Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119778F) is a Certificate III delivered by Lead College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This qualification is designed for international students seeking to work in early childhood education settings such as childcare centres, preschools, and family day care. As a CRICOS-registered course (Provider 03636F), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolments. Led by Lead College, a private provider with campuses in Sydney, Parramatta, and Perth, this VET course (national code CHC30125) combines theoretical learning with practical work placement. Whether you're aiming to start a rewarding career in education or progress to higher qualifications, this course offers a pathway into Australia's growing early childhood sector. All data sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). HeadStart Academy is a free resource for international students— no referral fees, no commission.
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This qualification falls under the field of Education (07), specifically Teacher Education for Early Childhood (070101). Graduates typically learn how to support children's development, plan and implement play-based learning activities, ensure health and safety, and work collaboratively with families and communities. While HeadStart Academy does not provide a detailed syllabus, the course covers core competencies required for early childhood educators, including fostering children's social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Students develop practical skills in communication, teamwork, and cultural awareness—essential for working in diverse Australian early childhood settings.
The course is listed on the CRICOS register as 1 year (52 weeks) of full-time study. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and is not classified as foundation studies. Students should expect a combination of classroom-based learning and supervised work placement. The duration is fixed per CRICOS registration; however, individual progress may vary by provider.
Indicative tuition fee: A$14,000. Non-tuition fees (including materials, enrolment, and administrative charges): A$1,500. Estimated total: A$15,500. Please note: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included in these figures. For the most current fees, always visit the provider's website at leadcollege.edu.au. Fees are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change.
As a general guide, an IELTS score of 5.0 to 5.5 overall is required for this level. Applicants should have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent. Some providers may also require a recent police check or Working with Children Check (state-dependent). Foundation or pathway options may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements—please refer to Lead College for specific prerequisites. Note: Entry requirements are set by the provider; always confirm directly.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 4 weeks (40 hours per week, approximately 160 hours total). This is an industry placement or vocational placement in an approved early childhood education setting. It provides hands-on experience under supervision, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real childcare environments. Work placements are a key feature of VET courses in Australia and help graduates meet industry registration requirements.
This course is delivered at four locations: 1. HAYMARKET - LEAD COLLEGE PTY LTD - 841 George St, Haymarket, NSW (Sydney CBD); 2. Lead - Hospitality - 15B Albert St, North Parramatta, NSW; 3. Lead - Perth - 15 Leila St, Cannington, WA 6107; 4. Parramatta Lead - 37 George St, Parramatta, NSW. Sydney (Haymarket and Parramatta) is Australia's largest city with over 5 million residents, extensive public transport (trains, buses, light rail), and a high student population. Perth (Cannington) offers a relaxed lifestyle with lower living costs than Sydney. Indicative weekly living costs (excluding tuition): Sydney ~A$600-700 (rent, groceries, transport); Perth ~A$500-600. Over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers operate across Australia, offering more than 26,000 courses.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Visa conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, adequate OSHC for the duration, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement, and sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and travel. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (subject to visa conditions). After graduation, students may be eligible for post-study work rights depending on their visa and course level. For visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs.
Ready to start your journey? Visit Lead College's website at leadcollege.edu.au for detailed course information and to apply.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Lead 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.