Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 110410M) is a Certificate III delivered by Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year 3 months (~65 weeks). This qualification is at AQF Level 3 and falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood. It is designed for individuals who want to work in early childhood settings such as preschools, daycare centres, and kindergartens, supporting the development and learning of children from birth to 5 years. As an international student, studying this CRICOS-registered course ensures you receive quality education under the ESOS Act protections. Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03406J) is a private provider with a campus in Dandenong, Victoria. The course includes a work component and is taught in English, with indicative fees totalling A$12,000. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to provide accurate and reliable information for prospective international students.
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This qualification covers the foundational knowledge and skills required to work in early childhood education and care. Students learn how to support children's physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development through play-based learning, while also gaining practical skills in health, safety, and nutrition. The course includes units on building respectful relationships with children, supporting inclusion, and working within legal and ethical frameworks. Typical learning outcomes include ability to design and implement activities that promote learning, identify and respond to children's individual needs, and collaborate with families and colleagues. Graduates often pursue roles as early childhood educators or assistants, with the Certificate III serving as a pathway to further study such as Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
The course duration as listed on the CRICOS register is 65 weeks (1 year and 3 months). Instruction is delivered in English. It is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies component) and is offered on a full-time basis. The mode of delivery may include face-to-face classes, online learning, and practical placements. For exact study schedules and attendance requirements, contact Lawson College Australia.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$11,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000, giving an estimated total of A$12,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the provider. Additional costs not included in this estimate are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. International students should budget for these separately. Always confirm current fees with Lawson College Australia via their website www.lawsoncollege.edu.au before applying.
For international students, typical entry requirements include an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent English language test). Students must also have completed Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may require a Working with Children Check. Foundation or pathway options are not specified for this course; contact Lawson College Australia for any bridging programs. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for precise entry criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours). This work-integrated learning takes the form of industry placement in an early childhood education setting, such as a daycare centre or preschool. It allows students to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and build industry connections under supervision. Placements are arranged by the provider and must be completed to qualify for graduation.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is offered at the Lawson College Australia campus located at 53 Walker Street, Dandenong, Victoria. Dandenong is a vibrant suburb in Melbourne's south-east with a large student population and excellent public transport connections to the city. Living costs in Dandenong are generally lower than central Melbourne; indicative weekly rent for shared accommodation is around A$180–$250. The area has several CRICOS-registered providers, reflecting its popularity among international students.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key requirements include Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for your specific situation.
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS website to find providers offering Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Lawson College Australia (CRICOS 03406J) is one such provider. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Meet entry requirements (English test, prior qualifications) and submit your application along with required documents. Check deadlines and application procedures on the provider's website. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a student visa with the Department of Home Affairs.
Dandenong offers a multicultural environment with a strong community feel, making it appealing for international students. It has affordable housing, diverse food options, and is well-connected by train and bus to Melbourne CBD (about 45 minutes). The city is home to several educational institutions, providing a supportive study ecosystem. However, living costs can be slightly higher than regional areas, so plan your budget accordingly. Consider your personal preferences for urban vs suburban living when deciding.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lawson College Australia 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.