Diploma of School Age Education and Care (CRICOS course code 117017H) is a Diploma delivered by Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year 3 months (~65 weeks). This qualification is designed for international students seeking to work in out-of-school hours care, vacation care, or as an educator in school-age settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 03395G), it meets Australian Government standards for overseas students. Berkeley Business Institute, a private provider with multiple Sydney campuses, offers this course with a work placement component to give you practical experience. Whether you aim to work in Australia or abroad, this diploma provides a pathway to further study or employment in the education sector.
The Diploma of School Age Education and Care (117017H) is an AQF Level 5 qualification in Teacher Education: Primary (field 070103). It is delivered by Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd, a CRICOS-registered provider (03395G) with a strong focus on practical skills. The course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and competencies to design, implement, and evaluate programs for school-age children. As a CRICOS-registered course, it ensures you have access to the protections of the ESOS Act, including tuition fee safeguards and complaint resolution. Berkeley Business Institute has been educating international students since its registration, and this course is one of many offerings from Australia's 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers, which together offer over 26,433 courses across all study levels and states.
This diploma focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to work with school-age children in settings like before- and after-school care, vacation care, and community programs. You'll learn about child development, programming and planning, legal and ethical frameworks, and how to support children's wellbeing and learning. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you for roles such as an educator, coordinator, or team leader. While specific subjects are set by Berkeley Business Institute, typical learning outcomes include developing inclusive programs, fostering positive relationships, and managing operations. Graduates often pursue further study in education or social work.
The course duration is 1 year 3 months (~65 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and is not a foundation studies program. The study mode is full-time, typically involving a mix of classroom learning, online activities, and practical placement. The 65-week period includes 36 weeks of work placement, so you'll gain real industry experience alongside your studies. All sessions are delivered at Berkeley Business Institute's Sydney campuses, with options to choose from multiple locations.
Indicative fees for the Diploma of School Age Education and Care at Berkeley Business Institute are as follows: tuition fee A$18,750, non-tuition fees A$1,800, bringing the estimated total to A$20,550. Please note that these are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by the institution. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For current fees, always check directly with Berkeley Business Institute at www.berkeley.edu.au. Living costs in Sydney are estimated at around A$490 per week for rent, groceries, and transport, but vary by lifestyle. OSHC for a single student is approximately A$630 per year for standard cover.
Entry requirements for this course are set by Berkeley Business Institute. Typically, international students need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent), and completion of Year 12 or equivalent qualifications. A Diploma level course (AQF 5) generally expects prior completion of Year 12 or a Certificate IV. Some providers may also require relevant work experience or a pre-training interview. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you need to meet English language or academic prerequisites. Contact Berkeley Business Institute for specific entry criteria and any alternative pathways. Always verify with the provider as requirements can change.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 36 weeks, 8 hours per week (~288 total hours). This is a work-integrated learning arrangement typically involving an industry placement or internship in a school-age care setting. You'll apply your classroom learning in a real environment, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as program delivery, child supervision, and team collaboration. The placement is supervised by the provider and host organisation. This practical component not only enhances your skills but also builds your professional network and employability in Australia's education sector.
Berkeley Business Institute delivers this course at four locations in Sydney, New South Wales: BBI@ Sydney - Level 5 70-72 Bathurst St, SYDNEY NSW 2000; BBI@Glebe, FOREST LODGE NSW; BBI@Sydney - Level 3 70-72 Bathurst St, SYDNEY QLD (note: Sydney, QLD appears to be a data error — expect this to be Sydney, NSW); and Suite 1, Level 1, 338-340 Pitt St, SYDNEY NSW 2000. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a vibrant international student community of over 150,000. The city offers excellent public transport, including trains, buses, and light rail, connecting campuses to accommodation and amenities. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia, Sydney alone hosts hundreds of education institutions, making it a popular choice for study.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. The visa requires you to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, which this diploma is. You'll need to meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements, demonstrate English proficiency, have sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Always check the Department of Home Affairs for the latest requirements. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice — consult a registered MARA agent if needed.
Sydney offers a dynamic environment for studying education. With a large number of early childhood and school-age care providers, the city provides ample opportunities for work placements and future employment. The cost of living in Sydney is higher than in other Australian cities, but part-time work during study can help offset expenses. Public transport is reliable, and many campuses are within walking distance of train stations. Studying in Sydney also exposes you to diverse communities, enriching your understanding of child development across cultures. As a CRICOS-registered course, you're protected by Australian education laws, and HeadStart Academy's free resources help you navigate your journey.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of School Age Education and Care at Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and city (Sydney). Compare providers and courses using official CRICOS data. 2. Apply directly to Berkeley Business Institute – Check the specific entry requirements, including English language test scores (IELTS 5.5-6.0), academic qualifications, and application deadlines. Submit your application through the institute's admissions portal. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – Once accepted, Berkeley Business Institute will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and evidence of financial capacity.
Ready to start? Use HeadStart Academy's CRICOS search to find more courses, or apply directly to Berkeley Business Institute.
Diploma of School Age Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Berkeley Business Institute 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.