Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 116070M) is a Diploma delivered by Sydney Metro College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification (VET national code CHC50121) prepares you to work as an early childhood educator, with the knowledge and skills to design and implement curriculum for children from birth to five years. Sydney Metro College (CRICOS 03427D) is a private provider with campuses in Sydney and Melbourne, offering this course to international students seeking hands-on training in Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the standards required for student visa applications, and you'll benefit from ESOS Act protections. Whether you're drawn to Sydney's vibrant multicultural environment or Melbourne's renowned café culture, this diploma provides a pathway to a rewarding career in early childhood education. Ready to learn more? This page covers fees, entry requirements, work placement, and how to apply.
This diploma falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (Field of Education 070101). Students typically learn to develop programs that promote children's learning and development, plan and implement inclusive practices, and maintain healthy and safe environments. The curriculum often includes units on child development, play-based learning, family partnerships, and regulatory frameworks. While specific subjects vary by provider, graduates generally emerge with the skills to lead teams, design educational programs, and support children's wellbeing. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you for roles such as centre director, educational leader, or family day care educator.
According to the CRICOS register, this Diploma is offered over 1 year (52 weeks). It is a single qualification (not dual or nested) and is delivered in English. Students are expected to study full-time to meet visa requirements. The course does not include foundation studies, but applicants with prior qualifications in early childhood may receive credit — check directly with Sydney Metro College. For international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500), maintaining full-time enrolment is mandatory.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Sydney Metro College Pty Ltd is A$18,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$1,000, bringing the estimated total to A$19,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees on the provider's website (www.sydneymetrocollege.edu.au). Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. As a guide, international students should budget for weekly rent (Sydney ~$600, Melbourne ~$500), groceries (~$100-150), and transport (~$40-60).
Entry requirements for this Diploma may include English language proficiency — typically IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent) – and completion of Australian Year 12 (or overseas equivalent). For applicants without a senior secondary certificate, Sydney Metro College may offer foundation or pathway options; contact the provider for details. All international students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA-registered agent for personalised advice.
Yes, this course includes a work component: 8 weeks of supervised professional experience, totalling approximately 280 hours (35 hours per week). This industry placement is designed to give you hands-on experience in early childhood settings such as childcare centres or preschools. It allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, build professional networks, and meet the vocational placement requirements of the CHC50121 qualification. During placement, you'll be supervised by qualified educators and may need to obtain a Working with Children Check.
This course is delivered at three locations across two Australian cities: Petersham Training Centre (49A New Canterbury Rd, Petersham NSW), Sydney Metro College (Surry Hills) (Level 2, 16-22 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills NSW), and SMC Melbourne Campus (Melbourne VIC). Sydney and Melbourne are Australia's largest cities, home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Both cities have excellent public transport — Petersham is a short train ride from Sydney CBD, Surry Hills is walkable, and Melbourne's campus is near central tram lines. Living costs in Sydney are typically higher, while Melbourne offers a slightly lower cost of living. Choosing the right city depends on your personal preferences for climate, culture, and budget.
To study this Diploma as an international student, you'll need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course — like this one — and maintain satisfactory course progress. While on shore, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement ensures you intend to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity evidence is needed: typically covering tuition, living costs (at least A$24,505 per year for a single student), OSHC, and travel. For full details, see our Student visa page. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, safeguarding your tuition fees and academic quality.
Applying for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Sydney Metro College is straightforward:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses like this one. Filter by level (Diploma), field (Education), and location (NSW or VIC). Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Sydney Metro College's website (www.sydneymetrocollege.edu.au) or contact their admissions team. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any relevant work experience. Check application deadlines — some institutions have intakes in February, July, or October.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the college will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge a Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Visa processing times vary; apply early.
Both cities offer vibrant student communities and strong demand for early childhood educators. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering education courses, while Melbourne has around 180. Living costs in Sydney are higher — average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $600 per week, compared to $500 in Melbourne. Both cities have excellent public transport: Sydney's trains and buses connect the Petersham and Surry Hills campuses easily, while Melbourne's trams serve the city campus. Consider your climate preference (Sydney is warmer), lifestyle, and budget. No matter which you choose, you'll be studying in world-class education hubs with access to diverse childcare settings for your work placement.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Explore more CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy or contact Sydney Metro College directly for the latest fees and intake dates.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sydney Metro College 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.