Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119579B) is a Certificate III delivered by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE over 1 year. This qualification provides foundational skills for working with children in early childhood settings, such as daycare centres and preschools. According to the official CRICOS register (April 2026), this course is approved for international student enrolment at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE (CRICOS 01985A), a government-run TAFE institution in Victoria. As a HeadStart Academy user, you can trust that all provider data comes directly from the Australian Government's official database. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, this page helps you understand the key details of this specific program including fees, entry requirements, and the work component. Whether you're exploring early childhood education as a career or planning your study pathway in Australia, this course offers a practical entry point into the education sector.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119579B) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) program delivered by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE (CRICOS 01985A). This course falls under the field of education: 07 - Education → 0701 - Teacher Education → 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood. The VET national code is CHC30125. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The course duration on the CRICOS register is 52 weeks (1 year), with English as the language of instruction. A work component is included: 7 weeks of industry placement at 30 hours per week, totaling approximately 210 hours. This practical experience is essential for developing competence in early childhood environments. The indicative tuition fee is A$16,068 with no additional non-tuition fees, but note that OSHC, living costs, and visa application charges are separate. Sunraysia Institute of TAFE is a government provider, ensuring quality education under the ESOS Act protections.
This Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care prepares graduates to work in various early childhood settings, including long day care, family day care, and occasional care. At AQF Level 3, students develop knowledge and skills to support children's well-being, learning, and development in a safe and inclusive environment. Typical learning areas include understanding child development, promoting children's health and safety, fostering positive relationships, and supporting play-based learning. Students also learn to work effectively with families and communities. The course blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, especially through the 210-hour work component. While HeadStart Academy provides general guidance on curriculum, exact syllabus details should be confirmed with Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. Australia's regulatory framework for early childhood education ensures that graduates meet national quality standards.
The CRICOS register lists this Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care as a 52-week program (1 year). The mode of study is on-campus at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE's Mildura campus, in Victoria. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification, meaning students graduate with one credential. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The full-time study load is typical for a Certificate III level. International students must maintain satisfactory course progress to comply with student visa conditions. For more information on study modes and attendance requirements, always check with the provider. HeadStart Academy recommends reviewing the course schedule and campus facilities before applying.
The indicative tuition fee for the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is A$16,068, as per the CRICOS register. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed, bringing the estimated total to A$16,068. However, this amount does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the student visa application charge. For a single international student, OSHC costs around A$600–$800 per year, and living expenses in regional Victoria like Mildura are approximately A$20,000–$25,000 per year (including rent, food, and transport). These are indicative estimates. Course fees are set by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE and may change; always confirm the latest fees on their official website at www.sunitafe.edu.au. HeadStart Academy provides this data for reference only and does not guarantee fee amounts.
For international students, the minimum English language requirement is typically IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). This course is at Certificate III level (AQF Level 3), so prior qualifications expected generally include completion of Australian Year 11 or equivalent. Students should have basic literacy and numeracy skills. There are no foundation studies or pathway options linked directly to this course, but applicants who do not meet the English requirement may consider a packaged ELICOS program; check with Sunraysia Institute of TAFE for options. Academic entry requirements may vary; always refer to the provider's official admissions policy. HeadStart Academy advises that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee enrolment, as places are limited. For specific guidance, contact the provider's international admissions office.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component: 7 weeks of industry placement at 30 hours per week (approximately 210 total hours). This work-integrated learning allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real early childhood education settings, such as childcare centres or preschools. Under the supervision of qualified professionals, students will gain hands-on experience in planning activities, caring for children, and maintaining safe environments. The placement is a requirement for graduation and is organised by Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can undertake this placement as part of their course. It is unpaid but counts toward the course credit. This practical component is invaluable for building confidence and employability in the Australian early childhood sector.
This course is delivered at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE's Mildura campus, located in Mildura, Victoria (the address is available on the provider's website). Mildura is a regional city in northwestern Victoria with a population of around 35,000. It is known for its agriculture and river tourism. Studying in Mildura offers a quieter lifestyle compared to major cities, with lower living costs. The campus is accessible by public transport, including buses. There are several CRICOS-registered providers in regional Victoria, but Sunraysia Institute of TAFE is one of the largest. International students in Mildura benefit from a supportive community and the opportunity to experience Australian regional life. For those considering early childhood education in a rural setting, this location offers unique advantages such as smaller class sizes and strong industry connections.
To study this course as an international student, you must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course. Key conditions include maintaining enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and adequate welfare arrangements if under 18. Student work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Compulsory work placements (like the 210-hour component) are not counted in the 48-hour limit. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, which assesses your intention to stay temporarily for study. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the visa duration. You must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (approx. A$21,041 per year for a single student as per immigration guidelines), and travel. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised guidance.
Ready to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE? Follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers - Use HeadStart Academy to search for Certificate III courses in early childhood education. Filter by location (Mildura, VIC) and compare providers. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution - Visit Sunraysia Institute of TAFE's website (www.sunitafe.edu.au) to review entry requirements, English language tests (e.g., IELTS), and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (transcripts, passport, English test results). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) - Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Then submit a visa application to the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of OSHC, finances, and GTE. HeadStart Academy has no involvement in the application process; always follow official procedures.
Victoria is a leading destination for international students in early childhood education, with numerous CRICOS-registered providers across Melbourne and regional centres like Mildura. The state has a strong demand for qualified early childhood educators, driven by government initiatives to improve access to early learning. Studying in Victoria also means you can experience a diverse culture and high quality of life. Mildura, specifically, offers a lower cost of living compared to Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a single person around $150–$250. Public transport costs are modest. The region's growing population means more job opportunities in childcare. However, consider that regional settings may have fewer entertainment options and require access to a car. HeadStart Academy helps you weigh these factors by providing data on provider locations and student demographics. Always confirm course details with the institution.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Visit Sunraysia Institute of TAFE's website for the latest course information and to apply.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE. 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.