Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119699E) is a Certificate III delivered by Platinum Institute Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is designed for international students who want to start a career in early childhood education, focusing on developing skills to care for and educate children from birth to five years. As a CRICOS-registered program (provider code 04409J), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. Graduates will be qualified to work in childcare centres, preschools, and family day care settings. HeadStart Academy provides this course information as a free resource, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119699E) is a Certificate III (AQF Level 3) qualification delivered by Platinum Institute Pty Ltd, a private CRICOS-registered provider (provider code 04409J). The course is offered in the field of Education, specifically Teacher Education: Early Childhood (Field of Education code 070101). The indicative tuition fee is A$11,000, with non-tuition fees of A$1,250, totalling an estimated A$12,250. Please note that fees are indicative and subject to change — always confirm with Platinum Institute Pty Ltd at www.platinuminstitute.com.au. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is one of many options in early childhood education.
This course falls under the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood. At the Certificate III level, students gain foundational knowledge and practical skills to support children's learning, development, and wellbeing. Typical learning outcomes include understanding child development, creating safe and nurturing environments, implementing play-based learning activities, and collaborating with families and communities. The course aligns with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) standards. Students also develop communication, teamwork, and cultural awareness skills essential for working with diverse groups. Practical components involve industry placement to apply theory in real childcare settings.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual qualification) and not a foundation studies program. The study mode is typically full-time on-campus at the delivery location. Students should contact Platinum Institute Pty Ltd for specific timetables and study mode options.
Tuition: A$11,000; Non-tuition: A$1,250; Estimated total: A$12,250. These fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are set by Platinum Institute Pty Ltd. Actual fees may vary. Additional costs include OSHC (approximately A$530 per year for single cover), living expenses (estimated A$21,041 per year for a single student in Australia), and the Student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Always check the provider's website for the most up-to-date fees: www.platinuminstitute.com.au.
For international students, typical entry requirements include an IELTS overall band score of 5.0 to 5.5 (or equivalent English language test). Students should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Prior qualifications in early childhood education are not required but may be beneficial. Some providers may offer pathway programs if you do not meet the English requirements. Contact Platinum Institute Pty Ltd for specific entry criteria and any foundation options available. Remember, HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for visa eligibility.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 8 weeks, with approximately 160 total hours (hours per week to be confirmed by the provider). This industry placement allows students to gain hands-on experience in a real early childhood education setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. The work-integrated learning component is designed to develop practical skills, build professional networks, and meet licensing requirements. Students should be prepared to travel to placement sites, which may require a valid Working with Children Check. All placements are supervised and comply with Australian workplace laws.
The course is delivered at Level 10, 474 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city with a diverse student population of over 250,000 international students. The campus is in the central business district (CBD), close to Flinders Street Station and public transport. Living costs in Melbourne are estimated at A$450 per week for rent (shared accommodation), A$80 for groceries, and A$50 for public transport. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent cafes, and access to world-class education resources. There are many CRICOS-registered providers in Melbourne, particularly in education studies.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the duration of stay. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act provides consumer protection, including tuition fee refunds if a provider fails to deliver a course. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for current visa conditions and application processes.
Follow these three steps to apply for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Platinum Institute Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers.** Use HeadStart Academy's free tools to filter courses by level (Certificate III), field (Education), and location (Melbourne). Verify that the provider is CRICOS-registered (Platinum Institute Pty Ltd, CRICOS 04409J). Check entry requirements and course details.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution.** Contact Platinum Institute Pty Ltd for application forms, English test requirements (IELTS 5.0-5.5), and deadlines. Provide academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and other documents as required. Some providers may have intakes multiple times a year.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500).** Once accepted, the institution issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have adequate OSHC and financial evidence. Visa processing times vary; apply early.
Melbourne is one of Australia's most popular study destinations, home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers that offer education-related courses. The city's robust public transport system makes commuting easy, and there are many student support services. Living costs are higher than some regional areas but offer access to extensive job opportunities in the childcare sector. Consider your budget and lifestyle preferences. Melbourne offers a multicultural environment with many early childhood education placements available across various suburbs. Before choosing, research the local job market for qualified educators.
All listed providers are CRICOS-registered with the Australian Government. Data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no commission or referral fees. We cover 26,433 courses across all study levels and states. Student visa guidance is included for every course level. ESOS Act protections apply to all listed institutions. Currently, 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offer 26,433 courses. For the most accurate and current information, always check the CRICOS website (cricos.teqsa.gov.au) and the provider's official site.
Ready to start your journey in Early Childhood Education? Explore more courses and apply directly to Platinum Institute Pty Ltd. Use HeadStart Academy's free tools to compare programs and check CRICOS status.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Platinum 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.