Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119619K) is a Certificate III delivered by Times Academy Pty Ltd over 1 year. This nationally accredited qualification (AQF Level 3) equips you with the skills to work in early childhood education settings, such as daycare centres and preschools. The course is offered at Times Academy campuses in Sydney (Pitt Street) and Melbourne (Sussex Street), giving you flexibility to study in Australia's two largest cities. With a work component of 160 hours integrated into the program, you'll gain practical experience while building industry connections. Indicative tuition is A$18,000 (excluding OSHC, living costs, and visa fees). As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students, ensuring quality education and ESOS Act protections. Explore this course and take the first step toward a rewarding career in early childhood education.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119619K) is a Certificate III delivered by Times Academy Pty Ltd over 1 year. The course is classified under the AQF Level 3 and falls within the field of Education (070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood). As a VET qualification with national code CHC30125, it is designed for individuals who wish to work in early childhood education and care services in Australia. The course is registered on CRICOS (Provider 03457J) and is available to international students. Times Academy is a private college with campuses in Sydney (Level 4, 338 Pitt Street) and Melbourne (Times Academy, Sussex Street). The program includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks (8 hours per week, totaling approximately 160 hours) for industry experience. Importantly, this is a single qualification, not a dual award, and does not include foundation studies. All data provided is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
This course covers the core competencies required to work as an early childhood educator, including supporting children's development, promoting health and safety, building relationships with families, and working within legal and ethical frameworks. The field of education is vast, and this Certificate III provides foundational knowledge in early childhood education. Students learn about child development, play-based learning, cultural responsiveness, and collaboration with colleagues. Practical skills such as planning activities and observing children's progress are also developed. While the specific syllabus is set by Times Academy, graduates are typically prepared for roles like early childhood educator or assistant in long daycare, family day care, or kindergarten settings. The course aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual qualification offered) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to commit to full-time study, typically with a mix of classroom learning and practical placement. Times Academy may offer both on-campus and blended delivery modes; check with the provider for specific timetables. The 52-week duration includes both taught components and the work placement. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
Indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is A$18,000. Non-tuition fees are A$200, bringing the estimated total to A$18,200. Note that these fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are set by Times Academy Pty Ltd. Fees are subject to change and may vary based on annual adjustments. Important: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included in this estimate. For current fees and a detailed breakdown, always check the provider's official website. Living costs in Sydney and Melbourne are higher than the national average; for example, weekly rent may range from A$300 to A$500, and groceries around A$100 to A$150. Students should budget accordingly.
General entry requirements for Certificate III level qualifications include completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. For international students, an English language proficiency of IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent) is typically required. Specific entry requirements are determined by Times Academy and may include a pre-enrollment interview or assessment of prior learning. If you do not meet the English language requirement, pathway options such as EAP (English for Academic Purposes) courses may be available. Contact Times Academy directly for detailed information on academic and English entry criteria. Note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks, with 8 hours per week, totaling approximately 160 hours. This is an industry placement (also known as vocational placement or work-integrated learning) where students apply theoretical knowledge in a real early childhood setting. Placements are arranged by Times Academy and allow students to gain hands-on experience under supervision. The work component is integral to the qualification and must be completed to graduate. It provides valuable industry contacts and practical skills that enhance employability. Students are responsible for meeting any pre-placement requirements, such as a Working with Children Check.
The course is delivered at two locations: Level 4, 338 Pitt Street, Sydney, New South Wales; and Times Academy (Sussex Street) in Melbourne, Victoria. Sydney and Melbourne are Australia's largest cities, offering vibrant student communities and excellent public transport. Sydney has over 1,200 CRICOS-registered providers, while Melbourne has a similar density. Both cities are popular among international students for their education quality and lifestyle. The Sydney Pitt Street campus is near Central Station, and the Melbourne campus is in the CBD, making them easily accessible by train, bus, and tram. When choosing a location, consider cost of living: Sydney is typically more expensive for rent (approx. A$450-600/week for a one-bedroom), while Melbourne is slightly cheaper (A$350-500/week). Both cities offer ample part-time work opportunities for students.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course on a full-time basis. The visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to current visa conditions). You must maintain genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status and have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs ($21,041 per year for a single student), and travel must be demonstrated. ESOS Act protections ensure your rights as a student, including a tuition protection scheme. Always apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs and consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Times Academy: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to verify that Times Academy (CRICOS 03457J) and this course (119619K) are registered. HeadStart Academy offers free search tools to filter by course level, field, and city. 2. Apply directly to Times Academy: Check their website for application deadlines, required documents (academic transcripts, English test scores, passport), and submit your application. You may need to demonstrate IELTS 5.0-5.5 or equivalent. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once Times Academy issues a CoE, you can lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC, GTE statement, and evidence of financial capacity. Allow processing time of several weeks.
Ready to start your early childhood career? Research Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care on HeadStart Academy and apply to Times Academy today.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Times Academy 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.