Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 116052B) is a Certificate III delivered by Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd over 1 year. This nationally recognised qualification (CHC30121) prepares you to work in early childhood education settings, supporting children's development and learning. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03737A), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, and ESOS Act protections apply to ensure your rights as an overseas student. Whether you're planning to study in Geelong or Melbourne, this course offers a pathway to a rewarding career in early childhood education.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 116052B) is a Certificate III delivered by Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is classified under Field of Education 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood and is at AQF Level 3. The provider, Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03737A), is a private institution with campuses in Geelong and Melbourne. As a CRICOS-registered provider, it can lawfully enrol international students. The course includes a work component of 8 weeks (160 hours) to give you practical experience. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, so verifying CRICOS registration is your first step in choosing a quality pathway.
As a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care student, you'll gain foundational knowledge and skills to work in early childhood settings. The curriculum typically covers child development, health and safety, play-based learning, and supporting children's wellbeing. At AQF Level 3, this qualification prepares you for roles such as early childhood educator or assistant. Graduates learn to communicate with families, implement programs, and maintain a safe environment. While specific syllabi are set by the provider, this field focuses on nurturing children's cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd tailors the learning to industry requirements, ensuring you're job-ready upon completion.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks as per the CRICOS register). Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). The VET national code is CHC30121. Full-time study is expected, typically involving 20-25 contact hours per week plus self-study. The program is designed for international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500). No part-time or online options are indicated on the CRICOS register for this course. Always confirm study mode directly with Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd, as schedules may vary by campus.
Tuition fees for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care are indicative at A$12,500, with non-tuition fees of A$1,500, giving an estimated total of A$14,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For current fees, always visit the provider's website at www.nsmt.vic.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees or commissions; we provide this data as a free resource.
Entry requirements for this course typically include an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent). Applicants should have completed Year 12 or equivalent prior qualifications. As a Certificate III, it is an entry-level vocational qualification. Some providers may offer foundation or pathway programs for students who do not meet academic or English requirements – check with Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd for options. Remember, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee enrolment; providers assess each application individually. For visa purposes, you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrate financial capacity.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours). This is a structured industry placement in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. It provides hands-on experience under supervision, allowing you to apply theory to practice. Work-integrated learning is a key feature of vocational courses in Australia, enhancing employability. Your provider will arrange the placement, but you may need to meet workplace requirements like a Working with Children Check. The placement is unpaid but counts towards your course completion.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at two locations: MCTS Geelong in Geelong, VIC, and NSMT CBD: Room 1 in Melbourne, VIC. Geelong is a regional city with a growing student population (over 60,000 tertiary students) and lower living costs than Melbourne – indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $350. Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, hosts over 250,000 international students and offers extensive public transport. Both campuses are accessible by train and bus. Choosing a location depends on your preference for city vs. regional lifestyle. Victoria has 68 CRICOS-registered providers offering early childhood education courses.
Victoria is a top destination for international students, with Melbourne ranked among the world's most liveable cities. The state has a strong early childhood education sector, with high demand for qualified educators. Studying in Geelong offers a more affordable, quieter lifestyle with proximity to beaches, while Melbourne provides cultural diversity and career opportunities. Living costs in Victoria: weekly budget of $450-$700 for rent, food, and transport. Remember, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term on a student visa. Victoria's public transport system makes commuting easy. Consider your personal priorities when choosing between the Geelong and Melbourne campuses.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This allows you to study full-time in Australia. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement means you must show genuine intent to stay temporarily. You also need sufficient funds for tuition, living costs ($21,041 per year as of 2026, excluding tuition), and travel. ESOS Act protections ensure course quality and tuition fee refund rights if the provider fails to deliver. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa advice.
Ready to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd? Follow these three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03737A) meets your needs.
2. **Apply directly to Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd** – Check entry requirements, submit your application with academic transcripts and English test results, and meet any deadlines. The provider will assess your eligibility.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online, including evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary, so apply early.
Explore more early childhood education courses in Victoria or check other CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy.
View the full Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd profile →
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies 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.