Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 110430G) is a Certificate III delivered by Melbourne City College Pty Ltd over 48 weeks (~11 months). This course is designed for international students who want to launch a career in early childhood education, focusing on the development and care of children from birth to 5 years. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 03592B), it meets Australian Government standards and allows international students to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Melbourne City College is a private provider based in Melbourne, Victoria—a city with over 50 CRICOS-registered education institutions offering early childhood courses. This program includes a mandatory work component, giving you practical experience in an Australian childcare setting. At HeadStart Academy, we source all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're planning your study journey or comparing courses, this page provides a detailed breakdown of fees, entry requirements, location, and student visa essentials.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 110430G) is a vocational qualification at AQF Level 3, falling under the field of Education (07) – Teacher Education (0701) – Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). The national VET code is CHC30121. This course is ideal for those seeking entry-level roles in early childhood settings such as childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. Melbourne City College Pty Ltd delivers this program over 48 weeks (approximately 11 months), with English as the language of instruction. As a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies), it provides a focused pathway into the early childhood sector. All listed providers and courses on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with the ESOS Act and quality standards. Australia currently has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students—and this course is one of them.
While specific syllabi are set by the provider, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care typically covers child development, health and safety, play-based learning, cultural competence, and fostering inclusive environments. The qualification aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. Graduates learn to support children's well-being, create engaging learning experiences, and work collaboratively with families and communities. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for the responsibilities of an early childhood educator. For detailed unit information, refer to Melbourne City College's website or contact them directly.
The course duration on the CRICOS register is 48 weeks, equivalent to approximately 11 months. It is delivered full-time in English, with no foundation or dual qualification option. Students attend classes at the Melbourne campus (Level 9, 120 Spencer St, Melbourne VIC 3000) and complete a mandatory work placement. This structure provides a balanced mix of classroom learning and real-world experience. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the Australian Government's requirements for international student enrolment, including minimum contact hours and assessment standards.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is A$12,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000, bringing the estimated total to A$13,000. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. Living costs in Melbourne are around A$2,000–A$3,000 per month for rent, food, and transport. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current costs directly with Melbourne City College via their website: www.melbournecitycollege.edu.au.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) to meet English language requirements. For Certificate III level, prior qualifications such as completion of Year 11 or equivalent are expected. Melbourne City College may also consider equivalent academic backgrounds or relevant work experience. If you do not meet these criteria, the provider may offer foundation or pathway programs—contact them directly for options. Remember, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a visa; you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks, with 20 hours per week, totaling approximately 160 hours. This industry placement gives you hands-on experience in an Australian early childhood setting, applying classroom learning to real situations. It may involve working in childcare centres, kindergartens, or preschools under supervision. The placement is a core part of the qualification, helping you build a professional network and enhance your employability. All CRICOS-registered courses with work components must comply with ESOS Act protections, ensuring safe and meaningful learning experiences.
The course is delivered exclusively at Melbourne City College's campus: Level 9, 120 Spencer St, Melbourne VIC 3000. Melbourne is a vibrant education hub with over 200,000 international students and numerous CRICOS-registered providers. The campus is in the central business district, close to Southern Cross Station, making it accessible via trains, trams, and buses. Living in Melbourne offers diverse cultural experiences, with indicative weekly costs of A$200–A$400 for rent, A$80–A$120 for groceries, and A$30–A$50 for public transport. For more on studying in Victoria, explore our dedicated state guide.
International students enrolling in this course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), proof of English proficiency, adequate financial capacity (tuition, living costs, and OSHC), and a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. OSHC is mandatory for all student visa holders—visit our OSHC guide for details. For visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, offering a high standard of education, multicultural community, and diverse career opportunities in early childhood education. With over 50 providers offering education courses, you'll have access to a strong professional network. However, consider the cost of living—Melbourne is more expensive than smaller cities like Adelaide or Hobart. If you prefer a quieter environment, regional Victoria also has many CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses across different cities and find what suits your budget and lifestyle.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Melbourne City College Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Education), and city (Melbourne). Compare multiple providers and check CRICOS status. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Meet entry requirements (English test, prior qualifications) and submit your application through Melbourne City College's website. Check application deadlines and required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Then apply to the Department of Home Affairs with your CoE, OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement.
Explore more CRICOS-registered courses in Early Childhood Education on HeadStart Academy. Use our free search tool to filter by provider, location, and study level, and start planning your Australian education journey today.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne City College 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.