Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119607C) is a Certificate III delivered by Cairns College of English Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course, registered under the Australian Government's CRICOS system (03251A), equips international students with the foundational skills to work in early childhood education settings. Covering areas such as child development, health and safety, and play-based learning, it prepares graduates for roles like early childhood educator in childcare centres. The course includes a mandatory work component of 180 hours, providing hands-on experience in real childcare environments. Located in Cairns, Queensland, this course offers a pathway to further studies at Diploma level or direct entry into the workforce. As at April 2026, the indicative tuition fee is A$8,500 with additional fees of A$300, totalling A$8,800. Please note that fees are set by the provider and subject to change. All international students studying on a Student visa (Subclass 500) in Australia are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and consumer rights. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register, making this a reliable resource for your study plans.
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This course falls under the field of education: 07 - Education, specifically 0701 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). At Certificate III level, students develop practical skills to support children's learning and development in early childhood settings. The curriculum aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards and covers topics such as fostering children's social and emotional wellbeing, implementing approved learning frameworks, maintaining health and safety, and promoting play-based learning. Graduates will be equipped to work as early childhood educators in long day care centres, family day care, and preschools. The vocational education and training (VET) code for this qualification is CHR30125, ensuring it meets national industry standards.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a 1-year full-time program, comprising 52 weeks of study as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is delivered in English, and the course is a single qualification (not a dual or foundation program). Students attend classes at the Cairns campus, with a combination of theory and practical sessions. The structured timetable allows international students to balance study with work opportunities (up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time).
The indicative fees for this course are as follows: tuition A$8,500, non-tuition fees A$300, totalling an estimated A$8,800. Additional costs not included in the total are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — approximately A$600–A$800 per year — living expenses such as rent (indicative A$200–A$300 per week in Cairns), groceries (A$80–A$100 per week), transport (A$30–A$50 per week), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always check the provider's website (www.cceb.qld.edu.au) for the most current fee schedule, as these figures are indicative and subject to change.
For admission to Certificate III level study, international students typically require an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) as a minimum English proficiency. No specific prior academic qualification is mandated, but completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) is often expected. Some providers may accept foundation or pathway programs if the English requirement is not met. Cairns College of English Pty Ltd may offer internal English language support; contact them directly for detailed entry criteria. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component: 36 weeks of industry placement at 5 hours per week, totalling approximately 180 hours. This hands-on experience takes place in real early childhood settings such as childcare centres or preschools, under the supervision of qualified educators. The placement allows students to apply classroom theory to practice, develop workplace skills, and build professional networks. Successful completion of this component is essential for graduation and meeting the competency standards for the CHR30125 qualification.
The course is delivered at 27 Aplin St, Cairns City QLD 4870. Cairns is the major city in Far North Queensland, known for its tropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. The city hosts a vibrant international student community with several CRICOS-registered providers. The campus is accessible via public transport (bus) and is within walking distance of the city centre. Indicative living costs in Cairns are slightly lower than in larger cities like Sydney or Melbourne, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious students.
International students undertaking this course must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key visa conditions include: maintaining satisfactory enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, holding valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. The ESOS Act provides consumer protection, including refund safeguards and access to complaint processes. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for personalised visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Applying for this course involves three straightforward steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by Certificate III level, Early Childhood Education field, and location (Cairns). Identify Cairns College of English Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03251A) as the provider offering course 119607C. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the provider's website (www.cceb.qld.edu.au) to review entry requirements, submit an application form, provide English language test scores (IELTS 5.0–5.5), and meet any application deadlines. Ensure all documents are translated if not in English. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). Pay the visa application fee, arrange OSHC, and attend any required biometrics or interviews.
Cairns offers a unique study experience with its warm climate, outdoor lifestyle, and multicultural community. The city has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a range of courses from VET to higher education. For early childhood education students, the local childcare sector is growing, providing potential part-time work opportunities during study and pathways to employment after graduation. Living costs are moderate: typical weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$150–A$250, groceries A$80–A$100, and a public transport pass around A$30–A$50. Consider your preference for a smaller city atmosphere and access to natural attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests when deciding if Cairns is right for you. Remember that all CRICOS-registered courses are backed by the ESOS Act, ensuring quality standards and student protections.
Ready to enrol? Check the provider's website for the latest information and start your application.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Cairns College of English Pty Ltd. 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.