Certificate III + Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care in Australia

What Will You Learn in This Course?

The course uses a play-based learning method, training you to educate and support children's development through structured play rather than formal instruction alone.

Graduates gain practical, industry-recognised skills across four core areas:

• First aid, safety and health in childcare settings

• Networking and family partnerships

• Planning for children with additional needs

• Children's development — physical, creative and aesthetic

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How Do You Become a Childcare Centre Manager in Australia?

ACECQA is the skills assessment body for the Childcare Centre Manager occupation. To qualify, you need a relevant diploma and 3 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience as a Childcare Centre Manager.

If you don't have prior background in the field, the 1-Year Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood course is a better starting point than going straight for the manager pathway.

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What English Score Do You Need for Skills Assessment?

For the Childcare Centre Manager skills assessment, you need IELTS Academic with at least 7.0 in reading and writing, and at least 8.0 in speaking and listening, taken within the last two years. This requirement can be waived if your course is NQF approved.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Cert III + Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care take?

The course takes 2 years to complete and leads to a Temporary Graduate visa (TR 485) validity of 18 months after graduation.

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How much does this course cost in Australia?

Course fees start from $16,250 in total for onshore students and from $20,700 for offshore students, with an initial deposit starting from $795. Exact pricing varies by institution and intake.

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Is Childcare Centre Manager a skilled migration occupation in Australia?

Yes. Childcare Centre Manager sits on the MLTSSL, which covers subclasses 189, 190, and 491 — Australia's main permanent and provisional skilled visa pathways.

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Do I need work experience for the skills assessment?

Yes. ACECQA requires 3 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience as a Childcare Centre Manager, plus IELTS Academic scores of 7.0 (reading/writing) and 8.0 (speaking/listening), unless your course is NQF approved.

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What if I have no background in early childhood education?

Consider starting with the 1-Year Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood instead — it's designed for career-changers without prior experience in the field.

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Ready to Start Your Early Childhood Education Pathway?

RACC Australia matches you with the right institution based on your budget, intake timing, and state preference — and we don't charge any service fee for your Student Visa Application.

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Book a FREE Online Consultation to get a personalised course and school recommendation, confirm your intake date, and start your visa application process today.