Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 111154C) is a Certificate III level qualification delivered by Alma Mater College Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course prepares you for a rewarding career in early childhood education, working with children from birth to 5 years old in settings like childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. Based in Melbourne, Victoria, this program combines theoretical learning with practical work experience to develop essential skills in child development, health and safety, and program planning. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 04058E), international students can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. The indicative total fee is A$12,660, including tuition and non-tuition costs. Alma Mater College Australia is a private education provider located at Level 2, 55 Swanston St, Melbourne. This page provides all key details: duration, entry requirements, work component, location, and visa guidance to help you decide if this course fits your goals.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 111154C) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification delivered by Alma Mater College Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year (52 weeks). The course sits within the field of Education (07) – Teacher Education (0701) – Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Its VET national code is CHC30121. This program is designed for individuals who want to start a career in early childhood education and care. Graduates typically gain skills to support children’s learning and development, implement approved learning frameworks, and maintain safe, inclusive environments. This is a single qualification (no dual qualification) and is not foundation studies. The course includes a mandatory work component: 10 weeks of industry placement at 20 hours per week (approximately 200 total hours), allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in real childcare settings. All training is in English. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, you are protected under the ESOS Act. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses – HeadStart Academy sources data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy.
While specific syllabi are set by the provider, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at this level typically covers child development, promoting children’s health and safety, supporting play and learning, and building relationships with families and communities. You will learn to work within legal and ethical frameworks, including the National Quality Framework and Early Years Learning Framework. The course develops practical skills in observation, documentation, and planning for individual children. Graduates are prepared to work as early childhood educators in long day care, occasional care, or family day care. This field of education is in high demand across Australia, particularly in growing cities like Melbourne. Melbourne alone has over 100 registered providers offering early childhood education courses, reflecting strong local demand. The practical placement (10 weeks, ~200 hours) is a key part of the learning experience, giving you hands-on exposure to daily operations in an approved early childhood setting.
The total duration on the CRICOS register is 1 year (52 weeks). Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification – no dual qualification options are listed. The course is delivered full-time, on campus at the provider’s location in Melbourne. There is no online or distance learning mode indicated for this CRICOS entry. Regular attendance is expected to meet student visa conditions. The academic calendar typically includes term breaks, and during those scheduled breaks, student visa holders can work unlimited hours (subject to visa conditions). During term, work rights are capped at 48 hours per fortnight.
Tuition fee: A$12,000 (indicative, sourced from CRICOS register as at April 2026). Non-tuition fees: A$660 (includes application, enrolment, and maybe materials – confirm with provider). Estimated total: A$12,660. Note: This does NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for all student visa holders (approx. A$500–$700 per year depending on cover), nor does it include living costs or the visa application charge (currently around A$1,600). For current fees, always visit Alma Mater College Australia’s official website. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. HeadStart Academy displays indicative figures to help you compare courses across 26,433 courses on the CRICOS register.
For this Certificate III level, you typically need a minimum IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent English test). You should have completed Year 10 or equivalent – prior qualifications in early childhood are not required but may be helpful. Some providers may require a working with children check (for placement). Always check the exact entry requirements with Alma Mater College Australia. If you need to improve your English, consider pathway programs or foundation studies offered by many CRICOS-registered providers. The provider may also offer a Certificate III as a standalone or followed by a Diploma. Refer to the provider’s website for detailed admission policies.
Yes – this course includes a mandatory work component: 10 weeks of industry placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 200 hours. This work-integrated learning involves supervised practical experience in an approved early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. You will apply theoretical knowledge, develop professional skills, and gain real-world experience under the guidance of qualified educators. This placement is a requirement for graduation and also helps you meet the professional standards for early childhood educators in Australia. Ensure you have a valid working with children check before starting placement.
This course is delivered at: Level 2, 55 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000. Melbourne is a vibrant, multicultural city and Australia’s second-largest city with a population of over 5 million. It is home to one of the highest student populations in the country, with numerous universities, colleges, and training providers. Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) offers excellent public transport (trams, trains, buses) making the Swanston St campus easily accessible. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at around A$450–$600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport (indicative, varies by lifestyle). The city is known for its strong early childhood education sector, with many childcare centres and early learning facilities providing placement opportunities for students.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: you must be a genuine temporary entrant (GTE), have sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and meet English proficiency. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course term, and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and satisfactory academic progress. OSHC is mandatory – you must purchase an approved policy for the duration of your stay. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice. All CRICOS-registered institutions are subject to ESOS protections, ensuring your rights as an international student.
Follow these 3 steps for this course at Alma Mater College Australia: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to confirm provider registration (CRICOS 04058E) and compare this course with similar offerings in Melbourne. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (English test scores, prior qualifications) and submit your application online or via a representative. Ensure you meet the IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once you have a CoE, you can lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to arrange OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity.
Melbourne is a top destination for international students, offering a rich cultural scene, diverse population, and strong job market. For early childhood education students, the city has numerous childcare centres and family day care providers, increasing placement and employment opportunities. However, consider the cost of living – Melbourne is more expensive than regional areas but offers extensive public transport and student support services. The city experiences four seasons, so pack accordingly. If you prefer a quieter setting, consider regional Victoria, which also has many CRICOS-registered providers. Ultimately, your choice depends on your personal preferences and career goals. HeadStart Academy helps you explore options across all states, with over 26,000 courses to compare.
Ready to start your journey in early childhood education? Follow the 3-step application process above and contact Alma Mater College Australia for current fees and enrolment details.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Alma Mater 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.