirm the course and provider are current. Filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and city (Darwin or Parramatta). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Australian City International College's website to submit an application. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.5-6.0), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines and term start dates. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Then lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you meet GTE, OSHC, and financial requirements. HeadStart Academy recommends seeking professional advice if needed.
Start your journey in early childhood education — explore this course on the CRICOS register or contact Australian City International College directly.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian City International 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.