Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118576B) is a Diploma delivered by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE over 1 year. This qualification equips students with the skills to design and implement early childhood programs, lead teams, and ensure quality care for children from birth to 12 years. As a CRICOS-registered course (01985A), it meets Australian requirements for international students seeking a Student visa (Subclass 500). HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource — data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Sunraysia Institute of TAFE is a government-owned provider with a strong reputation in vocational education.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118576B) is a Diploma delivered by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE over 1 year (52 weeks). This qualification is classified under AQF Level 5 (Diploma) and falls within the field of Education (07) — specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). The course is designed for individuals who wish to work as early childhood educators, room leaders, or centre directors in Australia. Upon completion, graduates may be eligible to apply for the Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) role in some settings. The VET national code is CHC50125, and the course includes a mandatory work component of 300 hours (8 weeks, 38 hours/week). Sunraysia Institute of TAFE delivers this course on-site at its Mildura campus in Victoria. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered — over 1,500 providers offering more than 26,000 courses nationally. ESOS Act protections apply to all international students enrolled in CRICOS courses.
This diploma provides a comprehensive foundation in early childhood education theory and practice. Students learn about child development, play-based learning, health and safety, inclusive practices, and family engagement. The curriculum covers regulatory frameworks, curriculum planning, and assessment for children aged birth to 12 years. While specific units vary by provider, graduates typically develop skills to design and evaluate educational programs, mentor other educators, and work in partnership with families and communities. The course also emphasizes reflective practice and professional ethics. At this level (Diploma AQF 5), learners are prepared for supervisory roles in early childhood settings. The 300-hour work component (industry placement) ensures practical application of knowledge in real childcare environments.
The course duration on the CRICOS register is 52 weeks (1 year) of full-time study. Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or pathway offering) and is not foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes on campus at the Mildura location. The work component adds to the overall hours, but the 52 weeks includes both coursework and placement. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as per Student visa conditions.
Tuition fee is A$15,500 (indicative, sourced from CRICOS register). Non-tuition fees are A$0. Estimated total course cost: A$15,500. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, travel, or the visa application charge. For current fees and any additional costs (e.g., materials, uniforms), always check Sunraysia Institute of TAFE's official website: www.sunitafe.edu.au. HeadStart Academy presents fee data as a guide only — fees are set by the institution and subject to change. As an example, living costs in Mildura (VIC) are lower than in capital cities: indicative weekly rent for shared accommodation is around $150–$200, groceries $70–$100, and public transport $20–$30 (limited bus network). The Australian Government recommends a minimum living cost of approximately AUD $21,041 per year for a single student (2026).
International students are typically required to demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (no band below 5.5). Prior academic qualifications: completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. No specific foundation or pathway is listed on CRICOS for this course, but applicants must meet the provider's academic and English requirements. Sunraysia Institute of TAFE may also require a pre-training assessment or interview. Always refer to the institution for exact prerequisites. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee admission — all entry requirements are set by the provider.
Yes — this course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks at 38 hours per week (approximately 300 total hours). This is an industry placement (also known as vocational placement or work-integrated learning) where students gain hands-on experience in licensed early childhood settings under supervision. Placement hours are integrated into the course schedule and may require students to work shifts across different times of the day. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can undertake this placement as part of their course requirements. It provides valuable Australian workplace experience and is a key step toward meeting the assessment requirements for the qualification.
The course is delivered at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE - Mildura, located in MILDURA, VIC. Mildura is a regional city in northwestern Victoria with a population of around 55,000. It is a growing education hub with several CRICOS-registered providers offering vocational courses. The campus is accessible by local bus services. Mildura offers a lower cost of living compared to Melbourne, with a relaxed lifestyle and warm climate. Students can find part-time work in hospitality, retail, or agriculture. The city has a small but welcoming international student community. Sunraysia Institute of TAFE is the sole provider for this CRICOS course in this location.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this full-time course in Australia. Key conditions: maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance and academic progress requirements, hold adequate OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled term breaks. Financial capacity must be demonstrated to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Family members can apply as dependents (Subclass 500 family members). Students must not breach visa conditions. For personalised advice, consult a registered MARA migration agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). HeadStart Academy is not a migration agency.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses like this one (CRICOS 118576B) at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE (CRICOS 01985A). Check the course level, field, and location to ensure it meets your goals. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit www.sunitafe.edu.au or contact the admissions office. Submit your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), and any other required documents. Observe application deadlines – typically 8–12 weeks before course start. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge a Student visa (Subclass 500) application through the Department of Home Affairs. You will also need to arrange OSHC and show financial evidence.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Explore more courses at HeadStart Academy or apply directly to Sunraysia Institute of TAFE today.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. 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.