Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118678G) is a Diploma delivered by Vocational Augment Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification sits within the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101) and prepares graduates for roles in early childhood education settings such as preschools, long day care centres, and family day care. The course includes a 14-week work component (approximately 280 hours) providing practical industry experience. International students can study at two Victoria locations: Abbotsford and Melbourne. Indicative total fees are A$27,800. As a CRICOS-registered course (Provider CRICOS 04305F), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — no referral fees, no commission. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of them. ESOS Act protections apply to all listed institutions.
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This Diploma covers the core competencies required to work in early childhood education and care. Students typically learn about designing and implementing curriculum in early childhood settings, supporting children's development and learning, managing workplace relationships, and maintaining legal and ethical standards. The course emphasizes practical skills for engaging with children aged birth to five years, including play-based learning, inclusive practices, and family partnerships. While specific syllabi vary, graduates are expected to be able to work as lead educators or supervisors in regulated children's education and care services. The field of education (07) focuses on preparing individuals to facilitate learning and development in formal and informal settings.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is scheduled for 1 year (52 weeks on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and is not a foundation studies program. Study mode typically includes face-to-face classes at the provider's campuses, with the work component integrated into the course structure. International students on a Subclass 500 visa must maintain full-time enrolment and attend at least 80% of scheduled contact hours.
Indicative tuition fee: A$25,000. Non-tuition fees (such as materials, resources, and administrative charges): A$2,800. Estimated total indicative fees: A$27,800. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included in the course fees include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (around A$21,041 per year for a single student in Victoria as per Department of Home Affairs guidelines), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm the exact current fees with Vocational Augment Pty Ltd by visiting their website at http://www.vat.vic.edu.au/ before applying.
International applicants must meet both academic and English language requirements. Indicative English requirement: IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent). For this Diploma level, prior completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent is typically expected. Some providers may accept relevant vocational experience. Foundation or pathway programs may be available for students who do not meet the academic criteria — check directly with Vocational Augment Pty Ltd. All entry requirements are set by the institution and should be verified on their website.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 14 weeks, with approximately 280 total hours (around 20 hours per week). This work-integrated learning is designed to give students hands-on experience in a real early childhood education setting. It may take the form of industry placement, internship, or clinical placement, depending on the provider's arrangements. The placement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop professional skills, and build a network within the Australian early childhood sector. All placements are supervised and aligned with course learning outcomes.
Vocational Augment Pty Ltd delivers this course at two campuses in Victoria: 1) 395-397 Victoria Street, ABBOTSFORD VIC 3067, and 2) Flinders Street Campus - Level 11, 474 Flinders Street, MELBOURNE VIC 3000. Both campuses are located in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city with a population of over 5 million. Melbourne is home to dozens of CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant international student community. The city offers excellent public transport, including trams and trains, making commuting easy. Abbotsford is a inner-city suburb close to the CBD, known for its cultural diversity. Studing in Victoria gives students access to world-class education, a thriving arts scene, and outdoor lifestyle opportunities.
International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study, and work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays (subject to visa conditions). Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As a CRICOS-registered course, this Diploma is covered by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which provides strong legal protections including tuition fee refund safeguards and transparent provider obligations. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au.
Victoria offers a dynamic environment for early childhood education students. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers operating in the state, there is a wide range of courses and pathways. Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities, with a multicultural population and strong demand for qualified early childhood educators. The cost of living for a single international student is estimated at around A$1,800–A$2,500 per month, including rent (A$1,200–A$1,800), groceries (A$400–A$600), and transport (A$150–A$250). Public transport is efficient with a myki card system. Consider factors like climate (temperate with cool winters), part-time work opportunities, and post-study work options before choosing Victoria.
Follow these three steps to apply for this Diploma at Vocational Augment Pty Ltd:\n1. Research: Use HeadStart Academy to explore CRICOS-registered providers offering Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Filter by course level, field, and location to find your ideal option.\n2. Apply Directly: Visit the Vocational Augment Pty Ltd website at http://www.vat.vic.edu.au/ to review entry requirements, English test options, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with required documents (transcripts, English test results, proof of previous qualifications).\n3. Receive CoE and Apply for Visa: If accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and proof of financial capacity ready.
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Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Vocational Augment 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.