Are you an international student looking to start a career in early childhood education in Australia? Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108535E) is a nationally recognised qualification delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission (TAFE NSW) over 49 weeks (~11 months). This course provides the foundational skills to work in children’s services, preparing you for roles such as early childhood educator or assistant. With a strong work component and multiple delivery locations across New South Wales, this CRICOS-registered course is a trusted pathway into the education sector. Read on for a full breakdown of fees, entry requirements, visa conditions, and how to apply.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108535E) is a Certificate III delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission over 49 weeks (~11 months). This course sits at AQF Level 3 and falls under the field of education: Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies attached. The VET national code is CHC30121. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00591E), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. TAFE NSW is a government-owned provider with a strong reputation for vocational training. This course is ideal for students who want to gain practical skills in early childhood education and care, with a mandatory work component to ensure real-world experience.
In this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to support the development and wellbeing of children from birth to five years. The curriculum covers areas such as child development, play-based learning, health and safety, communication with families, and legal and ethical responsibilities in early childhood settings. Graduates are equipped to work in long day care centres, family day care, preschools, and occasional care. While the specific syllabus is determined by TAFE NSW, typical learning outcomes include fostering children’s learning through play, maintaining a safe environment, and supporting inclusive practices. This qualification also provides a pathway to further study, such as the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
According to the CRICOS register, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care runs for 49 weeks (~11 months). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Full-time study is expected, with a combination of classroom learning and practical placement. TAFE NSW may offer flexible delivery options such as blended learning, but international students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. The course is structured to provide comprehensive vocational training within the stated duration.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$12,500, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0, giving an estimated total of A$12,500. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. You should always confirm current fees directly with TAFE NSW via their international website (https://www.tafensw.edu.au/international). Additional costs not included in the tuition are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. For a student in NSW, living costs can range from A$20,000 to A$30,000 per year depending on lifestyle and location. Use the fee information as a guide only.
International students typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency. The indicative English requirement is IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). You are also expected to have completed an Australian Year 10 or equivalent qualification. Some prior knowledge in education or childcare may be beneficial but is not mandatory. TAFE NSW may have specific academic prerequisites, so refer to their entry requirements page. This course is not a foundation studies program, but TAFE NSW offers pathway options such as English language courses if you need to meet the language requirement. Always check the latest entry criteria as they can change.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component. According to CRICOS data, it comprises 4 weeks of placement, totalling approximately 160 hours (hours per week not specified, but typical placements are around 40 hours per week). This work placement is an integral part of the qualification, allowing you to apply classroom theory in a real early childhood setting. You will gain hands-on experience under supervision in licensed childcare centres or preschools. This not only develops practical skills but also enhances your employability in the Australian job market. TAFE NSW will assist in arranging suitable placements.
This course is offered at six TAFE NSW campuses across New South Wales: Armidale (Beardy Street), Bankstown, Bathurst, Campbelltown, Coffs Harbour (Hogbin Drive), and Glendale (Cardiff). Each campus serves a vibrant regional or metropolitan community. For example, Armidale is a regional city with a strong education sector, while Bankstown and Campbelltown are part of Greater Sydney with excellent public transport links. NSW is home to over 700 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. Living costs vary by location: Sydney’s weekly rent averages A$600-900, while regional areas like Armidale are more affordable at A$300-500. All campuses are accessible by public transport.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your study, plus a period after. Key conditions include: work rights of 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited work during scheduled breaks. You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance requirements, and have adequate OSHC. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. You also need to show financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow this three-step process to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Technical and Further Education Commission:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Education), and location (NSW). Confirm that TAFE NSW is registered to deliver this course (CRICOS 00591E).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the TAFE NSW international website to review entry requirements, gather your academic transcripts and English test scores, and submit an application. Deadlines vary, so apply early.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. Then book your travel and prepare for your studies in Australia!
New South Wales is Australia’s most popular study destination, with Sydney being a global city. The state offers a mix of metropolitan and regional lifestyles. For early childhood education, NSW has a high demand for qualified educators, and the diverse population provides rich practical experience. Consider your preferences: Do you want the hustle of Sydney or a smaller community like Armidale? Living costs in regional areas are lower, but Sydney offers more networking opportunities. All campuses are well-connected by public transport. NSW also has strong student support services. Weigh these factors before choosing your preferred delivery location.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step guide above to start your application process.
View the full Technical and Further Education Commission profile →
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Technical and Further Education Commission. 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.