Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 114143D) is a Certificate III delivered by West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is designed for students who want to work in early childhood education settings, such as childcare centres and preschools. It covers essential skills in child development, safety, and educational program planning. Delivered at the Melbourne campus in Victoria, this course is registered on CRICOS and meets Australian quality standards. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is approved for international student enrolment and covered by the ESOS Act protections. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, you can trust that this qualification meets national standards for early childhood education.
This course falls under the field of Education (07) with a focus on Early Childhood Teaching (070101). Students learn about child development, health and safety, supporting play and learning, and working effectively in a team. The curriculum is aligned to the national vocational education standard CHC30121. Graduates gain the skills to design and implement educational programs, communicate with families, and ensure children's wellbeing. Typical topics include providing care for children, supporting individual needs, and maintaining a safe environment. This foundational qualification prepares students for roles such as early childhood educator, family day care worker, or assistant in preschools and long day care centres. The practical emphasis ensures graduates are job-ready and capable of meeting Australia's early childhood sector requirements.
The course duration is 1 year (54 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English, and it is offered as a single qualification with no dual or foundation components. Study mode is typically full-time, combining classroom-based learning with practical placement. Students are expected to attend classes at the Melbourne campus and complete self-study. The 54-week duration includes scheduled breaks and placement periods. This structure allows international students to maintain their student visa conditions while gaining a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education. All students must comply with attendance requirements and progress monitoring as part of CRICOS registration.
Tuition fees are indicative at A$14,000 per year, with non-tuition fees of A$750, bringing the estimated total to A$14,750. These fees are set by West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. Living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$450–550 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider at www.wmit.edu.au. HeadStart Academy sources fee data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026 and recommends budgeting for all related expenses.
Entry requirements for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care typically include completion of Year 10 or equivalent. English language proficiency is usually IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL, PTE). Some providers may require a demonstrated interest in early childhood or a suitability check (e.g., Working with Children Check). Foundation or pathway programs may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements—please contact West Melbourne Institute of Technology for specific criteria. Meeting entry requirements does not guarantee admission; the provider assesses each application individually. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for exact details.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 160 hours. This is an industry placement in an early childhood setting such as a childcare centre, preschool, or early learning centre. Under supervision, students apply classroom learning to real situations, gaining hands-on experience in caring for children, planning activities, and working with families. This work-integrated learning is essential for developing practical competence and is a requirement of the national qualification. International students must ensure their visa allows for work-integrated learning components; the Student visa (Subclass 500) permits such activities as part of a registered course.
This course is delivered at the Melbourne Campus of West Melbourne Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne is one of Australia's largest student cities, home to over 300,000 international students and a wide range of CRICOS-registered providers (over 100 in Victoria). The campus is accessible via public transport, with trains, trams, and buses connecting to major suburbs. Students benefit from a multicultural environment, diverse early childhood services for placement, and a vibrant city lifestyle. Living in Melbourne offers access to world-class amenities, part-time work opportunities, and a supportive community.
International students must hold a valid Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time in Australia. Key visa requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC + travel), and overseas student health cover (OSHC). Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Students must maintain enrolment, attend classes, and make satisfactory course progress. The course's CRICOS registration (114143D) ensures it meets visa eligibility. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to begin your study journey:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and ensure your chosen provider is CRICOS-registered. All listed providers on our site are verified against the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
2. Apply directly to West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd: Meet the entry requirements, submit your application with transcripts and English test results, and note application deadlines. The provider will assess your eligibility and issue an offer letter.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE to support your visa application. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs and await visa outcome.
Ready to enrol? Contact West Melbourne Institute of Technology directly to begin your application.
View the full West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd profile →
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at West Melbourne Institute of Technology 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.