Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119677M) is a Certificate III level qualification delivered by Thames International College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is designed for international students seeking to work in early childhood settings, covering foundational skills in child development, safety, and program planning. Based in North Sydney, NSW, the program includes a work component of 8 weeks (160 hours) to gain practical experience. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 04079M), it meets Australian education standards and qualifies for a Student visa (Subclass 500). HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions. With indicative tuition fees of A$16,000 and total estimated cost A$18,000, plus additional costs for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and living expenses, students should budget accordingly. The course requires an IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 overall. Graduates can pursue roles in childcare centres, kindergartens, or as nannies. Thames International College is a private vocational provider committed to quality education. For more details, use HeadStart Academy's free resources covering 26,433 courses across 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers. All listed institutions are bound by the ESOS Act, ensuring international student protections.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119677M) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) delivered by Thames International College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04079M) over 1 year (52 weeks). The course falls under the field of education 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation study options. The VET national code is CHC30125. Language of instruction is English. The course includes a compulsory work component of 8 weeks at 20 hours per week, totaling approximately 160 hours of industry placement. This practical element ensures students gain real-world experience in early childhood settings, which is essential for employment in Australia. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the requirements for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. Thames International College is a private provider located in North Sydney, NSW, a suburb with easy access to public transport and a vibrant student community.
This Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care prepares graduates to work in regulated children's education and care services. Students learn to support children's development, implement approved learning frameworks, and ensure health and safety. Core units cover areas such as fostering positive relationships, supporting children's play and learning, and complying with legal and ethical requirements. At this AQF Level 3, the course provides foundational vocational skills and knowledge for entry-level roles. While specific syllabi vary by provider, typical learning outcomes include understanding child development stages, designing educational activities, and working with families and communities. This program does not require prior teaching experience but expects a general level of literacy and numeracy. Graduates may pathway into the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care for further specialisation.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Study mode is full-time, face-to-face classroom delivery at the provider's campus in North Sydney. Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual award or foundation program. Students are expected to attend classes and complete assessments, plus the 8-week work placement. The structure is designed to balance theoretical learning with practical application. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with visa conditions. Thames International College may offer flexible study options - check directly with the provider for current timetables.
Indicative fees for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026), are as follows: Tuition fee A$16,000, Non-tuition fees A$2,000, Estimated total A$18,000. Note: These figures do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, with indicative weekly expenses of about A$500 for rent, A$80 for groceries, and A$40 for public transport. Always confirm current fees with Thames International College directly, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy does not set or collect fees.
For international students, typical entry requirements for Certificate III-level courses include completion of Year 11 or equivalent in your home country. English language proficiency is required, with a recommended IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent). No prior work experience is necessary, but a genuine interest in early childhood education is valued. Some providers may conduct interviews or require a police check. Foundation or pathway options are not part of this course, but if you need to meet academic or English requirements, Thames International College may offer bridging programs - refer to the provider for details. These are general guides; exact requirements are set by the institution and must be verified before applying.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 8 weeks, 20 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours) of industry placement. Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a core part of vocational education in Australia, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real early childhood settings. Placements typically involve supervised work in childcare centres, kindergartens, or preschools. Students gain hands-on experience in caring for children, planning activities, and following regulatory frameworks. The placement is unpaid but counts as part of the course assessment. Providers arrange placements, but students may need to meet immunisation or background check requirements. This practical component enhances employability and is valued by Australian employers.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at: 118 Walker Street, NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060. North Sydney is a bustling commercial and residential area on the lower North Shore of Sydney, just across the harbour from the CBD. It is well-served by public transport, including trains and buses. North Sydney has a significant student population due to its proximity to several universities and colleges. Sydney itself is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a wide range of courses. Living costs in North Sydney are typical for Sydney: one-bedroom apartments average A$500 per week, and a weekly transport pass is around A$45. The area offers many cafes, libraries, and study-friendly spaces. Studying in North Sydney gives you access to the broader Sydney job market, particularly in early childhood education.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Thames International College, evidence of genuine temporary entrant (GTE), sufficient funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student), and OSHC for the duration of the visa. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Dependants may apply for Student Guardian (Subclass 590) visas. Always check the Department of Home Affairs for current requirements. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; consult a MARA-registered agent for advice.
North Sydney offers a vibrant environment for international students. It is a major business district with excellent transport links to the city and beaches. The suburb has a mix of residential and commercial zones, plenty of part-time job opportunities, and a diverse community. With many CRICOS providers in the area, you'll find student support services and networking events. However, living costs are high - budget carefully. If you prefer a quieter, more affordable city, consider regional NSW. Early childhood education is a growing field in Australia, with demand for qualified educators across all states. Studying in North Sydney gives you exposure to a metropolitan job market, but ensure you consider your personal preferences and budget.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Thames International College: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm the provider (Thames International College, CRICOS 04079M) and course code 119677M. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Contact Thames International College via their website. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0-5.5), and a copy of your passport. Check application deadlines and any additional requirements. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, the college will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC and financial evidence. Consider consulting a MARA agent for assistance.
Ready to start your journey? Use HeadStart Academy to compare Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care courses across Australia. All providers are CRICOS-registered and data is sourced from the official register.
View the full Thames International College Pty Ltd profile →
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Thames International 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.