Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119596A) is a Certificate III delivered by TAFE Queensland over 51 weeks (~12 months). This qualification prepares you to work in regulated early childhood education and care settings, such as long day care centers, family day care, and preschools. As an international student, you will gain foundational skills in child development, health and safety, and inclusive practices. TAFE Queensland is a government-owned provider (CRICOS 03020E) with multiple campuses across the state. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian quality standards. With a focus on practical, work-integrated learning, this program includes a mandatory 160-hour industry placement. Tuition is indicative at A$9,200 for the full duration. Whether you aim to pursue further study in early childhood teaching or start your career as an educator, this course provides a solid foundation.
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The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 119596A) is an AQF Level 3 qualification under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). Delivered by TAFE Queensland, a CRICOS-registered government provider (03020E), this course equips students with the skills to support children's learning, development, and wellbeing. The CRICOS register data (April 2026) confirms a duration of 51 weeks, with English as the language of instruction. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The VET national code is CHC30125. Graduates may articulate into the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or seek employment as early childhood educators. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive quality education and legal safeguards. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and this data is sourced directly from the official register.
This course belongs to the field of Education, specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood. At AQF Level 3, you will develop foundational knowledge and practical skills to work with children from birth to 5 years. Typical learning areas include understanding child development, designing play-based learning experiences, ensuring health and safety, and supporting cultural diversity. You will also learn to work collaboratively with families and communities. While specific units may vary by provider, the core competencies cover national quality standards and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This qualification serves as a stepping stone for further study in early childhood teaching or for immediate entry into the workforce. Graduates are equipped to assist in planning and implementing educational programs in compliance with regulatory requirements.
The CRICOS register lists a course duration of 51 weeks (~12 months) for full-time study. All instruction is delivered in English. The course is a single qualification—no dual qualification or foundation studies are offered. This duration includes scheduled breaks as per the academic calendar, which may include holiday periods. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. TAFE Queensland typically offers this course on campus, with face-to-face teaching and practical components. The 51-week period includes both classroom learning and the mandatory work component.
Tuition fees for the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care are indicative at A$9,200 for the entire course. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but this may exclude materials, uniforms, or other costs—always confirm directly with TAFE Queensland. The estimated total cost is therefore A$9,200. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students and typically costs between A$500–$700 per year. Personal living expenses, such as accommodation, food, and transport, also apply—these vary by location. The visa application charge (currently A$1,600) is additional. All fees are set by the institution and subject to change; always check the provider's website for the most up-to-date information.
General entry requirements for this course include an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent), as the course is taught in English. Academic requirements typically include completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent overseas schooling. No prior work experience is required. If you do not meet the English language threshold, TAFE Queensland may offer pathway programs or direct entry into English language courses. Foundation studies are not bundled with this qualification, but you can explore separate preparatory courses. Always verify specific entry criteria with the provider before applying. For visa purposes, you must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency as per Department of Home Affairs standards.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 20 weeks of professional placement at 8 hours per week, totaling approximately 160 hours. This industry placement provides practical experience in an approved early childhood education setting, such as a daycare center or preschool. Under supervision, you will apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios, supporting children's activities, implementing programs, and engaging with families. The work component is integrated into the course schedule and is essential for meeting qualification requirements. It also offers valuable networking opportunities and can enhance your employability after graduation. TAFE Queensland will arrange placement sites, but you may need to satisfy specific prerequisites (e.g., working with children check).
TAFE Queensland delivers this course at six campuses across the state: Ipswich (Bundamba), Mooloolaba (Mountain Creek), Robina, South Bank (South Brisbane), Southport, and Springfield (Springfield Central). These locations are spread across South East Queensland, with two campuses in the Gold Coast region (Robina and Southport) and others near Brisbane. Queensland is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering diverse study environments. The Ipswich campus is about 40 km west of Brisbane, with good public transport links. Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast offers a coastal lifestyle. South Bank campus is in Brisbane's cultural precinct, close to public transport and amenities. Each campus has its own facilities and may have slightly different intake dates. Living costs in Brisbane and the Gold Coast range from A$350–$500 per week for rent, A$60–$100 for groceries, and A$30–$50 for public transport. Choose a location that suits your personal and study preferences.
To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this CRICOS-registered course, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). With this visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress. The ESOS Act protects your rights, including access to a complaints process. For visa applications, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE Queensland:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm TAFE Queensland (CRICOS 03020E) offers this course (119596A) at your preferred campus.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit TAFE Queensland's international student portal. Check entry requirements, submit academic transcripts and English test scores (e.g., IELTS 5.0–5.5), and prepare a statement of purpose. Application deadlines vary by intake.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once TAFE Queensland issues a CoE, you can lodge your visa application online. Provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Visa processing times vary; apply early.
Queensland offers a vibrant study environment for early childhood education students. With a growing population and strong demand for qualified educators, the state provides ample job opportunities after graduation. Living in Queensland means enjoying a subtropical climate, diverse communities, and access to world-class beaches and national parks. The cost of living is generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, especially in regional areas like Ipswich and the Sunshine Coast. Brisbane, as a major city, has excellent public transport and a large international student population. When choosing between campuses, consider proximity to childcare centers for placement, lifestyle preferences, and housing costs. TAFE Queensland's campuses are well-connected by bus and train networks. As an international student, you'll also benefit from the ESOS Act's protections, ensuring a safe and high-quality educational experience.
Ready to start your career in early childhood education? Check TAFE Queensland's website for intake dates and apply today.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at TAFE Queensland. 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.