Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108937J) is a Certificate III delivered by Victorian Institute of Education Pty ltd over 1 year. This course is registered under AQF Level 3 and falls under the field of Education (07), specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood. Students will gain foundational skills to support the development and learning of children from birth to five years. The course includes a work component of approximately 160 hours, providing practical experience in early childhood settings. Victorian Institute of Education Pty ltd (CRICOS 03778C) is a private provider offering this course at three locations: Adelaide CBD and two campuses in Sydney's Haymarket. As with all courses on HeadStart Academy, data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). All listed institutions are CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with Australian Government standards for international education. The ESOS Act provides protections for overseas students, including tuition fee protection and access to complaints processes. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, Australia offers diverse study options in early childhood education. This page provides an overview of fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa guidance for this specific course.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is an entry-level qualification for those seeking to work in early childhood education and care services. Graduates typically learn how to support children's development, implement learning activities, maintain safety and health standards, and work collaboratively with families and colleagues. This field of education (070101) prepares students for roles such as early childhood educator or assistant in childcare centres, kindergartens, and preschools. While the specific syllabus is set by the provider, the AQF Level 3 qualification indicates a foundation skill set with moderate complexity. Students can expect to cover topics like child development, cultural competence, and regulatory frameworks. Many institutions also include practical placements as part of the curriculum. For detailed subject descriptions, refer to the provider's website.
The course duration is 1 year, comprising 52 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program). The standard study load for a full-time international student is typically 20 contact hours per week, though this may vary. The course is designed to be completed within the standard duration, and students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress to comply with student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$13,000, with non-tuition fees of A$700, totalling an estimated A$13,700. Please note that these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. The following costs are NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For current fees, always check the provider's website at www.vie.edu.au. Students should budget for additional costs such as textbooks, uniforms (if required), and transport. Living costs vary by location: for example, in Adelaide, weekly rent for a shared apartment averages A$200-$350, while in Sydney, it ranges from A$300-$500. The Australian Government recommends international students budget at least A$21,041 per year for living costs (excluding tuition). ESOS protections ensure that students' fees are safeguarded in the event of provider default.
For this course, an English proficiency of IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent) is typically required. Students should also have completed Year 10 or equivalent, as the Certificate III is an AQF Level 3 qualification. No specific prior experience in early childhood education is necessary, but a genuine interest in working with children is essential. Some providers may require a Working with Children Check or police clearance before placement. Foundation or pathway options are available from some institutions; check with Victorian Institute of Education Pty ltd for specific requirements. Entry requirements are set by the provider and may change. Always confirm with the institution before applying.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 40 weeks, with 4 hours per week, totalling approximately 160 hours. This is typically an industry placement or internship in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or kindergarten. The work-integrated learning allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world environment, develop practical skills, and build professional networks. Placements are usually arranged by the provider, but students may need to meet specific prerequisites like immunisations or background checks. Successful completion of the placement is often required to graduate.
Victorian Institute of Education Pty ltd delivers this course at three campuses: Adelaide Campus at Suite 2, Ground Floor, 97 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000 (Central Business District, near public transport); George Street Campus (Level 2) at Level 2, 741 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000; and George Street Campus (Level 3) at Level 3, 741 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000. The Adelaide campus is located in the heart of the city, with access to trams, buses, and the Adelaide Railway Station. Adelaide is known for its affordable living costs and vibrant student community, hosting over 40,000 international students. Sydney's Haymarket area is a bustling hub with excellent public transport links (train, bus, light rail) and proximity to universities, libraries, and student services. Both cities offer numerous CRICOS-registered providers for early childhood education courses.
International students enrolled in this course will need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion: demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study; Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): mandatory health insurance for the duration of the visa; Financial capacity: prove you have sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel; English proficiency: meet the provider's English language requirements. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It's important to maintain enrolment, attend classes, and meet course progress requirements. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet the criteria. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy provides guidance but does not offer immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Victorian Institute of Education Pty ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Certificate III), field (Education), and location (Adelaide or Sydney). Compare providers and courses using the official CRICOS register. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Victorian Institute of Education's website (www.vie.edu.au) to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. Remember, HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees. All data is sourced from the CRICOS register.
Adelaide and Sydney offer distinct experiences for international students. Adelaide is known for its lower cost of living and a relaxed lifestyle, with a growing early childhood education sector. The city has numerous childcare centres and kindergartens, offering good placement opportunities. Sydney, being Australia's largest city, has a vast number of early childhood services and diverse cultural experiences. However, living costs are higher. Both cities have public transport that makes commuting to campuses easy. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and career goals when choosing a location. For more information on studying in South Australia, explore our South Australia page, or for education courses in Adelaide, visit our education in Adelaide page.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Explore more courses on HeadStart Academy or contact Victorian Institute of Education Pty ltd directly.
View the full Victorian Institute of Education Pty ltd profile →
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Victorian Institute of Education 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.