Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118589H) is a Diploma delivered by Iascend Polytechnic Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification sits at AQF Level 5 and is designed for individuals seeking to work as early childhood educators or pursue leadership roles in childcare settings. The course is CRICOS-registered, ensuring it meets Australian Government standards for international students. With a strong focus on child development, pedagogy, and practical placement, graduates gain the skills to plan and implement educational programs for children aged 0-5. Iascend Polytechnic Pty Ltd (CRICOS 02961A) offers this course at two locations in Victoria: Bright and West Melbourne. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we provide up-to-date information sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026), helping you compare courses and make informed decisions.
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The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (VET national code CHC50125) is a comprehensive program that prepares you for a rewarding career in early childhood education. Delivered by Iascend Polytechnic Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (02961A), the course runs for 52 weeks (1 year) of full-time study. Instruction is in English, and the course includes a mandatory work component of 40 weeks at 8 hours per week (approximately 300 total hours). This work-integrated learning gives you real-world experience in early childhood settings, such as long day care centres or preschools. You will not receive a dual qualification, and no foundation studies are included. The field of education is 'Teacher Education: Early Childhood', focusing on developing your ability to care for and educate young children. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, ensuring your rights under the ESOS Act are protected. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, so you can trust in the quality of this nationally recognised qualification.
As a Diploma-level qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care, the curriculum covers child development, health and safety, play-based learning, and program planning. You will learn to design and implement educational programs that foster children's holistic development, build partnerships with families, and comply with regulatory standards. The course typically includes units on promoting children's wellbeing, supporting inclusion and diversity, and leading teams in early childhood settings. Graduates are prepared for roles such as early childhood educator, room leader, or family day care coordinator. This general guidance is based on the AQF Level 5 descriptor; specific syllabus details should be confirmed with Iascend Polytechnic.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is offered as a 1-year program (52 weeks according to the CRICOS register). Study mode is full-time on campus, with all instruction in English. This is a single qualification (no dual or combined awards). The course does not include foundation studies; however, if you need to meet entry requirements, you may consider pathway options—please consult the provider. For international students, it's important to note that the course duration must align with your Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the CRICOS register for the most current duration information.
The indicative fees for this course, sourced from the CRICOS register, are as follows: Tuition fee: A$10,500; Non-tuition fee: A$100; Estimated total: A$10,600. Please note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. International students must budget for OSHC (approximately A$600-A$700 per year for a single student), living expenses (around A$21,000-A$24,000 per year depending on location), and visa application fees (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). Always confirm current fees directly with Iascend Polytechnic via their website (www.mcfe.com.au) as fees are set by the institution and subject to change.
To enrol in this Diploma, you typically need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent. English language proficiency is required, with an IELTS score of 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent approved test). Some providers may require a minimum of 5.5 in each band. This course is at AQF Level 5, so prior qualifications such as a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care are often expected—check with Iascend Polytechnic for specific prerequisites. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you may be able to take foundation or pathway programs. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the provider for individual assessment. All CRICOS-registered providers must adhere to these standards to ensure students are appropriately prepared.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component: 40 weeks of placement at 8 hours per week, totalling approximately 300 hours. This work-integrated learning is typically an industry placement in an approved early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. During the placement, you will apply classroom knowledge under supervision, develop practical skills in programming and planning, and build professional networks. The placement is integral to meeting the Vocational Education and Training (VET) requirements for the CHC50125 qualification. Iascend Polytechnic will arrange the placement in accordance with Australian regulations. This hands-on experience is invaluable for your future career.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at two locations in Victoria: Alpine View CC in Bright (postcode 3741) and Spencer St - Unit 39, 617-643 Spencer Street in West Melbourne (postcode 3003). Bright is a town in the Alpine region of Victoria, known for its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities. It has a small student population, but offers a tranquil study environment. West Melbourne is part of the Melbourne metropolitan area, close to the CBD, with excellent public transport access via Southern Cross Station. Melbourne has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant student community. Indicative living costs in Melbourne: weekly rent A$300-A$500, groceries A$100-A$150, and transport A$40-A$60. For Bright, living costs may be slightly lower. Both campuses provide access to essential services and amenities.
International students enrolling in this course need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. The ESOS Act protects your rights, ensuring you receive quality education and adequate support. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Iascend Polytechnic Pty Ltd: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy's course search to filter by course level, field, and city. Compare providers and ensure they are registered on CRICOS. Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS or equivalent), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines and submit your application to Iascend Polytechnic. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once you get the CoE, lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC cover and meet financial requirements.
Victoria is a popular destination for international students studying early childhood education, with numerous CRICOS-registered providers and a multicultural society. Melbourne, the capital, offers diverse cultural experiences, excellent public transport, and a robust job market for education graduates. Bright provides a quieter, nature-focused lifestyle. Consider your personal preferences for city vs. regional living, climate, and cost of living. Victoria's ESOS protections ensure high-quality standards. HeadStart Academy helps you compare providers and courses to find the best fit.
Explore more Diploma courses in Victoria on HeadStart Academy.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Iascend Polytechnic 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.