Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119645H) is a Certificate III delivered by Lambda Education Pty Ltd over 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks). This qualification, listed under field 070101 Teacher Education: Early Childhood, prepares you to support children's development and learning in early childhood settings. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian standards for international students. Graduates can work in childcare centres, preschools, or family day care. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and this course is a popular choice for those seeking a practical career in education. The indicative total cost is A$20,500, and the course includes a mandatory work placement. Below you'll find full details on entry requirements, delivery locations, and student visa information to help you plan your study in Australia.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119645H) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) delivered by Lambda Education Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03764J) over 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks). The course is classified under field 07 Education, subfield 0701 Teacher Education, with specialisation 070101 Teacher Education: Early Childhood. It equips students with foundational skills to care for children from birth to five years, including fostering emotional, physical, and social development. The VET national code is CHC30125, confirming alignment with national training standards. This qualification does not offer dual certification or foundation studies. Students will undertake a mandatory work component of 8 weeks (20 hours per week, approximately 160 total hours) to gain real-world experience. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, ensuring compliance with Australian Government regulations and the ESOS Act.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to early childhood education. You'll learn about child development, health and safety, supporting play and learning, and working within legal and ethical frameworks. While specific syllabus details are set by Lambda Education Pty Ltd, graduates typically gain competence in planning and implementing activities, observing children's progress, and building positive relationships with families. As a Certificate III level qualification, it often serves as a stepping stone to higher qualifications like Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. The field of education (07) ensures that content is grounded in pedagogical best practices. For international students, understanding Australian early childhood philosophy is key, as it emphasises play-based learning and inclusivity. This knowledge will be directly applicable in Australian childcare settings, which are regulated by the National Quality Framework.
The course runs for 1 year 1 month (~56 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual qualification) and does not include foundation studies. Students should expect a full-time study load, likely including face-to-face classes, online components, and self-directed study. The CRICOS duration allows for scheduled breaks, during which students may work unlimited hours under their student visa. The course is designed to be completed within the standard timeframe, but individual progress may vary depending on the provider's delivery schedule. Always confirm the exact start dates and study mode (e.g., on-campus, blended) directly with Lambda Education Pty Ltd.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$18,000, with non-tuition fees of A$2,500, giving an estimated total of A$20,500. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the student visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and typically costs around A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in NSW vary by city; for example, Sydney is more expensive than Gosford or Liverpool. As a guide, weekly expenses for rent, groceries, and transport may range from A$400–A$700. Always check the provider's website for the most current fees and payment plans. HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not charge referral fees.
Typical entry requirements for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care include an IELTS score of 5.0–5.5 overall (or equivalent) and completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may require a Working with Children Check or a police clearance. Prior qualifications in education or childcare are not mandatory but may be beneficial. Lambda Education Pty Ltd may offer pathway options for students who don't meet direct entry; contact them for details. For academic readiness, you may need to demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills through an assessment. Always confirm specific requirements with the provider. As this course includes a work placement with children, you must be able to meet health and character requirements set by Australian authorities.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 8 weeks of practical placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 160 hours. This work-integrated learning can involve industry placement, internship, or clinical placement in an early childhood setting. It provides hands-on experience in supervising children, planning activities, and following regulatory standards. The placement is typically supervised by qualified educators and may require students to obtain a Working with Children Check. Successful completion is essential to achieve the qualification. This real-world experience not only enhances employability but also helps students understand Australia's National Quality Standards. The provider will arrange the placement, but students may need to travel to the designated site. This component is separate from paid work and must be factored into your study schedule.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at four campuses in New South Wales: ISMT - Gosford (GOSFORD, NSW), ISMT - Liverpool (269 Bigge St, LIVERPOOL, NSW 2170), ISMT - Parramatta (NSW), and Level 1 575-597 Pacific Hwy (ST LEONARDS, NSW 2065). These locations span the Central Coast, Western Sydney, and North Sydney regions. Gosford is a growing regional centre with lower living costs compared to Sydney, while Liverpool and Parramatta are major transport hubs with large student populations. St Leonards is close to Sydney's CBD and offers excellent public transport. Each campus provides access to local amenities and support services. When choosing a location, consider commute times, accommodation costs, and proximity to work placement sites. NSW has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses, so you'll have plenty of options if you want to study in this state.
To study this course as an international student, you must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, meet genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirements, and have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain OSHC for the entire duration of your stay. Dependants may accompany you on certain conditions. Visa processing times vary, so apply early. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. Remember, ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-listed institutions, ensuring your rights as an international student.
New South Wales is a popular destination for international students, with Sydney being one of Australia's most multicultural cities. However, costs can be high. For example, weekly rent in Sydney averages A$400–$600, while Gosford or Liverpool may be cheaper (A$300–$500). Public transport is extensive, with Opal cards offering discounts. The early childhood sector in NSW is regulated by the Department of Education, and qualified educators are in demand. Studying in a regional area like Gosford may offer lower living costs and a tighter community feel. Also consider that your work placement may be at a different location than your campus. Check the provider's arrangement. Overall, NSW offers diverse study environments, and this course is a solid foundation for a career in early childhood education in Australia.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Lambda Education Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use the HeadStart Academy course search to compare courses by level, field, and city. Ensure the provider and course are CRICOS-registered (Lambda Education Pty Ltd is CRICOS 03764J). 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Meet entry requirements (English test, prior qualifications) and submit your application by the deadline. Provide necessary documents like academic transcripts, passport, and proof of English proficiency. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use it to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Seek advice from a registered migration agent if needed.
Ready to apply? HeadStart Academy helps you find CRICOS-registered courses like this one. Start your search today.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lambda Education 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.