Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118629E) is a Diploma delivered by Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification equips you with the skills to work as an early childhood educator in Australia, covering child development, curriculum planning, and family engagement. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian quality standards and is open to international students. Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd is a private provider based in Sydney, offering this course at its Parramatta campus. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, this Diploma is a pathway to in-demand roles in early childhood education. HeadStart Academy provides this detailed guide to help you understand fees, entry requirements, and the application process—all sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS code 118629E) is an AQF Level 5 qualification in the field of Education (07 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood). Delivered by Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03722G), a private provider, this course prepares you to design and implement educational programs for children from birth to five years. The course is regulated under the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as an international student are protected. According to the CRICOS register, this is a single qualification with no dual awards or foundation studies. The field of study is teacher education, focusing on early childhood pedagogy, health and safety, and inclusive practices. Graduates may work in childcare centres, preschools, or as family day care educators. HeadStart Academy sources all data directly from the official CRICOS register, so you can trust this information is accurate.
While specific syllabi vary by provider, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care typically covers child development theories, curriculum design, assessment, and collaboration with families. Students learn to create safe, responsive learning environments that promote children's cognitive, social, and emotional growth. The course includes practical strategies for supporting children with diverse needs and fostering language development. At this level, you'll also study leadership and management principles for early childhood settings. The qualification aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. For precise unit outlines, contact Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd directly. This field is in high demand, with many graduates securing roles in Australia's growing early childhood sector.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks) as listed on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual or combined course. Study mode is typically on-campus, with face-to-face classes at the Parramatta delivery location. International students should maintain full-time enrollment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The course may also include online components, but confirm with the provider. The relatively short duration makes it an efficient pathway to employment. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for up-to-date study mode details.
Tuition fees for this Diploma are A$16,500, with non-tuition fees of A$1,500, bringing the estimated total to A$18,000. These figures are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. The non-tuition costs may cover materials, resources, or student services. Important: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are not included. For accurate, current fees, visit the Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd website. Living costs in Parramatta (Sydney) are higher than the national average—budget approximately A$550–700 per week for rent, food, and transport. Always confirm total costs with the provider before accepting an offer.
General entry requirements for this Diploma include an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent) and the completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent. Since this is an AQF Level 5 course, prior study at Certificate IV level is often beneficial but not always compulsory. Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd may also consider relevant work experience. Foundation or pathway options are not indicated on the CRICOS register—check directly with the provider. Meeting English language requirements is mandatory for your Student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends confirming all entry criteria with the institution, as requirements can change.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 10 weeks (280 total hours), with 28 hours per week. This is an industry placement where you'll gain hands-on experience in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. The placement is supervised and integrated into the curriculum, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments. Work-integrated learning is a core part of Australian vocational education, ensuring graduates are job-ready. It also helps you build professional networks. The placement hours count towards the AQF requirements and may be completed in a single block or across the year—clarify with Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd.
This course is delivered at Level 1, 239 Church Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150. Parramatta is a major commercial and educational hub in Sydney's west, with a large student population. It is well-connected by train and bus services, and offers a diverse range of housing options. Living costs in Parramatta are generally lower than the Sydney CBD, with typical rent for a shared apartment around A$250–350 per week. The area has numerous cafes, libraries, and public spaces. These factors make Parramatta an attractive study destination for international students.
Parramatta is ideal if you prefer a vibrant, multicultural suburb with solid public transport (train, bus, light rail) and a lower cost of living than the Sydney CBD. The suburb hosts multiple educational institutions, offering a supportive community for students. Nearby attractions include Parramatta Park and the Parramatta River. However, if you prefer a quieter or more urban setting, consider other locations. Parramatta's demographic is young and international-friendly, with many supermarkets and shops catering to diverse cuisines. Weigh these factors against your personal preferences and study needs.
To study this course, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course plus a little extra. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks—subject to your visa conditions. You must maintain genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, meet the Genuine Student requirement, and hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for your stay. Financial capacity evidence is also required: show you can cover tuition, living costs, and dependents if applicable. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised visa advice. Note that this page does not constitute immigration assistance.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Smart Connection Company (CRICOS 03722G) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to the institution: Check entry requirements (English test, qualifications) and submit your application before the deadline. Smart Connection Company may require an interview or supporting documents. 3. Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, you'll get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use it to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through ImmiAccount. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE criteria.
1. How much does Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care cost at Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd? The indicative total is A$18,000 (tuition A$16,500 + non-tuition A$1,500). This is sourced from the CRICOS register and subject to change. OSHC, living costs, and visa fees are extra. 2. How long is Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care? The duration is 1 year (52 weeks) on the CRICOS register. Full-time study is required to maintain your visa. 3. What are the entry requirements for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care? IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent) and completion of Australian Year 12. Prior study at Certificate IV level is recommended but not mandatory. Check with the provider for exact requirements. 4. Where is Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care delivered? At Level 1, 239 Church Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150. Parramatta is a well-connected western Sydney suburb with a strong student community.
Ready to take the next step? Research CRICOS-registered providers and apply for this course today.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Smart Connection Company 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.