Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118901E) is a Diploma delivered by Learning Lab Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 5 qualification, with VET national code CHC50125, is designed for students who want to work in early childhood settings such as preschools, kindergartens, and child care centres. Located at Learning Lab's campus at 269 Sussex Street in Sydney, NSW, this course includes a substantial work component of 10 weeks (280 hours) to provide practical experience. Indicative tuition fees are A$17,750 plus A$750 in non-tuition fees, totalling approximately A$18,500. Please note that these are indicative figures from the CRICOS register, and you should confirm current fees with Learning Lab Pty Ltd. As a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 03576B), Learning Lab meets the standards required to enrol international students under the ESOS Act. This page provides an overview of the course, entry requirements, student visa information, and steps to apply. HeadStart Academy is a free resource for international students, with data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
This Diploma is in the field of Education (0701) with a focus on Early Childhood Teacher Education. Students typically learn to design and implement educational programs for children from birth to school age, manage teams, and comply with regulatory frameworks. The curriculum covers child development, fostering positive learning environments, and working collaboratively with families and communities. While the exact syllabus is set by Learning Lab Pty Ltd, graduates of AQF Level 5 courses are expected to have advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work. This course prepares you for roles such as an early childhood educator, centre director, or program coordinator. Note that this is a single qualification, not a dual or foundation program.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered over 1 year (52 weeks) according to the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, meaning you receive the Diploma upon completion. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Learning Lab Pty Ltd offers this course full-time. For details on class schedules and study mode (e.g., on-campus, online, blended), contact the provider directly.
Tuition fees for this course are indicated as A$17,750 per year in the CRICOS register. Non-tuition fees, which may include application fees, materials, or administrative charges, are listed as A$750. The estimated total is A$18,500. However, these are indicative only and subject to change. Additional costs you must budget for include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (rent, food, transport), and the visa application charge. As a guide, a single student living in Sydney needs approximately A$29,710 per year for living costs (Department of Home Affairs 2026 estimate). Always confirm current fees with Learning Lab Pty Ltd by visiting their website.
International students must meet English language proficiency requirements. For this course, an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall is typically required (or equivalent). You should also have completed senior secondary school (Year 12) or equivalent vocational qualifications. Some providers may require prior study in a related field. This is a Diploma level course (AQF 5), so you may need a Certificate III or equivalent. Check with Learning Lab Pty Ltd for specific prerequisites and any foundation or pathway options. Remember, meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission; the provider will assess your full application.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 10 weeks of industry placement at 28 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours. Work-integrated learning is designed to give you practical experience in an early childhood education setting, such as a child care centre or preschool. You'll apply your classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, develop professional skills, and build a network. The provider coordinates placements to ensure they align with course outcomes. This practical component is a key feature of vocational education in Australia and enhances your employability.
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at Learning Lab Pty Ltd's campus located at 269 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW. Sydney is Australia's largest city, home to over 5 million people and more than 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Living costs in Sydney are among the highest in Australia; indicative weekly rent for a student share house is around A$350-$500, groceries A$80-$120, and public transport A$30-$50. The campus is in the central business district, well-serviced by trains, buses, and light rail. For international students, Sydney offers a vibrant multicultural environment with excellent student support services. Be sure to verify the exact delivery location with Learning Lab Pty Ltd before enrolling.
To study this course in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. This page provides general guidance; for specific visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to enrol in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Learning Lab Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Diploma), field (Education), and location (Sydney). Compare providers and check that the course is CRICOS-registered (CRICOS 118901E). Only CRICOS-registered providers can enrol international students.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Learning Lab Pty Ltd's website to obtain the application form. Prepare your documents: academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS or equivalent), passport copy, and any other required evidence. Submit your application before the deadline. The provider will assess your eligibility.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. Pay the visa application fee, arrange OSHC, and provide evidence of financial capacity. Once granted, you can travel to Australia and commence your studies.
Sydney offers a dynamic environment for education students, with over 150 CRICOS-registered providers and diverse early childhood settings for work placements. When choosing a course, consider the provider's reputation, placement support, and location. Living costs are high, so budget carefully. The city is well-connected, and the multicultural community provides a rich learning experience. HeadStart Academy can help you compare courses and providers to find the best fit for your goals.
Ready to start your journey? Use HeadStart Academy to explore more Diploma courses in Sydney or contact Learning Lab Pty Ltd for application details.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Learning Lab 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.