Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108170G) is a Diploma delivered by Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. over 2 years. This nationally recognised qualification (CHC50121) prepares you to work as an early childhood educator in a range of settings, including long day care centres, preschools, and family day care. As an international student in Australia, you will gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge to support children's development from birth to five years. The course includes a work component of approximately 300 hours, giving you real-world experience in an Australian early childhood setting. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and more than 26,000 courses to choose from, this Diploma is a solid pathway into the growing education sector. All data on HeadStart Academy comes directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring you have accurate, up-to-date information to plan your study journey.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108170G) is a Diploma delivered by Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. over 2 years. This AQF Level 5 qualification falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It is designed for international students who want to pursue a career in early childhood education in Australia or overseas. The course covers child development, program planning, inclusive practices, and team leadership. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students, including ESOS Act protections. Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. (CRICOS 03546G) is a private provider with campuses in Sydney, NSW. The course is taught in English and includes a mandatory work placement.
This Diploma focuses on early childhood education and care, preparing you to work with children aged 0-5 years and their families. You will learn about child development theories, designing and implementing curriculum, promoting health and safety, supporting children with additional needs, and building partnerships with families. The course also includes leadership and management skills for supervising staff in early childhood settings. While specific unit details are determined by the provider, graduates typically develop the ability to assess children's learning, create inclusive environments, and comply with regulatory frameworks such as the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). These skills are highly valued in Australia's early childhood sector, which employs over 150,000 educators nationwide.
According to the CRICOS register, this course runs for 104 weeks (2 years) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not dual) and does not include foundation studies. Students must attend classes on campus at either Petersham or Haymarket in Sydney. The course includes a work component of 60 weeks (5 hours per week), totalling approximately 300 hours of industry placement. This hands-on experience is a key feature of the program, allowing you to apply your learning in a real early childhood setting. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with your student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$24,000 for the full 2 years, with no additional non-tuition fees charged by the provider. The estimated total cost is A$24,000. Please note that these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website (https://vocational.ee.edu.au/). Additional expenses not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the student visa application charge. For a single international student, living costs in Sydney are approximately A$25,000–A$30,000 per year, covering rent, groceries, and transport. OSHC typically costs around A$600–A$800 per year. The visa application fee is currently A$1,600.
For this Diploma level, applicants generally need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent. Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. may also require relevant work experience or a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. English language proficiency is essential: an IELTS overall score of 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent) is a typical requirement. Some providers offer foundation or pathway programs if you do not meet the direct entry requirements. Check the provider's website for specific academic and English entry criteria. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 60 weeks, with 5 hours per week, totalling approximately 300 hours. This is an industry placement in a registered early childhood education setting, such as a long day care centre or preschool. The placement allows you to gain practical experience under the supervision of qualified educators. You will apply your learning in real-world situations, develop professional networks, and build confidence in working with children and families. Such work-integrated learning is a requirement of the CHC50121 qualification and is designed to ensure graduates are job-ready. Your provider will assist in arranging placement locations near your campus.
This Diploma is delivered at two campuses in Sydney, New South Wales: Petersham Campus (PETERSHAM, NSW) and Quay Street Campus (HAYMARKET, NSW). Both are in the inner city, with excellent public transport access. Petersham is a vibrant, multicultural suburb about 5 km from the Sydney CBD, while Haymarket is in the heart of Chinatown, near Central Station. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 200,000 international students and more than 60 CRICOS-registered providers offering Diploma-level courses. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, with rent for a single bedroom in a shared house averaging A$300–A$500 per week. The city offers a rich cultural life, beautiful beaches, and a strong labour market for early childhood educators.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, such as this Diploma. Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Elite Education Group, evidence of English proficiency, OSHC, financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel, and a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement. The ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student, including tuition fee protection. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Applying for this Diploma at Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. involves three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Diploma) and field (Early Childhood Education). Confirm that Elite Education Group is CRICOS-registered (03546G) and offers the course you want.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit the provider's website (https://vocational.ee.edu.au/) to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy).
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once accepted, Elite Education Group will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Visa processing times vary; apply early.
Sydney offers a dynamic environment for studying early childhood education. With over 1,500 early childhood services in the city, there are ample placement and employment opportunities. However, consider the high cost of living – weekly rent for a room in a shared house near the city can range from A$300 to A$500. The sector is regulated by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), and graduates must meet national standards. As an international student, you can work part-time, but your primary focus should be on study. Check the provider's track record for graduate outcomes and support services. HeadStart Academy provides free, unbiased information to help you make an informed choice.
Ready to start your journey? Explore more Diploma courses in NSW on HeadStart Academy and find the right fit for your career goals.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Elite Education Group 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.