Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Australia

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS 119681D)

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119681D) is a Certificate III delivered by Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is ideal for international students seeking to enter the early childhood education sector in Australia. The course provides foundational knowledge and skills to support children's development in various early childhood settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 04133K), it meets the Australian Government's quality standards for international education. Located in Surry Hills, Sydney, this program offers practical work placement as part of the curriculum. Graduates may pursue roles such as early childhood educator or assistant, subject to state licensing requirements. The course is also listed under VET national code CHC30125, ensuring alignment with national training standards. Whether you aim to work in childcare centers or kindergartens, this certificate opens doors to a rewarding career in education.

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Data sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026)
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Course Overview

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119681D) is a Certificate III delivered by Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course belongs to the field of Education (0701 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood) and is classified at AQF Level 3. It provides a strong foundation for those pursuing careers in early childhood settings, covering child development, safety, and program planning. As a CRICOS-registered course, it ensures international students receive quality education protected under the ESOS Act. Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04133K) is a private provider offering this program at their Surry Hills campus in New South Wales. The course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks (20 hours per week) for practical industry experience. Graduates may continue to Certificate IV or Diploma levels to broaden their expertise.

What You'll Study

This Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care covers core topics in teacher education, specifically early childhood development. Students gain skills in fostering children's learning, ensuring safety, and implementing educational programs. The curriculum aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and national quality standards. While specific unit outlines are set by the provider, typical areas include: supporting children's wellbeing, facilitating play-based learning, and working with families. This level (AQF 3) prepares students for entry-level educator roles. The course also incorporates 160 hours of work placement, allowing students to apply theory in real childcare settings. This practical component is integral to meeting Australian industry requirements for early childhood educators.

Duration and Study Mode

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered over 1 year (52 weeks) as per the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include foundation studies. The course is offered on-campus at Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd's Surry Hills campus. Students should expect full-time study to complete within the stated duration. The CRICOS registration ensures the course length meets student visa requirements for full-time study. International students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress as per visa conditions.

Fees (Indicative)

Indicative fees for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd are: tuition A$14,600, non-tuition fees A$1,250 (including materials and administration), estimated total A$15,850. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are subject to change. The provider may adjust fees annually. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$400-A$600 per week in Sydney for rent, food, and transport), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees with the provider at their official website. Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd may offer payment plans or scholarships; inquire directly.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

International students are typically required to demonstrate English proficiency, often IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications: completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent is generally expected for Certificate III level. Specific academic prerequisites are set by Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd; contact them for detailed requirements. Some students may need to complete a foundation program if they do not meet entry criteria. The provider may also require a Working with Children Check or police clearance due to the nature of early childhood work. HeadStart Academy recommends checking with the provider for the most up-to-date entry conditions.

Work Component

This course includes a mandatory work component: 8 weeks of industry placement at 20 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours). This work-integrated learning provides hands-on experience in early childhood education settings, such as childcare centers or kindergartens. Students will apply theoretical knowledge under supervision, gaining practical skills in caring for children, planning activities, and following regulatory frameworks. The placement is arranged by Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd and is integral to meeting the course's vocational outcomes. International students must ensure their visa allows for such placements (see Student visa section). This real-world experience is highly valued by employers and can enhance job prospects after graduation.

Delivery Locations

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is delivered at Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd's campus: Surry Hills Campus in SURRY HILLS, NSW. Surry Hills is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, known for its cafes, creative scene, and proximity to Central Station. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a major education hub. Living costs in Sydney are among Australia's highest; budget around A$450-A$600 per week for rent, A$80-A$150 for groceries, and A$40-A$60 for public transport. The campus is accessible by train, bus, and light rail. International students benefit from Sydney's diverse student community and abundant support services.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

International students studying this course on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must meet visa conditions including: enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, adequate OSHC, and sufficient financial capacity. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). OSHC must be maintained for the visa duration. The course's 1-year duration requires a visa grant covering at least the course length. After graduation, students may explore post-study work rights if eligible. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent for personalized advice.

How to Apply

Applying for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd involves three simple steps: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers – filter by course level (Certificate III), field (Education), and city (Sydney) on HeadStart Academy. Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution – prepare your documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport) and submit an application through Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd's admissions office. Check entry requirements, application deadlines, and any additional conditions. Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent.

Ready to start your journey in early childhood education? Browse more Certificate III courses on HeadStart Academy or contact Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd directly.

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Source-backed course facts

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
CRICOS course code
119681D
Provider
Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd (04133K)
Course level
Certificate III
Field of education
07 - Education
Duration
52 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$14,600
Estimated total (indicative)
A$15,850
Delivery locations
SURRY HILLS
Work component
Yes (160 total hours)

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Related pages

Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative total cost is A$15,850, comprising tuition fees of A$14,600 and non-tuition fees of A$1,250. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs like OSHC, living expenses, and visa application fees are not included. Always confirm current fees with Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd directly.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) on a full-time basis, as registered on CRICOS. This includes both academic study and a 160-hour work placement. Students are expected to complete within this timeframe to maintain visa compliance. The course is delivered in English at the Surry Hills campus.
Entry requirements typically include an IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent) and completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd may set additional prerequisites such as a Working with Children Check. Some students may need to complete a foundation program. For precise details, contact the provider.
Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd delivers this course at its Surry Hills Campus in SURRY HILLS, NSW. Surry Hills is a central Sydney suburb with excellent public transport access. The campus is close to Central Station, making it accessible from across Sydney. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a vibrant study environment.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$15,850 for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (tuition A$14,600). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 119681D, offered by Hillshire Investment Pty Ltd (provider code 04133K). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.