Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 119444F)

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119444F) is a Certificate III delivered by Aurora Training Institute Pty Ltd over 46 weeks (~11 months). This course is designed for international students seeking to start a career in early childhood education in Australia. It covers essential skills for working with children, including fostering development, ensuring safety, and supporting inclusive practices. Aurora Training Institute is a private CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 04406A) based in Queensland. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS Act. The course is delivered at the Southport campus on the Gold Coast, a vibrant city with a large student population and excellent public transport. Indicative tuition fees are A$12,000, with additional non-tuition costs of A$500, bringing the estimated total to A$12,500. Note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application fees are not included and should be budgeted separately. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) – no referral fees apply.

All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government
Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)
Free resource — no commission, no referral fees
Covers 26,433 courses across all study levels and states
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What you'll study

This course falls under the field of Education (07) and specifically Teacher Education (0701). At Certificate III level (AQF Level 3), students gain foundational knowledge and practical skills for working in early childhood settings. Typical learning areas include supporting children's learning and development, planning and implementing activities, maintaining a safe environment, and collaborating with families and communities. The course combines theoretical study with hands-on experience to prepare graduates for roles such as early childhood educator or assistant. While specific syllabi are set by Aurora Training Institute, this level typically covers communication with children, cultural competence, and regulatory compliance. Graduates may also use this qualification as a pathway to higher-level studies like Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Remember that all CRICOS-registered courses must meet Australian quality standards, ensuring consistent learning outcomes across providers.

Duration and study mode

The course duration is 46 weeks (approximately 11 months) as recorded on the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program delivered in English. It is a single qualification (no dual qualification or foundation studies component). The study mode is typically on-campus at the Southport location, though students should confirm delivery arrangements directly with Aurora Training Institute. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is one of many options available at Certificate III level in Queensland. International students should be aware that student visa (Subclass 500) conditions require maintaining full-time enrolment and satisfactory attendance. The ESOS Act protects your rights, including access to refund policies and complaints processes.

Fees (indicative – set by Aurora Training Institute Pty Ltd)

The CRICOS register lists indicative fees for this course: tuition fee A$12,000 and non-tuition fees A$500, for an estimated total of A$12,500. These fees are set by Aurora Training Institute and are subject to change – always verify current charges on their website. Important: this total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, nor does it cover living costs or the visa application charge. For context, living costs in Southport (Gold Coast) are approximately A$350–$500 per week for rent, groceries, and transport combined. OSHC costs around A$600–$800 per year. As a free resource, HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for the most up-to-date fee schedule. HeadStart Academy is not affiliated with Aurora Training Institute and does not receive referral fees.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

For this Certificate III course, the typical English language requirement is IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent such as TOEFL or PTE). Applicants should have completed at least Year 10 or equivalent in their home country. Some prior experience in childcare or working with children may be beneficial but is not mandatory. Foundation or pathway options may be available through Aurora Training Institute – contact them directly for specific entry pathways. As with all CRICOS courses, providers assess each applicant's qualifications and English proficiency. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa. For detailed entry advice, consult the provider or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.

Work component

This course has no mandatory work component according to the CRICOS register. However, many early childhood education programs include practical placements as part of the curriculum – check with Aurora Training Institute whether supervised work experience is integrated into the course structure. Even without a formal work component, international students on a Subclass 500 visa are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This allows students to gain casual employment while studying, subject to visa conditions. ESOS protections apply to all aspects of your study, ensuring quality and support services.

Delivery locations

The course is delivered at: Level 1, Building 3F, 9 Lawson Street, SOUTHPORT QLD 4215. Southport is a central suburb of the Gold Coast, known for its busy commercial district and proximity to beaches. The Gold Coast is home to several universities and colleges, with many CRICOS-registered providers offering courses for international students. Living in Southport offers convenience with public transport (bus and light rail) connecting to other parts of the city. Typical living costs in this area are moderate compared to Sydney or Melbourne. Students can access the provider's campus easily, and the region has a strong student community. When choosing a location, consider factors like climate, lifestyle, and employment opportunities – Queensland is known for its warm weather and growing job market in early childhood education.

Student visa

International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time in Australia. Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting attendance and course progress requirements, and holding adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student work rights are 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity is assessed – you need to show sufficient funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student), and OSHC. For family members, additional funds are required. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current visa requirements. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agency; consult a MARA agent for visa advice.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Aurora Training Institute Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Confirm that Aurora Training Institute (CRICOS 04406A) is still registered and that the course (119444F) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Prepare your documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy) and submit an application to Aurora Training Institute. Meet their entry requirements and deadlines. They will issue a Letter of Offer if successful. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once you accept the offer and pay the required deposit, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this CoE to apply for your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Attach all supporting documents, including OSHC evidence. For detailed guidance, consult a registered migration agent.

Ready to apply? Start your journey with HeadStart Academy and explore this CRICOS-registered course today.

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Source-backed course facts

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Aurora Training Institute 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
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CRICOS course code
119444F
Provider
Aurora Training Institute Pty Ltd (04406A)
Course level
Certificate III
Field of education
07 - Education
Duration
46 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$12,000
Estimated total (indicative)
A$12,500
Delivery locations
SOUTHPORT
Work component
No

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 total cost is A$12,500, comprising A$12,000 tuition and A$500 non-tuition fees. These are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Aurora Training Institute. Additional costs include OSHC (around A$600–$800/year), living expenses (approx. A$350–$500/week), and the visa application charge.
The course duration is 46 weeks (approximately 11 months) as per the CRICOS register. This is a full-time program. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions.
Entry requirements generally include IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) and completion of Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may have additional prerequisites. Check with Aurora Training Institute for specific requirements. For visa purposes, you must also meet the GTE criterion and show sufficient financial capacity.
The course is delivered at Aurora Training Institute's Southport campus: Level 1, Building 3F, 9 Lawson Street, Southport QLD 4215. Southport is a central Gold Coast suburb with good public transport connections.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$12,500 for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (tuition A$12,000). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with Aurora Training Institute Pty Ltd before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 119444F, offered by Aurora Training Institute Pty Ltd (provider code 04406A). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.