Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 108938H) is a Diploma delivered by Victorian Institute of Education Pty ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This AQF Level 5 qualification is designed for international students seeking to work in early childhood education settings. The course covers child development, program planning, and regulatory frameworks. With an indicative tuition fee of A$19,500 and non-tuition fees of A$700, the estimated total is A$20,200. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are additional. Students can study at the Adelaide Campus (SA) or George Street Campus in Haymarket, NSW (Sydney). A key feature is the 20-week work component (280 hours) providing hands-on experience. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03778C), Victorian Institute of Education adheres to Australian quality standards. For current fees and entry requirements, always check the provider’s website. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that lists 26,433 courses across 1,556 providers from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
Graduates of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care are prepared to design and implement curriculum for children from birth to school age. Field of education: 07 Education, specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Learning outcomes typically include understanding child development theories, creating inclusive learning environments, and managing communication with families. The course aligns with VET national code CHC50121. At this AQF Level 5, students develop practical skills through case studies, projects, and supervised work placements. The program emphasizes Australian regulations, including the National Quality Framework (NQF) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). While this is not a teaching qualification, it qualifies graduates for roles such as early childhood educator, group leader, or family day care coordinator. For detailed syllabus, refer to Victorian Institute of Education.
Duration: 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) as per CRICOS register. Language of instruction: English. This is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). Students attend full-time, typically with a combination of classroom learning and practical placement. The course runs continuously over the period, with scheduled breaks in accordance with the academic calendar.
Indicative fees set by Victorian Institute of Education: - Tuition: A$19,500 - Non-tuition fees (enrolment, materials, etc.): A$700 - Estimated total fee: A$20,200 Fees are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and subject to change. Additional costs: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory — expect around A$600–A$800 per year for single cover. Living costs: Adelaide is one of Australia's most affordable cities; rent for a shared apartment ranges from A$200–A$300 per week. Sydney is more expensive: shared accommodation A$300–$450 per week. Visa application charge: A$1,600 (as of 2026). Always confirm current fees with Victorian Institute of Education at www.vie.edu.au.
General guidance for international applicants: - English language proficiency: IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent). Some providers may require 6.0. - Prior qualifications: Completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or related experience) may be advantageous. - Foundation/pathway options: Not specified for this course; check with the provider. - Academic entry: Must meet provider's specific requirements. Contact Victorian Institute of Education for details. Note: Entry requirements vary by institution. Always verify with the provider.
Yes, this course includes a work component: 20 weeks, 14 hours per week (~280 total hours). This industry placement gives students supervised practical experience in early childhood settings such as childcare centres, preschools, or kindergarten programs. Work-integrated learning is integral to gaining the required competencies. Students may be responsible for arranging their own placements or the provider may assist. It’s an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments.
Victorian Institute of Education delivers this course at three locations: 1. Adelaide Campus: Suite 2, Ground Floor, 97 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, with a student population of over 130,000. Living costs are lower than in other major cities. Over 50 CRICOS-registered providers operate in Adelaide. 2. George Street Campus (Haymarket, NSW): Level 2, 741 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000. 3. George Street Campus (Haymarket, NSW): Level 3, 741 George St, Haymarket NSW 2000. Both Sydney campuses are in the vibrant Haymarket area near Central Station and Chinatown. Sydney has more than 200,000 international students and over 400 CRICOS-registered providers. Public transport access is excellent.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key conditions: - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements must be met. - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory. - Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during course term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. - Financial capacity: Must demonstrate ability to pay tuition, living costs, and travel. - Visa length: Typically granted for the course duration plus three months. For full eligibility, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. ESOS Act protections apply — you have rights including access to a refund if the provider fails to deliver.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Victorian Institute of Education: 1. Research: Use HeadStart Academy to confirm this course (108938H) at Victorian Institute of Education (03778C). Ensure it meets your study goals and career plans. Check entry requirements and English language scores. 2. Apply Directly: Submit an application to Victorian Institute of Education via their website (www.vie.edu.au). Provide academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any required documents. Note application deadlines. 3. Receive CoE and Apply for Visa: If accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Then apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC, proof of funds, and GTE statement. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a MARA agent for visa assistance.
Choosing between Adelaide and Sydney depends on your lifestyle and budget. Adelaide offers a more affordable cost of living — weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment A$250–$350, while in Sydney it’s A$450–$600. Public transport is reliable in both cities. Adelaide has a smaller, tight-knit student community, while Sydney is larger and more diverse. Both cities have strong demand for early childhood educators. Consider proximity to campus, work opportunities, and climate. HeadStart Academy provides detailed city guides for South Australia and New South Wales.
Visit Victorian Institute of Education's website at www.vie.edu.au to apply or get more details.
View the full Victorian Institute of Education Pty ltd profile →
Diploma of 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.