Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119609A) is a Certificate III delivered by Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 3 qualification, VET national code CHC30125, is designed for individuals entering the early childhood education sector. It covers core competencies in child development, health and safety, and educational program delivery. Graduates can work as early childhood educators in childcare centres, preschools, and other settings. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource, with data sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). All listed institutions are CRICOS-registered, ensuring you receive quality education under ESOS Act protections. Whether you are an international student planning to study in Australia or a migrant seeking new career opportunities, this course offers a solid foundation for working with young children.

All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government
Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)
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Covers 26,433 courses across all study levels and states

Course overview

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119609A) is a Certificate III delivered by Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year (52 weeks). This course falls under the field of Education (07) with a focus on Teacher Education: Early Childhood. It is a single qualification (not a dual qualification) and does not include foundation studies. The course includes a mandatory work component of 34 weeks at 5 hours per week (approximately 170 total hours), providing practical industry experience. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international students. Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03395G) is a private provider located in Sydney, NSW, with multiple delivery sites in the city centre.

What you'll study

This qualification prepares students to work in early childhood education settings, focusing on children from birth to five years. Typical learning outcomes include understanding child development stages, designing and implementing play-based learning activities, ensuring health and safety, supporting children's social and emotional wellbeing, and collaborating with families and communities. Graduates gain skills in communication, teamwork, and cultural competence. While this page provides a general description, the specific syllabus is set by the provider. For a detailed list of units, refer to Berkeley Business Institute's course handbook.

Duration and study mode

The course is scheduled for 1 year (52 weeks), as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (Certificate III) with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Study mode is likely full-time on campus, but confirm directly with the provider. The duration includes the work placement component, which integrates theoretical learning with practical experience.

Fees (indicative)

Tuition fee: A$15,000. Non-tuition fees: A$450 (e.g., materials, administration). Estimated total: A$15,450. These are indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (accommodation, food, transport), or the Student visa application charge. Always confirm current fees with the provider at www.berkeley.edu.au. Living costs in Sydney are typically higher than other Australian cities, with students budgeting around A$500–600 per week for rent, groceries, and transport.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International students typically require an English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent). Applicants should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. There are no specific prerequisite subjects, but prior experience in education or childcare is beneficial. This course does not include a foundation or pathway program; for alternatives, contact the provider. HeadStart Academy recommends reviewing the provider's entry requirements at www.berkeley.edu.au. Always check the latest requirements as they may change.

Work component

This course includes a mandatory work component of 34 weeks, 5 hours per week (approximately 170 total hours). This is an industry placement (work-integrated learning) where students gain practical experience in early childhood education settings such as childcare centres or preschools. The placement allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop professional skills, and build industry networks. It is a supervised component that counts towards course completion. Ensure you have any required clearances (e.g., Working with Children Check) before commencing.

Delivery locations

This course is delivered at three campuses in Sydney, New South Wales, all operated by Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03395G): - BBI@ Sydney - Level 5, 70-72 Bathurst St, SYDNEY NSW 2000 - BBI@Sydney - Level 3, 70-72 Bathurst St, SYDNEY NSW 2000 - Suite 1, Level 1, 338-340 Pitt St, SYDNEY NSW 2000 All locations are in the Sydney CBD, close to public transport (trains, buses, light rail). Sydney is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, with median rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$500 per week. The city boasts a large international student community and diverse cultural experiences.

Student visa information

International students enrolled in this course typically apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in a CRICOS-registered course. Holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration. Financial capacity evidence is required. For accurate visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses.

Is Sydney right for you?

Sydney is Australia's largest city and a major study destination with over 200,000 international students. It offers a vibrant lifestyle, excellent public transport, and numerous employment opportunities. However, the cost of living is high. A typical weekly budget for a single student includes: rent (shared accommodation) A$250–400, groceries A$70–100, transport A$30–50, and other expenses. The early childhood education sector in Sydney is growing, with many childcare centres and preschools. If you prefer a smaller city with lower living costs, consider other cities like Adelaide or Brisbane. HeadStart Academy's /states/nsw page provides more details on studying in NSW.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to enrol in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Compare providers offering similar courses. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Visit www.berkeley.edu.au, check entry requirements (including English test scores), and submit your application before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Then apply for a visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to arrange OSHC and prepare for the GTE interview.

Explore Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care on HeadStart Academy – your free guide to CRICOS-registered courses.

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Source-backed course facts

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CRICOS course code
119609A
Provider
Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd (03395G)
Course level
Certificate III
Field of education
07 - Education
Duration
52 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$15,000
Estimated total (indicative)
A$15,450
Delivery locations
SYDNEY
Work component
Yes (170 total hours)

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative tuition fee is A$15,000, with non-tuition fees of A$450, totalling A$15,450. These are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change. OSHC, living costs, and visa fees are extra. Always confirm with the provider.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) on a full-time basis, including a mandatory work placement of 34 weeks at 5 hours per week (170 hours). The language of instruction is English.
International students typically need IELTS 5.0–5.5 overall or equivalent. Applicants should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. No specific prerequisites, but prior experience in childcare is beneficial. Refer to the provider for exact requirements.
Berkeley Business Institute delivers this course at three Sydney CBD campuses: Level 5 and Level 3 of 70-72 Bathurst St, and Suite 1, Level 1, 338-340 Pitt St, all in Sydney, NSW. All locations are accessible by public transport.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$15,450 for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (tuition A$15,000). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 119609A, offered by Berkeley Business Institute Pty Ltd (provider code 03395G). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.