Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS: 118605B)

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118605B) is a Diploma delivered by Charter Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification equips graduates with the skills to lead early childhood education programs in a range of settings, including long day care, preschool, and family day care. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment, ensuring quality education and student protections under the ESOS Act. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses across Australia, this Diploma is a popular choice for those seeking a career in early childhood education. HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge, sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). All fees are indicative and subject to change; always confirm with the provider.

All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government
Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)
Free resource — no commission, no referral fees
Covers 26,433 courses across all study levels and states

Course Overview

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118605B) is a Diploma-level qualification (AQF Level 5) delivered by Charter Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03417F) over 1 year (52 weeks). This course is designed for individuals who wish to pursue a leadership role in early childhood education, developing skills in curriculum design, staff management, and regulatory compliance. Graduates are prepared to work as early childhood educators, centre directors, or family day care coordinators. The course is delivered in English and does not include foundation studies or dual qualification components. All details are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and prospective students should verify current information with the provider.

What You'll Study

The field of education for this course is Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Students typically learn about child development, inclusive practices, educational program design, and team leadership. The curriculum covers areas such as fostering children's learning and development, managing legal and ethical compliance, and building partnerships with families and communities. While specific syllabi may vary, graduates gain the knowledge and skills required to meet the National Quality Framework and Early Years Learning Framework. This course prepares students for roles that require a high level of responsibility and decision-making in early childhood settings.

Duration and Study Mode

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a 1-year program (52 weeks on the CRICOS register). Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual award). The course is delivered full-time, and students are expected to attend classes and complete assessments. The CRICOS register indicates a duration of 52 weeks, which includes scheduled breaks. International students should note that the standard student visa (Subclass 500) allows for study periods that align with the CRICOS registration.

Fees (Indicative)

Tuition fees for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Charter Australia Pty Ltd are A$13,500 (indicative, sourced from CRICOS register). Non-tuition fees are A$400, bringing the estimated total to A$13,900. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Students should budget for additional expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and health cover. For current fees and any updates, always visit the provider's website at www.charter.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee these fees; they are subject to change by the provider.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

International students typically require an IELTS overall score of 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent) for this Diploma level. Prior qualifications expected include completion of an Australian Year 12 or equivalent, or a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Some providers may have additional requirements such as a police check or working with children clearance. For specific entry requirements, including English language alternatives and prior learning recognition, refer to Charter Australia Pty Ltd directly. This course does not have foundation study options listed, but pathway programs may be available; contact the provider for details.

Work Component

This course includes a mandatory work component of 7 weeks at 40 hours per week, totaling approximately 280 hours. This work-integrated learning is typically an industry placement in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. It provides hands-on experience under supervision, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments. The placement is an integral part of the course and must be completed to meet the qualification requirements. Students are responsible for arranging their own placement, with support from the provider.

Delivery Locations

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at Charter Australia's campus located at Walker Street North Sydney, in North Sydney, NSW. North Sydney is a vibrant business and education hub on Sydney's Lower North Shore, with excellent public transport links to the city centre. The area is home to a diverse student population and offers a range of accommodation options, from apartments to shared housing. Indicative living costs in Sydney include weekly rent of A$300–$500, groceries A$60–$120, and transport A$30–$60. Students can access trains, buses, and ferries to explore the city and attend placement sites.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

International students studying this Diploma will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, providing an opportunity to offset living costs. It is essential to maintain satisfactory course attendance and progress to comply with visa conditions. For detailed information, visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.

How to Apply

Applying for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Charter Australia Pty Ltd is straightforward. Follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and providers. Ensure the provider is CRICOS-registered (Charter Australia's CRICOS code is 03417F). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and meet all entry requirements. Submit your application through Charter Australia's admissions portal. Check application deadlines and ask about any additional requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you will receive a CoE, which you need to apply for a student visa. Provide evidence of financial capacity, OSHC, and GTE statements. HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees.

Ready to apply? Follow the three-step process above to start your journey with Charter Australia Pty Ltd.

Other courses at Charter Australia Pty Ltd

View the full Charter Australia Pty Ltd profile →

Similar Diploma courses in New South Wales

All Diploma courses in New South Wales →

Source-backed course facts

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charter Australia Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
CRICOS course code
118605B
Provider
Charter Australia Pty Ltd (03417F)
Course level
Diploma
Field of education
07 - Education
Duration
52 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$13,500
Estimated total (indicative)
A$13,900
Delivery locations
North Sydney
Work component
Yes (280 total hours)

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative tuition fee is A$13,500, with non-tuition fees of A$400, total A$13,900. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs include OSHC, living expenses, and visa application fees. Always confirm current fees directly with Charter Australia.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. This includes scheduled breaks. Full-time study is typical for international students holding a Subclass 500 visa.
International students generally need IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent) and an Australian Year 12 qualification or Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Additional requirements may include a working with children check. Contact Charter Australia for precise details.
The course is delivered at Charter Australia's campus in Walker Street North Sydney, North Sydney, NSW. This location offers easy access to public transport and student amenities. Placement sites may vary, but the main campus is in North Sydney.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$13,900 for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (tuition A$13,500). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with Charter Australia Pty Ltd before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 118605B, offered by Charter Australia Pty Ltd (provider code 03417F). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.