Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119695J) is a Certificate III delivered by Early Education Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is designed for individuals who want to work in early childhood education and care settings, such as childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government quality standards and is available to international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500). The program includes a work component to give you hands-on experience in Australian early learning environments. At HeadStart Academy, we help you navigate the CRICOS register and find the right course for your study in Australia. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
This course sits under the field of education (broad field 07) with a focus on teacher education for early childhood. At Certificate III (AQF Level 3) level, graduates gain the skills and knowledge to support children's learning and development, plan and implement activities, and maintain a safe and healthy environment. Training covers areas such as child development, play-based learning, cultural competence, and working with families. While specific subjects vary by provider, typical units include supporting children's social and emotional wellbeing, providing care for children, and developing positive relationships. This foundation qualifies you to work as an early childhood educator under supervision, with pathways to further study at Diploma level.
The course runs for 1 year (52 weeks on the CRICOS register). All instruction is in English. It is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies attached. You will study full-time on campus at Early Education Institute Pty Ltd's Cobblebank location. The CRICOS registration ensures the course duration and mode meet student visa requirements. International students must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress under the ESOS Act.
Tuition fees are indicative at A$15,000 for the full course. Non-tuition fees (materials, administration) are approximately A$1,000. The estimated total is A$16,000. This does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (accommodation, food, transport), or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for student visa holders – see our OSHC guide. Living costs in the outer western Melbourne suburb of Cobblebank are generally lower than the city centre, with weekly rent for a share house around $200–$300, groceries $70–$100, and a myki transport pass about $45 per week. These figures are indicative – always confirm current fees directly with the provider on their website.
For Certificate III level courses, international students typically need to have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) in their home country. The English language requirement is an IELTS overall score of 5.0 to 5.5, or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL iBT 35–46, PTE 30–36). Some providers may also require a Working with Children Check or a first aid certificate. Foundation or pathway programs are available from other institutions if you don't meet the direct entry requirements – refer to the provider for options. Note that these are general guidelines and each provider sets its own entry criteria.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 6 weeks with approximately 160 total hours of placement in an early childhood setting. This work-integrated learning gives you real experience in Australian childcare centres under supervision. The placement helps you apply theory to practice and is often a requirement for graduation. For international students, work placements are considered part of the course and do not require separate work permission. The hours are structured by the provider.
The course is delivered at Early Education Institute Pty Ltd's campus: Unit 1, 7 Hollingworth Drive, COBBLEBANK, VIC, 3338. Cobblebank is a growing suburb in Melbourne's outer west, approximately 35 km from the CBD. The area has good access to public transport (Cobblebank railway station on the Ballarat line) and is near the Western Freeway. Melbourne's western suburbs have a significant student population, with several universities and TAFEs nearby. Living costs are generally more affordable than inner Melbourne. The campus is close to local shops and services.
To study this course as an international student, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Early Education Institute Pty Ltd, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and English proficiency. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and comply with visa conditions. For personalised advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Early Education Institute Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use the CRICOS register to confirm the provider and course are registered. HeadStart Academy lists all CRICOS providers free of charge. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Check entry requirements, arrange English language testing, and submit your application with supporting documents before the deadline. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use it to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Cobblebank offers a quieter, more affordable alternative to Melbourne's inner suburbs while still being connected by train. The area is family-friendly and growing, with new schools and parks. For early childhood education students, there are many childcare centres and kindergartens in the region, providing potential placement opportunities. However, you'll need to commute for city amenities. Consider your lifestyle preferences – if you prefer a bustling city campus, look at providers in the city centre. Melbourne's west has a diverse community and is home to many international students.
Ready to start your early childhood education journey? Explore more Certificate III courses in Victoria on HeadStart Academy or contact Early Education Institute Pty Ltd directly.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Early Education Institute 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.