Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 109312A) is a Certificate III delivered by Gordon Institute of TAFE over 1 year. This entry-level qualification prepares you to work in early childhood settings, supporting the development and learning of children from birth to 5 years. As a CRICOS-registered provider (00011G), Gordon Institute of TAFE meets Australian Government standards for international student education. This page covers all key details: indicative fees, entry requirements, work component, delivery location in Geelong, and visa pathways. All information is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 109312A) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification offered by Gordon Institute of TAFE (CRICOS 00011G), a government-owned TAFE institution. The course is classified under field of education 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood. It is designed for students who wish to gain practical skills and knowledge to support children's wellbeing, learning, and development in early childhood education and care settings. Upon completion, graduates may find employment as early childhood educators or assistants in long day care centres, preschools, and family day care. The course is delivered over 52 weeks and includes a mandatory work component of approximately 225 hours, providing real-world experience in an Australian early childhood environment.
Students in this course will develop competencies aligned with the national VET framework (CHC30121). Core topics typically include promoting child health and safety, supporting the development of children's social and emotional skills, building respectful relationships with children and families, and understanding legal and ethical frameworks in early childhood education. The curriculum emphasises practical, hands-on learning alongside theoretical knowledge. While specific unit details should be confirmed with the provider, graduates at this level are expected to demonstrate foundational skills in observation, planning, and implementation of learning experiences that are responsive to children's interests and needs. This qualification meets the requirements for an educator role under the National Quality Framework.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Delivered in English, this single qualification (no dual or foundation options) involves full-time study. Students should expect a combination of classroom-based learning and practical placement. The language requirement ensures students can effectively participate in academic and workplace communication. As a CRICOS-registered course, it complies with the Education for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, guaranteeing quality standards and student protections.
The indicative tuition fee for the course is A$14,000. Non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, materials, and administration) are estimated at A$850, bringing the estimated total to A$14,850. Note: fees shown are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are set by Gordon Institute of TAFE — subject to change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders, living expenses (see cost of living estimates below), and the Australian Government's visa application charge. Always confirm the latest fees directly with Gordon Institute of TAFE via their website: http://www.gordontafe.edu.au/.
International students typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency with an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent recognised test). Additionally, applicants should have completed an Australian Year 11 or equivalent qualification. This is a Certificate III level course, so prior study at a lower level (e.g., Year 10) may be considered with relevant work experience. Specific academic entry requirements vary — refer to Gordon Institute of TAFE for precise prerequisites. Some students may be eligible for pathway programs if their English or academic level is slightly below requirements; contact the provider for details. Always check the latest entry criteria directly.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 6 weeks (approximately 225 total hours) — integrated learning through an industry placement. Students will be placed in an approved early childhood education setting such as a long day care centre, preschool, or community kindergarten. Under supervision, they will apply theoretical skills in real-world environments, gaining hands-on experience with children, educators, and families. This work-integrated learning is crucial for developing professional confidence and meeting the practical competencies required for National Quality Framework compliance. The exact schedule and hours per week are set by the provider to align with course and visa conditions.
The course is delivered at Gordon Institute of TAFE - GEELONG in Geelong, Victoria. Geelong is a major regional city approximately 75 km south-west of Melbourne, with a growing student population. It offers a lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $350–$450 plus bills, groceries ~$80–$120, and public transport via Geelong's bus and train network (a myki card is used). The campus is accessible by public transport. Geelong has a vibrant international student community and several study hubs. For more context on studying in Victoria, see our /states/vic page.
To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and academic progress, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays (subject to visa conditions). You must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs (approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student, plus dependents), travel, and OSHC. For detailed eligibility, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Gordon Institute of TAFE: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register (or our filters) to confirm this course and provider are registered — Gordon Institute of TAFE (CRICOS 00011G) and course 109312A are both registered. 2. Apply directly: Submit your application to Gordon Institute of TAFE with required documents (academic transcripts, English test scores, passport copy). Check application deadlines and condition. 3. Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa: If accepted, you'll get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which you need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE, OSHC, and financial requirements.
Ready to take the next step? Use our step-by-step application guide above or contact Gordon Institute of TAFE directly. Remember, all courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered — your study in Australia is protected by the ESOS Act.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Gordon Institute of TAFE. 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.