Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 111262K) is a Diploma delivered by Canberra Institute of Technology over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification prepares you to work as an early childhood educator, designing and implementing learning programs for children from birth to age five. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students. Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is a government-owned provider with a strong reputation for vocational training. Located in Bruce, ACT, CIT offers hands-on learning with an 18-week work placement component. With only one registered provider in Canberra offering this specific diploma, it's a focused choice for students seeking quality early childhood education in Australia's capital.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 111262K) is a Diploma delivered by Canberra Institute of Technology over 1 year. This course falls under the field of Education (07 – Teacher Education: Early Childhood, 070101) and is classified as VET national code CHC50121. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. As a CRICOS-registered course (CIT provider CRICOS 00001K), international students can enrol with confidence, knowing the program meets Australian quality standards. The indicative tuition fee is A$16,980 with no mandatory non-tuition fees, though students must budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and student visa application charges. The course includes a mandatory work component of 18 weeks (15.6 hours per week, approximately 281 total hours) to ensure practical industry experience.
At AQF Level 5, this Diploma develops advanced skills in early childhood education. Students learn to design and implement curricula that promote children's learning and development, manage teams, and comply with regulatory frameworks. The program covers child development theories, inclusive practices, family engagement, and leadership in early childhood settings. Graduates typically work as early childhood educators, centre directors, or family day care coordinators. While specific unit details are set by Canberra Institute of Technology, all CRICOS-registered courses must meet the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards.
The course is delivered over 52 weeks (1 year) full-time, as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is a single qualification with no combined awards. Instruction is in English, and students are expected to attend classes at the CIT Bruce campus. The program includes a blend of classroom learning and supervised work placement. There is no distance or online mode specified for this course.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Canberra Institute of Technology is A$16,980. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register. The estimated total for course fees alone is A$16,980. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the student visa application charge are not included. Always check the provider's website for current fees: https://international.cit.edu.au/. HeadStart Academy provides indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 — they are subject to change by the institution.
International students must meet English language requirements: typically IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) or equivalent, though some providers may require IELTS 6.0. Prior academic qualification: completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent is expected for entry into a Diploma. For students who do not meet entry requirements, Canberra Institute of Technology may offer pathway programs or foundation studies — check directly with the provider. All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for a student visa.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 18 weeks, 15.6 hours per week (approximately 281 total hours). This industry placement provides practical experience in early childhood settings such as childcare centres or preschools. Students benefit from real-world supervision and assessment, gaining confidence and professional networks. The work component is a key feature of the Diploma, preparing graduates for immediate employment.
The course is delivered at Canberra Institute of Technology - Vowels Crescent, BRUCE — BRUCE, ACT. Bruce is a suburb of Canberra, Australia's capital city. Canberra has a student population of over 40,000, with several universities and VET providers. The CIT Bruce campus is well-served by public transport, with light rail and bus routes connecting to the city centre. Living costs in Canberra are estimated at A$400–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport (indicative). Only one CRICOS-registered provider offers this specific diploma in Canberra.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when sessions are in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Key visa requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and evidence of sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Note: HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice — consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for your individual situation.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Canberra Institute of Technology: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers — filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and city (Canberra) to confirm the course suits your goals. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution — prepare documents including academic transcripts, English test scores (IELTS 5.5–6.0), and meet application deadlines. Submit your application through Canberra Institute of Technology's international admissions portal. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) — once accepted, use the CoE to lodge your visa application via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Canberra offers a unique study environment as a planned capital city with a strong education sector. With over 400 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, only one provides this specific Diploma in Canberra. The city's lower population density compared to Sydney or Melbourne means smaller class sizes and a close-knit student community. Living costs in Canberra are moderate, with average rent for a shared apartment around A$250–350 per week. Public transport is efficient, and the city is safe. However, job opportunities in early childhood education may be more limited than in larger cities. Consider your long-term goals and consult the provider for graduate outcomes.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Explore Canberra Institute of Technology's Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care on their official website, or contact HeadStart Academy for more guidance on CRICOS-registered courses.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Canberra Institute of Technology. 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.