Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119611G) is a Certificate III delivered by Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year 3 months (~65 weeks). This VET course, with national code CHC30125, equips graduates with foundational skills to support children's development in early childhood settings. Available at the Dandenong campus in Victoria, the course includes a work component of 8 weeks (160 hours) to provide practical experience. As a CRICOS-registered program (Provider CRICOS 03406J), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register to help you make informed study decisions. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,000+ courses, Australia offers a wide range of study options.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 119611G) is a vocational qualification at AQF Level 3 in the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (field code 070101). Delivered by Lawson College Australia Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (03406J), this course is designed for international students seeking a career in early childhood education. The curriculum covers child development, health and safety, and fostering learning through play. Graduates may find roles as early childhood educators or assistants. All providers listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and compliance with ESOS Act protections. This course is one of 26,433 courses available to international students as of April 2026.
This qualification focuses on foundational knowledge and skills for working with children from birth to school age. Students typically learn about promoting children's wellbeing, supporting physical and emotional development, creating inclusive learning environments, and building partnerships with families. The course also covers legal and ethical responsibilities in childcare settings. While specific subject names may vary, graduates are prepared to work in childcare centres, kindergartens, and preschools. The VET national code CHC30125 confirms this is a nationally recognised qualification in Australia.
The course runs for 1 year 3 months (65 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered in English, full-time, and is a single qualification (no dual award). The duration includes the required work placement component. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. Lawson College Australia may offer flexible study arrangements; confirm directly with the provider.
Indicative fees for this course are as follows: tuition A$11,000, non-tuition fees A$1,000, estimated total A$12,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approx. A$21,041 per year for a single student per Department of Home Affairs guidelines), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always verify current fees directly with Lawson College Australia at www.lawsoncollege.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees and provides this data as a free resource.
General entry requirements for this level include: IELTS overall score of 5.0-5.5 (or equivalent English language test), and completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent overseas qualification. Some providers may require a Working with Children Check or additional prerequisites. Foundation/pathway options may be available if you do not meet direct entry — consult Lawson College Australia for details. Note: English requirements can vary, so confirm with the provider. All course entry requirements are set by the institution, not HeadStart Academy.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks (20 hours per week, totalling approximately 160 hours). This industry placement gives you real-world experience in an early childhood setting, such as a childcare centre, where you will apply your learning under supervision. Work-integrated learning is a key part of VET courses in Australia, helping you build practical skills and professional networks. The placement is typically arranged by the provider, but you may need to meet certain pre-placement requirements (e.g., police check).
The course is delivered at 53 Walker Street, Dandenong, VIC 3175. Dandenong is a vibrant multicultural suburb in Melbourne's south-east, approximately 30 km from the CBD. It has a large student population and excellent public transport links (train and bus) to Melbourne's city centre. Dandenong offers a range of affordable housing options, with indicative weekly rent for shared accommodation around A$200-300. Living costs in Melbourne are generally higher than the national average, but Dandenong provides a more budget-friendly alternative while still being close to city amenities. There are numerous CRICOS-registered providers in the area, offering diverse study options.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key requirements: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Dependants may have different work conditions. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current policies. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for visa advice, consult a registered MARA agent.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Lawson College Australia: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and location. Compare courses and check provider details. 2. Apply directly to Lawson College Australia: Prepare your documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy) and submit your application online or via email. Check application deadlines and any specific entry requirements. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once you accept the offer and pay the required deposit, the provider will issue a CoE. Then apply for the student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to arrange OSHC and show proof of funds.
Dandenong is a popular choice for international students due to its diverse community, affordable living costs, and good transport links to Melbourne CBD. The area has a strong job market, particularly in retail, hospitality, and education, making it easier to find part-time work while studying. The suburb is home to several educational institutions, creating a student-friendly environment. However, consider that Melbourne's overall cost of living is higher than other Australian cities. If you value a multicultural atmosphere and access to city life without the high rent, Dandenong is an excellent option. Always plan your budget carefully, including living expenses and study costs.
Ready to start? Explore more Certificate III courses in Victoria or contact Lawson College Australia directly for the latest information.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lawson College Australia 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.