Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 118915K) is a Diploma delivered by Pace Business College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification equips you with the skills to design and implement early childhood education programs, supporting children’s development from birth to age five. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international students seeking to work in the growing early childhood sector. Pace Business College, trading as Allied College, offers this course in Melbourne’s CBD, with locations at 311 Flinders Lane and Collins Street Campus. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, choosing a registered course ensures you benefit from ESOS Act protections. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource—data sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Use this page to explore course structure, fees, entry requirements, and application steps.
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The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care falls under the field of Education (07), specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). At AQF Level 5, this diploma provides advanced knowledge and practical skills for working in early childhood settings. Graduates typically learn to plan and implement play-based learning, ensure children’s safety and wellbeing, collaborate with families and communities, and meet regulatory standards like the National Quality Framework. The course covers topics such as child development, curriculum design, inclusive practices, and workplace health and safety. While the specific syllabus is set by Pace Business College, CRICOS registration ensures the course meets national quality benchmarks. International students gain hands-on experience through a mandatory work component, preparing them for roles such as early childhood educator or centre director.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). The VET national code for this course is CHC50125. Students attend classes at the Melbourne campuses, with a combination of classroom learning and supervised workplace practice. The structured timetable typically includes contact hours plus self-study, though exact schedules are provided by the institution. This duration allows international students to meet visa requirements for full-time study under the Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Course fees are set by Pace Business College Pty Ltd and are indicative only. According to the CRICOS register (April 2026), the tuition fee is A$13,750, with non-tuition fees of A$2,312, giving an estimated total of A$16,062. This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Living expenses in Melbourne are around A$500–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport. Always check the provider’s website [www.allied.edu.au](https://www.allied.edu.au) for current fees and fee payment deadlines. As a free resource, HeadStart Academy does not collect commissions or referral fees.
International students need an overall IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent English language test). For this diploma level, prior qualifications typically include completion of Year 12 or a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Foundation or pathway options may be available; contact Pace Business College directly. The provider may also require a valid visa and evidence of financial capacity. Note that these are general guidelines—each institution sets its own admission criteria. Always verify specific requirements with the provider before applying. GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirement applies to visa applications.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 14 weeks, 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 280 hours. This industry placement gives you practical experience in an early childhood setting, such as a daycare centre or preschool. Under supervision, you’ll apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios, developing skills in planning activities, caring for children, and working with families. The placement is a key part of the qualification and helps meet the requirements for professional recognition. International students should confirm that their visa conditions allow work-integrated learning; the Student Visa (Subclass 500) generally permits work as part of a course.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at two locations in Melbourne, Victoria: 311 Flinders Lane and Collins Street Campus (Collins Street, Melbourne). Both are in the central business district, easily accessible by public transport (trains, trams, buses). Melbourne is home to over 200,000 international students and more than 500 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a vibrant, multicultural study environment. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with shared accommodation around A$250–400 per week. The campuses are near universities, libraries, and support services, making it convenient for students.
To study this course, you need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain valid OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the duration. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is a key criterion—you must demonstrate genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity evidence includes tuition fees, living costs (approx. A$29,710 per year for a single student), and travel expenses. ESOS Act protections apply: providers must deliver quality education and refund fees if a course is cancelled. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA agent for visa advice. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current information.
Follow these steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Pace Business College Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Diploma), field (Education), and location (VIC, Melbourne). Verify CRICOS codes and compare offerings. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements (IELTS, prior qualifications) and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (transcripts, English test results). The provider will issue a Letter of Offer if accepted. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you accept the offer and pay the deposit, the provider issues a CoE. Then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including OSHC and financial evidence. For personalised assistance, consult a registered migration agent.
Ready to start your journey? Use HeadStart Academy to compare CRICOS-registered early childhood courses, then apply directly to Pace Business College. Visit www.allied.edu.au for the latest fees and intake dates.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Pace Business College 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.