Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119256K) is a Diploma delivered by Chisholm Institute over 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks). This AQF Level 5 qualification sits within the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101), preparing graduates for roles such as early childhood educator or centre director. Chisholm Institute (CRICOS 00881F) is a government-owned TAFE with campuses across Victoria, offering this course in Berwick, Dandenong, and Frankston. With a strong focus on practical skills and industry placement, this course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and student rights. HeadStart Academy provides this information directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) at no cost—no referral fees, no commissions.
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This Diploma covers the knowledge and skills required to work in early childhood education and care settings. Graduates learn to design and implement educational programs, support children's development, manage teams, and comply with national regulations. The curriculum typically includes child development, health and safety, program planning, and inclusive practices. At this AQF Level 5, students develop technical and theoretical expertise, often through project-based learning and real-world case studies. While specific unit details are set by Chisholm Institute, the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood ensures graduates meet industry standards for roles like early childhood educator or room leader. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this Diploma is one of many pathways to professional recognition.
The Diploma is delivered over 1 year 3 months (~63 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual qualification) and is not a foundation studies program. The VET national code is CHC50125. Students should expect a full-time study commitment, with classes held at the chosen campus. Chisholm Institute may offer flexible delivery options—confirm directly with the provider.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$16,584, with non-tuition fees of A$261, bringing the estimated total to A$16,845. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees with Chisholm Institute (chisholm.edu.au) before applying. Note that this total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For a single international student in Melbourne, indicative weekly living costs (rent, groceries, transport) are approximately A$500–A$700. Use the official Department of Home Affairs financial capacity guidelines as a reference.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 overall (or equivalent) for entry to this Diploma. Prior qualifications expected include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, often with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Foundation or pathway options, such as a Certificate III, may be available if you don't meet direct entry requirements. For precise details, refer to Chisholm Institute's website. All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement as part of their student visa application.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 7 weeks at 40 hours per week (~280 total hours). This typically takes the form of an industry placement in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. Work-integrated learning allows you to apply theory in real-world environments, build professional networks, and gain confidence. During placement, students are often supervised by qualified educators. This practical experience is integral to the qualification and helps meet industry requirements.
Chisholm Institute delivers this course at three campuses in Victoria: Berwick Campus (25 Kangan Drive, BERWICK VIC), Dandenong Campus (121 Stud Road, DANDENONG VIC), and Frankston Campus (Fletcher Road, FRANKSTON VIC). All are within the Melbourne metropolitan area, with good access to public transport. Berwick and Dandenong are outer suburbs with growing student populations, while Frankston is on the Mornington Peninsula. Victoria is home to over 150 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Living costs in these areas are generally lower than in Melbourne's CBD, with indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment around A$200–A$350.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time and work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, with unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Financial capacity, Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria, and English proficiency are key to visa approval. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Chisholm Institute:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Confirm that Chisholm Institute (CRICOS 00881F) offers the course you need.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit Chisholm Institute's website (chisholm.edu.au) to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (transcripts, English test results, passport copy).
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – Once accepted, Chisholm will issue a CoE. Use it to apply for the Student visa (Subclass 500) on the Department of Home Affairs website. Include proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement.
Explore more CRICOS-registered courses in Early Childhood Education on HeadStart Academy or contact Chisholm Institute directly for application details.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Chisholm Institute. 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.