Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119691B) is a Certificate III delivered by Vocational Augment Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification, with VET national code CHC30125, equips international students with foundational skills to support the development of children aged 0-5 in early learning settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 04305F), it meets Australian quality standards and can lead to roles such as early childhood educator or assistant. The course combines theoretical knowledge with a work component of 8 weeks (~160 hours) in an approved early childhood setting. HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make an informed study decision in Australia.
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This course falls under the field of Education (07) with specific focus on Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). At AQF Level 3, students develop practical skills in child development, health and safety, nutrition, and creating inclusive learning environments. Graduates learn to work collaboratively with families, implement play-based learning, and support children's social and emotional wellbeing. The curriculum aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Standards (NQS), preparing students for the diverse needs of young children. While exact syllabus varies, typical units include 'Support children's health and safety', 'Provide care for children', and 'Support inclusion and diversity'.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. Instruction is in English. It is a single qualification (not dual) and does not include foundation studies. Classes are delivered face-to-face at two Melbourne campuses: 395-397 Victoria St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, and Level 11, 474 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000. The provider, Vocational Augment Pty Ltd, offers a structured timetable combining classroom learning with supervised work placement. Full-time study is expected, and students must attend scheduled sessions to maintain compliance with visa conditions.
Tuition fee for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is A$25,000 (indicative, sourced from CRICOS register as at April 2026). Non-tuition fees, including materials, uniform, and administration, are approximately A$2,800, bringing the estimated total to A$27,800. These fees are set by Vocational Augment Pty Ltd and are subject to change. Additional costs to budget for include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (weekly rent in Melbourne averages A$250-450, groceries A$70-100, transport A$30-50), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always confirm current fees directly with the provider on their website at http://www.vat.vic.edu.au/.
International students typically need an overall IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 (or equivalent) to demonstrate English proficiency. Prior academic requirements include the equivalent of Australian Year 10 or 11 completion, depending on the provider's assessment. No specific prior experience in early childhood education is required, but a passion for working with children is essential. Some providers may conduct interviews or require a police check. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet direct entry – check with Vocational Augment Pty Ltd. Visa conditions also require genuine student status (GTE) and sufficient financial capacity.
This course includes a mandatory 8-week work placement (approximately 160 total hours) in a licensed early childhood education setting. The work-integrated learning component allows you to apply classroom theory in real-world environments, such as long day care centres, preschools, or family day care. Under supervision, you'll assist with daily routines, plan activities, and interact with children and families. This practical experience is essential for meeting certification requirements and enhances employability after graduation. It also counts towards the 48 hours per fortnight work limit during term for student visa holders.
Classes are held at two campuses in Melbourne, Victoria: Abbotsford (395-397 Victoria St, VIC 3067) and the Flinders Street Campus (Level 11, 474 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000). Abbotsford is a vibrant inner-city suburb close to public transport and the Yarra River, while the Flinders Street campus is in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, steps from Flinders Street Station. Melbourne has over 130 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 2,000 courses, making it Australia's largest student city with a diverse international community. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate: rent for a shared apartment starts around A$200-300 per week, and public transport is well-connected via trams, trains, and buses.
To enrol in this CRICOS-registered course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study, and you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (visa conditions apply). Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, proof of sufficient funds (tuition + living costs + travel), and English proficiency. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you complete an Australian qualification at Certificate III or higher. HeadStart Academy reminds that visa outcomes are at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs – always consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the official website (homeaffairs.gov.au) for your specific situation.
Follow these three steps to begin your study journey: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS register to verify that Vocational Augment Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04305F) and this course (119691B) are listed. Check the course level, field, and city to ensure it matches your goals. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Submit your application via the provider's website (http://www.vat.vic.edu.au/). Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 5.0-5.5), passport copy, and a statement of purpose. Check application deadlines and any additional requirements (e.g., interview or work experience). 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa – Once accepted, Vocational Augment Pty Ltd will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have valid OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet GTE criteria. Allow 4-6 weeks for visa processing. After visa grant, you can travel to Australia and start your course.
Ready to start your early childhood education career? Use the CRICOS register to verify course status, apply directly to Vocational Augment Pty Ltd, and then begin your student visa application. For more guidance, explore our student visa and OSHC resources.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Vocational Augment 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.