Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108735H) is a Certificate III delivered by Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification, registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), is designed for international students seeking to begin a career in early childhood education. As a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03400D, Private), Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd offers this course at its Parramatta campus in New South Wales. Understanding the CRICOS register is the first step to studying in Australia – it ensures your course and provider meet Australian Government standards. This page provides indicative fees, entry requirements, visa guidance, and practical details to help you make an informed decision. Course fees are sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108735H) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification under the field of Education (07), specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). This course is ideal for those who want to work in childcare centres, preschools, or as early childhood educators. The curriculum covers planning engaging activities, supporting children's development, and maintaining safe environments. Graduates are prepared to work under supervision in regulated children's services. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students – this course is one of many options available through the CRICOS register, which is the only official source for confirming a provider's registration to enrol overseas students.
As a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care student, you will learn about child development, health and safety, inclusive practices, and how to design play-based learning experiences. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing you to support children aged 0–5 years. Typical subjects include fostering children's social and emotional wellbeing, understanding legal frameworks, and working with families. The VET national code for this qualification is CHC30121, which aligns with national competency standards. This is a single qualification – no dual awards or foundation studies are offered with this course. The language of instruction is English, and the course is delivered in a face-to-face setting at the Parramatta campus.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a full-time program with English as the language of instruction. This is a single qualification – no dual qualification is attached. The course does not include foundation studies. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as required by their Student visa (Subclass 500). The structured timeline includes teaching sessions, self-study, and a mandatory work component.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is A$10,500. Non-tuition fees (such as application, enrolment, or materials) are estimated at A$1,000, bringing the estimated total to A$11,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change – always confirm current fees with Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd via their website: www.acos.edu.au. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (weekly rent in Parramatta averages A$250–$350 for a room), groceries (A$80–$150), and public transport (A$40–$60). The student visa application charge (currently A$1,600) is also separate. International students are protected by the ESOS Act, which ensures fee refunds and course quality standards.
General entry requirements for this level include IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) to demonstrate English proficiency. Applicants should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent overseas qualifications. There are no formal academic prerequisites beyond that, but providers may require a basic literacy and numeracy assessment. If you do not meet the English requirement, pathway options like ELICOS may be available – check with the provider. Always verify specific entry criteria directly with Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd, as requirements can vary.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 5 weeks of work placement at 32 hours per week, totaling approximately 160 hours. This industry placement (also known as vocational placement) allows you to gain practical experience in a real early childhood setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. It is an integral part of the CHC30121 qualification, applying your learning under supervision. The placement may be arranged by the provider or sourced independently – confirm with the institution beforehand.
The course is delivered at Level 5, 20 Macquarie Street Parramatta – Parramatta, NSW. Parramatta is a major commercial and educational hub in Western Sydney, home to over 20 CRICOS-registered providers. The campus is accessible via train (Parramatta Station), bus, and light rail. The area has a large student population and offers affordable living compared to Sydney CBD. Parramatta's cost of living is moderate – rent for a shared room averages A$250–$350 per week, and a weekly grocery budget of A$80–$150 is typical. Public transport to campus is convenient, with frequent services from surrounding suburbs.
International students enrolled in this course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Visa conditions include: study load must be full-time, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of stay, and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term (since July 2023) and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Dependents may accompany you with part-time work rights. The visa application fee is currently A$1,600 (plus surcharges). You must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year), OSHC, and travel. As per the ESOS Act, your provider must be CRICOS-registered – Australian Academy of Nursing Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03400D) meets this requirement. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice – consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for your individual situation.
Parramatta is a dynamic city with a multicultural population and a growing education sector. With over 20 registered providers in the area, it offers diverse study options. The region is known for its parks, dining, and shopping, and is a 30–40 minute train ride from Sydney's CBD. Living costs are lower than in Sydney's inner suburbs, making it attractive for students who want to be near a major city without the high rent. However, consider commute times and the part-time job market when deciding. Parramatta has a strong community feel and many support services for international students.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Academy of Nursing 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.