Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 117995B) is a Certificate III delivered by Early Education Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year. This nationally recognised VET qualification (CHC30121) is designed for international students seeking to launch a career in early childhood education. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for overseas students, offering a pathway to work in childcare centres, preschools, and early learning environments. With a strong work component of 6 weeks (approximately 160 hours), you'll gain hands-on experience in real early childhood settings. Studying at Early Education Institute means learning from experienced educators in a supportive environment, with access to modern facilities at the Cobblebank campus in Victoria. This course covers essential skills in child development, safety, and program planning, preparing you for roles such as early childhood educator or assistant. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this qualification is a solid step into a growing industry.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 117995B) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification in the field of Education (07 - Education, 0701 - Teacher Education, 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood). Delivered by Early Education Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04364F), a private provider, this course runs for 52 weeks (1 year) with instruction in English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study options. The VET national code is CHC30121, and the course includes a mandatory work component of 6 weeks (approximately 160 total hours) to ensure graduates are job-ready. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, giving international students legal rights including tuition fee protection and access to complaint processes. This course is ideal for those looking to work with children aged 0-5 in Australian early childhood settings.
This course covers the core competencies required to work in early childhood education. Students learn about child development from birth to school age, how to create safe and supportive learning environments, and how to plan and implement educational programs. Topics include fostering children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, working effectively in a team, and communicating with families and communities. The qualification aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. Graduates will understand regulatory frameworks, ethical practices, and inclusive approaches for diverse children and families. While the exact syllabus is set by Early Education Institute, typical learning outcomes include promoting children's wellbeing, supporting play-based learning, and maintaining health and safety standards.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered over 1 year (52 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and the course is offered as a single qualification (no dual or foundation component). Study mode is likely face-to-face at the Cobblebank campus, but confirm with Early Education Institute for specific timetables. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. The course duration aligns with standard visa conditions, allowing students to balance study with work rights (48 hours per fortnight during term). For those needing additional English support, many providers offer pathway programs, though this course requires IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$15,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000, making an estimated total of A$16,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Early Education Institute Pty Ltd. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the student visa application charge are not included. Typically, OSHC costs around $500-$700 per year, and living costs in Victoria can range from $20,000 to $30,000 annually depending on lifestyle. Cobblebank, located in Melbourne's outer west, offers relatively affordable rent compared to the city centre. Always check the provider's website for the most current fees and ask about payment plans or scholarships.
Entry requirements for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care typically include an overall IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 (or equivalent) for English proficiency. Applicants must have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) in their home country. No prior early childhood experience is necessary, but a genuine interest in working with children is important. Some providers may require a Working with Children Check or police clearance upon enrolment. Foundation studies or pathway programs are not required for this level, but if you need to meet the English requirement, Early Education Institute may offer ELICOS programs. Always check specific entry requirements with the provider as they may vary.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 6 weeks (approximately 160 total hours). This is an integrated work-integrated learning experience, typically an industry placement in a licensed early childhood education and care setting. Students apply classroom knowledge in real childcare centres, preschools, or kindergartens under supervision. This placement is essential for developing practical skills and meeting national competency standards. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for unpaid placement work (usually permitted). The provider will arrange placement locations, often near the Cobblebank campus. For some students, this placement can lead to employment opportunities after graduation.
This course is delivered at Unit 1, 7 Hollingworth Drive, COBBLEBANK, VIC, 3338. Cobblebank is a growing suburb in Melbourne's outer west, part of the City of Melton. The area has seen significant development with new residential estates and improved infrastructure. Public transport includes bus services connecting to Melton and Sunshine stations. Students can access Melbourne's CBD via the Ballarat line or V/Line services. Cobblebank is home to several educational institutions and has a young population. Living costs here are generally lower than inner Melbourne, with median weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $320-$360. Groceries and transport add another $150-$200 per week. The campus location offers a suburban setting with modern amenities.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Early Education Institute, evidence of English proficiency (IELTS 5.0-5.5), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, OSHC, and living costs, and health insurance (OSHC) for the duration of stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Dependents may have work rights as well. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and not engaging in work beyond permitted hours. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current requirements. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent for personalised advice.
Cobblebank is part of Melbourne's rapidly growing western corridor, offering a mix of urban convenience and natural surroundings. The suburb is near the Werribee River and has parks for recreation. The local economy is diverse, with job opportunities in education, healthcare, retail, and logistics. For early childhood education graduates, the demand for qualified educators in Victoria is strong, with many childcare centres and kindergartens in the area. Cobblebank is also close to the Melton City Council area, which has a high population of young families. Public transport to Melbourne's CBD takes about 45-60 minutes by train. The campus location provides a quiet study environment compared to city campuses. When choosing where to study, consider your lifestyle preferences, budget, and access to placement opportunities.
Ready to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Early Education Institute? Follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered. You can filter by course level, field, and city to find the best fit.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Early Education Institute will require your application form, academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0-5.5 or equivalent), and a copy of your passport. Check application deadlines and any additional requirements.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you have your CoE, apply online to the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need to provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and a GTE statement. Ensure you apply well before your course start date.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Contact Early Education Institute today or explore more CRICOS courses on HeadStart Academy.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Early Education 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.