Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 118906M) at Lead College Pty Ltd

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118906M) is a Diploma delivered by Lead College Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks). This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian Government standards for international education. Lead College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03636F) is a private provider with campuses in New South Wales and Western Australia. As an international student, you'll study a VET qualification (CHC50125) that prepares you for work in early childhood settings. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this Diploma is among them. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that helps you explore options like this one, using data directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026). All listed institutions are CRICOS-registered, and ESOS Act protections apply to every course.

All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government
Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)
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Course Overview

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS code 118906M) is a Diploma at AQF Level 5, falling under the field of Education (specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood). This qualification is designed for individuals who want to work in early childhood education and care services, such as preschools, childcare centres, and family day care. Students develop skills in designing and implementing curriculum, managing teams, and ensuring children's wellbeing. The course is delivered over 56 weeks (1 year 1 month) in English, and it is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies. A mandatory work component of 7 weeks (280 hours) provides practical experience in an early childhood setting.

What You'll Study

This Diploma covers key areas of early childhood education, including child development, pedagogical practices, inclusive education, and family partnerships. Students learn to design and evaluate programs that support children's learning and development from birth to school age. The curriculum aligns with the Australian National Quality Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework. Graduates are equipped to lead teams and work autonomously in regulated children's services. While specific unit details are set by the provider, typical topics include fostering children's development, managing workplace relationships, and implementing health and safety standards.

Duration and Study Mode

The course duration is 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. The study mode is likely face-to-face at one of the delivery locations, though you should confirm with Lead College Pty Ltd for specific attendance requirements.

Fees (Indicative)

Indicative fees for this course, as recorded on the CRICOS register, are: tuition A$18,500, non-tuition fees A$1,500, estimated total A$20,000. Please note: these fees are set by Lead College Pty Ltd and may change. Costs for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges are not included. For current fees, always visit the provider's website at http://www.leadcollege.edu.au. As a guide, living costs in Sydney are around A$500–700 per week, and in Perth around A$400–600 per week, covering rent, groceries, and transport.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall or equivalent. Prior academic qualifications equivalent to an Australian Year 12 or Certificate IV are usually required. Some providers may require relevant work experience or a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Foundation or pathway options are not listed for this course; check with Lead College for specific bridging programs. English language support may be available. Always confirm entry requirements directly with the institution.

Work Component

This course includes a mandatory work component of 7 weeks (40 hours per week, approximately 280 total hours). This practical placement is an industry-based learning experience in an early childhood setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop professional skills, and meet qualification requirements. The work component is supervised and assessed as part of the course.

Delivery Locations

Lead College Pty Ltd delivers this course at three campuses: (1) HAYMARKET - LEAD COLLEGE PTY LTD - 841 George St, HAYMARKET, NSW (near Sydney CBD); (2) Lead - Perth - 15 Leila St, CANNINGTON WA 6107 (Perth metro area); (3) Parramatta Lead - 37 George St, PARRAMATTA, NSW (western Sydney). Each location offers access to public transport and local amenities. Haymarket is close to Sydney's Chinatown and Central Station; Parramatta is a major business district with train and bus links; Cannington is about 12 km from Perth city centre with train access.

Student Visa

International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to conditions. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa advice, consult a MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education is a growing field in Australia, with strong demand for qualified educators. This Diploma leads to roles such as early childhood teacher, centre director, or family day care coordinator. Consider the location: Sydney and Perth have different living costs and student communities. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers; Perth has over 100. Both cities offer vibrant student life. Check registration status of Lead College Pty Ltd on CRICOS. Also factor in the work component, which requires arranging placement. The ESOS Act protects your tuition fees and course quality. Always verify course details directly with the provider before applying.

How to Apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Lead College Pty Ltd:

1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field (Education), and city. Confirm that Lead College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03636F) and course code 118906M meet your needs.

2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Lead College's website (http://www.leadcollege.edu.au) or contact their admissions. Submit required documents: academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.5-6.0), passport copy, and any prior qualifications. Check application deadlines.

3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Then lodge your visa application online via the Department of Home Affairs. Include proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant statement. For visa help, consult a registered migration agent.

Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Explore this course at Lead College Pty Ltd and take the first step towards a rewarding career.

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Source-backed course facts

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lead College Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
CRICOS course code
118906M
Provider
Lead College Pty Ltd (03636F)
Course level
Diploma
Field of education
07 - Education
Duration
56 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$18,500
Estimated total (indicative)
A$20,000
Delivery locations
HAYMARKET, Cannington, PARRAMATTA
Work component
Yes (280 total hours)

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative fees for this course are tuition A$18,500 and non-tuition fees A$1,500, totalling an estimated A$20,000. These are sourced from the CRICOS register and may change. Fees do not include OSHC, living costs, or visa application fees. Always check the provider's website for the most current information.
The course duration is 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. It is a full-time program with a mandatory work component of 7 weeks. The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall or equivalent. You should also have academic qualifications equivalent to an Australian Year 12 or Certificate IV. Some providers may require a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Check with Lead College for specific prerequisites.
Lead College Pty Ltd delivers this course at three locations: Haymarket (841 George St, Sydney), Parramatta (37 George St, Parramatta, NSW), and Cannington (15 Leila St, Perth, WA). Both NSW campuses are near public transport hubs. The Perth campus is in the Cannington suburb, about 12 km from Perth city centre.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$20,000 for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (tuition A$18,500). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with Lead College Pty Ltd before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 118906M, offered by Lead College Pty Ltd (provider code 03636F). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.