Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CRICOS course code 119801A) is a Certificate III delivered by Pace Business College Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is designed for international students who want to begin a career in early childhood education in Australia. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to support the development and learning of children from birth to age five. As a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 04046J), Pace Business College meets the Australian Government's standards for delivering courses to overseas students. HeadStart Academy sources all information directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses available, international students have plenty of options. This page provides a detailed overview of the course structure, fees, entry requirements, and student visa considerations. Always verify current details with the provider before applying. Located in Melbourne, Victoria, this course is delivered at two campuses: 311 Flinders Lane and Collins Street Campus. Melbourne is home to a large international student community, with affordable living costs compared to Sydney. As of 2026, Victoria has hundreds of CRICOS-registered institutions offering education courses. This Certificate III is the first step towards becoming an early childhood educator, and includes a work placement component to give you real-world experience. All listed providers are CRICOS-registered, and data is sourced from the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource with no referral fees.
This Certificate III level course introduces foundational concepts in child development, health and safety, play-based learning, and inclusive practices. Students learn to support children's wellbeing, foster positive relationships, and work collaboratively with families and communities. While specific syllabus details are set by the provider, graduates typically acquire skills to work in childcare centres, preschools, and family day care settings. This level aligns with AQF Level 3, providing a pathway to further study in early childhood education, such as a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. The field of education code is 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood.
The course runs for 1 year, consisting of 52 weeks on the CRICOS register. Instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (no dual award). The study mode is likely full-time on-campus, but confirm with Pace Business College. International students should be aware that student visa conditions require full-time enrolment and satisfactory course progress.
Tuition: A$13,750; Non-tuition fees: A$2,312; Estimated total: A$16,062. These fees are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. They are set by Pace Business College Pty Ltd and may change. Always check the provider's website (www.allied.edu.au) for current fees. Additional costs not included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (currently estimated at AUD$21,041 per year for a single student), and the student visa application charge (currently AUD$1,600). ESOS Act protections ensure your fees are protected under the Tuition Protection Service.
Minimum English language proficiency: IELTS 5.0-5.5 overall (or equivalent). Prior qualifications: Students should have completed Australian Year 10 or equivalent. Foundation or pathway options may be available for those who do not meet the entry requirements – contact Pace Business College for details. Note: These are general guidelines; the provider sets specific criteria. Always confirm with the institution.
This course includes a mandatory work placement of 8 weeks at 20 hours per week (approximately 160 total hours). This is a work-integrated learning experience, typically an industry placement in an early childhood setting such as a childcare centre. It provides hands-on training under supervision, allowing you to apply classroom learning in a real-world environment. International students can undertake work placements as part of their course, but must comply with visa conditions, including the 48-hour per fortnight work limit during term time.
This course is delivered at two locations in Melbourne, Victoria: - 311 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000 - Collins Street Campus, Melbourne VIC (exact address available from provider)
Both campuses are in the Melbourne CBD, easily accessible by public transport (trains, trams, buses). Melbourne has a vibrant student population with affordable living costs – average weekly rent for a shared apartment is around A$250-350, and public transport costs about A$50 per week. Victoria is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, making it a top destination for international students.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Additionally, you must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study. Ensure you have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. For visa application advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent.
Follow these three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level 'Certificate III' and field 'Education' in Victoria. Compare providers and courses to find the right fit. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Contact Pace Business College Pty Ltd (CRICOS 04046J) for application forms, English test requirements, and deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test scores, and a statement of purpose. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Then lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs, including OSHC evidence and financial documents.
Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, with a diverse population and strong education sector. For early childhood education students, Melbourne offers numerous childcare centres and preschools for work placements. The city has affordable living costs compared to Sydney, with average weekly expenses around A$500-600 for accommodation, food, and transport. Victoria has a high demand for early childhood educators, making it a promising location for graduates. However, consider your personal preferences for climate (cool winters, warm summers) and urban lifestyle. Use HeadStart Academy's state page to explore Victoria more.
Explore more CRICOS-registered early childhood courses on HeadStart Academy or contact Pace Business College directly.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is a CRICOS-registered programme at Pace Business 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.