Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 114464J) is a Certificate III delivered by Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is part of the Education field (0701) and is designed for individuals who want to work in early childhood education settings. The course is registered on the CRICOS register (04133K) and meets Australian quality standards. Students will gain practical skills to support children's learning and development. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with the ESOS Act. With over 1,500 registered providers offering 26,000+ courses, Australia offers diverse study options for international students. This course is delivered at the Surry Hills Campus in New South Wales, a vibrant location with excellent public transport and a strong student community. The indicative tuition fee is A$14,600, with additional non-tuition costs of A$1,250, totalling an estimated A$15,850. Note that fees are set by the provider and subject to change. Students should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges. This page is a starting point for your research — always confirm details with the provider and consult a registered migration agent for visa advice.
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This Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (VET national code CHC30121) prepares students to work in childcare centres, preschools, or family day care settings. The curriculum covers child development, planning activities, maintaining safety, and supporting children's wellbeing. Graduates learn to communicate effectively with families, work in a team, and apply regulatory requirements. As an AQF Level 3 qualification, it provides foundational knowledge for further study in early childhood teaching or nursing. The field of education (0701) emphasises practical skills, and this course includes a work placement to consolidate learning. International students gain exposure to Australian early childhood practices, which is valuable for global career opportunities.
The course is scheduled over 1 year (52 weeks) on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, with full-time on-campus study at the Surry Hills Campus. This is a single qualification (no dual qualification or foundation studies). Students should be prepared for a structured timetable combining theoretical classes and practical workshops. The duration assumes standard academic progression; part-time options may be available by arrangement with the provider. It's important to maintain full-time enrolment for student visa compliance. The language of instruction is English, so proficiency is required.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$14,600, with non-tuition fees of A$1,250 (covering materials, student services, and administration), giving an estimated total of A$15,850. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd. Fees are subject to change, so always confirm directly with the provider at their official website. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (rent, groceries, transport), and the visa application charge are not included. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of financial capacity to cover these additional expenses. HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting at least A$21,000 per year for living costs in Sydney, plus OSHC (~A$600 per year for single cover).
For Certificate III level, applicants typically need completion of Year 12 or equivalent (overseas secondary schooling). English language proficiency is expected at IELTS 5.0 to 5.5 overall (or equivalent, such as TOEFL iBT 35-46 or PTE Academic 36-42). Some providers may accept lower scores with additional English support, but this is at the institution's discretion. No specific prior study in education is required, but a genuine interest in working with children is essential. For applicants who do not meet the academic or English requirements, pathway options such as foundation programs may be available — consult Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd for details. All entry requirements are set by the provider; HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the institution for the most current criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks, with 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 160 hours of supervised placement. This work-integrated learning takes place in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool, where students apply their theoretical knowledge in a real environment. The placement is arranged by the provider and is typically unpaid but may count towards the course assessment. International students must ensure their visa allows work-integrated learning; Student visa (Subclass 500) generally permits work as part of the course if it is a compulsory component. The work component provides valuable Australian industry experience and is a requirement for graduation.
The course is delivered at the Surry Hills Campus in SURRY HILLS, New South Wales. Surry Hills is an inner-city suburb of Sydney, known for its vibrant cultural scene, cafes, and proximity to the central business district. The campus is well-served by public transport, with buses and trains connecting to major hubs. Sydney is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a rich educational environment. Living costs in Sydney are among the highest in Australia, with indicative weekly rent for a studio apartment around A$400–600, groceries A$100–150, and public transport A$40–50. Students should budget accordingly. The campus location offers easy access to libraries, health services, and student support networks.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. The visa requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd, evidence of English proficiency, and genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status. OSHC must be maintained for the duration of the visa. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session (from 1 July 2023) and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Work must not compromise course attendance. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent, so we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent for personalised advice, or visiting the Department of Home Affairs website. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected by the ESOS Act, guaranteeing tuition assurance and refund policies.
Applying for this course involves three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers like Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04133K) that offer Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Use HeadStart Academy's free search to filter by course level, field, and location.
2. Apply directly to Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd through their admissions portal. Ensure you meet entry requirements, submit certified academic documents, and provide English language test results. Check application deadlines and any additional requirements such as a personal statement or interview.
3. Once accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this CoE to apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare evidence of financial capacity, OSHC cover, and GTE statement. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent.
Studying in Surry Hills offers a dynamic urban experience. The area is home to a large student population, with many international students from diverse backgrounds. The campus is close to Central Station, providing easy access to the rest of Sydney. However, living costs are high — typical weekly expenses for a single person are around A$600–800 including rent. Surry Hills has a high concentration of registered providers, meaning you'll be part of a vibrant academic community. Public transport is efficient, and the city offers countless social and cultural activities. Before choosing this location, consider your budget and lifestyle preferences. New South Wales has over 500 CRICOS-registered providers, offering more than 9,000 courses across all fields. If you prefer a quieter setting, you might explore other suburbs or regional areas.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Apply now to Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd or browse more Certificate III courses in NSW.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Hillshire Investment 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.