Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 118897G)

Course overview

This Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 118897G) is a comprehensive program that equips students with the skills to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for children from birth to five years. Graduates are qualified to work as early childhood educators, room leaders, or centre directors in childcare centres, preschools, and kindergartens. The course is registered under VET national code CHC50125 and is delivered over 56 weeks (approximately 1 year and 1 month) with English as the language of instruction. It is a single qualification, not part of a dual or foundation program, and includes a mandatory work component to ensure hands-on experience. As a CRICOS registered course, it is available to international students holding or eligible for a Student visa (subclass 500). The provider, Australian Hospitality Skills Recognition Pty Ltd, operates under the ESOS Act, ensuring international students' tuition fees are protected and education standards are maintained.

What you'll study

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care focuses on developing advanced competencies in early childhood pedagogy, curriculum development, and centre management. Students learn to foster children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through play-based learning and inclusive practices. Core topics include child development theories, health and safety regulations, family engagement, and assessment of children's learning. The course also covers leadership skills, staff supervision, and compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF). While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, typical learning outcomes include designing and evaluating programs, promoting cultural safety, and supporting children with additional needs. This field of education is in high demand across Australia, with early childhood educators playing a critical role in the nation's early learning sector. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse settings, from long day care to family day care, and may progress to further studies in early childhood teaching.

Duration and study mode

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Australian Hospitality Skills Recognition Pty Ltd is delivered over 56 weeks (1 year and 1 month) on a full-time basis. The CRICOS register records the duration as 56 weeks, which includes both classroom-based learning and the work component. The language of instruction is English, and no additional language support is indicated. This is a standalone qualification; it does not combine with another course or require foundation studies. Students are expected to commit to approximately 20-25 hours of study per week, plus the work placement hours. Attendance at scheduled classes and placements is mandatory. The provider offers multiple intake dates throughout the year; check directly with the institution for specific start dates. As this is a CRICOS-registered course, the duration is approved by the Australian Government and must be completed within the expected timeframe to maintain visa compliance.

Fees (indicative)

The indicative tuition fee for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is A$20,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$500, bringing the estimated total to A$20,500. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Australian Hospitality Skills Recognition Pty Ltd. Please note: fees are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with the provider before enrolling. International students must also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for the duration of the student visa, as well as living costs and the visa application charge. In Brisbane, where Fortitude Valley campuses are located, average weekly living costs (including rent, groceries, and transport) range from A$400 to A$600. Sydney and Rhodes locations may have higher costs. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a guide; always check the provider's website at www.asmitraining.edu.au for the most current fee schedule.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

To enrol in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, international students typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (no band less than 5.0). Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Academic requirements generally include completion of Year 12 or equivalent, and some providers may require a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or relevant work experience. Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements; contact the provider for details. As this is a Diploma (AQF Level 5), prior qualifications at Certificate IV or above may be recognised. It is essential to check specific entry criteria with Australian Hospitality Skills Recognition Pty Ltd, as requirements can vary. Meeting these prerequisites does not guarantee admission; the provider assesses each application individually.

Work component

This course includes a mandatory work component of 40 weeks, with 7 hours per week of supervised work placement, totaling approximately 280 hours. This work-integrated learning is a core part of the Diploma and is designed to give students practical experience in early childhood education settings. During placement, students apply theoretical knowledge under the guidance of qualified educators, engaging in activities such as planning and implementing learning experiences, observing and documenting children's progress, and building relationships with families and communities. The placement is typically arranged by the provider in approved centres near the campus locations. Successful completion of the work component is required to graduate. This hands-on training not only enhances employability but also meets the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for work placements related to their course.

Delivery locations

The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at the following CRICOS-registered locations: 740 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006; ASMI Head Office - Office 1, Level 5, 269 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD; Australian Skills Management Institute NSW, Sydney NSW; Office 2 Level 8 269 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD; Office 4 Level 7 269 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD; and Suite 801A, Level 8 Rhodes Waterside, Rhodes NSW. Fortitude Valley is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, with excellent public transport via train, bus, and ferry. Brisbane is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers. Sydney and Rhodes are in New South Wales, where living costs are higher — average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from A$550 to A$800. All campuses are accessible by public transport, and students should consider commute times and local amenities when choosing a location.

Student visa information

International students enrolling in this Diploma must obtain a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and permits work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during course term (unlimited during scheduled breaks). Key requirements include demonstrating genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intention, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa duration, and showing sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel. Dependents may accompany on Student Guardian (Subclass 590) visas. All CRICOS-registered courses, like this one, fall under the ESOS Act, which protects international students' rights, including tuition fee protection and access to complaints processes. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; for visa applications, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure your passport is valid throughout the proposed stay.

How to apply

To apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Australian Hospitality Skills Recognition Pty Ltd, follow these three steps:

1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's resources to filter courses by level, field, and city. Verify that the provider and course are registered on CRICOS (course code 118897G).

2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Submit your application through the provider's website (www.asmitraining.edu.au) including academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS 5.5-6.0), and any required documents. Check application deadlines and intake dates.

3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE compliance. HeadStart Academy recommends starting the visa process early to allow for processing times.

Is early childhood education right for you?

Studying early childhood education in Australia offers rewarding career prospects and a pathway to permanent residency through skilled migration. The Australian Government forecasts strong demand for early childhood educators, with job growth driven by increased participation in early learning and government initiatives. Before committing, consider your passion for working with children, ability to complete a practical placement, and willingness to work in a regulated sector. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, so you can compare options across states. Brisbane, for example, has a lower cost of living than Sydney, making it attractive for students. Talk to current students or alumni, and research industry reports to align the qualification with your career goals. HeadStart Academy provides free, unbiased information to help you make an informed choice.

Ready to take the next step? Explore your options and start your application to study early childhood education in Australia.

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