Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108601M) is a Certificate III level qualification delivered by St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated over 1 year 3 months (~65 weeks). This course is ideal for international students seeking a career in early childhood education, providing foundational skills to work in childcare centres, preschools, and other early learning environments. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this program is fully registered on the CRICOS register, ensuring it meets Australian Government standards for international students. As a CRICOS-registered course, it also falls under the ESOS Act protections, giving you legal rights and safeguards during your studies. Whether you plan to stay in Sydney or explore regional NSW, this qualification opens doors to rewarding roles in a growing sector. To help you decide, we cover everything from indicative fees to visa requirements and work component details.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 108601M) is a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 3). It is delivered by St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated (CRICOS 03122K), a private registered training organisation based in southern Sydney. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical work placement, preparing graduates to support children's learning and development in a range of early childhood settings. As a VET course with national code CHC30121, it aligns with industry standards and regulatory requirements. This is a single qualification, not a dual or foundation studies program. All CRICOS-registered providers must meet strict quality assurance requirements, and St George & Sutherland Community College is regularly audited to maintain its registration. Data sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) confirms all details on this page are current.
This qualification falls under the field of Education (07) and specialises in Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Students learn how to support children's holistic development, design play-based learning experiences, ensure health and safety, and work effectively with families and communities. Core units typically cover areas such as supporting children's social and emotional development, promoting physical activity, and fostering inclusive practices. While specific syllabi are set by the provider, the AQF Level 3 qualification indicates that graduates will have the skills to work under supervision in entry-level childcare roles. The course includes a mandatory work component where you apply theory in real early childhood settings, gaining hands-on experience essential for employment in Australia. International students benefit from Australia's strong regulatory framework, with all providers subject to regular compliance checks by TEQSA and ASQA.
The course is scheduled to run for 1 year 3 months (~65 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). Typically, courses at this level involve a mix of classroom-based learning, online components, and supervised work placement. Your exact timetable will be provided by St George & Sutherland Community College upon enrolment. It is important to note that the duration is the minimum CRICOS-registered duration; actual study may be affected by term breaks and public holidays. For visa purposes, the Department of Home Affairs uses the CRICOS duration as the expected length of stay. Always check the provider's website for the most accurate schedule.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$10,500, with non-tuition fees of A$1,500, bringing the estimated total to A$12,000. These fees are set by St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Please note that course fees are indicative only and subject to change — always confirm directly with the provider at http://www.sgscc.edu.au/international before applying. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$25,000 per year for Sydney), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). For a detailed breakdown, refer to the provider's international fee schedule. As a free resource, HeadStart Academy does not charge any commission or referral fees — we simply help you find CRICOS-registered courses.
For international students, a minimum English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent) is generally required for Certificate III level study. You must also have completed Year 12 or equivalent (Australian AQF Level 2 or above). Some providers may require a pre-training assessment or relevant work experience. St George & Sutherland Community College will assess your academic transcripts and English test results on application. Foundation or pathway options are not offered with this course, but you can contact the provider to discuss alternative entry pathways if needed. Always check the exact requirements on the provider's international admissions page. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee visa outcomes; consult a registered MARA agent for personalised guidance.
Yes, this course includes a work component: 10 weeks of placement at 16 hours per week, totalling approximately 160 hours of supervised work-integrated learning. This is a mandatory part of the CHC30121 qualification and involves practical placement in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. During the placement, you will apply classroom learning to real children's education and care activities under the guidance of experienced supervisors. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing confidence and industry connections in Australia. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can undertake up to 48 hours per fortnight of paid work during term and unlimited work during scheduled breaks, but note that placement hours are separate from paid work limits. Check visa conditions carefully.
The course is delivered at 127-129 Sutherland Rd, Jannali — located in the Sutherland Shire, about 25 km south of Sydney CBD. Jannali is a quiet residential suburb with good transport links via the Illawarra train line and local buses. The campus is close to shops, parks, and the Royal National Park. Sydney is home to over 150 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a diverse range of courses and a large international student community. Living costs in Sydney are higher than regional areas — indicative weekly rent for a share house is around A$350–A$500, groceries A$100–A$150, and public transport A$30–A$50. Studying in Jannali gives you access to Sydney's resources while living in a quieter, family-friendly environment.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key visa conditions include: maintaining satisfactory attendance and progress, working up to 48 hours per fortnight during term (unlimited during breaks), and maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay. You will also need to satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents. The Department of Home Affairs sets the minimum living cost at A$29,710 per year (as of October 2026). Upon completing the course, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485). Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for official advice or consult a registered migration agent.
Follow these three steps to start your application for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Education), and location (Jannali or NSW). Compare providers and read course details. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit St George & Sutherland Community College's international website (http://www.sgscc.edu.au/international) and submit your application with required documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). Check entry requirements and deadlines.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to show proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. For visa assistance, consult a MARA-registered migration agent.
New South Wales is Australia's most popular state for international students, with over 400 CRICOS-registered providers and thousands of courses. Sydney, the state capital, offers a vibrant lifestyle, world-class infrastructure, and strong job prospects in early childhood education. The Sutherland Shire, where Jannali is located, is known for its beaches, parks, and family-friendly communities. Public transport connects Jannali to Cronulla beach, Sydney CBD, and other key areas. The cost of living in NSW is higher than regional areas, but many students find part-time work to supplement expenses. When choosing a course, consider the provider's location, support services, and industry connections. St George & Sutherland Community College has a strong local reputation and offers personalised support for international students.
Explore all Certificate III courses in Early Childhood Education and Care across Australia on HeadStart Academy — your free, independent resource for finding CRICOS-registered courses.
View the full St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated profile →
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated. 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.