The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118645E) is a Diploma delivered by ROCKFORD INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PTY LTD over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This AQF Level 5 qualification prepares students for leadership roles in early childhood settings, such as early childhood educator, centre director, or family day care coordinator. Delivered at ROCKFORD’s campus in Rockdale, NSW, the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical work placement. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03882C), it meets Australian standards for international students. Graduates gain skills in curriculum design, child development, and regulatory compliance, essential for working with children aged 0-5 years. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses in Australia, HeadStart Academy helps you compare options and navigate the student visa process. All data here is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Note: This page is for informational purposes only; always verify with the provider and consult a registered migration agent for visa advice.
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The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118645E) is a Diploma delivered by ROCKFORD INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PTY LTD over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This qualification is registered on the CRICOS register (provider code 03882C), ensuring it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. The course falls under the field of Education (07) – Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Students will develop advanced skills in planning and implementing programs for young children, managing a team, and ensuring compliance with the National Quality Framework. ROCKFORD INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PTY LTD is a private registered training organisation (RTO) with a focus on vocational education. The course includes a mandatory work component of 12 weeks (300 hours) to provide real-world experience. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected by the ESOS Act, giving international students legal rights including tuition fee protection.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care covers key areas such as child development from birth to 6 years, curriculum design, fostering inclusive environments, and managing children's services. Graduates typically learn to create learning programs that support children's holistic development, build partnerships with families, and lead teams in early childhood settings. While specific subjects are determined by the provider, typical outcomes include the ability to design and implement play-based learning experiences, assess children's progress, and maintain health and safety standards. This diploma aligns with the national VET qualification CHC50125, recognized across Australia. Students also gain skills in reflective practice and ethical decision-making, essential for leadership roles in the sector.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) according to the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program). Full-time study is expected, with likely face-to-face classes at the Rockdale campus. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. The course structure includes both theory and practical components. The duration may vary if the provider offers accelerated or part-time options, but the CRICOS registration indicates the standard duration for international students.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$27,000, with non-tuition fees of A$2,600, bringing the estimated total to A$29,600. These fees are set by ROCKFORD INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PTY LTD and are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Please note: fees are indicative and subject to change; always confirm directly with the provider. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – approximately A$600–A$1,000 per year for single cover; living expenses – around A$21,041 per year for a single student (Department of Home Affairs estimate); and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). For current fees, visit www.rockford.edu.au.
Entry to the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care typically requires completion of a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent, plus vocational experience. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency; ROCKFORD generally expects IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent test). Academic requirements may include completion of Year 12 or equivalent. Some students may enter via a pathway program (e.g., foundation studies) – check with the provider for specific options. All CRICOS-registered providers set their own entry criteria; HeadStart Academy recommends reviewing the provider’s website and contacting them directly for precise requirements. Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 12 weeks at 25 hours per week (approximately 300 total hours). This work-integrated learning typically takes the form of an industry placement in an early childhood education setting such as a long day care centre or preschool. Students gain practical experience under supervision, applying theoretical knowledge in real-world environments. The placement allows students to develop professional networks and meet the licensing requirements for early childhood educators. International students on a Subclass 500 visa can also work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at Suite 3, 633 Princes Hwy, ROCKDALE NSW 2216. Rockdale is a suburb in southern Sydney, approximately 12 km from the city centre. The area has a diverse population and good public transport options including trains and buses. Rockdale has several CRICOS-registered providers offering courses across various fields. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average; expect rent for a shared room around A$300–A$500 per week. The campus is easily accessible via Rockdale Station, making it convenient for students living across Sydney.
International students studying this course on a full-time basis require a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, attending classes, achieving satisfactory course progress, and holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the visa. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The visa application charge is currently A$1,600. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa assistance.
Applying for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at ROCKFORD INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PTY LTD involves three key steps:
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy’s tools to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm ROCKFORD’s CRICOS registration (03882C) and check the course details on the official CRICOS register.
Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit www.rockford.edu.au for application forms, entry requirements, and deadlines. Prepare documents such as academic transcripts, English test results, and passport copy. Some providers accept applications year-round.
Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – Once accepted, ROCKFORD will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, finances, and GTE statement.
Rockdale offers a balanced lifestyle with proximity to Sydney’s CBD and beaches. The suburb has a vibrant multicultural community, plenty of shops and restaurants, and green spaces like Rockdale Bicentennial Park. For early childhood education students, the area has many childcare centres and preschools, providing potential work and placement opportunities. The cost of living in Rockdale is slightly lower than inner Sydney but still requires budgeting. Consider your accommodation preferences: shared housing near the campus, homestay, or purpose-built student accommodation. Public transport is reliable, with frequent trains to the city. If you prefer a quieter environment, Rockdale is a good choice. However, other Sydney suburbs like Parramatta or Burwood also have many educational providers and lower rental costs. Weigh your priorities before deciding.
Ready to apply? Follow the 3-step process: 1) Confirm CRICOS registration, 2) Apply directly to ROCKFORD, 3) Get your CoE and apply for a Student visa. Visit www.rockford.edu.au to start your application.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at ROCKFORD INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE 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.