The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 110411K) is a 2-year qualification offered by CRICOS-registered provider Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03406J). This page covers everything you need to know: fees, duration, entry requirements, work component, delivery locations, and how to apply. As a trusted resource on headstartacademy.com.au, we source all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 110411K) is a Diploma delivered by Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd over 2 years. This course is classified under the field of education: 07 Education → 0701 Teacher Education → 070101 Teacher Education: Early Childhood. It is an AQF Level 5 qualification (Diploma) with VET national code CHC50121. The course does not offer a dual qualification nor is it a foundation studies program. All instruction is in English, and the course includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks (20 hours per week, approximately 280 total hours). Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd is a private provider registered on CRICOS since 2010 with institution code 03406J.
This diploma prepares graduates for roles in early childhood education and care settings. Students typically learn about child development, designing and implementing curriculum, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with national quality frameworks. While the exact syllabus is set by Lawson College, the course covers practical skills such as fostering children's learning, building relationships with families, and maintaining safe environments. This field is critical in Australia due to the high demand for qualified early childhood educators, with many graduates finding work in long day care centres, kindergartens, and preschools.
According to the CRICOS register, the course duration is 2 years (104 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (Diploma) with no dual or foundation components. Study mode is typically face-to-face at the campus location, but check with Lawson College for any blended learning options. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment to satisfy your student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd is A$22,600 for the entire course. Non-tuition fees are approximately A$1,000, bringing the estimated total to A$23,600. Note that these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs NOT included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the Student visa application charge. For the most current fees, always check the provider's website at www.lawsoncollege.edu.au. Living costs in Melbourne (including Dandenong) are estimated at around A$1,800–A$2,500 per month for rent, groceries, and transport.
International students typically need an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent test). Academic requirements may include completion of Year 12 or equivalent; prior qualifications in early childhood education may be recognised. Foundation or pathway options may be available — contact Lawson College directly. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa. Always verify entry requirements with the provider before applying.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 14 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 280 total hours). This typically takes the form of an industry placement or internship in an early childhood education setting. It gives you practical experience working with children under supervision, applying classroom theory to real-world environments. Placements are arranged by Lawson College and are a requirement for course completion.
The course is delivered at 53 Walker Street, Dandenong, Victoria. Dandenong is a major suburb in Melbourne's southeast, approximately 30 km from the CBD. It has a large student population and excellent public transport links via train and bus. Melbourne is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a wide range of courses. Living costs in Dandenong are slightly lower than the Melbourne average, with weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$200–$300.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and academic progress requirements, and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. For detailed advice, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Early Childhood Education), and location (VIC). Compare Lawson College with other providers.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (including English test scores) and application deadlines. Submit your application through Lawson College’s website (www.lawsoncollege.edu.au).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Lawson College will issue a CoE. Use it to apply for your visa online. Don't forget to arrange OSHC and prepare your GTE statement.
Ready to apply? Start your journey by researching CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy or contact Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd directly.
Diploma of 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.