Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119679J) is a Certificate III delivered by States College Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This entry-level qualification prepares you to work as an early childhood educator in a range of settings, including childcare centres and preschools. As part of your training, you'll complete 8 weeks of work placement to gain hands-on experience. States College Australia is a CRICOS-registered provider (04106B) in Melbourne, Victoria, offering this CHC30125 VET qualification. Australia is home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students. This particular course falls under the field of early childhood education (070101), a growing sector in Australia. With a focus on child development and care, graduates can pursue roles such as educator or assistant in long day care, family day care, or outside school hours care. Studying at States College Australia in Melbourne gives you access to the city's vibrant student community and strong demand for qualified early childhood professionals. The course is taught entirely in English and requires an IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 overall. If you're considering a career in early childhood education, this Certificate III provides the foundational skills and knowledge you need to start.
This course covers essential topics in early childhood education, providing theoretical knowledge and practical skills in areas such as child development, health and safety, supporting children's play and learning, and working effectively with families and communities. As an AQF Level 3 qualification, it introduces core competencies for entry-level roles. Students learn to create nurturing environments, plan activities that promote development, and comply with legal and ethical frameworks. The course also emphasises cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices, preparing you to work with diverse groups of children. While the exact syllabus is set by the provider, graduates typically gain the ability to contribute to children's wellbeing and development in a team setting. This field of education (070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood) is regulated under the Australian Qualifications Framework, ensuring consistency across providers. States College Australia delivers the CHC30125 VET national code, which aligns with industry standards. By completing this Certificate III, you will have a solid foundation to pursue further studies such as a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, or to enter the workforce directly.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 52 weeks (1 year). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not a dual qualification) and is not a foundation studies program. Students are expected to attend classes and complete assessments throughout the year. States College Australia may offer a combination of face-to-face and online learning, but you should confirm the exact delivery method with the provider. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. The course is structured to balance theory and practical components, including the 8-week work placement. This duration is standard for Certificate III level vocational courses in Australia. Full-time study typically requires around 20 hours of class and study per week, plus placement hours. Ensure you can commit to the schedule before applying.
The indicative tuition fee for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at States College Australia is A$15,000. Additionally, non-tuition fees are estimated at A$1,250, bringing the total to approximately A$16,250. This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Please note that fees are set by the institution and may change. Always check the latest fees on States College Australia's website before applying. For living costs, Melbourne's weekly expenses for rent, groceries, and transport can range from A$400 to A$700, depending on lifestyle. International students should demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC as part of the student visa application. The indicative fees listed here are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. HeadStart Academy recommends comparing fees across multiple providers to find the best value.
To enrol in this course, international students typically need an IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 overall (or equivalent). You should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. This Certificate III level is considered a vocational qualification, so prior study in a related field is not mandatory. However, you may need to demonstrate basic literacy and numeracy. For specific academic requirements and any foundation/pathway options, refer to States College Australia directly. Meeting the English language requirement is essential for student visa eligibility. If your English is below the required level, you may consider enrolling in an ELICOS course first. Some providers also offer packaged courses combining language and vocational training. Always confirm entry requirements with the institution before applying, as they may have additional prerequisites such as a Working with Children Check or immunisation records for placements.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks (20 hours per week), totalling approximately 160 hours of industry placement. This work-integrated learning allows you to gain real-world experience in an early childhood setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. You'll apply the skills learned in class to support experienced educators and interact with children under supervision. This placement is a crucial part of your training and may lead to employment opportunities after graduation. Ensure you have a valid Working with Children Check and meet any health requirements. The placement is typically arranged by the provider, but you may need to be flexible with location and timing. Work placements are unpaid and form part of the course assessment. This practical component is a key feature of vocational education in Australia, enhancing employability and confidence.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (119679J) is delivered at States College Australia's Melbourne campus in Victoria. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to a large international student community and over 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering education courses. The campus is accessible via public transport, with trams and trains covering the city. Melbourne offers a multicultural environment with a strong demand for early childhood educators. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate compared to Sydney, with weekly rent averaging A$250–A$350 for shared accommodation. The city also boasts excellent healthcare, dining, and entertainment options. When choosing a study location, consider proximity to the campus and placement sites. Melbourne's climate is temperate with four distinct seasons, so pack accordingly. The student population here is diverse, providing a rich cultural exchange experience.
International students studying this course on campus are eligible for a Student visa (Subclass 500). To maintain your visa, you must enrol full-time, attend classes, and achieve satisfactory academic progress. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You are also required to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement must be satisfied when applying. Note: HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; for visa processing, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs. The visa application charge is currently A$710 (subject to change), and you must demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. Student visa holders must also comply with No Further Stay conditions in some cases. Always check the latest immigration policies on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Follow these three steps to apply: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and city. Confirm that States College Australia (CRICOS 04106B) offers the course you want. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines on States College Australia's website. Submit your application with required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the institution will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. States College Australia may have specific intake dates and application processes, so start early. If you need assistance with the application, the provider's international student support team can help.
Melbourne is a top destination for international students, with a vibrant culture and strong education sector. The city has over 150,000 international students and hundreds of CRICOS-registered providers. For early childhood education graduates, job prospects are positive due to government investment in early learning. Public transport connects all areas, and the student experience is enriched by diverse communities and affordable living. However, consider your personal preferences for climate (four distinct seasons) and lifestyle. Melbourne's cost of living is manageable but requires budgeting. Always research specific suburbs near your campus for convenience. The city also offers numerous support services for international students, including orientation programs and counselling. With its strong economy and focus on education, Melbourne provides an excellent environment to launch your career in early childhood education.
Ready to take the next step? Research this course on HeadStart Academy and contact States College Australia for application details.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at States College Australia 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.