Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118606A) is a Diploma delivered by Sydney Metro College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification, listed under field of education 070101 — Teacher Education: Early Childhood, equips you with the skills to lead and manage early childhood education services. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03427D), it meets Australian Government standards for international students seeking a student visa (Subclass 500). Whether you plan to work in childcare centres, kindergartens, or preschools, this diploma provides a pathway to professional roles in Australia’s early childhood sector. At HeadStart Academy, we help you navigate Australia’s 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering over 26,433 courses — all data sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118606A) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Sydney Metro College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03427D) over 1 year (52 weeks). This course falls under the field of Education (07) — Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. The VET national code for this qualification is CHC50125. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is approved for enrolment of international students, ensuring you receive the protections of the ESOS Act while studying in Australia.
At this Diploma level, you will develop advanced skills in designing and implementing early childhood curricula, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with national quality frameworks. Typical learning areas include child development, creating inclusive learning environments, building family and community partnerships, and leading pedagogical practices. Graduates often work as early childhood educators, centre directors, or program coordinators. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you for leadership roles in the sector.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification — no dual awards or foundation studies are offered. Full-time study is expected to meet student visa requirements. For details on study load and mode (on-campus, blended, etc.), contact Sydney Metro College directly.
Tuition fee: A$18,000. Non-tuition fees: A$1,000. Estimated total: A$19,000. These are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change — always confirm with Sydney Metro College at www.sydneymetrocollege.edu.au. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. Living costs vary by city — for example, in Sydney, weekly rent for a shared apartment ranges from A$250–$400, plus groceries (~A$80 per week) and transport (~A$40 per week). Melbourne is slightly cheaper, with rent averaging A$200–$350 per week. These are estimates only; refer to the Department of Home Affairs for official financial capacity requirements.
English language proficiency: IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent). Applicants are expected to have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent (AQF Level 4 or above). Relevant work experience may also be considered. This course accepts students from various academic backgrounds. For specific entry criteria, including foundation or pathway options, refer to Sydney Metro College.
Yes — this course includes a mandatory work component: 8 weeks, 35 hours per week (approximately 280 total hours). This work-integrated learning typically involves an industry placement in a licensed early childhood setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. It provides hands-on experience under supervision, allowing you to apply classroom learning in a real-world environment. Placements are arranged by the provider, but you may need to meet certain prerequisites (e.g., working with children check).
This course is delivered at three locations: - Petersham Training Centre — 49A New Canterbury Rd, PETERSHAM, NSW - SMC Melbourne Campus — Melbourne, VIC - Sydney Metro College (Surry Hills) — Level 2, 16-22 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills, NSW All campuses are in major Australian cities with strong public transport connections. Sydney and Melbourne together host hundreds of CRICOS-registered providers, offering students diverse study environments and access to multicultural communities.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Key requirements: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks — subject to visa conditions. HeadStart Academy cannot provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for your specific situation.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Sydney Metro College Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to verify that Sydney Metro College (CRICOS 03427D) is approved to deliver this course (118606A) and meets your study preferences (location, duration, fees). 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application to Sydney Metro College, meeting entry requirements including English proficiency (IELTS 5.5–6.0) and academic qualifications. Check application deadlines and required documents on their website. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you have OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity.
Ready to start your journey? Explore this course on the Sydney Metro College website or use the CRICOS register to verify registration. Bookmark HeadStart Academy for more CRICOS course and provider guides.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sydney Metro 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.