Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 114300G) is a Certificate III delivered by The Lions Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 3 qualification equips students with foundational skills to support children’s learning and development in early childhood settings. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Whether you’re aiming for a career in childcare centres or family day care, this course provides the practical knowledge and work-integrated learning required. The Lions Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03727C) is a private provider offering this program in Burwood, NSW. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) presents this page as a free resource to help you compare courses and make informed decisions. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 114300G) is a Certificate III delivered by The Lions Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is registered under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 3) and is listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The course falls under the field of education 'Teacher Education: Early Childhood' (070101). It is designed for individuals who want to work as early childhood educators, assisting in the care and education of children from birth to five years old. The program includes both theoretical and practical components, with a mandatory work placement. As a CRICOS-registered course, it ensures international students receive the protections of the ESOS Act, including tuition assurance and refund rights. There are over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia offering more than 26,000 courses; this course is one of the many pathways to a rewarding career.
While the exact syllabus is set by The Lions Institute Pty Ltd, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care typically covers child development, health and safety, communication strategies, and learning activities. Students learn to support children’s wellbeing, foster inclusive play, and work collaboratively with families. The field of education (07) focuses on the principles of teaching and learning, with this course emphasising early childhood pedagogy. Graduates often gain competencies in planning age-appropriate experiences, complying with regulatory frameworks, and building positive relationships with children. Practical assessment methods include observations, portfolios, and supervised workplace performance. The course aligns with the national VET qualification CHC30121, ensuring consistency across Australian training providers.
According to the CRICOS register, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care runs for 1 year (52 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification program (no dual qualification) and is not a foundation studies course. Study mode is typically face-to-face, though The Lions Institute may offer blended delivery. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa conditions. The duration factors in both class time and the work component (10 weeks, 20 hrs/week). As with all CRICOS courses, the provider must adhere to the ESOS Act's standards for course duration and student support.
Course fees shown are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register. For Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at The Lions Institute Pty Ltd, the indicative tuition fee is A$13,000, with non-tuition fees of A$2,000, giving an estimated total of A$15,000. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students. Living costs vary by city; in Sydney (where Burwood is located), weekly expenses for rent, groceries, and transport are approximately A$500–800. Always confirm current fees directly with The Lions Institute Pty Ltd via their website, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy recommends comparing costs across multiple providers before applying.
International students should generally have an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent English language test) for Certificate III level courses. Prior qualifications expected: completion of Year 12 or equivalent is typical. Some providers may also require a Working with Children Check or other clearances. The Lions Institute Pty Ltd may have additional prerequisites such as a pre-training review or language literacy and numeracy assessment. If you do not meet the academic or English requirements, pathway options may be available — consult the provider for details. Foundation studies programs are not part of this course but can be taken separately. Remember, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee visa approval; visa applications are assessed independently by the Department of Home Affairs.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 200 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) typically takes the form of an industry placement in a licensed early childhood education centre. During placement, students apply classroom theory to real-world settings, gaining hands-on experience with children aged 0–5. Supervised by qualified educators, assessments are conducted via observation and feedback. This placement is essential for developing practical skills such as planning activities, maintaining safe environments, and communicating with parents. International students on a Subclass 500 visa can undertake this placement as part of their course requirements. The work component is included in the total course duration and must be completed satisfactorily for graduation.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at 4 Railway Pde, Burwood, NSW 2134. Burwood is a suburb in Sydney's inner-west, approximately 12 km from the city centre. Sydney has the highest concentration of international students in Australia, with over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering early childhood education courses in the area. Burwood is well-served by public transport, including trains and buses, making the campus accessible. Living in Burwood offers a multicultural community with diverse dining and shopping options. Weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$450–550. The city of Sydney has a vibrant student population, and studying here provides networking opportunities across the education sector.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from The Lions Institute Pty Ltd, evidence of financial capacity, OSHC, and genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. After completing Certificate III, students may progress to Diploma-level courses or apply for post-study work rights (if eligible). Always check current visa settings at homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for personalised advice. The ESOS Act protects international students by ensuring course quality and tuition refunds.
Applying for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (114300G) at The Lions Institute Pty Ltd is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) to filter courses by level, field, and location. Verify that The Lions Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03727C) and this course are listed on the CRICOS register.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (English test scores, academic qualifications) and application deadlines. Submit your application to The Lions Institute Pty Ltd, along with required documents. They will assess your eligibility and issue a Letter of Offer.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you accept the offer and pay the required deposit, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa via the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary; apply early.
Choosing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a big decision. This field requires patience, creativity, and a genuine passion for working with young children. Graduates often find employment in childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. Employment prospects are strong in Australia, particularly in major cities like Sydney. However, consider the work placement requirement — it involves significant hands-on time outside the classroom. Also, think about progression: many students go on to study a Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education to become qualified teachers. Cost of living in Burwood, Sydney, is relatively high, so budget accordingly. HeadStart Academy's free resources can help you compare courses and providers, ensuring you choose a CRICOS-registered program that aligns with your career goals. Remember, all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) for accuracy.
Ready to start your journey? Explore more early childhood education courses on HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au).
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at The Lions Institute 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.