Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 110045E) is a Certificate III delivered by Chisholm Institute over 1 year. This qualification, with VET national code CHC30121, equips you with the foundational skills to work in early childhood education settings such as childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00881F), it meets Australian Government standards for international students, ensuring quality education and ESOS Act protections. Whether you're a school leaver or changing careers, this course offers a pathway into a rewarding field. HeadStart Academy, a free resource for international students, lists this course from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions. With over 1,500 CRICOS providers and 26,000+ courses available, choosing the right one is easier with accurate data.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 110045E) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) delivered by Chisholm Institute. The course spans 1 year (52 weeks) and is taught entirely in English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and is not a foundation studies program. The course belongs to the field of education (07 - Education, 0701 - Teacher Education, 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood), focusing on the principles and practices of early childhood development. Graduates are prepared to support children's learning, health, and safety in various early childhood settings. As a CRICOS-registered course, it assures international students of quality and compliance with Australian education standards. Chisholm Institute is a government-owned TAFE institution with multiple campuses across Victoria, committed to providing hands-on vocational training.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care covers core competencies in early childhood development, educational program design, and workplace health and safety. Students learn to support children's wellbeing, foster inclusive learning environments, and collaborate with families and communities. The curriculum aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. Typical learning outcomes include developing communication skills with children, understanding legal and ethical frameworks, and implementing play-based learning activities. While specific unit details may vary, graduates at this level are equipped to work as early childhood educators or assistants. The course also incorporates practical skills through a work component, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
This course runs for 1 year, which equates to 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and the program is delivered as a single qualification — no dual awards are offered. Students typically attend classes on campus, with full-time study required. The duration includes the work placement component (4 weeks). Chisholm Institute offers this course at three campuses in Victoria, providing flexibility for students. International students should ensure they meet the student visa (Subclass 500) conditions, including maintaining full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$14,416, with non-tuition fees of A$195, bringing the estimated total to A$14,611. Please note these are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. Living costs in Victoria vary: for a single student, weekly rent can range from A$200–$350, groceries around A$80–$150, and transport A$30–$50. Always confirm current fees directly with Chisholm Institute via their website (http://chisholm.edu.au) before applying. HeadStart Academy provides this data as a free resource, without any referral fees.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) for entry into this Certificate III course. Prior qualifications expected for AQF Level 3 include completion of Australian Year 10 (or equivalent). Some providers may require students to be at least 18 years old. Chisholm Institute may offer pathway or foundation options for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements; contact the provider for details. Always refer to the official entry requirements on Chisholm Institute's website, as they can change. English language proficiency can also be demonstrated via other tests like TOEFL or PTE Academic. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the provider for the most current information.
Yes, this course includes a work component: 4 weeks of industry placement at 40 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours). Work-integrated learning is a core part of vocational education in Australia, allowing students to gain practical experience in real early childhood settings. During the placement, you will apply classroom learning under supervision, developing skills in child care, education program implementation, and workplace communication. This placement is typically arranged by Chisholm Institute and may be at affiliated childcare centres in the Berwick, Dandenong, or Frankston areas. Successful completion is required to obtain the qualification.
Chisholm Institute delivers this course at three campuses in Victoria: Berwick Campus (25 Kangan Drive, Berwick VIC), Dandenong Campus (121 Stud Road, Dandenong VIC), and Frankston Campus (Fletcher Road, Frankston VIC). All campuses are located in the Greater Melbourne area, which is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. Berwick is a growing suburb in Melbourne's south-east with good public transport connections. Dandenong is a multicultural hub with a major train station and bus network. Frankston, on the Mornington Peninsula, offers a coastal lifestyle with rail links to the city. Each campus has modern facilities including libraries and learning support services. Living costs in these suburbs are generally lower than central Melbourne, making them attractive for international students.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study. Financial capacity must be shown to cover tuition, living costs (around A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel. All CRICOS-registered courses provide ESOS Act protections, including access to the Tuition Protection Service. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Victoria is Australia's second most popular destination for international students after New South Wales, with over 200,000 international students enrolled in 2025. Melbourne, the state capital, is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities. The state offers a diverse range of study environments, from bustling city campuses to suburban and regional settings. For early childhood education, Victoria has a strong demand for qualified educators due to government initiatives like Free Kinder and early childhood workforce strategies. Living costs are generally lower than in Sydney, with average weekly rents in Melbourne around A$300–$400. Public transport is extensive, with trams, trains, and buses. Victoria also has a large number of CRICOS-registered providers (over 300) offering 8,000+ courses. However, the climate can be changeable, and housing availability varies. Consider your lifestyle preferences and budget when choosing Victoria for your studies.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Chisholm Institute: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Compare Chisholm Institute with other providers offering similar courses. 2. Apply directly to Chisholm Institute: Check entry requirements (IELTS 5.0–5.5, prior qualifications), prepare your academic documents, and submit your application through Chisholm's website. Pay attention to application deadlines and any additional requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Chisholm Institute will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you have OSHC and evidence of financial capacity.
Start your application for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Chisholm Institute today. Visit their website or use HeadStart Academy to explore more courses and CRICOS-registered providers.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Chisholm Institute. 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.