Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118668J) is a Diploma delivered by Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks). This AQF Level 5 qualification, within the field of Education (070101 Teacher Education: Early Childhood), prepares international students to work as early childhood educators in Australia. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international education. At HeadStart Academy, we source all data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), providing you with accurate, up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04133K) is a private provider offering this program at its Surry Hills campus in Sydney, NSW. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000 courses available, Australia offers extensive study options for international students. This course includes a built-in work placement, giving you practical experience in early childhood settings. Whether you are planning to study in Sydney or elsewhere, understanding the costs, visa requirements, and provider reputation is crucial. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of this course.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 118668J) falls under the field of Education, specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (ANZSCO code 070101). At this AQF Level 5, students develop advanced skills in child development, program planning, family engagement, and regulatory compliance. Graduates typically learn to design and implement curriculum for children from birth to school age, manage early learning environments, and support children's wellbeing. While the exact syllabus is set by Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd, common topics include child psychology, health and safety, inclusive practices, and leadership in early childhood settings. This qualification aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards, preparing you for roles such as early childhood educator or centre coordinator. As a CRICOS-registered course, it adheres to the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive quality education and consumer protections.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered over 1 year 6 months (~78 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English, and the course is a single qualification (no dual award). The standard study load is full-time, typically involving a combination of classroom learning and vocational placement. Surry Hills Campus offers face-to-face delivery, allowing you to immerse in a vibrant Sydney learning environment. With 78 weeks of study, you can obtain a high-level qualification relatively quickly, making it an efficient pathway to employment or further study in early childhood education.
The indicative tuition fee for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is A$21,900, with additional non-tuition fees of A$1,750 (including materials, enrolment, and administration costs). The estimated total cost is A$23,650. Please note that fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd. This amount does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, food, transport), or the student visa application charge. For international students in Sydney, weekly living costs are estimated at A$300–500 for rent, A$70–100 for groceries, and A$30–50 for public transport. Plan your budget accordingly and visit the provider's website for the most up-to-date fee schedule.
Entry requirements for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care are set by Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd. Typically, international students need an overall IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent) and successful completion of Australian Year 12 or an overseas equivalent. Some students may be eligible for foundation or pathway programs if they do not meet direct entry criteria – contact the provider for details. Meeting the English language requirement is essential for visa purposes. Always check the specific entry requirements on the provider's website before applying.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 12 weeks of industry placement at 23 hours per week, totalling approximately 276 hours. This work-integrated learning allows you to gain practical experience in early childhood settings such as childcare centres or preschools. The placement helps you apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop professional networks, and meet course competency requirements. It also enhances your employability upon graduation. Ensure you have access to suitable placement venues; the provider typically assists in arranging placements.
The course is delivered at Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd's Surry Hills Campus in SURRY HILLS, NSW (suburb of Sydney). Surry Hills is a vibrant inner-city suburb known for its creative culture, cafes, and easy access to Sydney's CBD. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 5 million people and over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Public transport is excellent, with trains and buses connecting Surry Hills to all parts of Sydney. Living costs in Sydney are moderate to high; typical weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$300–400, with groceries and transport adding A$100–150. Studying in Surry Hills places you at the heart of the city's educational and professional opportunities.
Sydney offers a dynamic environment for early childhood education students. With numerous childcare centres, preschools, and family day care services, there are ample placement and job opportunities. However, consider the cost of living, which is higher than in other Australian cities. Also, ensure your chosen provider is CRICOS-registered and the course meets Australian quality frameworks. HeadStart Academy's free resource helps you compare providers and courses using official CRICOS data. Additionally, understand the student visa conditions: Subclass 500 allows 48 hours of work per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, which can help offset living costs. Always plan your finances and accommodation well in advance.
International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can study this course full-time. Key visa conditions include: maintaining valid OSHC, meeting the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and travel. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session (if you have started), and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. Your visa must be held for the duration of your study. Remember, HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice – for visa applications, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (118668J) at Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04133K) and this course meet your needs.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Review entry requirements, prepare your English test results (e.g., IELTS), and submit an application via the provider's website or admissions office. Meet application deadlines and provide necessary documents.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Then, lodge a visa application online, including proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Await approval and start planning your move to Sydney.
Ready to take the next step? Use the steps above to apply for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd. For personalised guidance, explore our resources on study in NSW and student visas.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Hillshire Investment 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.