Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118593A) is a Diploma delivered by Australian Careers College Pty Ltd over 1 year 2 months (~59 weeks). This qualification is classified under AQF Level 5 and falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It is designed for individuals seeking to work in early childhood education settings, such as childcare centres and preschools. As a CRICOS-registered course (118593A), it is open to international students who meet the entry requirements and hold a valid student visa. Australian Careers College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03029G) is a private provider with campuses in Parap, Northern Territory, and Sydney, New South Wales. The course is delivered in English and prepares graduates for roles including early childhood educator or centre director. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, this diploma is one of many options for students interested in education. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that helps students navigate CRICOS data, compare courses, and understand visa requirements. Note: All information is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Contact Australian Careers College directly for the most up-to-date details.
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The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognised qualification (VET national code CHC50125) that equips students with the skills and knowledge to support the development and learning of children from birth to 5 years. The curriculum typically covers areas such as child development, inclusive practices, fostering positive relationships, designing and implementing curriculum, and managing a team. Graduates are prepared to work in a range of early childhood settings, including long day care, family day care, preschools, and occasional care. As an AQF Level 5 qualification, it provides a pathway to higher-level study in early childhood teaching or related fields. Practical placement may be a component, though this course does not specify a mandatory work component. Students develop competencies in planning and delivering education programs, ensuring health and safety, and engaging with families and communities.
This Diploma is delivered over 1 year 2 months (59 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). The course is conducted in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). Study mode is typically full-time, with face-to-face classes at the provider's campuses. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as a condition of their student visa. The duration allows for a comprehensive learning experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students should expect a structured timetable with assessments including assignments, projects, and possibly observation-based tasks.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$21,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,200, making an estimated total of A$22,200. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. International students should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge, which are not included in the course fees. For example, OSHC costs approximately A$500–A$600 per year for a single student, while living costs in Australia are estimated at A$21,000–A$25,000 per year depending on city and lifestyle. Always confirm current fees with Australian Careers College Pty Ltd via their website at www.accollege.edu.au.
Applicants typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall. For AQF Level 5 diplomas, completion of Year 12 or equivalent is usually expected. Some providers may also require relevant work experience or a certificate-level qualification in early childhood. Foundation or pathway programs may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements—contact Australian Careers College for specific options. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for a student visa. All entry requirements are set by the institution; HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the provider for current criteria.
This course has no mandatory work component as per the CRICOS register. However, many early childhood education programs include practical placement as part of the curriculum. Australian Careers College may offer optional work-integrated learning opportunities. Check directly with the provider for any hands-on training components.
The course is delivered at two locations: 37 Gregory St, Parap, NT 0820, and Level 3, 303 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW 2000. Parap is a suburb of Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. Darwin has a smaller student population compared to Sydney, with around 15,000 international students, offering a close-knit community and lower living costs (indicative weekly rent A$300–$450 for a share house). Sydney is Australia's largest city with over 200,000 international students, vibrant cultural diversity, but higher living costs (weekly rent A$400–$700). Both campuses are accessible by public transport: Parap is a short bus ride from Darwin city centre, and the Sydney campus is near Town Hall station. Students can choose based on personal preference for climate, lifestyle, and budget.
International students enrolling in this Diploma require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a registered course, attending at least 80% of classes, and meeting satisfactory course progress. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. You must also hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. As part of the visa application, you need to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and dependents, and meet health and character requirements. For detailed guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). Please note that HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Australian Careers College Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter courses by level (Diploma), field (Education), and location (NT or NSW). Verify that the course and provider are CRICOS-registered—this course (118593A) and provider (03029G) are. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Check Australian Careers College's entry requirements, including English test scores (IELTS 5.5–6.0), academic qualifications, and application deadlines. Submit your application through their website at www.accollege.edu.au or via an education agent. 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 submit a visa application to the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. For visa assistance, consult a MARA-registered migration agent.
Studying early childhood education in Australia offers strong career prospects and a pathway to permanent residency, as the occupation is in high demand. However, consider the following: (1) Cost of living: cities like Sydney are expensive, while Darwin offers a lower cost but a smaller job market. (2) Accreditation: ensure your course is CRICOS-registered (like this one) to qualify for a student visa. (3) Career pathway: a Diploma can lead to further study in a Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching (AQF Level 7), which may be required for certain roles. (4) ESOS protections: as an international student, you are covered by the Education Services for Overseas Students Act, ensuring tuition protection and consumer rights. (5) Post-study work rights: graduates of this Diploma may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if it meets the length and skill requirements. Research your options thoroughly before committing.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Careers 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.