Certificate III
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121 )
The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) is the nationally recognised entry-level qualification for working as an early childhood educator in Australia. It prepares you to support children aged from birth to five in long day care centres, family day care and preschools, working alongside qualified educators and, in some settings, independently. This page covers what the course involves, who it suits, and how it fits into a longer study or migration plan.
The course covers the practical skills used day-to-day in an early learning setting: supporting children’s wellbeing and development within an approved learning framework (such as the Early Years Learning Framework), health and safety, nutrition and hygiene, positive and respectful relationships with children, and working within the Education and Care Services National Regulations and National Quality Standard.
These are the requirements set by training providers for enrolment, separate from any visa requirements (covered below).
| Requirement | Typical detail |
| Age | Generally 18+ (some providers accept school leavers with guardian consent) |
| Prior education | Completion of Year 10 or 11, or equivalent, is commonly requested; the training package itself sets no formal prerequisite |
| English language | Around IELTS 5.5–6.0 Academic or equivalent, varying by provider |
| Working with Children Check | A state-based check (e.g. Blue Card in Queensland, Working with Children Check in NSW/Victoria) is required before placement and to work in the sector afterwards |
| Language, literacy and numeracy | AQF Certificate III–level LLN skills |
⚠ Entry requirements vary by RTO.
Duration, Fees and Placement
- AQF level: Certificate III
- Duration: Commonly delivered over approximately 12 months full-time for CRICOS/international students, including practical placement; shorter accelerated options exist through some domestic-only providers.
- Tuition: Roughly AUD $5,000–$10,000 per year depending on provider and delivery mode.
- Deposit: From AUD $1,200 (provider-dependent).
- Placement: A minimum of 160 hours of supervised practical placement in a regulated children’s education and care service is required to complete the qualification — this is set at the unit-of-competency level nationally, not by individual providers.
- Intakes: Monthly (provider-dependent)
- Locations: Confirm current campus list with partner providers (the previous list may be out of date)
Graduates are qualified to work as early childhood educators — not as early childhood teachers, which is a separate, degree-level occupation with its own registration pathway. Typical roles include educator positions in long day care, family day care and preschool settings, generally working under some level of guidance from a diploma- or degree-qualified educator or teacher, depending on the service.
The natural next step is the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, which builds on this qualification and can lead to lead educator or coordinator roles. From there, some graduates go on to a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education to become a registered early childhood teacher; which is a distinct, longer pathway.
Early childhood education and care is a large and consistently in-demand sector in Australia, though visa and skilled-occupation settings for this occupation level change periodically. If a study path toward permanent residency matters to your decision, it’s worth confirming current visa settings with a registered migration agent rather than treating this course alone as a PR pathway.
- Deposit From 1,200 AUD
- Duration 6-12 months
- Intakes Monthly
- Locations Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
- AQF level Certificate III
Steps to Studying in Australia
Here are the steps you need to take before receiving an invitation to apply for the visa.
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Send us your question through our contact form, or book a free consultation with one of our education agents.
01
Plan Your Study Path
Your education agent will answer your questions, discuss your goals and help you choose the study options that best suit your needs.
02
Enrol in a School
Once you have chosen a course and education provider, we will help you complete your application and guide you through the enrolment process.
03
Apply for Your Student Visa
Once your enrolment is confirmed, our qualified migration agents can help you prepare and submit your student visa application.
04
Temporary Graduate Visa
If undertaking study in Australia for a minimum of 2 years you may qualify for the Temporary Skilled Graduate Visa. This visa allows the holder 1.5 years of unlimited work rights in Australia. Many graduates use this time to build up experience in their field or find an employer that is willing to sponsor their visa.
If you have applied for the Temporary Graduate Visa you may also be eligible to apply for the Job Ready Program. The Job Ready Program is run through TRA and allows graduates in certain disciplines to have their skills assessed for skilled migration purposes. It is a way for people with no experience to have their skills assessed. Once the student receives a positive skills assessment they may be eligible to apply for permanent work visas such as State Sponsored and General Skilled Migration Visas.
Note: It is never recommended to engage in studies for the sole purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia. Speak to us and we can find a course that matches your long-term career goals.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recent university graduates and certain vocational graduates the chance to remain in Australia and work after their studies have finished.
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