Are you an international student looking to start a rewarding career in early childhood education in Australia? The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119655F) is a one-year (54 weeks) program delivered by West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03874C), a private higher education provider. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) — your guarantee of quality and compliance with Australian education standards. With a focus on practical skills and work-integrated learning, graduates are prepared to support the development and well-being of children in a variety of early childhood settings. Whether you plan to work in childcare centres, preschools, or family day care, this qualification meets Australian industry requirements. HeadStart Academy (headstartacademy.com.au) brings you this information directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring you have accurate, up-to-date details to plan your study in Australia.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119655F) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) delivered by West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd over 1 year (54 weeks). This course falls under the field of education (07 - Education, 0701 - Teacher Education, 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood). The VET national code for this qualification is CHC30125. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the standards required for international student enrolment under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. The course is designed for students who wish to gain the foundational skills and knowledge to work in early childhood education settings, focusing on child development, safety, and inclusive practices. Note: This page provides general guidance only; for specific syllabus details, contact West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd directly.
The field of education at the Certificate III level introduces students to the principles of early childhood development, including physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Students learn how to design and implement play-based learning activities, maintain safe and healthy environments, support children's well-being, and work collaboratively with families and communities. The curriculum typically covers topics such as fostering positive relationships, cultural competence, and inclusion of children with additional needs. Graduates of this level are prepared to work as early childhood educators or assistants in regulated childcare services. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, the course aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. HeadStart Academy encourages students to review the full course outline directly with West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered over 1 year, which corresponds to 54 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and is not classified as foundation studies. Students attend classes on a full-time basis to meet the requirements of the student visa (Subclass 500). The study mode includes face-to-face delivery at the provider's campuses. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the duration is structured to ensure international students can complete the program within the expected timeframe while maintaining satisfactory course progress.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$14,000, with non-tuition fees of A$750. The estimated total cost is A$14,750. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are set by West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd. Please note: these are indicative only and subject to change. Additional costs not included in the total are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (including accommodation, food, and transport), and the visa application charge for the Student visa (Subclass 500). For the most current fee schedule, visit the provider's website at www.wmit.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees and always recommends confirming fees directly with the institution.
International applicants are generally expected to have completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent qualification. The English language requirement for this course is an IELTS overall band score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent). Some providers may also accept other English tests such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Foundation or pathway programs may be available for students who do not meet the academic or English prerequisites — check with West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd for options. Note: Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission; the provider will assess each application individually. For visa purposes, you must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency and genuine student intent (GTE criterion). HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 8 weeks of work placement at 20 hours per week, totalling approximately 160 hours. This work-integrated learning (industry placement) provides you with practical experience in real early childhood education settings, such as childcare centres or preschools. It allows you to apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills, and build industry connections under supervision. Work placements are arranged by the provider and are a core part of the curriculum, essential for graduation. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for any unpaid work placements (usually permitted under the student visa). The work component is distinct from the standard work rights (48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks) that apply to employment.
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at two locations: - Level 3, 220 Albert Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205 (South Melbourne, Victoria) - Melbourne Campus (Melbourne, Victoria)
Both campuses are in the vibrant city of Melbourne, home to over 200,000 international students and more than 100 CRICOS-registered providers. Melbourne offers a diverse and dynamic study environment, with excellent public transport (trains, trams, buses) connecting the campuses to the city centre and suburbs. Estimated living costs for a single student in Melbourne range from A$400 to A$600 per week for rent (shared accommodation), A$80 to A$150 for groceries, and A$40 to A$70 for public transport. Note that these are indicative and vary based on lifestyle. For location-specific guidance, visit our study in Victoria page.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your study. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and meeting English language and health requirements. With a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled vacation periods. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) if you have relevant skills and qualifications. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest visa conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a MARA-registered agent for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at West Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to compare courses and providers. Filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Education), and city (Melbourne) to find suitable options. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit West Melbourne Institute of Technology's website at www.wmit.edu.au to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Then lodge your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs, paying the visa application charge and arranging OSHC.
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city and a hub for education and training. With over 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering early childhood education courses, you'll have multiple options. The city boasts a high standard of living, multicultural communities, and strong job prospects in the early childhood sector. However, consider factors such as climate (temperate with variable weather), cost of living (higher than regional areas but lower than Sydney), and the availability of public transport. Melbourne's childcare industry is growing, with demand for qualified educators. HeadStart Academy's study in education page in Melbourne can help you explore more. Remember to factor in ESOS protections — all CRICOS-registered courses must meet strict quality standards.
Ready to take the next step? Explore CRICOS-registered early childhood education courses on HeadStart Academy and compare providers in Melbourne. Start your journey today!
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at West Melbourne Institute of Technology 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.