Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108172E) is a Certificate III delivered by Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. over 1 year. This qualification is ideal for international students seeking to start a career in early childhood education in Australia. It provides foundational skills to work in childcare centres, kindergartens, and preschool settings, meeting the Australian Government's quality standards. As a CRICOS-registered course (108172E), it is approved for enrolment of overseas students, ensuring compliance with the ESOS Act and quality assurance. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free, independent resource to help you understand the course details, fees, and entry requirements.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108172E) is a Certificate III delivered by Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. over 1 year. This qualification is part of the field of Education (07), specifically Teacher Education (0701), and is classified under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 3. It is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge to care for children from birth to 5 years of age, supporting their learning and development in accordance with the National Quality Framework. The course includes a mandatory work component, providing real-world experience in early childhood settings. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the requirements for student visa holders. Australia currently has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, and this course is one of many in the education field.
Students in this course will learn about child development, health and safety, supporting children's play and learning, and building relationships with families and communities. The curriculum covers topics such as providing care for children, supporting children's well-being, and working effectively in an early childhood environment. Graduates typically develop competencies in planning and implementing activities, observing children's development, and fostering inclusive practices. While specific syllabi vary, the course aligns with the national vocational training package CHC30121. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and is not a foundation studies program.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, meaning students focus solely on this certificate without undertaking additional awards. Study mode is likely full-time on campus; please confirm with Elite Education Group for exact class schedules. Petersham and Haymarket campuses in Sydney offer convenient access via public transport. Sydney has a large international student population, with over 200,000 overseas students, providing a vibrant multicultural environment.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$9,000, with non-tuition fees of A$0, resulting in an estimated total of A$9,000. Please note that these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For current fees and any applicable discounts, please visit the provider's website: https://vocational.ee.edu.au/. As a guide, living costs in Sydney are approximately A$2,000–A$2,500 per month for rent, groceries, and transport. Always confirm total costs directly with Elite Education Group before applying.
International students typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency, with an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent). Students should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent overseas secondary schooling. No prior early childhood experience is required, but a genuine interest in working with children is important. This course does not require foundation/pathway studies; however, if you do not meet entry requirements, the provider may offer alternative pathways—check with Elite Education Group. Remember, meeting the academic entry requirements does not guarantee a visa; all applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and other visa criteria.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 18 weeks at 8 hours per week (approximately 144 total hours). This is an industry placement (placement) in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. During this placement, students gain hands-on experience caring for children, planning activities, and working under supervision. It is an integral part of the training that ensures graduates are job-ready. The placement is arranged by the provider, but students may need to meet certain requirements (e.g., working with children check). This practical experience is invaluable for building skills and networking within the Australian early childhood sector.
Elite Education Group delivers this course at two campuses in Sydney: Petersham Campus (PETERSHAM, NSW) and Quay Street Campus (HAYMARKET, NSW). Both are located in the inner-west/south of Sydney, well-served by trains and buses. Petersham is a diverse suburb with affordable housing options, while Haymarket is near Central Station and the CBD, offering easy access to public transport and city amenities. Sydney is home to numerous CRICOS-registered providers offering early childhood courses, giving students many options. The city's cost of living is higher than the national average; however, part-time work rights (48 hours per fortnight during term) can help offset expenses.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, OSHC, and living costs, and English language proficiency. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of the visa – recommended providers include Medibank, Allianz, and Bupa. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited work during scheduled breaks. Visa conditions also require maintaining enrolment and satisfactory attendance. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; always consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for individual cases.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Elite Education Group PTY. LTD.:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use the CRICOS register on TEQSA's website to verify that Elite Education Group (CRICOS 03546G) is approved to deliver this course (108172E). Compare course content, fees, and location. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check the entry requirements, including English language test scores (IELTS 5.0-5.5), and submit your application to Elite Education Group. Ensure you meet application deadlines and provide all required documents (academic transcripts, passport copy, etc.). 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, the institution will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and your GTE statement. Processing times vary – apply early.
Explore more early childhood education courses on HeadStart Academy, or visit Elite Education Group's website to apply.
Certificate III in 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.