Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108727H) is a Diploma delivered by Riverdale Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification sits at AQF Level 5 within the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03949M), Riverdale Institute Pty Ltd offers this course to international students seeking to develop skills in early childhood education and care. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this diploma prepares graduates for roles in childcare centres, preschools, and other early learning environments. The course is delivered in two Victorian locations: West Melbourne and Werribee, giving students flexibility in choosing their study base. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring international students have legal rights and quality assurance. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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This Diploma focuses on early childhood education and care, covering areas such as child development, curriculum design, health and safety, and family engagement. Students learn to plan and implement educational programs for children from birth to school age. The field of education (07 - Teacher Education) at this AQF Level 5 Diploma typically emphasises practical skills and theoretical knowledge to work effectively in diverse early childhood settings. Graduates may pursue roles such as early childhood educator, centre director, or family day care coordinator. Note that specific syllabus details should be confirmed with Riverdale Institute Pty Ltd.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and is not a foundation studies program. The national VET code for compliance is CHC50121. Students should expect full-time study to complete the diploma within the scheduled timeframe.
Indicative tuition fee: A$11,000. Non-tuition fees: A$1,000, making an estimated total of A$12,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Riverdale Institute Pty Ltd. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., weekly rent in Melbourne averages A$300–500), and the Student visa application charge (A$1,600 as of 2025). International students must also budget for books, equipment, and personal expenses.
English language proficiency: IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Applicants typically need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent. Prior qualifications in early childhood education may be recognised. Foundation or pathway options may be available – refer to Riverdale Institute Pty Ltd for details. Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission; the provider assesses each application individually.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, students may seek part-time work under student visa conditions. Note that practical placement may be required for vocational qualifications – confirm with the provider.
The course is delivered at two Victorian locations: Miller St, West Melbourne, VIC, and Unit 19, 2-14 Station Pl, Werribee, VIC. West Melbourne is close to Melbourne's CBD with excellent public transport (trains, trams, buses). Werribee is a growing suburb southwest of Melbourne with its own train station and local amenities. Victoria has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, and Melbourne is home to a large international student population of over 200,000. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$1,500–2,000 per month for rent, groceries, and transport.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) for this course. Key conditions: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet course progress requirements, hold OSHC for the duration, and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Dependants may have work rights depending on the student's course level. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current visa conditions.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Riverdale Institute Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to filter by course level, field, and city. HeadStart Academy provides free search tools. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Prepare academic transcripts, English test results, and other documents. Check entry requirements and application deadlines on the provider's website. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you have a CoE, lodge your visa application online. Include OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement.
Victoria offers a strong early childhood education sector with high demand for qualified educators. Melbourne and regional areas have numerous childcare centres and preschools. When choosing a course, consider: provider reputation and CRICOS registration, delivery location and campus facilities, and support services for international students. Werribee provides a quieter, suburban lifestyle with lower rent than central Melbourne. Public transport from Werribee to Melbourne CBD takes about 30–40 minutes by train. Ensure the course meets your career goals and visa requirements.
Ready to begin? Research Riverdale Institute Pty Ltd on CRICOS and apply now.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Riverdale Institute 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.