Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118614A) is a Diploma delivered by Australian Institute of Advanced Studies Pty Ltd over 2 years. This qualification is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 5) and focuses on the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (Field of Education 070101). It prepares graduates to work as early childhood educators in a range of settings, including childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. The course includes a significant work component, ensuring students gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. Australian Institute of Advanced Studies Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03469E) is a private provider based in Queensland, delivering this program at its Mount Gravatt East campus. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS Act and can access student visa pathways. This page provides a detailed breakdown of fees, entry requirements, study mode, and the application process.
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This Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 118614A) is a two-year, full-time program that meets the national standards for early childhood educators in Australia. The course is classified under Field of Education 07 – Education, specifically 070101 Teacher Education: Early Childhood. It is offered by Australian Institute of Advanced Studies Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03469E). The provider has been delivering vocational education and training to international students, and this diploma is aligned with the national VET package CHC50125. Students will develop skills in designing and implementing curriculum, fostering children's development, and managing compliance with regulatory frameworks. The course includes a mandatory work component of approximately 280 hours, allowing students to apply learning in real early childhood settings. For international students, this qualification can lead to further study or employment in Australia, subject to visa conditions and state registration requirements.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care covers advanced knowledge and practical skills for working with children from birth to five years. Graduates are trained to plan and implement play-based learning experiences, support children's social and emotional development, and work collaboratively with families and communities. The curriculum includes topics such as child development theories, health and safety practices, legal and ethical frameworks, and inclusive education strategies. Students also learn to lead teams, supervise staff, and manage early childhood services. As an AQF Level 5 qualification, it provides a pathway to higher education in teaching or social work. The course is delivered in English, and students must demonstrate English proficiency to enrol. While specific units of study are determined by the provider, the overall learning outcomes are aligned with national workforce competencies.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care has a duration of 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program with a scheduled study load designed to meet student visa requirements. The language of instruction is English, and there is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The course is delivered at the Mount Gravatt East campus in Queensland. Students attend classes, participate in workshops, and complete self-paced study. The CRICOS-registered duration ensures that international students can maintain a full-time enrolment required for their Student visa (Subclass 500). No part-time or online options are listed; however, students should confirm delivery mode directly with the provider.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$15,999 total, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$15,999. Please note: course fees shown are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change. This amount does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For current fees, always check the provider's website at www.aias.edu.au. As a guide, living costs in Brisbane (near Mount Gravatt East) are approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student, including rent, food, and transport. OSHC costs about A$600–$800 per year for single cover. The Department of Home Affairs requires students to show evidence of funds to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC for at least the first year.
To enrol in this Diploma, international students typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent) and successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent. Prior qualifications in a related field may be recognised through credit transfer. As the course is a Diploma (AQF Level 5), students are expected to have a senior secondary certificate or vocational qualification. No foundation or pathway programs are explicitly mentioned; students who do not meet academic entry requirements should contact the provider to discuss alternative options. English language requirements are set by the provider and must be met before a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) can be issued. Always confirm exact requirements with Australian Institute of Advanced Studies Pty Ltd, as they may have additional prerequisites.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 35 weeks, with approximately 8 hours per week, totalling around 280 hours. This is an industry placement or practical experience in an early childhood setting, such as a long day care centre, preschool, or kindergarten. The placement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real work environment, develop professional skills, and meet the vocational requirements of the national training package. It is an integral part of the course and must be completed to achieve the qualification. The provider arranges the placement, but students may need to meet specific workplace requirements, such as a Working with Children Check. For international students, the placement counts towards the course hours and does not affect student visa work limits.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at Australian Institute of Advanced Studies Pty Ltd's campus in Mount Gravatt East, Queensland. Located in a suburban area of Brisbane, Mount Gravatt East offers a quiet study environment with good public transport connections to the city. Brisbane is home to over 60 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. The suburb is close to shopping centres, parks, and amenities. Students can access the campus via bus or train from Brisbane CBD (approximately 20 minutes). For those considering living in Brisbane, the cost of living is moderate compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a room around A$200–$300. The campus is equipped with facilities for early childhood education training, including simulated learning environments.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). The visa allows full-time study and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Students must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meet attendance requirements, and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. The visa requires applicants to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, financial capacity (tuition, living costs, and OSHC), and English proficiency. It is important to note that HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring tuition fee protection and quality standards.
Queensland offers a warm climate, affordable living, and a strong early childhood education sector. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers across the state, including numerous TAFEs and private colleges, students have many options. Mount Gravatt East is well-connected to Brisbane's public transport and has a diverse population. The state's childcare industry is growing, with demand for qualified educators. However, students should consider that the course is offered at only one location for this provider. If you prefer a different city or provider, use the HeadStart Academy course finder to explore other options. Remember that living costs in Brisbane are lower than in Sydney but higher than in regional areas. Always factor in rent, groceries, and transport when budgeting.
Applying for this course is straightforward. Follow these three steps: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's search tool to filter by course level, field (early childhood education), and location (Queensland) to confirm your interest in Australian Institute of Advanced Studies Pty Ltd. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit www.aias.edu.au, check entry requirements, submit your application with academic transcripts and English test results (if required), and meet any application deadlines. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use it to apply for the visa online. Ensure you have OSHC evidence and sufficient funds. For personalised guidance, contact the provider directly.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Institute of Advanced Studies 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.