Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108823H) is a Certificate III delivered by Education Training & Employment Australia Pty. Ltd. over 1 year. This course is designed for international students seeking to work in early childhood education settings across Australia. It covers core competencies in child development, health and safety, and program planning, aligned with the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. With a embedded work component of 4 weeks (160 hours), students gain practical experience in regulated early childhood services. The course is offered at four locations: Heidelberg (VIC), Parramatta (NSW), Adelaide (SA), and Canning Vale (WA). As a CRICOS-registered course (108823H), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment, ensuring quality education and student protections under the ESOS Act.
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This qualification is at AQF Level 3 and falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Students learn foundational skills for working with children from birth to school age, including planning and implementing educational programs, supporting children's social and emotional development, ensuring safety and wellbeing, and working collaboratively with families and communities. The curriculum typically covers units such as 'Support children's health and safety', 'Nurture creativity in children', and 'Work legally and ethically'. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, graduates emerge prepared for roles such as early childhood educator or assistant in long day care, kindergarten, or family day care settings. The course also emphasizes cultural competence and inclusive practices, critical in Australia's diverse society. For specific unit details, contact Education Training & Employment Australia directly.
According to the CRICOS register, the course runs for 1 year (52 weeks). Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies attached). Students are expected to attend on-campus classes, with possible online components depending on provider delivery. Full-time study load is typical to meet visa requirements. As a Certificate III, it is a streamlined pathway to further study, such as Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. The course is not designed as a foundation program; instead, it directly prepares students for employment. International students must maintain satisfactory course progress to comply with student visa conditions.
Fees shown are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Tuition is A$16,250, non-tuition fees total A$1,750 (including materials, administration, etc.), bringing the estimated total to A$18,000. Important: These figures do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. International students should budget for additional costs: OSHC (approx A$600-1,200 per year), living costs (A$21,041 per year as per Department of Home Affairs guidelines), and airfares. Always confirm current fees with Education Training & Employment Australia at their official website before applying. HeadStart Academy does not set fees; we provide data from the CRICOS register for reference only.
International applicants typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.0-5.5 (or equivalent) as a minimum English proficiency. Students should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent for entry to Certificate III level. No prior early childhood qualification is required, though relevant work experience may be beneficial. Some providers may have additional requirements such as a Working with Children Check or pre-course interview. Foundation or pathway options are not offered with this course; students who do not meet direct entry should contact Education Training & Employment Australia for alternative pathways or English language programs. Always check the provider's website for the most current admissions criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 4 weeks (160 hours total, at 40 hours per week). This is an industry placement in a regulated early childhood education setting, such as a long day care centre or preschool. The placement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, developing practical skills in supervising children, planning activities, and maintaining safety standards. It is an integral part of the qualification and must be completed successfully to graduate. Students are typically responsible for arranging their own placement with support from the provider. The work component also helps satisfy the 48 hours per fortnight work limitation during term, as placement is considered part of study.
Education Training & Employment Australia delivers this course at four campuses: 113 Burgundy Street - Head Office Campus in HEIDELBERG, VIC; Argyle Street Parramatta - 21 Argyle St PARRAMATTA NSW 2150; Level 2, East, 50 Grenfell Street, ADELAIDE, SA; and Unit 4, 78-84 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale, CANNING VALE, WA. Heidelberg is a suburb of Melbourne, home to over 100 CRICOS-registered providers and a large student population, with affordable living costs (median rent ~A$350/week). Parramatta is a major hub in Western Sydney, close to transport and with many student services. Adelaide offers a more affordable cost of living (median rent ~A$300/week) and is known for its education sector with over 30 providers in the city. Canning Vale is a growing area in Perth, with good public transport links to the city. Each campus provides access to libraries, study spaces, and student support.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key visa conditions: maintain OSHC for the duration of your stay, abide by the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (subject to visa conditions). Students must also maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress. The ESOS Act protects your rights, including tuition fee protection and access to complaints processes. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA migration agent. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (108823H) at Education Training & Employment Australia: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field (Education), and location. Verify CRICOS registration (provider code 02925E, course code 108823H) on the official CRICOS website. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (e.g., IELTS 5.0-5.5), prepare documents (transcripts, English test results, passport), and submit your application through Education Training & Employment Australia's admissions portal. Application deadlines vary by intake. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use it to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. For guidance, refer to our Student Visa page.
If you have a passion for working with children and want a career in early childhood education, this Certificate III is a great starting point. It suits students who enjoy hands-on learning, as the work component provides real-world experience. The course is offered in multiple cities, so consider location factors: Heidelberg and Parramatta are in larger metropolitan areas with vibrant student communities, while Adelaide and Canning Vale offer a more relaxed pace and lower living costs. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,433 courses, so compare options to find the best fit. Remember that this is a vocational qualification, not a degree; if you aim for leadership roles, consider progressing to a Diploma or university degree later.
Ready to apply? Explore this course on Education Training & Employment Australia's website and start your journey in early childhood education today.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Education Training & Employment 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.