Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 119592E)

Course overview

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119592E) is a Certificate III delivered by Education Training & Employment Australia Pty. Ltd. over 1 year. This qualification is at AQF Level 3 and falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It is designed for those seeking to enter the early childhood sector as educators. The course provides foundational knowledge in child development, health and safety, and curriculum planning. As a VET course (CHC30125), it aligns with national competency standards. International students should note that this is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The provider, Education Training & Employment Australia Pty. Ltd., is a private institution with CRICOS registration 02925E, offering various courses across Australia. This course is part of Australia's extensive vocational education system, with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000 courses to choose from.

What you'll study

In this Certificate III, you'll learn how to support children's learning and development through play-based activities, understand legal and ethical frameworks, and maintain safe environments. The curriculum typically covers topics such as child development, nutrition, first aid, and inclusive practices. While HeadStart Academy does not provide the exact syllabus (contact the provider for details), graduates at this level are prepared to work as early childhood educators in a range of settings. The course emphasises practical skills, including observation, documentation, and communication with families. The field of 'Teacher Education: Early Childhood' ensures a focus on pedagogical approaches suitable for children from birth to age five. As an AQF Level 3 qualification, it assumes no prior higher education but requires completion of Year 12 or equivalent.

Duration and study mode

The course is listed on the CRICOS register as 1 year (52 weeks). All instruction is in English. This is a single qualification — no dual awards or foundation pathways are integrated. Study mode is typically full-time, delivered through face-to-face classes, online components, or a blended approach (confirm with ETEA). International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment. The 52-week duration includes scheduled breaks, but you are expected to complete all competency requirements within this period. If you need to extend your stay due to academic difficulties, you must maintain valid enrolment and discuss options with your provider.

Fees (indicative — set by Education Training & Employment Australia Pty. Ltd.)

The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is A$16,250, with non-tuition fees of A$1,750, bringing the estimated total to A$18,000. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change — always confirm with ETEA before applying. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. For a single student, OSHC typically costs A$500–A$700 per year. Living costs vary by city: in Melbourne or Sydney, budget A$25,000–$30,000 annually for rent, food, and transport. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the provider's website (http://www.etea.edu.au) for the most current fee schedule.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International students typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.0-5.5 or equivalent. You must also have completed Australian Year 12 or an overseas equivalent. Prior qualifications in education are not required, but a genuine interest in working with children is essential. ETEA may require you to demonstrate English proficiency through other tests (e.g., TOEFL, PTE). If your English is below the entry level, you might consider pathway programs (contact the provider). All applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent — visa and entry advice should be sought from a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.

Work component

Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component: 4 weeks of industry placement at 40 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours). This practical experience is a key part of the qualification, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in real early childhood settings such as daycare centres or preschools. Work-integrated learning helps you develop professional skills and meet competency standards. Placements are arranged by the provider, and you must complete them to graduate. During placement, you remain enrolled as a student, so your Student visa conditions still apply. This component is not paid employment but is invaluable for your career.

Delivery locations

This course is delivered at four ETEA campuses: 113 Burgundy Street - Head Office Campus, HEIDELBERG, VIC; Argyle Street Parramatta - 21 Argyle St, PARRAMATTA NSW 2150; Level 2, East, 50 Grenfell Street, ADELAIDE, SA; and Unit 4, 78-84 Catalano Circuit, CANNING VALE, WA. Each location offers access to local amenities and transport. Heidelberg is a northern suburb of Melbourne with good train and bus connections. Parramatta is a major commercial hub in Western Sydney, well-served by trains and ferries. Adelaide's city campus is central, near tram and bus stops. Canning Vale is a suburb of Perth with bus links. Living costs vary: Melbourne and Sydney are more expensive (weekly rent ~$300–$450), while Adelaide and Perth are more affordable (~$200–$350). Choose a site that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Student visa

To study this course, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course (1 year). You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is critical — you must show you intend to stay temporarily for study. You'll need to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC, travel). For more details, see our Student visa guide. Remember, HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Education Training & Employment Australia Pty. Ltd.:

1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses and compare options. Filter by 'Certificate III', 'Education', and your preferred city (Heidelberg, Parramatta, Adelaide, Canning Vale). Confirm that the course (119592E) meets your needs.

2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit ETEA's website (http://www.etea.edu.au) to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with supporting documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy).

3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, ETEA will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need OSHC, GTE statement, and evidence of funds. Visa processing times vary — apply early.

Ready to start your early childhood career in Australia? Follow the three-step application process above and check the latest fees on ETEA's website.

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