Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 115165A) is a Certificate III delivered by Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 3 qualification, with VET national code CHC30121, prepares students to work in early childhood education and care settings, supporting children's development and learning. The course is registered on CRICOS, ensuring it meets Australian standards for international students. Delivered in Parramatta, NSW, this program combines theoretical knowledge with practical work experience, including a mandatory work component of 8 weeks. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, and ESOS Act protections apply.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 115165A) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification in the field of Education, specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It is delivered by Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03722G), a private provider located in Parramatta, NSW. The course has a duration of 52 weeks (1 year) and is taught in English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies options. The curriculum is designed to equip students with foundational skills in supporting children's wellbeing, learning, and development in early childhood settings. Graduates may work as early childhood educators in childcare centres, preschools, or family day care. This CRICOS-registered course is available to international students under the Student Visa (Subclass 500). Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses; this course is among them, ensuring quality and government oversight.
The field of education, particularly early childhood education, focuses on the theory and practice of teaching and caring for young children from birth to school age. At Certificate III level, students learn about child development, health and safety, play-based learning, and effective communication with children and families. The course covers topics such as supporting children's social and emotional wellbeing, fostering creativity, and understanding legal and ethical frameworks in early childhood settings. While specific syllabus details should be confirmed with Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd, graduates typically gain the skills to plan and implement activities that promote holistic development, observe and assess children's progress, and work collaboratively with educators and parents. This foundational qualification also serves as a pathway to further study, such as the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
According to the CRICOS register, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (115165A) has a duration of 52 weeks (1 year) when studied full-time. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification; it does not combine with another course for a dual award. Foundation studies are not included. For international students, full-time study is a condition of the Student Visa (Subclass 500), requiring at least 20 hours of scheduled class per week. Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd may offer face-to-face classes at their Parramatta campus. Students are expected to attend all sessions and complete assessments. The course structure typically includes on-campus learning and off-site work placements. Always check with the provider for specific timetables and study modes available.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (115165A) at Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd is A$14,000. Non-tuition fees, which may include enrolment, materials, or administration charges, are estimated at A$1,500. This brings the estimated total course cost to A$15,500. Please note these are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Additional costs not included in the above are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, groceries, transport), and the Student Visa application charge. For current and accurate fees, always refer to the provider's website. Parramatta has a moderate cost of living; weekly rent for a shared apartment can range from A$250 to A$400, and weekly groceries around A$80 to A$150, subject to individual lifestyle.
General entry requirements for international students into Certificate III level courses typically include a minimum English language proficiency. For this course, an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent) is recommended. Prior academic qualifications are expected: completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent (to meet AQF Level 3 entry). Some providers may also require a Working with Children Check or fitness to work in early childhood settings. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet these requirements — contact Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd for details. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for precise entry criteria, as requirements are set by the institution and can vary. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the Student Visa.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 8 weeks of industry placement, at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 160 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) is designed to give students practical experience in real early childhood settings, such as childcare centres or preschools. During the placement, students apply theoretical knowledge from the classroom, interact with children, and work under supervision of qualified educators. This component is integral to the CHC30121 qualification and is assessed as part of the course. It also helps students build professional networks and gain confidence. International students on a Student Visa can undertake this placement as part of their course. The provider typically arranges or assists with placement locations in Parramatta or nearby areas.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (115165A) is delivered at: Level 1, 239 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150. Parramatta is a major commercial and educational hub in Greater Western Sydney, with a large student population. It is well connected by train, bus, and ferry services, providing easy access from surrounding suburbs. The campus is located near Parramatta's dining and retail precinct. According to the CRICOS register, there are numerous registered providers in Parramatta offering education courses, though this specific course is only available at this Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd location. The area has a diverse community and relatively lower living costs compared to Sydney CBD. Students can find affordable housing and part-time work opportunities in the area.
To study this CRICOS-registered course as an international student, you need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during course term, and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The visa application requires you to demonstrate genuine temporary stay (GTE), financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel, and English proficiency. ESOS Act protections safeguard your rights as an international student. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa advice.
Parramatta is one of Sydney's fastest-growing regions, with a strong demand for qualified early childhood educators. The area has a high concentration of families and childcare centres, offering potential employment opportunities after graduation. Studying at Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd in Parramatta means you'll be in a vibrant, multicultural community with access to public libraries, parks, and community centres that may serve as placement sites. The cost of living in Parramatta is lower than in Sydney's CBD, with typical weekly expenses (rent, food, transport) around A$400–A$600 for a single student. The campus is a short walk from Parramatta station, making it accessible. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, choosing a course in a regional city like Parramatta combines quality education with affordability.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03722G) offers this course and meets your expectations. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd website to check specific entry requirements, English language test scores, application deadlines, and submit your application with required documents (transcripts, English results, passport copy). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student Visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for the visa. Prepare evidence of financial capacity, OSHC, and GTE statement. HeadStart Academy has a comprehensive visa guide on our site.
Start your journey today: check your eligibility and apply directly to Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Smart Connection Company 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.