Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118635G) is a Diploma delivered by Lambda Education Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks). This AQF Level 5 course is designed for international students seeking to work as early childhood educators in Australia. The program covers child development, program planning, and regulatory compliance, preparing graduates to lead teams in childcare centres. With a mandatory 300-hour work placement, students gain hands-on experience in real early learning settings. The course is delivered across multiple campuses in New South Wales, including Gosford, Liverpool, Parramatta, and St Leonards. As a CRICOS-registered course (CRICOS 03764J), it meets Australian Government standards for international students, ensuring quality education and legal protections under the ESOS Act. All fees are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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This diploma falls under the field of Education (Field 07), specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Students learn to design and implement educational programs for children from birth to school age, focusing on holistic development, cultural inclusivity, and family engagement. Core topics include child psychology, safety regulations, nutrition, and inclusive practices. Graduates are typically able to supervise and mentor other educators, ensuring compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF). While specific subject names are set by Lambda Education Pty Ltd, the general outcome is to develop skilled early childhood professionals ready for the Australian workforce.
The course runs for 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Study modes may include face-to-face classes, online components, and the required work placement. Students should expect a full-time commitment to meet the course requirements and visa conditions.
Tuition fees are A$24,000, with non-tuition fees of A$3,500, giving an estimated total of A$27,500. These figures are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$21,000–A$27,000 per year in NSW depending on city), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm the latest fees directly with Lambda Education Pty Ltd via their official website.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent English proficiency test). Prior study equivalent to an Australian Year 12 or Certificate III is expected. Some providers may require a Working with Children Check. Foundation or pathway programs may be available if you don’t meet the direct entry requirements — contact Lambda Education Pty Ltd for details.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work placement of 10 weeks at 30 hours per week (~300 total hours). This industry placement allows you to apply classroom learning in a regulated early childhood education setting, gaining practical skills under supervision. Work-integrated learning is a key feature of VET programs in Australia, enhancing employability.
Lambda Education Pty Ltd delivers this course at four campuses in New South Wales: ISMT – Gosford in Gosford; ISMT – Liverpool at 269 Bigge St, Liverpool NSW 2170; ISMT – Parramatta in Parramatta; and Level 1, 575-597 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards NSW 2065. Each campus is well-connected by public transport. For example, Liverpool and Parramatta are major transport hubs with trains and buses, while St Leonards is near North Sydney. Gosford is a regional centre with lower living costs. New South Wales has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering over 26,000 courses, making it a popular study destination.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key conditions: maintain enrolment, attend 80% of classes, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks, hold OSHC, and meet Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements. You must also show financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice — consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for your specific situation. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring tuition assurance and refund rights.
New South Wales is Australia’s most populous state, with Sydney as its capital. It offers diverse study environments from bustling cities to coastal towns. Living costs vary: Sydney (weekly rent A$400–600, groceries A$100–150, transport A$40–60), regional areas like Gosford are cheaper. The state has a strong early childhood education sector with many job opportunities. Consider your preferred lifestyle and budget when choosing a campus. HeadStart Academy provides free resources to help you compare locations.
Ready to start your Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care? Apply directly to Lambda Education Pty Ltd via their website. For general guidance, explore HeadStart Academy’s free resources.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lambda Education 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.