Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 116055K) is a Diploma delivered by Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is designed for those seeking to work as early childhood educators, providing care and education to children from birth to school age. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03737A), Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies offers this course at two locations in Victoria: Geelong and Melbourne CBD. The program includes a substantial work component of 14 weeks of industry placement, ensuring graduates are job-ready. With indicative tuition fees of A$14,500 and a total estimated cost of A$16,000, this course represents a practical pathway to a career in early childhood education in Australia. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource to help you compare courses and providers.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 116055K) is a Diploma delivered by Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03737A) over 1 year. This qualification is at AQF Level 5 and falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. The VET national code for this course is CHC50121. As with all courses listed on HeadStart Academy, this course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian standards for international student education. Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd is a private provider offering this course in two Victorian locations. The course is delivered in English and includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks (280 hours) of industry placement.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care prepares students to become skilled early childhood educators. The field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood focuses on developing knowledge and competencies in child development, educational program design, health and safety, and family partnerships. At Diploma level (AQF Level 5), graduates learn to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs for children from birth to school age. They also develop leadership and mentoring skills to support other educators. While specific syllabi vary by provider, typical learning outcomes include understanding the National Quality Framework (NQF), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and regulatory requirements. Graduates are prepared for roles such as early childhood educator, group leader, or educational leader in long day care, preschool, or family day care settings.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). Instruction is delivered in English. There is only one qualification offered as part of this course — no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Study mode is typically full-time classroom-based, but students should confirm delivery details directly with Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd. The course is structured to include a work component, which may involve block placements or integrated industry experience. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$14,500, with non-tuition fees of A$1,500, resulting in an estimated total of A$16,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by the institution. They are subject to change, so you must confirm current fees directly with Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. For a guide on living expenses, see the VIC student living cost information on our site. HeadStart Academy does not charge any referral fees — we are a free resource.
Typical entry requirements for a Diploma course (AQF Level 5) in Australia include completion of Year 12 (senior secondary) or equivalent. For international students, a minimum English language proficiency of IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 overall is generally required. Some providers may also require relevant work experience or a prior qualification in a related field. Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd may have specific entry criteria, including a pre-training review or language assessment. If foundation or pathway options are available, refer to the provider. Always check directly with the institution and consult the CRICOS register for the most up-to-date requirements.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks, totaling approximately 280 hours (20 hours per week). This work-integrated learning typically involves an industry placement in an early childhood education setting, such as a long day care centre, preschool, or kindergarten. During the placement, students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments under supervision, gaining practical skills in child supervision, program implementation, and team collaboration. The work component is an integral part of the qualification and must be completed successfully to graduate. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for this work — see student visa section below.
Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd delivers this course at two locations in Victoria: MCTS Geelong in Geelong, and NSMT CBD: Room 1 in Melbourne. Geelong is a vibrant regional city with a growing student population and lower living costs compared to Melbourne. Public transport in both cities is well-connected. Geelong has a strong early childhood education sector, with numerous childcare centres and kindergartens. Melbourne is Australia's largest city for international students, with over 200,000 international students and a wide range of cultural and professional opportunities. Both campuses are accessible via public transport. For more details on studying in these locations, see our state guides.
International students enrolled in this course must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a registered course, meeting attendance and academic progress requirements, and holding valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday periods (subject to any changes by the Department of Home Affairs). You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. For detailed visa information, visit homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice — we recommend consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for guidance.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (116055K) at Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's search tool to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and location (VIC). Compare providers and check their CRICOS registration status on the official CRICOS register.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Once you select Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd, review their specific entry requirements and English language test expectations. Submit your application through their website (www.nsmt.vic.edu.au) or as instructed. Ensure you have all required documents (transcripts, English test results, passport).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): After your application is accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use it to apply for your student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Have your OSHC, financial evidence, and passport ready. Visa processing times vary, so apply early.
Ready to start your early childhood education career? Explore Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (116055K) and compare providers on HeadStart Academy.
View the full Melbourne Centre for Technology Studies Pty Ltd profile →
Diploma of 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.