Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 112441K)

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 112441K) is a Certificate III delivered by A GRADE EDUCATION AND TRAINING PTY LIMITED over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This nationally recognised qualification (AQF Level 3) prepares you for a rewarding career in early childhood education, working with children from birth to age five. A Grade Education and Training is a private, CRICOS-registered provider (04100H) offering this course at two locations in New South Wales: Kent Street in Sydney's CBD and Seven Hills in Western Sydney. As an international student, you'll benefit from Australia's world-class education system and strong employment prospects in the growing early childhood sector. This page covers everything you need to know: fees, entry requirements, work placement, student visa conditions, and how to apply. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) and is updated regularly. Remember, HeadStart Academy is a free resource—no commissions, no referral fees—helping you make informed decisions about studying in Australia.

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What you'll study

This course falls under the field of education (07), specifically Teacher Education for Early Childhood (070101). At Certificate III level, you'll develop foundational skills in supporting children's learning, development, and wellbeing. Typical core units cover areas such as: supporting children's play and learning, ensuring health and safety, fostering positive relationships, and working with diverse families. You'll also gain practical workplace skills through a mandatory work component. While specific unit outlines are set by the provider, the overall focus is on preparing you to work in long day care centres, family day care, preschools, or occasional care settings. Australia's early childhood sector is regulated by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), and this qualification meets national standards. As an international student, you'll learn in a supportive environment with English as the language of instruction.

Duration and study mode

The course is delivered over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). The study mode may be full-time, with classes scheduled across weekdays. You should check with A Grade Education and Training for specific timetables. The CRICOS duration is set to meet student visa requirements—ensuring you have sufficient time to complete the course while managing your work rights (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks).

Fees (indicative)

Tuition fees for this course are indicative at A$12,000 (sourced from the CRICOS register). Non-tuition fees, such as enrolment and material costs, are estimated at A$550. The estimated total is A$12,550. Important: these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For current, guaranteed fees, always visit the provider's website directly. A Grade Education and Training's official site (linked via CRICOS) will have accurate fee schedules. Remember, fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Use these figures as a starting point for your budget planning.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International students typically need an English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). For Certificate III level, you are expected to have completed Year 11 or equivalent in your home country. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet the academic requirements—consult the provider. Always verify exact entry criteria with A Grade Education and Training, as they may have additional requirements such as a Working with Children Check (mandatory for early childhood roles in Australia). Note: This is general guidance only; HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.

Work component

Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component: 12 weeks of supervised industry placement at 20 hours per week (~240 total hours). Work-integrated learning is a key feature of vocational education in Australia, giving you real-world experience in early childhood settings. You'll be placed in licensed childcare centres or preschools under the guidance of qualified educators. This practical exposure not only enhances your skills but also counts towards the qualification. Your provider will coordinate placements to ensure they meet regulatory requirements.

Delivery locations

A Grade Education and Training delivers this course at two locations in New South Wales: 1) Kent Street, Sydney NSW (in the central business district) and 2) Unit 2, 197 Prospect Highway, Seven Hills NSW 2147 (in Western Sydney). Sydney is Australia's largest city with over 4,000 international students? Actually, Sydney is home to more than 200,000 international students. The city has excellent public transport including trains, buses, and light rail making both campuses accessible. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average—indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is around $350-$500, groceries $80-$150, and a weekly transport pass $40-$50. For comparison, Seven Hills is a suburban area with more affordable housing. Both campuses are within commutable distance to employment opportunities in early childhood education. You should consider your lifestyle preferences and budget when choosing a location.

Student visa

To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). You must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one) to apply. Key visa conditions include: maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs ($21,041 per year as of 2026), and travel. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Remember, visa regulations can change—always check the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). Your institution's international student support team can also assist with visa processes. Under the ESOS Act, you have legal protections as an international student, including refund policies and complaint mechanisms.

How to apply

1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to compare Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care courses. Filter by location, provider type, and delivery mode. Ensure you have the latest fees and entry requirements. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact A Grade Education and Training (CRICOS 04100H) through their website. Submit your academic transcripts, English test scores, and any other required documents. Pay attention to application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, your provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online with the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. After visa grant, you can begin your studies in Australia.

Ready to apply? Check the entry requirements and apply directly to A Grade Education and Training at their official website.

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Source-backed course facts

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at A GRADE EDUCATION AND TRAINING PTY LIMITED. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CRICOS course code
112441K
Provider
A GRADE EDUCATION AND TRAINING PTY LIMITED (04100H)
Course level
Certificate III
Field of education
07 - Education
Duration
78 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$12,000
Estimated total (indicative)
A$12,550
Delivery locations
Sydney, SEVEN HILLS
Work component
Yes (240 total hours)

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative tuition fee is A$12,000, with non-tuition fees of A$550, totalling approximately A$12,550. This does not include OSHC, living costs, or visa fees. Fees are set by the provider and may change—always confirm directly with A Grade Education and Training before applying.
The course duration is 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program with a mandatory 12-week work placement. The language of instruction is English.
International students generally need IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent) and have completed Year 11 or equivalent. The provider may require a Working with Children Check. For exact requirements, contact A Grade Education and Training.
This course is delivered at two locations in New South Wales: Kent Street in Sydney CBD and Unit 2, 197 Prospect Highway, Seven Hills NSW 2147. Both campuses are accessible via public transport. Sydney offers a vibrant student lifestyle with diverse amenities.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$12,550 for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (tuition A$12,000). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with A GRADE EDUCATION AND TRAINING PTY LIMITED before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 112441K, offered by A GRADE EDUCATION AND TRAINING PTY LIMITED (provider code 04100H). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.