Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108679M) is a Certificate III delivered by Stirling Institute of Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This nationally recognised qualification (CHC30121) is designed for those passionate about working with children from birth to 5 years. As part of the field of Education (07), this course provides foundational skills in early childhood development, safety, and program planning. Stirling Institute of Australia, a private CRICOS-registered provider (03797M), delivers this course at their Southbank, Victoria campus. With Australia hosting over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, this program is a solid step for international students aiming to enter the early childhood sector in Australia.
As a Certificate III level course (AQF Level 3), students gain practical knowledge in early childhood education, including child development, health and safety, cultural competence, and supporting children's play and learning. Graduates typically learn to work effectively in a team, communicate with families, and apply regulatory requirements. While specific syllabus details are set by the provider, this field of education (Teacher Education: Early Childhood) prepares students for roles such as early childhood educator or assistant in childcare centres, kindergartens, or preschools.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and not a foundation studies program. Stirling Institute of Australia may offer full-time study modes; confirm delivery structure directly with the provider.
Indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) are: tuition A$11,750, non-tuition fees A$400, estimated total A$12,150. These do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (e.g., accommodation, food, transport), or the visa application charge. Always confirm current fees on the provider’s website. For living costs in Melbourne, Victoria, budget approximately A$450–650 per week for rent, groceries, and transport, though this varies by lifestyle.
International students typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent). Previous qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 10 or completion of a relevant Certificate II are generally expected. Some providers may offer foundation or pathway programs if you do not meet academic or English requirements – contact Stirling Institute of Australia for specific options.
No work component – this course does not include a mandatory work placement as per the CRICOS register. However, practical skills may be integrated through classroom-based activities.
This course is delivered at: Ground Floor, 99 Queens Bridge Street, SOUTHBANK, VIC 3006. Southbank is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Melbourne, adjacent to the CBD. Melbourne has one of Australia’s largest student populations (over 250,000 international students), with excellent public transport (trams, trains, buses). Living costs in Melbourne are moderate for a major city; typical weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$200–350.
To study this course on a student visa (Subclass 500), you must meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements, provide evidence of financial capacity, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Always check current Department of Home Affairs policies as they may change. This page does not provide immigration advice – consult a registered MARA agent for visa applications.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (108679M) at Stirling Institute of Australia Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – filter by course level, field (Education), and city (Southbank, VIC). HeadStart Academy’s database covers 1,556 providers and 26,433 courses (April 2026). 2. Apply directly to Stirling Institute of Australia Pty Ltd – check entry requirements (English test, academic transcripts) and application deadlines. Submit your application through their admissions portal. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – once accepted, use the CoE to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Explore all CRICOS-registered early childhood education courses on HeadStart Academy – your free resource for trusted course data.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Stirling Institute of Australia 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.