Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108602K) is a Diploma delivered by St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated over 1 year 5 months (~75 weeks). This qualification prepares you to work as an early childhood educator, designing and implementing curriculum for children from birth to five years. As a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03122K), St George & Sutherland Community College meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. The course includes a mandatory work placement of 20 weeks, giving you hands-on experience in real childcare settings. With indicative tuition fees of A$13,000 and total estimated costs of A$14,500, this diploma offers an affordable pathway to a rewarding career in early childhood education. Located in Jannali, NSW, the campus is accessible by public transport from Sydney's Sutherland Shire. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource—we do not charge referral fees. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, which lists 1,556 registered providers offering 26,433 courses. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring your rights as an international student.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108602K) is a Diploma delivered by St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated over 1 year 5 months (~75 weeks). This qualification sits at AQF Level 5 and falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Graduates are equipped to plan, implement, and evaluate early childhood programs in accordance with the National Quality Framework. The course includes a work component—20 weeks of industry placement at 14 hours per week—totalling approximately 280 hours of supervised professional experience. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers, and St George & Sutherland Community College is one of them, ensuring quality assurance and student protections. HeadStart Academy sources all course data from the official CRICOS register, so you can trust the accuracy of the information presented.
This diploma covers the knowledge and skills required to work with children and families in early childhood settings. Core units typically include promoting child development, designing inclusive programs, supporting children's wellbeing, and establishing respectful relationships. Students learn to apply the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards. The course also addresses legal and ethical responsibilities, cultural safety, and working with diverse families. As a diploma-level qualification, it emphasises practical leadership and management of early childhood services. While specific unit lists should be confirmed with St George & Sutherland Community College, graduates are prepared for roles such as early childhood educator, room leader, or family day care coordinator.
The course runs for 1 year 5 months (~75 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and not a foundation studies program. The duration includes the work placement component, which is integrated into the study schedule. Students should expect a combination of classroom-based learning and practical placement hours. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 protects your tuition fees and ensures course quality.
Tuition fees for this course are indicatively A$13,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,500, bringing the estimated total to A$14,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the institution. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For current fees, always check the provider's website at http://www.sgscc.edu.au/international. Living costs in Sydney (near Jannali) are approximately A$20,000–25,000 per year for a single student, including rent, groceries, and transport.
International students typically need an IELTS score between 5.5 and 6.0 overall (or equivalent) to enter this diploma. You should also have completed Australian Year 12 or an equivalent overseas qualification. No prior experience in early childhood education is usually required, but some providers may ask for a prerequisite in English or mathematics. Foundation or pathway programs may be available if you do not meet direct entry requirements—contact St George & Sutherland Community College for details. All entry requirements are set by the institution; HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks, with 14 hours per week (approximately 280 total hours). This is an industry placement in a regulated early childhood education and care setting. During placement, you will apply theoretical knowledge to real-world practice, working under supervision with children aged 0–5 years. This work-integrated learning is a key feature of the diploma, giving you valuable Australian experience and professional references. The placement is arranged by St George & Sutherland Community College, and you will need to meet any pre-placement requirements such as a Working with Children Check or health clearance.
The course is delivered at 127-129 Sutherland Rd, Jannali — Jannali, NSW. Jannali is a suburb in Sydney's Sutherland Shire, approximately 30 km south of the city centre. The campus is close to local childcare centres and community facilities, providing convenient placement opportunities. The area is well-served by trains and buses, with Jannali railway station within walking distance. Sydney is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, and living costs here are higher than the national average—expect weekly rent of around A$350–600 for a shared apartment or studio. Public transport is accessible, with trains to Central Station taking about 30 minutes.
International students studying this diploma will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, obtaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. After graduation, you may be eligible for post-study work rights if your qualification meets the requirements. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the latest visa conditions. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised guidance.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (108602K) at St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses like this one. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered and the course meets your study goals. You can also check the CRICOS register directly at cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit St George & Sutherland Community College's international page (http://www.sgscc.edu.au/international) to confirm entry requirements, English test score needed, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English proficiency evidence, and other documents. Submit your application as instructed.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, the college will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need OSHC, evidence of financial capacity, and a valid passport. Processing times vary, so apply early.
Ready to take the next step? Visit St George & Sutherland Community College's international page to apply directly for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (108602K).
View the full St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated profile →
Diploma of 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.