Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118597H) is a Diploma delivered by St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated over 1 year 5 months (~75 weeks). This qualification, registered under the national code CHC50125, prepares you to work as an early childhood educator in a range of settings, including long day care, preschool, and family day care. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03122K), it meets Australian standards for international students. The program includes a substantial work placement of 20 weeks (280 hours), giving you hands-on experience with children from birth to school age. Located in Jannali, NSW, the college offers a supportive learning environment with modern facilities. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses in Australia, this diploma is a popular choice for those seeking a career in early childhood education. The indicative total fee is A$14,500, excluding OSHC and living costs. Read on for full details on entry requirements, visa conditions, and how to apply through HeadStart Academy.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118597H) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated, a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03122K). This course falls under Field of Education 070101 – Teacher Education: Early Childhood. It is designed for individuals who want to take on leadership roles in early childhood settings. The course covers advanced skills in curriculum design, child development, family engagement, and regulatory compliance. As a qualification at AQF Level 5, it equips graduates with specialised knowledge and planning skills. The course is taught in English over 75 weeks (1 year 5 months) and includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks (14 hours per week). All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. This program is ideal for international students aiming to work in Australia's early childhood sector, which has strong demand across NSW.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care focuses on the theory and practice of educating children from birth to five years. Students learn to design and implement educational programs that promote children's development, health, and safety. Core areas include child development theories, inclusive practices, ethics in early childhood, and collaboration with families and communities. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, typical learning outcomes include the ability to lead teams, manage operations of an early childhood service, and support children with additional needs. Graduates are prepared for roles such as centre director, educational leader, or family day care coordinator. The course also emphasises cultural responsiveness, reflecting Australia's diverse society. As a Diploma-level qualification, it combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring graduates meet the National Quality Standards for early childhood education in Australia.
This course has a CRICOS duration of 1 year 5 months (~75 weeks) – exactly 75 weeks on the register. Delivery is full-time in English at the Jannali campus in NSW. It is a single qualification (not a dual), and does not include foundation studies. The structure typically includes classroom instruction, self-study, and a mandatory work placement. The work component accounts for 20 weeks (280 hours total) at 14 hours per week, providing real-world experience in an early childhood setting. This integrated learning approach ensures you graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The college may offer flexible study arrangements, but international students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. Contact St George & Sutherland Community College for the exact timetable and intake dates.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated is A$13,000. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$1,500, bringing the indicative total to A$14,500. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change – always confirm directly with the provider at http://www.sgscc.edu.au/international. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (approximately A$600–800 per week for rent, food, and transport in Sydney), and the Student visa application charge are not included. For an accurate budget, use the Department of Home Affairs financial capacity guidelines. HeadStart Academy is a free resource; we do not charge referral fees.
International applicants to this Diploma typically need an overall IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent English language test). They should hold a qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 or Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Some providers may accept completion of an Australian Year 12 or a recognised foundation program. Please note that this course does not include foundation studies, but St George & Sutherland Community College may offer pathways for students who need additional preparation. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for the Student visa. Always confirm specific entry requirements with the college, as they set the final standards. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a MARA agent for visa eligibility.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 20 weeks of placement at 14 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours. This practical experience is an industry placement in an Australian early childhood education setting, such as a long day care centre or preschool. Under supervision, you will apply your learning to plan activities, support children's development, and engage with families. The placement is a crucial part of the course design and must be completed to graduate. It also helps you build professional networks and may lead to employment opportunities. All placement arrangements comply with ESOS Act protections and workplace health and safety requirements. Note that work hours during the student visa allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, but placement hours are part of your course, not employment.
This course is delivered at the Jannali campus: 127-129 Sutherland Rd, Jannali, NSW 2226. Jannali is a suburb in the Sutherland Shire, approximately 25 kilometres south of Sydney's CBD. The area is well-connected by public transport, with Jannali railway station providing direct trains to central Sydney. The Sutherland Shire offers a suburban lifestyle with parks, beaches, and shopping centres. Sydney is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student population. Typical living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, with weekly rent for a share house around A$250–400, groceries A$80–120, and public transport A$30–50. The college's location provides easy access to local amenities and potential placement sites in early childhood centres across the Shire.
To study this course as an international student, you must obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from St George & Sutherland Community College, sufficient English proficiency (meet the IELTS 5.5–6.0 requirement), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration, and evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course terms and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. All international students are protected under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field (Education), and city (Sydney). Confirm that Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (118597H) at St George & Sutherland Community College meets your goals. Step 2: Apply directly to the institution – Visit the college's international page (http://www.sgscc.edu.au/international) to review entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (transcripts, English test result, passport). Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – Once accepted, the college issues a CoE. Use this to lodge a Subclass 500 visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC, financial evidence, and GTE statement. HeadStart Academy is a free resource; we do not charge fees or influence visa outcomes.
New South Wales offers a vibrant student experience with world-class universities and colleges, including over 30 CRICOS-registered providers offering early childhood courses. Sydney, the state capital, has a large international community and strong demand for early childhood educators. The Jannali campus is in a residential area with a family-friendly environment, cheaper than inner Sydney but well-connected. Consider your budget: Sydney living costs are around A$600–800 per week, higher than cities like Adelaide or Perth. The state also has excellent public transport, and the Sutherland Shire is close to beaches and national parks. If you prefer a quieter study setting away from the city centre, Jannali is a great choice. Use HeadStart Academy to compare other providers in NSW offering similar diplomas.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at St George & Sutherland Community College Incorporated. 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.