Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118604C) is a Diploma delivered by Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd over 2 years. This AQF Level 5 qualification equips you with the skills to design and implement early childhood programs, lead teams, and ensure quality care for children up to school age. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03406J), it meets Australian standards for international students. This page covers fees, entry requirements, work placement, and student visa details to help you make an informed decision. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. Whether you are planning to work in childcare centres, kindergartens, or family day care, this Diploma opens doors across Australia. Read on to explore the course structure, costs, and how to apply.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 118604C) is an AQF Level 5 qualification in the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Delivered by Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03406J), a private provider located in Dandenong, Victoria, this course prepares graduates for leadership roles in early childhood education. Students learn to plan and evaluate educational programs, manage teams, and foster children's development. The course is classified under the Education field (07) and is designed for those aspiring to work as early childhood educators or centre directors. With a duration of 104 weeks (2 years), it includes a work component of 14 weeks (280 hours) to provide real-world experience. All information is sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Australia hosts 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses, ensuring a wide range of study options for international students.
This Diploma focuses on early childhood education theory and practice. Graduates typically learn to design and implement play-based learning experiences, support children's social and emotional development, and work collaboratively with families and communities. The curriculum covers child development, health and safety, inclusion, and regulatory frameworks. While specific units are set by Lawson College Australia, the qualification aligns with national standards. Students develop skills in program planning, observation, and assessment, preparing them to lead teams in childcare settings. Practical components ensure graduates can apply knowledge in real environments. For a detailed syllabus, refer to the provider's website.
The course runs for 104 weeks (2 years) on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and not a foundation studies program. The VET national code for this Diploma is CHC50125. Students should expect full-time study with a combination of classroom learning and work placement. Attendance is required at the Dandenong campus. The course is designed to meet the needs of international students, with a structured timetable to balance theory and practical hours. No part-time study options are indicated; full-time enrolment is standard for student visa holders.
Indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$22,600, with non-tuition fees of A$1,000, totalling an estimated A$23,600. These fees are set by Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. International students should budget for additional expenses: OSHC costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year, living expenses in Melbourne (including Dandenong) are around A$21,000–A$25,000 per year (covering rent, groceries, transport, and utilities), and the student visa application fee is A$1,600. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider before applying. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource with no referral fees.
For this Diploma, an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall is typically required, indicating upper-intermediate English proficiency. Applicants should have completed Year 12 or equivalent. Prior qualifications in early childhood or related fields may be beneficial. The provider may accept alternative English tests (e.g., PTE, TOEFL). Check with Lawson College Australia for specific academic requirements. Foundation or pathway options may be available for those who do not meet direct entry. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 280 total hours). This work-integrated learning involves industry placement in an early childhood setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. Students gain hands-on experience under supervision, applying theory to practice. Placements are typically arranged by the provider and may be located in Dandenong or surrounding areas. This practical training is essential for meeting the qualification requirements and building professional networks. Work placement also enhances your resume and improves employment prospects in Australia.
The course is delivered at 53 Walker Street, Dandenong, Victoria. Dandenong is a suburb in Melbourne's south-east, approximately 30 km from the city centre. It has a large and diverse community with a strong international student presence. The area is well-served by public transport, including trains and buses, connecting to Melbourne CBD within an hour. Dandenong offers a range of amenities such as shopping centres, parks, and affordable housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dandenong is around $350–$450 per week; groceries and transport add another $200–$300 per week. The city of Melbourne has over 100 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a vibrant study destination.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Visa conditions include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and sufficient attendance. Holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the whole visa duration. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement assesses your intention to stay temporarily. Financial capacity must show you can cover tuition, living costs, and dependents (if any). HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring refund policies and grievance procedures are in place.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and city (Dandenong). Compare providers and check their CRICOS status. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Lawson College Australia for entry requirements, English test results, and application deadlines. Submit your academic transcripts, English test scores, and any other required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use it to apply for your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. After visa grant, you can commence your studies in Dandenong.
Dandenong offers a balance of affordability and accessibility for international students. With lower rent than inner Melbourne, it's budget-friendly. The area has a growing early childhood sector, providing potential work placement and job opportunities. Public transport links to Melbourne CBD and other suburbs make it easy to explore. However, consider your preference for city amenities versus suburban life. Dandenong has a multicultural community with many support services for migrants. If you value community and quieter surroundings while having easy access to a major city, Dandenong is a strong choice for your studies.
Here are answers to common questions about Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Lawson College Australia.
Start your journey towards a rewarding career in early childhood education. Contact Lawson College Australia today for the latest fees and intake dates.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lawson College Australia 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.