Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118374A) is a Certificate III delivered by Thames International College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This nationally recognised VET qualification (CHC30121) is designed for international students seeking a career in early childhood education. As an AQF Level 3 course, it covers fundamental skills in child development, health and safety, and educational program support. Delivered at the North Sydney campus, students benefit from studying in one of Australia's most dynamic education hubs. The course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks (160 hours) for real-world experience. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring ESOS Act protections for international students. Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Start your journey towards a rewarding role in early childhood education — explore this course today.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 118374A) is a Certificate III level qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 3). It belongs to the field of education (07 - Education, 0701 - Teacher Education, 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood). The course is offered by Thames International College Pty Ltd (CRICOS provider code 04079M), a private provider registered to deliver this program. With a duration of 52 weeks, it is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The VET national code is CHC30121. This course is specifically designed for international students who wish to gain the skills and knowledge required to work in early childhood education settings, such as childcare centres and preschools.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to early childhood education. Students typically learn about child development from birth to school age, creating safe and supportive learning environments, promoting children's health and wellbeing, and supporting play-based learning. Core units often cover communication with families, cultural competence, and legal and ethical responsibilities in early childhood settings. The field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood emphasises both theoretical understanding and practical application. Graduates are prepared to work as early childhood educators or assistants in childcare centres, kindergartens, and other early learning environments. Please note that the specific syllabus is set by Thames International College — contact the provider for detailed unit information.
The course duration is 1 year, comprising 52 weeks as per the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English and requires full-time study. The program is a single qualification, meaning students focus solely on this Certificate III without simultaneous enrolment in another award. Study mode is likely face-to-face on campus, with scheduled classes and supervised work placements. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to satisfy student visa conditions. The structure includes both theoretical instruction and a mandatory work component (see Work Component section).
Tuition fees for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Thames International College are indicative at A$16,000 for the full program. Non-tuition fees, including materials and administration, are estimated at A$2,000, bringing the total to A$18,000. Please note: These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Actual fees are set by the provider and subject to change. Always confirm the current fee schedule directly with Thames International College. For a breakdown of expected living costs in Sydney, refer to our cost of living guide.
General entry requirements for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care include an IELTS overall band score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent English language test). Applicants are expected to have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas secondary schooling. Some providers may require a Working with Children Check or a police clearance. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet the direct entry criteria — consult Thames International College for details. Note that these are indicative requirements; the final decision rests with the provider.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 8 weeks of industry placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 160 hours. This hands-on experience takes place in real early childhood settings such as daycare centres, preschools, or kindergartens. Students apply classroom knowledge to practice under the supervision of qualified educators. The work placement is a key element of the CHC30121 qualification, ensuring graduates are job-ready and familiar with the daily operations of early childhood services.
This course is delivered at the North Sydney campus of Thames International College, located at 118 Walker St, NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060. North Sydney is a bustling commercial hub on the lower North Shore of Sydney, just across the Harbour Bridge from the CBD. The campus is well served by public transport, including trains and buses, making it accessible from various parts of Sydney. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to hundreds of CRICOS-registered providers and a diverse international student community. Living costs in Sydney are indicative: weekly rent for a shared apartment A$600–A$800, groceries A$100–A$150, and transport A$40–A$60. For more on studying in New South Wales, visit our NSW study guide.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Work rights: you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays (subject to visa conditions). You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. For detailed guidance, see our Student Visa Subclass 500 page and OSHC health cover page. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Thames International College:
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to search for Certificate III courses in Early Childhood Education and Care. Filter by course level, field, and location to compare options. Thames International College is listed under CRICOS provider code 04079M.
Step 2: Apply directly to Thames International College. Check the entry requirements (English language test, academic qualifications) and application deadlines. Submit your application online or via the provider's admissions office. Include all required documents: academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy, etc.
Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once accepted, the college will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged and meet GTE and financial requirements.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Explore more courses or contact Thames International College directly via their website.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Thames International 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.