Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 111813F) is a Diploma delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic over 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks). This qualification, aligned to the national VET standard CHC50121, prepares graduates to work as early childhood educators in a range of settings such as long day care centres, preschools, and kindergartens. Melbourne Polytechnic is a government-owned TAFE institution (CRICOS 00724G) with a strong reputation for vocational education in Victoria. As an international student, you'll benefit from Melbourne's vibrant multicultural community and strong demand for qualified early childhood professionals. The course includes a mandatory work placement of 8 weeks (280 hours) to gain hands-on experience. With a tuition fee of A$23,250 (indicative), this diploma offers a pathway to employment or further study in education. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and compliance with Australian education standards.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 111813F) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic over 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks). The course falls under the field of Education (07) with a specialisation in Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). This qualification equips students with the skills to design and implement educational programs for children aged 0-5, manage a team, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. Melbourne Polytechnic is a CRICOS-registered provider (00724G) and a government-owned TAFE, ensuring high-quality training. The course is delivered in English and includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks (280 hours) to provide real-world experience. International students are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring they receive the education they are enrolled in. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000 courses available in Australia, this diploma is a popular choice for those seeking a career in early childhood education.
This diploma covers the knowledge and skills required to work as an early childhood educator in Australia. The curriculum typically includes child development, designing and implementing curriculum, fostering inclusive environments, and working with families and communities. Students learn to support children's learning through play, observe and assess development, and manage day-to-day operations of an education and care service. The course also addresses legal and ethical responsibilities, including child protection and workplace health and safety. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for roles such as early childhood educator, group leader, or centre coordinator. This qualification meets the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards for working in regulated children's services. Note that syllabus details are subject to change; always confirm with Melbourne Polytechnic for the latest unit information.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is scheduled for 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks), as recorded on the CRICOS register. The program is delivered in English, with face-to-face classes at the Preston campus. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The full-time study load typically involves 20-25 hours per week of classroom learning, plus additional self-study and assessment work. The 63-week duration includes the 8-week (280-hour) work placement component. Students are expected to attend classes on campus, and the provider may also offer online components for some theory subjects. International students must maintain a full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. Melbourne Polytechnic's academic calendar follows standard semester dates, with intakes typically in February and July.
The indicative tuition fee for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is A$23,250, as sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026). No additional non-tuition fees are listed, so the estimated total cost is A$23,250. However, this does not include the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students (approximately A$600–A$1,000 per year depending on provider and coverage). Students should also budget for living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs. In Melbourne, indicative weekly costs are around A$400–A$600 for rent (shared or studio), A$100–A$150 for groceries, and A$40–A$60 for public transport. The visa application charge is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). Always check Melbourne Polytechnic's website for the most current fee schedule, as fees are set by the institution and may change.
International applicants typically need an IELTS overall band score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent) for entry into this diploma level. Some providers may accept alternative English tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English. Additionally, applicants are generally expected to have completed Australian Year 12 or an equivalent secondary qualification. For mature-age students or those with relevant work experience, alternative entry pathways may be available. Foundation studies or bridging programs are offered by some institutions for students who do not meet direct entry requirements; check with Melbourne Polytechnic for options. As a Diploma (AQF Level 5), this course is designed for students who have completed senior secondary education and wish to gain vocational skills. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission; the provider assesses each application individually. Always review the specific entry criteria on the provider's website.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks (35 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours). This work-integrated learning (WIL) takes the form of an industry placement in an approved early childhood education and care setting, such as a long day care centre, kindergarten, or preschool. During the placement, students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world practice, develop professional skills, and build networks in the sector. The placement is supervised by qualified educators and is a core part of the qualification, ensuring graduates are job-ready. Students are responsible for arranging their own placement with support from the provider. International students must ensure that their student visa allows for unpaid work placements; these are typically permitted as part of the course. The placement provides valuable Australian industry experience and can enhance employability after graduation.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at Melbourne Polytechnic's Preston Campus, located at 77-91 St Georges Rd, Preston, VIC 3072. Preston is a suburb approximately 8 kilometres north of Melbourne's central business district (CBD). The campus is well-served by public transport, including Preston railway station (South Morang line) and multiple bus routes. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, with a population of over 5 million, including a large international student community. The city offers a diverse cultural scene, affordable living compared to Sydney, and strong job opportunities in education. Preston itself is a vibrant area with shopping centres, parks, and restaurants. International students at this campus can access student services, libraries, and learning support. For other locations or campuses, check Melbourne Polytechnic's website for updates.
To study this CRICOS-registered course, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study in a registered course and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday periods (subject to visa conditions). Applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating their intention to stay temporarily for study. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of the visa; this covers medical and hospital costs. Financial capacity must be shown for tuition, living expenses (A$21,041 per year for 2025), and travel. The visa application charge is A$1,600 (as of 2025). Students should also be aware of the ESOS Act protections, which safeguard their rights as consumers of education services. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, offering a high quality of life, excellent public transport, and a rich cultural scene. For students studying early childhood education, Melbourne has a strong demand for qualified educators, with many opportunities for part-time work during studies. The city is home to over 200,000 international students, providing a diverse and supportive community. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with average rent for a shared apartment around A$400–A$600 per week. The Preston campus is well-connected, making it easy to access the CBD and other suburbs. However, students should consider the climate (cool to mild winters) and visa conditions. Ultimately, Melbourne offers a robust environment for both study and future employment in early childhood education.
Applying for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Melbourne Polytechnic involves three key steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter by course level, field, and location. Verify Melbourne Polytechnic's CRICOS registration (00724G) and ensure the course code 111813F is current.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit Melbourne Polytechnic's website to review specific entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application online with supporting documents (transcripts, English results, passport copy). You may also need to apply for credit transfer if you have prior qualifications.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the institution issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and a valid GTE statement. For visa assistance, consult a MARA agent.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne Polytechnic. 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.