Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118639C) is a Diploma delivered by FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This AQF Level 5 qualification is designed for those seeking to work in early childhood education settings, such as preschools, child care centres, and family day care. The course covers foundational and advanced concepts in teacher education with a focus on early childhood development, curriculum design, and practical care skills. The program includes a work-integrated learning component comprising 14 weeks of industry placement (20 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours), giving students real-world experience in Australian early learning environments. The course is offered at three locations: Level 7 Parramatta and Levels 1 & 2 Wentworth Street in Parramatta, NSW; and Level 8 85 Queen Street in Melbourne, VIC. Indicative tuition fees are A$18,000, with non-tuition fees of A$750, bringing the estimated total to A$18,750. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government, ensuring quality and compliance with the ESOS Act.
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This Diploma falls under the field of Education (07) with a specialisation in Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Students gain knowledge and skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating learning experiences for children from birth to five years. Typical learning outcomes include understanding developmental milestones, designing play-based learning programs, managing child safety and wellbeing, and building partnerships with families and communities. Graduates are prepared for roles such as early childhood educator, centre director, or family day care coordinator. The vocational national code for this course is CHC50125, indicating it aligns with national training standards.
The course runs for 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and the program is delivered as a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. offers this Diploma at three campuses: Level 7 Parramatta (Parramatta, NSW), Level 8 85 Queen St (Melbourne, VIC), and Levels 1 & 2 16-18 Wentworth Street (Parramatta, NSW). Parramatta is a vibrant western Sydney hub with a large student population and excellent public transport links to the city centre. Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, offers a diverse study environment with numerous early childhood education providers. Both cities have high living costs; indicative weekly rent in Parramatta is around $300-$450 and in Melbourne $350-$550, excluding groceries and transport. Over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offer more than 26,000 courses across Australia.
Indicative tuition for this Diploma is A$18,000, with mandatory non-tuition fees of A$750 (covering materials, resources, or administration), resulting in an estimated total of A$18,750. These fees are set by FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. and are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are subject to change, so prospective students should confirm current costs directly with the provider. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the Student visa application charge are not included in the above figures. OSHC is a legal requirement for all international students on a Subclass 500 visa, costing approximately $600-$1,000 per year depending on coverage. Living costs for a single student are estimated at AUD $21,041 per year by the Department of Home Affairs.
International students must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (test results valid within two years). As a Diploma level course, the expected academic entry requirement is completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification. Some applicants may need foundation or pathway programs — refer to FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. for specific requirements. The provider may also consider previous work or study experience on a case-by-case basis. Always check with the institution for precise entry criteria as they can vary.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours. This industry placement takes place in a registered early childhood education setting, such as a child care centre or preschool, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a supervised, real-world environment. Placements are typically arranged by the provider and may require a Working with Children Check. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building professional confidence and understanding Australian workplace culture in early childhood education.
International students studying this course on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study terms and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. All students must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement applies — applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to study in Australia. Financial capacity documentation showing ability to cover tuition, living costs, and travel is also required. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (118639C): 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers — Filter courses by level and location using resources like HeadStart Academy. Confirm that FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. (CRICOS 03838G) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution — Submit an application to FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. including evidence of English proficiency (IELTS 5.5-6.0), academic transcripts, and any other required documents. Check application deadlines and intake dates. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) — Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you meet all visa requirements including OSHC and financial evidence.
Ready to start? Contact FIRST CHOICE EDUCATION PTY. LTD. directly for the latest fees, intake dates, and application procedures.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at FIRST CHOICE 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.