Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119684A) is a Certificate III delivered by The Performance College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification, offered at AQF Level 3, is designed for individuals seeking to work in early childhood education settings such as preschools and long day care centres. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 04180C), it meets Australian standards for international students. The program includes a mandatory work component of 4 weeks (160 hours), providing practical industry experience. Located at The Performance College's Melbourne campus on Lonsdale Street, students benefit from studying in Victoria's capital—a city with over 150 CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant international student community. This page provides a comprehensive overview of fees, entry requirements, and visa pathways to help you make an informed decision.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119684A) is a Certificate III delivered by The Performance College Pty Ltd over 1 year. The course belongs to the field of Education (07), specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include foundation studies. The VET national code is CHC30125. As a Certificate III level course, it provides foundational knowledge and skills for supporting children's development and learning in early childhood settings. The Performance College Pty Ltd is a private provider registered with CRICOS (04180C), ensuring compliance with Australian education quality standards. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, guaranteeing tuition assurance and refund protections for international students.
This Certificate III covers core competencies in early childhood education, including supporting children's learning and development, ensuring health and safety, and working effectively with families and communities. Graduates typically learn to plan and implement play-based learning activities, observe children's progress, and maintain compliance with regulatory frameworks. While specific syllabi vary by provider, the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Level 3 ensures that graduates are equipped with practical skills for entry-level roles such as early childhood educator or assistant. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through its work component.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual or packaged award. The Performance College Pty Ltd does not offer this course as a foundation or pathway program. Students should expect a full-time study load, typically 20 hours per week in class, plus additional self-study and work placement hours. The CRICOS-registered duration ensures compliance with student visa requirements, as international students must maintain full-time enrolment.
Tuition fees for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care are indicative at A$15,000 for the full program. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$250, bringing the estimated total to A$15,250. Please note that these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$500–A$700 per week in Melbourne for rent, food, and transport), and the student visa application charge (currently A$710). Always confirm current fees directly with The Performance College Pty Ltd by visiting their official website. The ESOS Act requires providers to publish accurate fee information and provide refunds under certain conditions.
International students typically require an IELTS overall score of 5.0–5.5 (or equivalent) for Certificate III level. Prior qualifications: completion of Australian Year 10 or equivalent is generally expected. No specific prior study in early childhood is required. Foundation or pathway options may be available at the provider's discretion—refer to The Performance College Pty Ltd for details. English language tests may be waived if the student has studied in an English-speaking environment. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are limited.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 4 weeks at 40 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours). This work-integrated learning (WIL) typically takes the form of an industry placement or internship in an early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. The placement provides hands-on experience in caring for children, planning activities, and working under supervision. It is an integral part of the training package (CHC30125) and must be completed to attain the qualification. Students are responsible for arranging some aspects, though providers often assist with placement coordination.
This course is delivered at The Performance College's Melbourne Campus: Level 5, 398 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, home to over 200,000 international students and 150+ CRICOS-registered providers. The campus is in the central business district, with excellent access to public transport (trains, trams, buses). Melbourne is known for its multicultural environment and relatively affordable living costs compared to Sydney. Weekly rent for a shared apartment ranges from $250 to $400, and a monthly transport pass costs around $190.
To study this course, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintaining full-time enrolment, meeting attendance requirements, and holding OSHC for the duration. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled holidays (subject to visa conditions). You must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating genuine intent to study and return home. Financial capacity requirements include tuition fees, living costs (at least A$21,041 per year), and OSHC. Dependents may also need to meet financial and visa conditions. Always check the Department of Home Affairs for updates.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at The Performance College Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's tools to filter courses by level, field, and city. Verify The Performance College's CRICOS registration (04180C) and confirm the course code 119684A. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact The Performance College Pty Ltd for application forms, entry requirements (including English test scores), and application deadlines. Submit required documents such as academic transcripts, passport copy, and proof of English proficiency. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online, paying the visa application charge and providing OSHC evidence, GTE statement, and financial documents. Await visa decision before traveling.
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Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at The Performance 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.