Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119258H) is a Diploma delivered by Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust over 1 year. This qualification is registered on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 5) and is designed for international students seeking to work in early childhood settings. With a strong focus on practical skills through a 400-hour work component, this course prepares graduates to lead teams, design curricula, and support children’s development. Melbourne City Institute of Education (CRICOS 03024A) is a private provider located in the heart of Melbourne, offering a supportive learning environment. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy.
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The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 119258H) is a 1-year program (52 weeks) at Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE Unit Trust. This diploma is part of the VET sector with the national code CHC50125. It is a single qualification with no foundation studies or dual award. The course is delivered in English at the provider's campus on Level 8 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC. As a CRICOS-registered course, international students can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. The field of education is Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101), focusing on the knowledge and skills required to work in early childhood education and care services, including regulatory requirements, curriculum development, and inclusive practices.
This Diploma covers the practical and theoretical aspects of working with children from birth to 5 years. Graduates typically learn to design and implement educational programs, manage teams, ensure compliance with national quality standards, and support children's holistic development. While specific unit descriptions are set by the provider, this level of study involves critical thinking, leadership, and advanced communication skills. You'll engage with topics such as child development theories, culturally responsive practice, and safe learning environments. The course prepares you for roles like early childhood educator, room leader, or program coordinator.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English. It is a single qualification – no dual or foundation studies. The study mode is typically full-time on campus, though students should confirm the exact delivery schedule with Melbourne City Institute of Education. The provider's website (www.mcie.edu.au) will have the latest timetabling details. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to meet visa conditions.
Tuition fees for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care are A$15,600 (indicative). Non-tuition fees amount to A$1,250, giving an estimated total of A$16,850. These fees are set by the institution and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included. Always check the provider's website for the most current fees before applying. Melbourne offers a vibrant student lifestyle, but you should budget for living expenses: indicative weekly costs are around A$400-550 for rent, A$80-120 for groceries, and A$30-50 for public transport, though these vary.
For international students, the recommended English proficiency is IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall (or equivalent). You will typically need to have completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent qualification. Prior qualifications in early childhood education or related fields may be beneficial but are not mandatory. Foundation or pathway options may be available – contact the provider directly for details. Melbourne City Institute of Education will assess your academic background and English test results. As with all CRICOS courses, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee admission; the institution makes the final decision.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component. Students complete 20 weeks of placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 400 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) involves supervised practical experience in regulated early childhood services such as childcare centres or preschools. It allows you to apply classroom theory in real settings, develop professional networks, and meet Australian licensing requirements for early childhood educators. The provider will arrange placements at approved sites accessible from Melbourne.
The course is delivered at Level 8 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC. Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city with over 200,000 international students and more than 200 CRICOS-registered providers. It is known for its excellent public transport (trams, trains, buses) and a diverse cultural scene. Living costs are moderate compared to Sydney, with median weekly rent for a city-fringe apartment around A$450. The Collins Street campus is in the central business district, close to Southern Cross Station and major amenities.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (conditions apply). You must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity. The Department of Home Affairs sets visa requirements – consult their website or a registered MARA migration agent. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as an international student.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Melbourne City Institute of Education: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers – use HeadStart Academy to compare course levels, fields, and locations. Confirm that Melbourne City Institute of Education (CRICOS 03024A) meets your needs. 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution – prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other documents. Meet application deadlines and entry requirements. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs with your CoE, OSHC, and financial evidence. For visa help, consult a registered migration agent.
Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities, with a strong economy and a large international student community. The city has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, so you have plenty of choices. For early childhood education, Melbourne offers many placement opportunities due to its high demand for qualified educators. Consider your lifestyle preferences: Melbourne has a cooler climate compared to northern states, and costs can add up. Plan for living expenses of around A$21,000 per year. Public transport includes a myki card system for trams, trains, and buses. HeadStart Academy is here to help you research – we are a free resource with no referral fees, and all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register.
Take the next step – visit Melbourne City Institute of Education's website for detailed entry requirements and to apply.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne City Institute of Education Pty Ltd, as trustee for MCIE 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.