Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 116084E) is a Diploma delivered by AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD over 1 year. This nationally recognised qualification (CHC50121) prepares you to work as an early childhood educator or centre director, focusing on child development, program planning, and regulatory compliance. With a built-in work component of 280 hours, you'll gain practical experience in Australian early childhood settings. The course is offered at the institute's CBD campus in Melbourne, a city with over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant student community. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03983J), AIDT ensures you are protected by the ESOS Act, guaranteeing quality education and student rights. Whether you're an international student seeking a pathway to permanent residency or a career changer, this diploma opens doors to a rewarding field in high demand across Australia.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 116084E) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) offered by AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD (CRICOS 03983J), a private education provider based in Melbourne. The course falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101) and is designed to equip students with the skills to lead teams, design curricula, and support children's learning from birth to five years. Graduates may find employment in long day care centres, preschools, or family day care. Australia's early childhood sector is growing, with strong demand for qualified educators. This course is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies) and is delivered entirely in English. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, reflecting the most current information available.
While specific syllabi vary by provider, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care typically covers child development theories, inclusive practices, health and safety, and regulatory frameworks. Students learn to plan and implement educational programs, build partnerships with families, and lead team members. The course aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. Practical components include observation, documentation, and assessment of children's learning. Graduates develop strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills essential for early childhood settings. This course is a vocational qualification (VET national code CHC50121) and is recognised nationally.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English only. This is a single qualification with no dual awards or foundation studies component. Students attend classes at the CBD campus in Melbourne, with a combination of classroom learning and practical placement. The full-time structure requires approximately 20-25 hours of study per week, plus self-directed learning.
Tuition fees for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD are A$14,000 (indicative). Non-tuition fees (including enrolment, materials, and administration) are A$2,000, bringing the estimated total to A$16,000. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the student visa application charge are NOT included in this estimate. For current fees, always check the provider's official website at https://aidt.edu.au/. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. Living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$500-A$700 per week for rent, food, and transport, but these vary by lifestyle.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent) for this level. Applicants should have completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent. It is advisable to have prior study or experience in early childhood; however, specific prerequisites are determined by the provider. Some students may take a Certificate III pathway first, but this course does not include foundation studies. For exact requirements, refer to AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD. HeadStart Academy does not assess individual eligibility; please contact the provider directly or consult a registered migration agent for visa advice.
This course includes an 8-week work placement (35 hours per week, approximately 280 total hours). This work-integrated learning component allows you to apply classroom theory in real early childhood settings, such as childcare centres or preschools. It builds confidence and professional networks, and is often a requirement for graduation. The placement is supervised and includes tasks like program planning, child observation, and team collaboration. This experience is highly valued by Australian employers and may enhance your job prospects after graduation.
The course is delivered at the CBD Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city with over 5 million residents and a large international student population of more than 200,000. The city is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering diverse study options. The campus is well-connected by public transport (trains, trams, buses), making it accessible from suburbs like Carlton, Fitzroy, and Southbank. Typical living costs in Melbourne are around A$500-A$700 per week for rent and living expenses. The city is known for its cultural diversity, food scene, and student-friendly atmosphere.
International students enrolling in this course will require a Student visa (Subclass 500). To be eligible, you must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrate sufficient financial capacity (including tuition, living costs, and OSHC), and have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your entire stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet requirements. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered MARA agent for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities. It offers excellent education infrastructure, with over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a strong early childhood sector. The city has a high demand for qualified early childhood educators, with many employment opportunities in childcare centres, kindergartens, and family day care. However, the cost of living is higher than in smaller cities like Adelaide or Hobart. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and career goals when choosing a study location. Melbourne's multicultural environment provides a welcoming community for international students.
Follow these three steps to start your journey: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers (filter by course level, field, and city). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution (meet entry requirements, provide English test scores, and submit application before deadlines). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is here to help you compare courses and providers, but the application process is handled between you and the institution.
Ready to take the next step? Compare this course with other early childhood diplomas on HeadStart Academy.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 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.