Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119257J) is a Diploma delivered by Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust over 50 weeks (~12 months). This qualification, listed under AQF Level 5, prepares international students for leadership roles in early childhood education and care settings across Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course on the official register (April 2026), it meets Australian quality standards and allows graduates to work in regulated early childhood services. Whether you aim to become an early childhood educator, centre director, or family day care coordinator—this diploma builds practical skills in curriculum design, child development, and team management. All information below is sourced from the CRICOS register; fees are indicative and set by the provider.
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The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119257J) is a Diploma (AQF Level 5) in the field of Education, specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (field code 070101). Offered by Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust (CRICOS 02695C, Private), this course spans 50 weeks (~12 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Classes are conducted in English, and the program does not provide a dual qualification or foundation studies. The VET national code is CHC50125. A key feature is the work component: 35 weeks of supervised industry placement totaling approximately 280 hours, giving students hands-on experience in real early childhood settings. Graduates are equipped to work across Australia in roles such as early childhood educator, group leader, or centre coordinator. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS Act.
This diploma builds advanced knowledge and practical skills in early childhood education and care. You will learn to design and implement educational programs that support children's learning and development from birth to five years. Topics typically include child development theories, pedagogical practices, health and safety standards, family and community engagement, and leadership in early childhood services. Graduates gain the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate curriculum that meets the Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The course also covers legal and ethical responsibilities, inclusive practices, and working collaboratively with families. While the CRICOS register does not provide a detailed syllabus, the AQF Level 5 Diploma ensures a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education principles and prepares students for supervisory or lead educator roles.
The course duration is 50 weeks on the CRICOS register (~12 months). Instruction is in English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The provider may offer full-time, face-to-face classes at its campuses. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. For specific study schedules (e.g., part-time or online options), contact Imagine Education Australia directly. Remember, CRICOS registration ensures the course meets Australian education standards for international students.
Tuition fees for Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care are A$29,500 (indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026). Non-tuition fees are A$500, making an estimated total of A$30,000. Please note: fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Living costs vary by location: for example, in Queensland you may budget around A$400–600 per week for rent, food, and transport, while South Australia is slightly lower. Always confirm current fees with Imagine Education Australia at www.imagineeducation.com.au. Course fees are subject to change; HeadStart Academy is not responsible for fee discrepancies.
Typical entry requirements include: an IELTS overall band score of 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent), completion of Australian Year 12 or overseas equivalent, and any prerequisites specified by the provider. For this Diploma level, prior study in a related field (e.g., Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care) is often expected but not mandatory. You may also need to meet provider-specific academic or English proficiency criteria. Foundation or pathway options are available at some institutions; check directly with Imagine Education Australia. Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. HeadStart Academy recommends verifying all entry requirements with the provider and consulting the Department of Home Affairs for visa English language requirements.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 35 weeks of industry placement totalling approximately 280 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) involves supervised hands-on practice in real early childhood education settings, such as daycare centres or preschools. Students develop practical skills in caring for children, planning activities, and working within a team. The placement is an integral part of the Diploma and helps satisfy the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) requirements. It also provides valuable Australian workplace experience for international students. Ensure you have the necessary working with children check as required by state regulations.
This course is delivered at six campuses across Queensland and South Australia: 13 Benowa Road, SOUTHPORT (Gold Coast, QLD); 151 Currumburra Road, ASHMORE (Gold Coast, QLD); 413–417 Ross River Road, CRANBROOK (Townsville, QLD); Level 2, 170 Leichhardt St, SPRING HILL QLD (Brisbane, QLD); Angle Vale Campus (Angle Vale, SA); and Ingle Farm Campus (INGLE FARM, SA). Each campus offers access to local amenities and public transport. Southport and Ashmore are near the Gold Coast’s student hub, while Spring Hill is close to Brisbane’s CBD. South Australia’s Angle Vale and Ingle Farm provide cheaper living costs. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers, so you can compare other options on HeadStart Academy.
To study this diploma as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Imagine Education Australia, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) evidence, sufficient funds for tuition, living costs (approx. A$21,041 per year) and OSHC, and English proficiency. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks—subject to visa conditions. All CRICOS-registered courses meet ESOS Act protections. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. OSHC is mandatory; see our guide at /visa/oshc-health-cover.
Follow these three steps to start your application:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and location. Verify that Imagine Education Australia (CRICOS 02695C) offers this course and meets your preferences.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Imagine Education Australia at www.imagineeducation.com.au. Submit your application, academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS 5.5–6.0), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines and entry requirements carefully.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use it to apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. For visa help, consult a MARA agent.
If you enjoy working with children and want to make a difference in their early development, this diploma could be a great fit. The course leads to careers with strong demand in Australia, especially in growing regions like South-East Queensland and South Australia. However, consider the time commitment: 50 weeks of study plus 280 hours of placement. Living costs vary: Brisbane and Gold Coast are more expensive (approx. A$500–600/week), while Adelaide is cheaper (A$400–500/week). Public transport is available at all campuses. Also, think about whether you prefer a city or regional setting. This course is suited to students who are patient, creative, and keen to learn about child psychology and pedagogy.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Browse more Diploma courses on HeadStart Academy or contact Imagine Education Australia directly.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust. 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.