Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118652F) is a Diploma delivered by Starford College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This page provides all the information you need to make an informed decision: fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa details. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03957M), Starford College is approved to enrol international students. This course equips graduates with the skills to work in early childhood settings, including planning and implementing education programs for children from birth to 5 years. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this Diploma is one of them.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118652F) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) delivered by Starford College Pty Ltd over 1 year (52 weeks). The course is in the field of Education (07) - Teacher Education (0701) - Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies. The language of instruction is English. This course does not include a mandatory work component. All courses on HeadStart Academy are sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. ESOS Act protections apply, ensuring your rights as an international student. Remember, only CRICOS-registered providers can enrol international students.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care focuses on the knowledge and skills required to work with young children in various early childhood settings. Graduates at this level typically learn to design and implement curriculum, manage teams, build relationships with families, and ensure compliance with regulations. The course covers child development, health and safety, inclusive practices, and program planning. While specific syllabus details should be confirmed with Starford College, the general outcome is to prepare educators for leadership roles in early childhood services. This field is in high demand in Australia, particularly in growing cities like Sydney.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification – no dual or foundation studies. Full-time study is typical for international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500). For visa purposes, you must maintain satisfactory attendance and course progress. Sydney offers a vibrant student life with numerous public transport options connecting you to the campus at 280-282 Pitt St, right in the CBD.
The indicative fees for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Starford College are: Tuition: A$18,000; Non-tuition fees: A$1,000; Estimated total: A$19,000. These fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and subject to change. Always confirm directly with Starford College before applying. Not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges. Living costs in Sydney are higher than other cities – budget approximately A$500–700 per week for accommodation, food, and transport. OSHC is mandatory for all student visa holders. For current fees, visit the provider's website.
International students must meet English language requirements: IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent). For a Diploma level, prior qualifications such as completion of Year 12 or equivalent are typically expected. Some providers may require relevant work experience or a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Check with Starford College for specific academic prerequisites and accepted English tests. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet direct entry – refer to the provider. Note that meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a visa; you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
This course has no work component. It does not include a mandatory work placement, though some students choose to undertake voluntary work experience independently. For Student visa (Subclass 500) holders, work rights are 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This course is classroom-based, so you can focus on your studies without a compulsory work requirement.
The course is delivered at: Suite 1, level 7, 280-282 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000. This location is in the heart of Sydney's Central Business District, within walking distance of Town Hall and Central stations. Sydney is Australia's largest city with a diverse population of over 5 million, including many international students. There are hundreds of CRICOS-registered providers in NSW, offering thousands of courses. Living costs here are higher than the national average, but the city offers excellent public transport, cultural attractions, and job opportunities. For more on studying in NSW, see our /states/nsw page.
International students studying this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Starford College, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, and OSHC), and English proficiency. Student work rights are 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited during scheduled breaks. OSHC is mandatory – you must maintain health cover for your entire stay. Visa applications are processed by the Department of Home Affairs. For detailed guidance, see our /visa/student-visa-subclass-500 page. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; consult a MARA agent for individual advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Starford College: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use our search tool to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and city (Sydney) to find options like this one. All providers are CRICOS-registered. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (English test scores, academic qualifications) and submit your application via Starford College's website. Provide all required documents and meet any deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Starford College will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have valid OSHC, sufficient funds, and a genuine student statement.
Sydney is a top destination for international students, with a multicultural environment, world-class universities, and a strong job market in early childhood education. The city has over 100,000 international students and numerous registered providers. However, living costs are high – average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around A$500-700 per week, and public transport can add A$40-60 weekly. If you prefer a smaller city with lower costs, consider other NSW locations. HeadStart Academy's /states/nsw page can help you compare. Ultimately, choose a location that fits your budget and lifestyle while offering quality education.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step guide above and take the next step toward your early childhood career in Australia.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Starford 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.