Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118574D) is a Diploma delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic over 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks). This qualification, VET national code CHC50125, equips you with the skills and knowledge to design and implement early childhood education programs, manage teams in childcare settings, and ensure compliance with national quality standards. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00724G), it is open to international students who meet the English and academic entry requirements. Melbourne Polytechnic, a government provider, delivers this course at its Preston Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, HeadStart Academy helps you navigate this landscape—this page gives you detailed information on fees, duration, entry requirements, work component, and the student visa process for this specific diploma.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118574D) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic (CRICOS 00724G) over 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks). This course falls under Field of Education 070101: Teacher Education: Early Childhood. Graduates typically pursue roles such as early childhood educator, centre director, or family day care coordinator. The course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks (35 hours per week, ~280 total hours) of industry placement—often in long day care centres or kindergartens—providing hands-on experience with children aged 0-5. Melbourne Polytechnic is a government-owned TAFE institution with a strong reputation for vocational training in Victoria. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, ensuring accuracy and reliability. HeadStart Academy is a free resource; we do not charge fees or receive commissions from any listed provider.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care covers advanced topics in child development, curriculum design, family engagement, and leadership in early childhood settings. Students learn to plan and implement play-based learning programs, assess children's development, and maintain safe, inclusive environments. The course also focuses on legal and ethical frameworks, including the National Quality Framework (NQF) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). While specific unit outlines are set by Melbourne Polytechnic, typical learning outcomes include ability to supervise and mentor staff, manage compliance with regulations, and design programs that foster children's social, emotional, and cognitive growth. As an AQF Level 5 qualification, it builds on prior knowledge from Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent. International students gain skills that are recognised across Australia's early childhood sector, which employs over 150,000 educators nationally.
The course duration is 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and is not a foundation studies program. The language of instruction is English. Students typically attend classes on-campus at the Preston Campus of Melbourne Polytechnic. The study load is full-time, consistent with student visa requirements for international students. The 63-week duration includes all teaching periods and the 8-week work component. Melbourne Polytechnic may offer flexible delivery options; contact the provider directly for details on timetables and study modes.
Indicative tuition fee for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is A$21,500. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, meaning there are no additional compulsory fees included in the CRICOS data — however, unexpected costs may arise (e.g., materials, uniforms). The estimated total cost is therefore A$21,500. Important: This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For current fee information, always check Melbourne Polytechnic's website. Based on CRICOS data as at April 2026, fees are subject to change. OSHC for a single student for 63 weeks is approximately A$800–$1,200, depending on provider. Living costs in Melbourne (where the Preston Campus is located) are around A$455–$600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of sufficient funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 pa), and return airfare.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). For this Diploma level, prior completion of an Australian Year 12 or equivalent is usually required, along with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or relevant work experience. Melbourne Polytechnic may have specific academic entry requirements — check their website for details. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet the direct entry criteria. Australian qualifications are assessed using the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). Always verify with the provider and consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for visa eligibility.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 8 weeks (280 hours total) of industry placement, typically 35 hours per week. This is a supervised placement in an early childhood setting, such as a long day care centre, preschool, or kindergarten. It provides practical experience in planning and implementing programs, working with families, and managing daily routines. The placement is assessed and must be completed satisfactorily to graduate. International students can undertake placements as part of their course under student visa conditions.
The course is delivered at Melbourne Polytechnic's Preston Campus at 77–91 St Georges Rd, Preston, VIC 3072. Preston is a suburb approximately 10 km north of Melbourne's CBD, with excellent public transport via train (Preston station on the Mernda line), trams (routes 11 and 86), and buses. The campus is part of a vibrant, multicultural community with many shops, restaurants, and services. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 5 million people, and hosts a large international student population (over 250,000). The city offers diverse cultural and professional opportunities, but the cost of living is relatively high — around A$455–$600 per week for a single student (rent, food, transport). Victoria has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses.
To study this Diploma on a full-time basis, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus some extra time. Key conditions: you must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and academic requirements, and hold valid OSHC. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, showing you intend to stay temporarily for study. Also need to demonstrate financial capacity for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 pa), and return airfare. OSHC covers medical expenses and must be purchased for the entire visa duration. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice — consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for your specific situation.
Follow this 3-step process to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Melbourne Polytechnic: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and location (Melbourne/Victoria). Confirm the provider (Melbourne Polytechnic, 00724G) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Melbourne Polytechnic's website for course pages and application forms. Check entry requirements (English test scores, prior qualifications) and submit required documents before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use it to apply for a visa via ImmiAccount. Ensure you have OSHC, proof of funds, and genuine temporary entrant statement. Seek migration advice if needed.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne Polytechnic. 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.