Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119587B) is a Certificate III delivered by Imagine Education Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for The Imagine Education Australia Unit Trust over 46 weeks (~11 months). This AQF Level 3 qualification provides foundational skills for educators working with children from birth to 5 years, focusing on play-based learning, child development, and safe environments. Graduates may pursue roles such as early childhood educator or assistant, with pathways to Diploma-level study. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 02695C), it meets Australian standards for international students. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you study with a trusted institution covered by the ESOS Act protections. International students choose this course for its practical focus and strong employment outcomes in Australia's growing early childhood sector. The course is offered across multiple campuses in Queensland and South Australia, giving you flexibility in location. Imagine Education Australia is a private provider with a reputation for quality training. You'll learn in real-world settings through a mandatory work component. Fees are indicative at A$27,000 total, including tuition and non-tuition charges. Before enrolling, ensure you meet the English language requirement of IELTS 5.0–5.5. This page provides a comprehensive guide to the course, entry requirements, visa process, and more.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a nationally recognised qualification in Australia (VET national code CHC30125). At AQF Level 3, it is designed for individuals who wish to work in regulated early childhood education settings, such as long day care centres, family day care, or preschools. The course is part of the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). According to the official CRICOS register (April 2026), this course is registered for international student enrolment at Imagine Education Australia. The provider is CRICOS-registered under code 02695C, confirming its compliance with Australian Government standards. Choosing a CRICOS-registered provider is essential for international students, as it ensures you are covered by the ESOS Act, which protects your rights and tuition fees. HeadStart Academy sources all provider and course data directly from the CRICOS register, so you can trust the information here.
In this Certificate III program, you will develop the core competencies required to work effectively in early childhood education. While the specific syllabus is set by the provider, graduates at this level typically gain knowledge in areas such as child development from birth to school age, designing and implementing play-based learning experiences, ensuring health and safety, supporting children's behaviour and social skills, and working collaboratively with families and communities. The course also covers legal and ethical responsibilities, including mandatory reporting and inclusion practices. This field is practical and hands-on, preparing you for direct interaction with children in real early learning environments. The qualification is a foundational step for further study in early childhood education, such as a Diploma or higher.
The course is delivered full-time over 46 weeks (~11 months), as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not a dual or nested award). The study mode typically includes a mix of classroom-based learning and practical placement. International students should note that maintaining full-time enrolment is a condition of the Student visa (Subclass 500). The course length is standard for a Certificate III at this level, allowing sufficient time to develop practical skills and complete the mandatory work component.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$26,500, with non-tuition fees of A$500, giving an estimated total of A$27,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are set by Imagine Education Australia. Please note: fees are indicative only and subject to change. Always confirm with the provider before applying. The total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For reference, living costs in Queensland and South Australia can vary: weekly rent for shared accommodation may range from A$150–300, groceries around A$80–120, and public transport A$30–60. You will need to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay as part of the student visa application. Visit the provider's website at www.imagineeducation.com.au for the most current fee schedule.
International applicants should typically have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) and demonstrate English proficiency. The indicative English requirement for this course is IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Some providers may require a higher score for direct entry. Additionally, you may need to undergo a Working with Children Check or provide a police clearance, as this course involves working with children. If you do not meet the English level, pathway options such as English language programs (ELICOS) may be available – check with Imagine Education Australia for specific arrangements. Always consult the provider for the most up-to-date entry criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks, totaling approximately 160 hours (about 8 hours per week). This practical placement takes place in an approved early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. It is a key part of the learning experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world environment under supervision. Work-integrated learning is common in VET courses and is designed to enhance your employability. The provider will coordinate placement arrangements, and you may need to meet additional requirements, such as immunisations or a National Police Check.
Imagine Education Australia offers this course at six campuses across Queensland and South Australia: Benowa Road, SOUTHPORT QLD; Currumburra Road, ASHMORE QLD; Ross River Road, Cranbrook QLD; Level 2, 170 Leichhardt St, Spring Hill QLD (QLD); Angle Vale Campus, Angle Vale SA; and Ingle Farm Campus, INGLE FARM SA. These locations provide access to vibrant regional communities and cities. Southport and Ashmore are on the Gold Coast, a major student hub with over 20,000 international students. Spring Hill is in Brisbane's CBD, close to public transport and amenities. Adelaide's northern suburbs (Angle Vale, Ingle Farm) offer a more suburban lifestyle with lower living costs. Both states have strong early childhood job markets. The provider may rotate or offer courses at selected campuses; check directly for availability.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course will apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Imagine Education Australia, proof of English proficiency, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The Department of Home Affairs sets all visa conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for personalised visa advice. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS courses, including refund policies and support services.
Ready to start your journey? Follow these three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – HeadStart Academy makes it easy to filter by course level, field, and city. Find Imagine Education Australia and confirm that Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (119587B) meets your goals.
2. Apply directly to Imagine Education Australia – Submit your application via their website (www.imagineeducation.com.au). Be prepared to provide academic transcripts, English test scores, and a copy of your passport. Check application deadlines and any prerequisite requirements, such as a Working with Children Check.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE, which you need for your visa application. Complete Form 157A, pay the Visa Application Charge (currently A$710 for most applicants), and submit supporting documents. After visa grant, you can arrange travel and OSHC.
Australia's early childhood sector is growing, with strong demand for qualified educators. Certificate III is the minimum qualification for many roles, and graduates often find work in childcare centres, kindergartens, and family day care. Consider your career goals: would you like to progress to a Diploma or degree for leadership roles? Think about location – the Gold Coast and Brisbane offer vibrant student communities, while Adelaide provides a more affordable lifestyle. Also, reflect on the practical nature of the work: you'll be hands-on with children, requiring patience, creativity, and a genuine interest in child development. Finally, ensure you meet the English and academic requirements. HeadStart Academy's free resources can help you compare courses and providers across all states.
Start your journey today by researching CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy. Compare courses, check entry requirements, and take the next step toward your Australian study adventure.
Certificate III in 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.