Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118628F) is a Diploma delivered by Skills International Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification equips students with the skills and knowledge required to become an early childhood educator, working in preschools, childcare centres, and other early learning settings. The course covers child development, curriculum planning, and regulatory compliance, aligning with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) framework. Skills International Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03682M) is a private provider based in New South Wales, offering this course at their Seven Hills campus. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses in Australia, this Diploma provides a pathway to further study or employment in the education sector.
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This course falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Students learn to design and implement educational programs for children from birth to 5 years, focusing on their developmental needs, safety, and wellbeing. Core topics include child development theories, play-based learning, inclusive practices, and family engagement. The curriculum also addresses legal and ethical responsibilities in early childhood settings, including the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Graduates emerge with practical skills in observation, documentation, and program evaluation, preparing them to lead teams or manage services in childcare centres, kindergartens, or early intervention programs. This Diploma is widely recognised across Australia and can lead to further study in early childhood teaching at university level.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered full-time over 52 weeks (1 year) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Classes are likely conducted on campus at the Seven Hills location, with a mix of theory and practical components. Students are expected to attend classes regularly, complete assignments, and participate in work-integrated learning. The course structure adheres to the national training package CHC50125, ensuring consistency across registered training organisations in Australia.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative A$25,000, with non-tuition fees of A$2,500, making an estimated total of A$27,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Skills International Pty Ltd. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. International students should budget for OSHC (approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover), living costs in Seven Hills (weekly rent around A$300–A$450, groceries A$100–A$150, transport A$40–A$60), and the student visa application fee (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees directly with the provider at their website, as institutions may update charges.
For this Diploma level, international students typically require an IELTS overall score between 5.5 and 6.0 (or equivalent accepted test). Prior qualifications expected include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, or a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements – check with Skills International Pty Ltd for bridging programs. English language support may be offered. Applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for a student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends reviewing the provider's entry criteria on their website or contacting them directly. This information is a general guide; individual provider requirements may vary.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks at 35 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours. This work-integrated learning involves industry placement in a regulated early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. Students apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world environment under supervision, developing practical skills in caregiving, program delivery, and teamwork. The placement may be arranged by Skills International Pty Ltd or sourced by the student with provider approval. This component is essential for meeting the vocational requirements of the CHC50125 training package and enhances employability. Students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may also engage in additional paid work (up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks) subject to visa conditions.
The course is delivered at Skills International Pty Ltd's Seven Hills Campus, located at Unit 2, Seven Hills, NSW 2147. Seven Hills is a suburban area in Western Sydney, approximately 30 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. The campus is accessible via public transport, including trains and buses, with Seven Hills railway station nearby. Living costs in Western Sydney are generally lower than in the city centre, with average weekly rents between A$300 and A$450 for shared accommodation. The area has a growing student population, with several CRICOS-registered providers nearby. Students can access amenities such as shopping centres, parks, and community facilities. Sydney offers a vibrant student life, with over 200,000 international students across its universities and colleges.
International students studying this Diploma on CRICOS registration must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course, with work rights of 48 hours per fortnight while studying and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire visa period. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is a key criterion – you must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity evidence is required, showing you can cover tuition fees, living costs, and OSHC. Dependents may be eligible for accompanying visas, but work restrictions apply. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, including tuition fee protection and refund policies. No visa guarantee can be provided – consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice.
New South Wales is home to over 400 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of early childhood education courses. The demand for qualified educators is high, with the Australian Government projecting strong growth in the sector. Studying in Seven Hills offers a suburban lifestyle with lower cost of living compared to the Sydney CBD, but still requires a budget of around A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for living expenses. Public transport connects you to the city and other suburbs. Consider the course duration – 1 year full-time – and whether you can manage the work placement hours. If you plan to continue to a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, this Diploma may offer credit transfer to universities such as Western Sydney University or the University of Technology Sydney. Always verify articulation pathways with the provider. NSW also has a favourable climate and diverse communities, making it attractive for international students.
Applying for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Skills International Pty Ltd involves three key steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy or the CRICOS website to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and location (NSW). Confirm Skills International Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03682M) is registered to deliver this course.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Skills International Pty Ltd's website to obtain the application form. Prepare required documents including academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.5–6.0 or equivalent), passport copy, and any prior qualification certificates. Check application deadlines and submit before the intake date.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Upon acceptance, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Attend a biometrics appointment if required. After visa grant, arrange travel and accommodation. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent – consult a MARA-registered agent for visa assistance.
Q1: How much does Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care cost at Skills International Pty Ltd? A1: The indicative total cost is A$27,500, comprising A$25,000 tuition and A$2,500 non-tuition fees. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and may change. Always confirm with the provider directly. Additional costs include OSHC, living expenses, and visa fees.
Q2: How long is Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care? A2: The duration is 1 year (52 weeks) of full-time study, as per the CRICOS register. The course includes both on-campus learning and an 8-week work placement (280 hours total).
Q3: What are the entry requirements for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care? A3: General requirements include an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent), completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, or a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Foundation/pathway options may be available – check with the provider.
Q4: Where is Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care delivered? A4: The course is delivered at Skills International Pty Ltd's Seven Hills Campus in NSW (Unit 2, Seven Hills). The campus is accessible by train and bus, and the area offers affordable living options for students.
Ready to start your journey? Explore the application process above and take the first step toward your early childhood education career in Australia.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Skills International 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.