Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118586M) is a Diploma delivered by Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~79 weeks). This course, registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), is designed for international students seeking a career in early childhood education in Australia. As a VET qualification at AQF Level 5, it provides practical skills and theoretical knowledge to work in childcare centres, preschools, and other early learning environments. The program includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks (280 hours), allowing students to gain hands-on experience in Australian early childhood settings. With Australia hosting over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,433 courses, this diploma is a trusted pathway for those looking to study and potentially work in Australia after graduation. HeadStart Academy draws data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. Please note that all fees are indicative and subject to change — always confirm with the provider. For personalised visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
| Metric | Value |
|---|
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118586M) is offered by Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02886G), a private provider based in Melbourne, Victoria. This 79-week program (1 year 6 months) is delivered in English and leads to a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies. The course falls under the field of education (07) and specifically within Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It is classified under the VET national code CHC50125. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can be assured that the provider meets Australian Government standards for delivering education to overseas students. The course covers essential topics such as child development, curriculum planning, health and safety, and inclusive practices, preparing graduates to work as early childhood educators. Australia's robust regulatory framework, including the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, protects international students' rights, including tuition fee protection and quality assurance.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (118586M) equips students with the skills and knowledge required to design, implement, and evaluate programs for children aged birth to five years. Graduates learn to foster children's development through play-based learning, support diverse families, and comply with national quality standards. The curriculum typically includes units on child psychology, behaviour guidance, and working with Indigenous communities. This AQF Level 5 qualification also emphasises leadership and teamwork in early childhood settings. Students gain a deep understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Framework (NQF). While specific unit offerings are set by Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd, the broad learning outcomes align with industry requirements, ensuring graduates are job-ready. The program combines theoretical study with practical application, including a substantial work-integrated learning component.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (118586M) has a duration of 1 year 6 months (~79 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This reflects the full-time study load expected of international students holding a Student visa (Subclass 500). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — there is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The course is offered on-campus at the provider's Docklands location in Melbourne. International students typically attend classes during standard semester periods, with scheduled holidays that align with the academic calendar. The workload includes both classroom learning and practical placement hours. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the duration is set to meet student visa requirements, ensuring students complete their studies within the expected timeframe. Always confirm the exact schedule with Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd before enrolling.
The indicative fees for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (118586M) are as follows: tuition fee A$15,600, non-tuition fees A$900, bringing the estimated total to A$16,500. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders, nor do they cover living costs, visa application charges, or personal expenses. For current fees, always visit the provider's official website at http://www.mcohb.com.au. Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd may also charge additional fees for materials, resources, or resits. International students should budget for weekly living costs in Melbourne: indicative rent for shared accommodation A$200-350, groceries A$80-150, and transport A$30-50 per week. HeadStart Academy provides fee information as a guide only — always confirm directly with the institution before making financial commitments.
To enrol in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (118586M), international students generally need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent in other accepted tests like TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic). Additionally, applicants are expected to have completed Year 12 or equivalent (AQF Level 4 certificate or higher) to meet the academic entry requirements for a Diploma. Some providers may require a police check or working with children check due to the nature of the work placement. For students who do not meet the English or academic prerequisites, foundation or pathway programs may be available — check with Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; the provider will assess each application individually. Always refer to the provider's official website for the most up-to-date entry criteria. HeadStart Academy does not assess eligibility — consult a registered migration agent for advice on visa eligibility.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks, requiring 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) is typically structured as an industry placement or internship in early childhood education settings such as childcare centres, preschools, or kindergartens. The placement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop professional skills, and build networks within the Australian early childhood sector. Under the ESOS Act, students must complete the work component to graduate. The provider is responsible for arranging suitable placements that meet regulatory standards. International students should note that work placements are separate from the part-time work permitted under the Student visa (Subclass 500) — during term time, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. However, compulsory placements are part of the course requirements and are not counted toward these work-hour limits.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (118586M) is delivered at the Docklands campus of Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd, located in Docklands, Victoria. Docklands is a modern waterfront precinct near Melbourne's central business district, easily accessible by public transport (trams, trains, and buses). Melbourne is Victoria's capital city with a large international student population and over 100 CRICOS-registered providers. The city offers diverse cultural experiences, vibrant student communities, and a range of living options. Indicative weekly living costs in Melbourne are higher than regional areas but lower than Sydney. Students studying in Docklands benefit from proximity to business hubs and childcare centres for placement opportunities. The campus itself provides facilities for practical training. For precise location details and campus amenities, visit the provider's website.
International students enrolling in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (118586M) will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires applicants to satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrate sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel), and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course term and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday breaks (subject to visa conditions). The course duration of 79 weeks typically allows for a visa grant covering the study period plus a buffer. Students must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and meet attendance and academic progress requirements. Upon completing this diploma, graduates may be eligible for post-study work rights (check current immigration policies). Remember, HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice — always consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au).
Applying for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (118586M) at Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd involves three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and location (Victoria) to find providers like Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd. Verify the course code 118586M on the CRICOS register. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the provider's website at http://www.mcohb.com.au to check entry requirements, English test scores, application deadlines, and submit your application with required documents (transcripts, English test results, passport copy). Some providers charge an application fee. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC evidence and financial documents. Once the visa is granted, you can make travel arrangements to Melbourne.
Ready to take the next step? Explore more Diploma courses in Victoria on HeadStart Academy or contact Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd directly for application details.
View the full Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine Pty Ltd profile →
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne College of Hairdressing Beauty Therapy & Natural Medicine 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.