Looking to start a career in early childhood education in Australia? Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119661H) is a Certificate III delivered by Massey College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This AQF Level 3 qualification is ideal for international students who want to work in childcare centres, preschools, or as nannies. Taught in English at the Lonsdale Street Campus in Melbourne, Victoria, the course includes a 4-week work placement to give you real-world experience. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03939B), Massey College ensures the course meets Australian quality standards. Fees are indicative at A$13,500 tuition plus A$2,500 non-tuition fees (total A$16,000). HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register to help you make informed decisions.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119661H) is a Certificate III delivered by Massey College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it is approved for enrolment of international students on student visas. The course sits within the field of Education (broad field 07) and specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (narrow field 070101). It is classified under AQF Level 3 (Certificate III) and the VET national code is CHC30125. Massey College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03939B) is a private provider based in Victoria. The course is delivered at their Lonsdale Street Campus in Melbourne, a vibrant city with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses. As a HeadStart Academy user, you can trust that this data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
The early childhood education field prepares graduates to work with children from birth to 5 years in various settings. At Certificate III level, you will learn the foundational skills required to support children's development, safety, and wellbeing. Typical learning outcomes include understanding child development theories, planning and implementing play-based learning activities, maintaining a safe and healthy environment, and building positive relationships with children and families. The course also covers legal and ethical responsibilities, cultural competence, and effective communication. While the specific syllabus is determined by Massey College, graduates of this level are generally equipped to work as early childhood educators or assistants in long day care centres, family day care, or occasional care services. The course includes a mandatory work component to apply these skills in real early childhood settings.
According to the CRICOS register, the course duration is 1 year (52 weeks). It is delivered face-to-face on campus, with English as the language of instruction. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The 52-week period includes the required work placement component (4 weeks, 40 hours per week), ensuring students gain practical experience alongside theoretical learning. Students should expect a full-time study load. Melbourne's public transport network makes the Lonsdale Street Campus easily accessible via tram, train, and bus.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is A$13,500. Non-tuition fees (such as enrolment, materials, and administrative charges) are estimated at A$2,500, bringing the total indicative cost to A$16,000. Please note: These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register and are set by Massey College Pty Ltd – they are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., rent, groceries, transport), and the visa application charge for the Student visa (Subclass 500). For a single international student in Melbourne, weekly living costs are approximately A$400-A$600, including rent (A$200-A$400 for shared accommodation), groceries (A$80-A$120), and transport (A$30-A$50). For the latest fee information, visit the Massey College Pty Ltd website linked on the CRICOS register.
To enrol in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, international students typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency. A guide is an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent). Meeting the minimum English requirement does not guarantee entry – Massey College Pty Ltd sets its own specific entry criteria. Generally, for a Certificate III (AQF Level 3), applicants should have completed Year 10 or equivalent. Some providers may require a Working with Children Check or a police clearance. Foundation or pathway programs are not part of this course, but Massey College may offer alternative entry arrangements – contact them directly for details. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the provider's website or contacting their admissions team to confirm exact requirements and any additional prerequisites.
This course includes a mandatory work component: a total of 4 weeks (40 hours per week, approximately 160 hours) of industry placement. This is a form of work-integrated learning (WIL) that allows students to apply their skills in a real early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. Placements are typically arranged by the provider and may require students to obtain a Working with Children Check and meet any health requirements. During the placement, students are supervised by qualified educators and gain hands-on experience in supporting children's learning, safety, and wellbeing. This practical component is essential for developing competency and meeting the requirements of the qualification.
The course is delivered at Massey College's Lonsdale Street Campus in Melbourne, Victoria. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. The campus is located in the central business district, easily accessible by public transport. Melbourne offers a diverse cultural environment, with numerous student services and support. Studying in Melbourne means you can access many early childhood education providers for your work placement. The city also has a relatively high cost of living compared to regional areas; typical weekly rent for a shared apartment is around $200-$400, with groceries $80-$120. However, student work rights (48 hours per fortnight) can help offset costs.
To study this course in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: being enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (like this one), demonstrating genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intentions, meeting English language requirements, having sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependents, and maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. It is important to comply with visa conditions. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent – for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects your rights as an international student, ensuring quality education and consumer protections.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Massey College Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Certificate III), field (Education), and location (Victoria). Verify that Massey College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03939B) is CRICOS-registered. Check the course details and compare with other options.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit the Massey College website to access the application form. Ensure you meet the entry requirements, including English language proficiency (IELTS 5.0-5.5 or equivalent). Prepare supporting documents such as academic transcripts, passport copy, and evidence of English ability. Submit your application before the deadline.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – If your application is successful, Massey College will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online via the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary, so apply early.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, with a strong international student community. It offers excellent public transport, diverse cultural activities, and a robust job market for early childhood educators. However, the cost of living is higher than in regional areas. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences. Melbourne has many early childhood services, which means work placement opportunities are plentiful. If you prefer a quieter environment, other locations in Victoria might suit you better. HeadStart Academy provides location-specific guides to help you decide.
Ready to apply? Visit Massey College's website via the CRICOS register to get started. Use HeadStart Academy to compare other Certificate III courses in Education across Australia.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Massey College 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.