Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108166C) is a Diploma delivered by FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This qualification sits at AQF Level 5 and focuses on the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Graduates are prepared to design and implement learning programs, supervise staff, and support children's development in early childhood settings. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students. FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. (CRICOS 03838G) is a private provider with delivery locations in Parramatta and Melbourne. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses in Australia, this Diploma offers a pathway to skilled employment and further study in the education sector. All data on HeadStart Academy is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness.
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The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 108166C) is a comprehensive qualification for those seeking to become early childhood educators. Delivered by FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD., the course runs for 78 weeks (1 year 6 months) and includes a mandatory work component of 280 hours (14 weeks at 20 hours/week). The course is taught entirely in English and is a standalone qualification (not a dual or foundation program). Graduates earn the VET national code CHC50121. As a CRICOS-registered program, international students are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition assurance and consumer rights. This Diploma is ideal for students who wish to work in childcare centres, preschools, or as family day care educators.
This course falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). While specific syllabi are set by the provider, typical learning outcomes include understanding child development from birth to school age, designing play-based learning environments, supporting children's social and emotional wellbeing, and building partnerships with families and communities. Students also learn about legal and ethical frameworks in early childhood education, health and safety practices, and leadership skills for supervising teams. The curriculum aligns with Australian early childhood education standards and the National Quality Framework. Practical placement provides real-world experience in early childhood settings, preparing graduates for roles such as early childhood educator, group leader, or program coordinator.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The full-time program is taught in English at FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. campuses. This is a single qualification (AQF Level 5) with no dual or integrated pathways. The course includes a significant work-based learning component: 14 weeks of industry placement at 20 hours per week (approximately 280 hours total). This practical experience is integral to meeting the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) requirements for early childhood educators. Students should be prepared for a combination of classroom learning, self-directed study, and supervised placement.
FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. sets the following indicative fees for this course as recorded in the CRICOS register: tuition fee of A$18,000 and non-tuition fee (e.g., enrolment, materials) of A$750, bringing the estimated total to A$18,750. Please note that these are indicative only and subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$22,000–A$30,000 per year depending on city), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees directly with the provider. For comparison, early childhood diploma courses in Australia range from A$15,000 to A$25,000. HeadStart Academy provides fee data from the official CRICOS register as a free resource.
Entrance into the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care requires applicants to meet English language proficiency and prior qualification benchmarks. The recommended IELTS score is 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent in other tests like TOEFL or PTE). Students typically need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent. Some providers may require a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care as a prerequisite. While this course does not include foundation studies, applicants with lower English scores may consider pathway options such as English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) offered by FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION. Always check the provider's specific admission criteria. Academic transcripts, a valid passport, and evidence of English proficiency are standard documents required for application.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 14 weeks of industry placement at 20 hours per week (approximately 280 total hours). This work-integrated learning provides hands-on experience in real early childhood settings such as childcare centres, preschools, or kindergartens. Under the supervision of qualified educators, students will practice planning and implementing educational programs, observing children's development, and engaging with families. The placement is a critical part of meeting the National Quality Framework requirements for early childhood educators. It also helps students build professional networks and gain confidence. Work schedules are arranged by the provider in consultation with placement hosts, and students must comply with work health and safety regulations. International students should note that the placement hours are additional to study and may not be counted toward student visa work limitations, which allow 48 hours per fortnight during term.
FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. delivers this Diploma at three locations: Level 7 Parramatta (Parramatta, NSW), Level 8 85 Queen St (Melbourne, VIC), and Levels 1 & 2 16-18 Wentworth Street (Parramatta, NSW). Parramatta is a major educational hub in Western Sydney, home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student population. Typical living costs in Parramatta: rent A$250–A$350 per week for shared accommodation, groceries A$80–A$120, and public transport A$50–A$70. Melbourne CBD is Australia's largest student city, with over 150 registered providers. Living costs there range from A$300–A$450 rent, A$90–A$130 groceries, and A$60–A$90 transport. Both campuses are well-served by trains, buses, and light rail. Choosing a location depends on personal preference and proximity to placement sites.
International students enrolling in this Diploma require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) – currently estimated at A$630 per year for single cover. Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course at FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. will be needed for the visa application. It is essential to maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised guidance. ESOS Act protections apply, giving you rights to refunds and support if the provider fails to deliver.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD.:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and city (Parramatta or Melbourne). Confirm the provider is registered at cricos.education.gov.au. 2. Apply directly to FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. – Check their website for application forms, entry requirements (IELTS 5.5–6.0, academic transcripts), and deadlines. Submit all documents and pay the application fee if required. 3. Receive your CoE and apply for a Student visa – Upon acceptance, the provider issues a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Once granted, prepare for your studies in Australia.
Ready to start your journey? Explore more courses at headstartacademy.com.au or contact FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. directly for the latest fees and intake dates.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION 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.