Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119571K) is a Certificate III delivered by Holmesglen Institute over 41 weeks (~9 months). This qualification equips you with foundational skills to work in early childhood education settings, such as childcare centres and preschools. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00012G), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. Located in Melbourne, Victoria, Holmesglen Institute offers this program at two campuses: Moorabbin and Waverley. With an indicative tuition fee of A$13,440 and a work component of 12 weeks, this course combines classroom learning with practical placement, vital for gaining real-world experience. HeadStart Academy's data is sourced directly from the CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy.
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This course falls under the field of Education (07), specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). At AQF Level 3, Certificate III programs focus on developing practical skills and knowledge for entry-level roles. You will learn about child development, health and safety, play-based learning, and effective communication with children and families. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for roles such as early childhood educator or assistant. While specific syllabus details are set by Holmesglen Institute, typical content includes fostering children's social, emotional, and cognitive development, planning age-appropriate activities, and understanding legal and ethical requirements in early childhood settings. The work component (180 hours) provides hands-on experience in a real early childhood environment, a key feature of this vocational qualification.
According to the CRICOS register, this course runs for 41 weeks (~9 months). Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (no dual or foundation studies). The mode of delivery is face-to-face at the campuses. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as per student visa conditions. Melbourne's education sector is vibrant, with over 100 CRICOS-registered providers in Victoria offering VET courses. Public transport to both Moorabbin and Waverley campuses is accessible via train and bus networks. For comparison, typical living costs in Melbourne are approximately A$1,500–A$2,500 per month, including rent, food, and transport. Always check with Holmesglen Institute for the most current delivery schedule.
Tuition fees for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care are set by Holmesglen Institute. The indicative amounts from the CRICOS register are: tuition A$13,440, non-tuition fees A$415, giving an estimated total of A$13,855. Please note, this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. International students should budget for OSHC (around A$500–A$700 per year), living costs (at least A$21,041 per year as per Department of Home Affairs), and the visa fee (currently A$1,600). ESOS Act protections ensure that your fees are safeguarded if the provider fails to deliver. For the most accurate and current fees, always visit Holmesglen Institute's official website: www.holmesglen.edu.au.
Entry requirements for Certificate III courses typically include a minimum IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent), and completion of Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification. Some providers may require a police check or working with children check. Since this is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3), prior qualifications at AQF Level 2 or equivalent are normally expected. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you don't meet the academic or English requirements — contact Holmesglen Institute directly. Always check the provider's specific entry criteria, as they can change. HeadStart Academy advises consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice on meeting entry requirements and visa conditions.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 12 weeks, 15 hours per week (~180 total hours). This is a structured industry placement in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or kindergarten. The placement allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world environment, develop professional skills, and build a network in the Australian early childhood sector. It is an integral part of the VET national code CHC30125, ensuring graduates are job-ready. The work component is arranged by the provider and may require a Working with Children Check. For student visa holders, placement hours count towards course requirements but do not affect work rights; you can still work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term.
This course is delivered at two campuses in Victoria (VIC): Moorabbin Campus (Moorabbin) and Waverley Campus (Glen Waverley). Moorabbin is a suburb in Melbourne's southeast, approximately 16 km from the CBD, with a large student population and affordable living options. Glen Waverley is a multicultural area in Melbourne's east, known for its shopping and dining, with excellent public transport via the Glen Waverley train line. Both campuses are well-serviced by buses and trains. Melbourne is home to over 200,000 international students and has the highest number of CRICOS-registered providers in Australia (over 400). Living costs in Melbourne are typical for a major city: rent for a shared room around A$200–A$300 per week, groceries A$80–A$120 per week, and a myki weekly pass A$45. Choosing the right campus location depends on your accommodation and lifestyle preferences.
To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course, work up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Additionally, you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study purposes. Financial capacity evidence is also required — you must show you can cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The ESOS Act provides consumer protection for international students. For detailed visa information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent for visa applications.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (119571K) at Holmesglen Institute: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Education), and location (Victoria). Compare providers like Holmesglen Institute to find the right fit. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check Holmesglen Institute's entry requirements (English language, academic qualifications) and application deadlines. Submit your application via their online portal or agent network. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to arrange OSHC health cover.
Explore more Certificate III courses in Victoria or contact Holmesglen Institute directly to start your application.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Holmesglen 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.