Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118621B) is a Diploma delivered by Elite Education Group PTY. LTD. over 2 years. This AQF Level 5 qualification is designed for students aiming to work as early childhood educators or managers in Australia. The course covers child development, curriculum design, and leadership in early childhood settings. With a strong work-integrated learning component, graduates gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. Elite Education Group is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03546G) offering this course at two Sydney campuses: Petersham and Haymarket. As a HeadStart Academy user, you can trust that all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. This course is one of many in the Education field, specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood. International students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and consumer rights.
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The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (VET national code CHC50125) focuses on preparing students to design and implement educational programs for children from birth to five years. Core topics include child development, health and safety, curriculum planning, family engagement, and team leadership. Graduates typically find roles as early childhood educators, centre directors, or family day care coordinators. The course aligns with Australian quality standards and prepares students to work in long day care, preschools, and other early childhood settings. While exact subject offerings vary, students can expect a blend of theory and practical assessment.
The course is designed to be completed in 2 years (104 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, making it suitable for international students. This is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. Students are expected to attend classes at the nominated campus and complete work placements as part of the course. The full-time study load typically involves around 20-25 contact hours per week, plus self-study.
Tuition fees for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Elite Education Group are indicative at A$24,000 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, meaning all essential costs are included in tuition. The estimated total cost is A$24,000. Note: This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, visa application charges, or other personal costs. For current fees, always confirm directly with Elite Education Group via their website: https://vocational.ee.edu.au/. The table below summarizes the fee structure.
International applicants typically need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent) to demonstrate English proficiency. Additionally, students should have completed a qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 or Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (or relevant experience). Some providers may require a Working with Children Check or a pre-training interview. Foundation or pathway options may be available — contact Elite Education Group for details. Always check the specific entry requirements on the provider's website.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 60 weeks of placement at 5 hours per week, totaling approximately 300 hours. This practical experience is typically in an Australian early childhood setting such as a kindergarten, preschool, or daycare centre. Work placements allow students to apply classroom theory under supervision, develop industry skills, and build professional networks. Students are responsible for arranging placements with provider support.
The course is delivered at two campuses in Sydney, NSW: Petersham Campus in PETERSHAM and Quay Street Campus in HAYMARKET. Both are well-connected by public transport. Sydney is a vibrant multicultural city with over 1,800 registered CRICOS providers, offering diverse student communities. Living costs in Sydney for international students are typically higher, with indicative weekly rent around A$400-600, groceries A$80-150, and transport A$35-50. HeadStart Academy's guide to studying in NSW can help you plan.
To study this course on campus in Australia, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, arrange OSHC health cover, and show financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy provides visa guidance but is not a migration service — consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for your specific situation.
Follow these three steps to start your Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Elite Education Group:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Compare Elite Education Group’s offerings with other early childhood diploma providers in Sydney.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit your application via Elite Education Group’s website or contact their admissions team. Ensure you meet entry requirements and provide English test scores, transcripts, and any required documents.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you’ll receive a CoE. Use this to lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statements.
Sydney offers a rich environment for early childhood education students. With numerous child care centres, community programs, and government initiatives, there are ample opportunities for hands-on placements. The city's cultural diversity allows students to work with families from various backgrounds, enhancing their professional skills. However, the cost of living is higher than in other Australian cities. As a HeadStart Academy resource, we recommend budgeting for rent, food, transport, and healthcare. Sydney’s public transport network makes both Petersham and Haymarket campuses easily accessible. Petersham is a quiet suburb a short train ride from the CBD, while Haymarket is in the heart of Chinatown near Central Station.
Ready to start? Use HeadStart Academy's search to explore more early childhood courses in Sydney, or apply directly to Elite Education Group. Remember to check CRICOS registration and ESOS protections.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Elite Education Group 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.