Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 115222H) is a Certificate III delivered by States College Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 3 qualification prepares you for a rewarding career in early childhood education, focusing on the development and care of children from birth to 5 years. As a CRICOS-registered course (Provider code 04106B), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. Whether you're planning to work in childcare centers, kindergartens, or family day care, this course provides the foundational skills and knowledge needed to support children's learning and wellbeing. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this program is part of that trusted system. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring you have accurate, up-to-date information.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 115222H) is a Certificate III delivered by States College Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is at AQF Level 3, in the field of Education (07), specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). The national VET code is CHC30121. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study options. The language of instruction is English, and the course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks (20 hours per week, totaling approximately 160 hours) to provide hands-on industry experience. This course is ideal for international students seeking to enter the early childhood sector in Australia, with strong job prospects and pathways to further study.
This course covers the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in early childhood education and care settings. Students learn about child development, play-based learning, health and safety, and building relationships with children and families. Core units typically include supporting children's wellbeing, fostering creativity, and implementing learning experiences. The program integrates theory with practical placement, ensuring graduates are job-ready. As an AQF Level 3 qualification, it provides a foundational understanding of the field, preparing you for roles such as early childhood educator or assistant. Note that specific unit details are set by States College Australia Pty Ltd and may vary. Always confirm the full syllabus with the provider before enrolling.
The CRICOS register lists the duration as 1 year (52 weeks). The course is delivered on-campus in a full-time format, with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification only — no dual or concurrent awards. As this is a VET course, class hours and self-study requirements will be outlined by States College Australia Pty Ltd. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. Melbourne's vibrant student community and excellent public transport make it easy to attend classes. The campus is located in the heart of the city, near public transport hubs, shopping, and student services.
Course fees for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at States College Australia Pty Ltd are indicative as follows: tuition A$15,000, non-tuition fees A$1,250, estimated total A$16,250. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by the provider. Additional costs you must budget for include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For a single student in Melbourne, indicative weekly living costs (rent, groceries, transport) are around AUD 500–600 per week. Always visit the official States College Australia Pty Ltd website for current fees and payment plans.
For this Certificate III level, international students typically need an overall IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) and a minimum of Year 10 completion (or equivalent). States College Australia Pty Ltd may require a pre-training assessment or language test. As this is a foundation-level course, no prior early childhood qualification is needed. Foundation or pathway options are available — contact the provider for details. English language proficiency is essential for success in both academic and placement settings. HeadStart Academy recommends you always confirm specific entry criteria directly with States College Australia Pty Ltd, as requirements may change.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component: 8 weeks of industry placement at 20 hours per week, totaling approximately 160 hours. This work-integrated learning gives you real-world experience in early childhood education settings, such as childcare centres, preschools, or kindergartens. During placement, you'll apply classroom theory while supervised by qualified educators. The placement is arranged by States College Australia Pty Ltd and may require a Working with Children Check or similar. This practical experience is invaluable for building confidence and industry connections. Ensure you factor placement into your schedule and visa conditions.
This course is delivered exclusively at States College Australia — Melbourne, VIC. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a top study destination with over 250,000 international students. The city offers world-class public transport (trams, trains, buses), diverse cultural activities, and a strong job market for early childhood educators. Living costs in Melbourne are slightly lower than Sydney, with average weekly rent for a shared apartment around $300–$400, groceries $100–$150, and transport $40–$60. There are 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, and many offer early childhood courses in Melbourne. However, this specific CRICOS-registered course (115222H) is only at States College Australia's Melbourne campus. Check the provider's website for exact address and campus facilities.
International students studying this course on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs may require evidence of English proficiency. All international students in Australia are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent — for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at States College Australia Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field (Education), and city (Melbourne). Confirm the provider (States College Australia Pty Ltd, CRICOS 04106B) and course code 115222H. 2. Apply directly to States College Australia Pty Ltd – Check entry requirements, submit your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0–5.5 or equivalent), and any other required documents. Note application deadlines and start dates. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, the provider issues your CoE. Use it to apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Melbourne is home to over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering early childhood education courses, making it a competitive yet supportive environment for international students. The city's strong demand for qualified early childhood educators (with projected growth of 10% over the next 5 years) means graduates have excellent job prospects. Living in Melbourne offers a multicultural experience, with festivals, markets, and a thriving arts scene. The cost of living is manageable with careful budgeting. ESOS Act protections apply to all courses, ensuring your fees are protected and you receive quality education. When choosing a course, verify CRICOS registration directly on cricos.teqsa.gov.au — all providers on HeadStart Academy are verified as at April 2026.
Start your application today by contacting States College Australia Pty Ltd for current intake dates and entry requirements.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at States College Australia 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.