Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Australia

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 109262F)

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 109262F) is a Certificate III delivered by Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd over 1 year. This entry-level qualification equips you to work as an early childhood educator, supporting children's development in a range of care settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 03402B), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. Perth, Western Australia, hosts over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering education and training courses, with a vibrant student community and relatively lower living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne. With this qualification, you'll gain practical skills in fostering children's learning, health, and safety under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protections. The course includes a mandatory work component, providing real-world experience. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) sources all data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — free resource with no referral fees.

All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government
Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)
Free resource — no commission, no referral fees
Covers 26,433 courses across all study levels and states
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Course Overview

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 109262F) is a VET qualification at AQF Level 3, within the field of Education (0701). It is offered by Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (03402B) with a campus in Perth's central business district. The course is designed for international students seeking foundational skills in early childhood education. The CRICOS register lists this course with a duration of 52 weeks (1 year), delivered in English as a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). Indicative tuition is A$20,000, with non-tuition fees of A$8,000, totalling A$28,000. These fees are subject to change; always confirm with the provider via their website (http://www.ailfe.wa.edu.au). As a CRICOS-registered course, international students are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring quality assurance and student rights.

What You'll Study

This qualification covers the knowledge and skills required to support children's development in early childhood settings. Core units typically include promoting child health and safety, supporting play and learning, and working within legal and ethical frameworks. Graduates learn to plan and implement activities that stimulate children's physical, cognitive, and social development. The field of education (0701) prepares educators to work in childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. At the Certificate III level, you'll develop foundational competencies, including communication with children and families, and understanding of early childhood education principles. While the specific syllabus is set by the provider, this course aligns with national VET standards (CHC30121).

Duration and Study Mode

The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification — no dual awards or foundation studies are included. The provider may offer full-time study modes, typically requiring around 20–25 hours of class time per week plus self-study. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to meet Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The course is delivered at two Perth locations: Level 1 and Level 3, both at 100-104 Murray Street, Perth WA 6000. Perth offers a student-friendly environment with excellent public transport, including buses and trains from the city centre.

Fees (Indicative)

Fees listed on the CRICOS register for this course are indicative: tuition A$20,000, non-tuition fees A$8,000, estimated total A$28,000. Non-tuition fees may cover materials, registration, and administration. These do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders — typically A$600–1,000 per year. Living costs in Perth are approximately A$450–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. The visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500) is also separate. Always confirm current fees with Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd before applying. HeadStart Academy's data is sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and is not a guarantee of pricing.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

For Certificate III level, providers typically require completion of Year 11 (or equivalent) in your home country. English language proficiency is expected: IELTS overall 5.0–5.5 or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL, PTE). Some providers may accept alternative evidence. For this course at Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd, applicants must meet entry requirements set by the institution — refer to their website for specific academic prerequisites. Foundation or pathway options are not part of this course; however, if you need to improve English, consider ELICOS programs offered by CRICOS-registered providers. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the Student visa.

Work Component

This course includes a mandatory work component of 40 weeks, with 4 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours). This work-integrated learning involves industry placement or clinical placement in an early childhood education setting. You'll apply theoretical knowledge while supervised by experienced educators, gaining practical skills in child supervision, activity planning, and team collaboration. Such placements are a common feature of VET courses in Australia, enhancing employability. International students must ensure that any work placement complies with visa conditions (Subclass 500) — it is part of the course and does not count toward the 48 hours per fortnight work limit.

Delivery Locations

The course is delivered at two addresses in Perth's CBD: Level 1, 100-104 Murray Street, Perth WA 6000, and Level 3, 100-104 Murray Street, Perth. Both are within the same building. Perth is the capital of Western Australia, with over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. The city has a student population of over 100,000 (including domestic). Living costs are moderate compared to eastern capitals. Campus is walking distance from Perth Railway Station and bus stops, making it accessible via public transport. The area offers cafes, libraries, and study spaces — ideal for international students.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider, sufficient financial capacity (tuition + OSHC + living costs + return airfare), English language proficiency, and meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to changes in immigration policy). OSHC is mandatory — it covers medical and hospital services. Always check current conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a registered MARA agent for personal advice.

Is Perth Right for You?

Perth offers a unique study experience with a relaxed lifestyle, sunny climate, and strong job market in sectors like education and healthcare. For early childhood education graduates, demand is steady due to population growth. The city has over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering programs in education, with many pathways to higher qualifications. Cost of living is lower than Sydney or Melbourne: average rent for a shared room A$200–300/week, groceries A$80–120/week. Public transport is efficient with a student discount. If you prefer a smaller city with outdoor activities (beaches, parks) and a close-knit student community, Perth is a great choice. However, consider that some interstate job opportunities may require relocation. Always research your provider's reputation and support services.

How to Apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register (cricos.teqsa.gov.au) to verify that the provider and course are registered. Filter by course level (Certificate III) and field (Education) to find options in Perth. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application with required documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy) to Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd via their website (http://www.ailfe.wa.edu.au). Check application deadlines and entry requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once the provider issues a CoE, you can lodge a visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare evidence of financial capacity, OSHC, and GTE statement. For visa guidance, consult a registered migration agent.

Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Explore other Certificate III courses in Perth or contact the provider directly.

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View the full Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd profile →

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Source-backed course facts

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CRICOS course code
109262F
Provider
Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd (03402B)
Course level
Certificate III
Field of education
07 - Education
Duration
52 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$20,000
Estimated total (indicative)
A$28,000
Delivery locations
PERTH, Perth
Work component
Yes (160 total hours)

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative total fee is A$28,000, comprising A$20,000 tuition and A$8,000 non-tuition fees. These are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs include OSHC (approximately A$600–1,000 per year) and living expenses. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider via their website.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) according to the CRICOS register. It is a full-time program, likely requiring 20–25 hours of contact time per week. The course includes a work component of 160 hours over 40 weeks.
Typical entry requirements include completion of Year 11 or equivalent and English proficiency of IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall. Equivalent tests (TOEFL, PTE) may be accepted. Specific requirements are set by the provider; refer to Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd for exact details.
This course is offered at two locations in Perth: Level 1, 100-104 Murray Street, and Level 3, 100-104 Murray Street. Both are in the same building in Perth's CBD, easily accessible by public transport. The provider is Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03402B).
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$28,000 for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (tuition A$20,000). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 109262F, offered by Australian Association of Education and Research Pty Ltd (provider code 03402B). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.