Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 112190B) is a Certificate III delivered by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE over 1 year. This qualification is designed for international students who want to work in early childhood education settings, such as childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, a government-owned provider (CRICOS 01985A), delivers this program at its Mildura campus in Victoria. The course includes a mandatory work component, giving you practical experience in Australian early childhood environments. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, this qualification opens doors to a rewarding career in education. On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about fees, entry requirements, student visa conditions, and how to apply. HeadStart Academy is a free resource—no commissions, no referral fees—helping you navigate your study journey in Australia.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 112190B) is a Certificate III level qualification (AQF Level 3) in the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (07 Education, 0701 Teacher Education, 070101 Teacher Education: Early Childhood). Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, a government-owned TAFE institution, delivers this course over 52 weeks (1 year) of full-time study in English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program). The VET national code is CHC30121. The course includes a mandatory work component of 7 weeks (210 hours total) to ensure you gain hands-on experience. As a CRICOS-registered course (112190B), it is approved for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act, which guarantees your rights and tuition protection. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — your primary trust signal for choosing a genuine course.
This qualification covers the foundational skills and knowledge required to work in early childhood education and care. You'll learn about child development, health and safety, cultural competence, and how to design and implement play-based learning activities. Graduates typically support children's wellbeing, foster positive relationships, and contribute to a safe educational environment. While the specific syllabus is set by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, the course generally includes topics such as: supporting children's learning and development, providing food and nutrition, working with diverse families, and maintaining a safe workplace. This level (Certificate III) is the entry point for early childhood educators in Australia, preparing you for roles such as an early childhood educator or assistant. For detailed subject listings, contact Sunraysia Institute of TAFE directly.
The course is delivered full-time over 52 weeks (1 year) according to the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification — no dual or foundation studies. You will typically attend classes at the Mildura campus, with a combination of classroom learning and practical placement. The study load meets student visa requirements for full-time study. If you need to extend your study duration, discuss options with the provider. Remember, your student visa (Subclass 500) requires satisfactory course progress.
Tuition fees for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE are indicative only: A$16,068 for the entire course. There are no non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, so the estimated total is A$16,068. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students. Living costs in Mildura are generally lower than in major cities: indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$150–250, groceries A$60–100, and public transport A$20–40. Always confirm current fees with Sunraysia Institute of TAFE at www.sunitafe.edu.au before applying. Fees are set by the provider and subject to change.
International students must meet both academic and English language entry requirements. The indicative English requirement is IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). For this Certificate III level, you are expected to have completed Year 11 or equivalent in your home country. No prior qualification in early childhood is necessary, but you must demonstrate a genuine interest in working with children. Some providers may also require a Working with Children Check (or equivalent) before placement. Sunraysia Institute of TAFE may have additional requirements — check with them directly. If you don't meet English or academic prerequisites, pathway options (such as Foundation Studies or English language courses) may be available. Contact the provider for details.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 7 weeks (210 hours total) of supervised industry placement. You will be placed in an approved early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool, to gain practical experience with children aged 0–5. This placement is a core part of the qualification and helps you apply classroom theory to real Australian work environments. During placement, you'll develop professional skills under the guidance of qualified educators. The 30-hour-per-week schedule typically aligns with standard childcare operating hours. Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and clearances as required by your placement provider.
This course is delivered at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE - Mildura, located in Mildura, Victoria. Mildura is a regional city in northwestern Victoria, known for its sunny climate and agricultural industry. It has a growing international student population, with several registered providers offering a range of courses. The campus is accessible by public transport, and living costs are generally lower than in Melbourne or Sydney. Studying in a regional area like Mildura can offer a more affordable lifestyle and a close-knit community experience. You'll also benefit from smaller class sizes and personalised support. For more information about studying in Victoria, see our /states/vic page.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 5 years (aligned with your course duration). Conditions include: maintain adequate health insurance (OSHC), meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student work rights: you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Your family members may also be eligible to accompany you. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring you receive quality education and tuition protection. For detailed visa information, visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agency.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Follow these three steps specific to Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Education), and location (Mildura, VIC) on HeadStart Academy. Check Sunraysia Institute of TAFE's CRICOS code (01985A) and course code (112190B) to confirm registration.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit www.sunitafe.edu.au to review application deadlines, submit your documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport), and complete the application form. You may need to provide a personal statement and evidence of relevant experience.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and meet financial requirements.
Mildura offers a unique study experience in regional Victoria. With a population of around 55,000, it has a vibrant multicultural community. The cost of living is significantly lower than in Sydney or Melbourne — indicative weekly expenses: rent (shared) $150–$250, groceries $60–$100, and local transport $20–$40. The city has a strong agricultural economy and a growing focus on tourism and education. Public transport includes buses, and the campus is within walking distance or a short bus ride from the city centre. Mildura has a few CRICOS-registered providers, including Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. International students here benefit from a supportive community and opportunities for regional work experience. However, job opportunities may be fewer than in major cities, so plan your finances accordingly. For more Victoria-specific study information, visit our /states/vic page.
Ready to take the next step? Explore further details and apply directly to Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. For more courses and guidance, use HeadStart Academy's free resources.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. 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.