Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118626H) is a Diploma delivered by Harbourside Institute of Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification provides the skills and knowledge to work in early childhood education settings, preparing graduates to support children's development from birth to school age. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is registered with the Australian Government on CRICOS. All listed institutions are CRICOS-registered and data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). HeadStart Academy is a free resource — no commission, no referral fees — covering 26,433 courses across all study levels and states.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118626H) is a Diploma delivered by Harbourside Institute of Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. It is classified under Field of Education 07 - Education, specifically 070101 Teacher Education: Early Childhood, and corresponds to VET national code CHC50125. The course is taught in English and is a single qualification (no dual award). It includes a work component: 36 weeks of industry placement with approximately 8 total hours per week, giving students practical experience in early childhood settings. All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring international students have legal rights and consumer protections.
This Diploma level course (AQF Level 5) prepares graduates to work as early childhood educators. The curriculum typically covers child development, program planning, inclusive practices, and regulatory compliance. Students learn to design and implement educational programs that promote children's learning and wellbeing, as well as to work collaboratively with families and communities. While specific syllabi vary by provider, graduates of early childhood education programs are equipped to supervise and support children's development in a range of settings, including childcare centres and preschools.
According to the CRICOS register, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care has a duration of 52 weeks (1 year). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — it does not include a foundation or dual diploma component. The course is delivered face-to-face at two locations in Sydney's inner city: Harris Street, Ultimo, and Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont. Students should expect a full-time study load, combined with the work component.
The indicative fees for this course, as recorded on the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026, are as follows: Tuition fee — A$16,000; Non-tuition fees — A$800; Estimated total — A$16,800. Please note that these fees are set by Harbourside Institute of Australia Pty Ltd and are subject to change. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. For the most current fees, always check the provider's website at www.harbourside.nsw.edu.au.
International students typically need to demonstrate English proficiency — for this diploma level, an IELTS overall score of 5.5 to 6.0 is commonly required. In addition, applicants should have completed Year 12 or equivalent, as this is a diploma-level qualification. Some providers may have additional prerequisites such as a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or relevant work experience. For specific entry requirements, including any foundation or pathway options, refer directly to Harbourside Institute of Australia.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 36 weeks, with approximately 8 hours per week devoted to work-integrated learning. This typically involves an industry placement or internship in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. The placement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world environment, develop practical skills, and meet the requirements for the CHC50125 qualification. Supervision is provided by the host organisation, and the provider coordinates placement arrangements.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at two locations in Sydney, New South Wales: Harris Street in Ultimo (postcode 2007) and Shop 118, 243 Pyrmont Street in Pyrmont (postcode 2009). Both locations are within the City of Sydney area, well-served by public transport including trains, light rail, and buses. Ultimo is near the University of Technology Sydney and Chinatown, while Pyrmont is adjacent to Darling Harbour. Sydney is home to over 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses to international students. Typical weekly living costs in Sydney (excluding rent) are around A$400-A$600, with rent for a single room in a shared apartment ranging from A$250-A$450 per week.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course will need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term time, with unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks — always check current visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website. Key requirements include the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and evidence of sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice — please consult a MARA-registered agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for personalised guidance.
Sydney offers a vibrant environment for international students, with many early childhood education providers across the city. With over 100 CRICOS-registered institutions in the greater Sydney area, students have a wide range of options for study locations, campus facilities, and support services. The city's public transport network makes commuting to Ultimo or Pyrmont convenient from most suburbs. When choosing a course, consider factors such as provider reputation, location, and the type of work placement offered. HeadStart Academy provides tools to compare courses and providers using official CRICOS data — a free resource with no hidden fees.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Harbourside Institute of Australia Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers using HeadStart Academy's search tool — filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and location (New South Wales) to compare your options. 2. Apply directly to Harbourside Institute of Australia — ensure you meet the entry requirements, including English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5-6.0) and academic qualifications. Check application deadlines and submit all required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the provider, then apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to arrange OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Harbourside Institute of 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.