Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and making a lasting impact on children’s lives? Do you dream of having a globally recognized degree and excellent job prospects for the future?
If so, Early Childhood Education in Australia might be the perfect path for you!
Curious about what Early Childhood Education in Australia offers? Let’s explore:
- Diverse Qualification: Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
- Exciting career opportunities: Preschool teacher, Childcare centre director, Early intervention specialist and many more.
- Top Universities: Deakin University, Macquarie University, Flinders University and so on.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about early childhood education in Australia for international students, including available degrees, top universities, annual tuition fees, course requirements, intakes, career outcomes, scholarship and the latest news and facts. Let’s get started with the different degree pathways for early childhood education in Australia!
Early Childhood Education Degree Pathway
The early childhood education sector in Australia is well-developed and offers various educational pathways:
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
- Master of Early Childhood Education
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care typically spans 1-2 years. It covers essential areas such as child development, health and safety, and the legal requirements for working as a childcare educator. This diploma provides a solid foundation for working in early childhood settings like preschools and childcare centres.
Duration: 1-2 years
Entry Requirements for Studying Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Key entry requirements for international students to study the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia are:
- Successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent or Completion of a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121 or CHC30113)
- Minimum Academic IELTS 5.5 with no band less than 5.5 or higher.
- Online Application form, Statement of Purpose (SOP) and all academic documents.
Career Outcome after Completing Diploma of Early Childhood Education
Graduates can work as childcare educators in preschools, day-care centres, and other early childhood settings as:
- Preschool Assistant
- Early Childhood Educator
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Nanny
- Playgroup Coordinator
- Family Day Care Coordinator
Learn More ⇒ Level 1 Universities in Australia
Diploma Programs in Early Childhood Education and Care: Top Universities and Tuition Fee 2024/25
| University/College | Annual Tuition Fee (AUD) | Intake | Location |
| Tafe Queensland | $10,600 – $15,000 | July | Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast |
| Tafe NSW | $15,870 – $18,500 | July | Sydney, Bankstown, Blacktown |
| Victoria University | $9,085 – $15,000 | Jan, Mar, July | Melbourne, St Albans, Sunshine |
| Tafe SA | $13,700 – $18,000 | Jan, July | Regency Park, South Australia |
| Tafe WA | $7,000 – $10,000 | Jan, July | Rockingham, Murdoch |
| The Gordon | $15,842 – $20,000 | August | Geelong City, East Geelong, Werribee |
| Holmesglen | $16,400 – $20,000 | Oct, April | Glen Waverley, Moorabbin |
| Chisholm | $16,100 – $20,000 | Feb, July | Berwick, Dandenong, Frankston |
| Ikon Institute of Australia | $20,000 – $25,000 | Feb, May, Sep | Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney |
DID YOU KNOW: The education and training industry in Australia is one of the fastest-growing sectors, expanded by 11.2% by May 2023
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education prepares students for a career dedicated to nurturing the development and well-being of children from birth to five years. Graduates develop a deep understanding of child development, effective teaching strategies, and the ability to create inclusive learning environments.
Duration: 3-4 years
Entry Requirements for Studying Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Key entry requirements for international students to study the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in Australia are:
- Successful completion of Year 12 or equivalent.
- Minimum Academic IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6 or above, with some institutions requiring up to 7.0 in each band
- Online Application form, Statement of Purpose (SOP) and all academic documents.
Career Outcome after Completing Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Graduates of a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program in Australia can pursue a variety of careers, including:
- Early Childhood Consultant
- Childcare Centre Director
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Child Life Specialist
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Educational Leader
- Centre Manager
- Family Day Care Coordinator
- Nominated Supervisor
- Lead Educator
Bachelor Programs in Early Childhood Education: Top Universities and Tuition Fee 2024/25
| University/College | Annual Tuition Fee (AUD) | Intake | Location |
| Victoria University | $15,500 – $22,000 | Feb, Jul, Sep | Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane |
| Deakin University | $33,800 – $40,000 | Mar, Jul | Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Western Sydney University | $28,928 – $35,000 | Mar, Jul | Campbelltown |
| Ikon Institute of Australia | $20,000 – $29,000 | Feb, May, Sep | Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney |
| Australian Catholic University | $26,848 – $32,000 | Feb | Strathfield, Melbourne, Brisbane |
| University of New England | $28,762 – $33,000 | Feb, Jun, Oct | Online |
| Queensland University of Technology | $33,800 – $39,000 | Feb, Jul | Kelvin Grove |
| University of Canberra | $31,000 – $38,000 | Feb, Jul | Sydney Hill, Canberra |
| University of South Australia | $30,000 – $35,000 | Feb, Jul | Magill (South Australia) |
| Melbourne Polytechnic | $21,200 – $27,000 | Feb, Jul | Preston |
| University of Southern Queensland | $26,840 – $32,000 | Feb, Jul | Springfield, Toowoomba |
| Macquarie University | $38,800 – $43,000 | Feb | North Ryde |
| Excelsia College | $15,600 – $25,000 | Feb, Jul | Sydney |
Learn More ⇒ Level 3 Universities in Australia
Master of Early Childhood Education
A Master’s degree allows students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest, such as leadership in early childhood settings, policy development, and advanced curriculum studies. This level of education is ideal for those aiming for senior positions or academic careers.
Duration: 1-2 years
Entry Requirements for Studying Master of Early Childhood Education
Key entry requirements for international students to study the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education in Australia are:
- Successful completion of Bachelor degree in early childhood or relevant field.
- Minimum Academic IELTS 7 with no band less than 7 or above, with some institutions requiring up to 8 in listening and speaking band.
- Online Application form, Statement of Purpose (SOP) and all academic documents including transcript.
- Work Experience in early childhood or related field is preferred.
Career Outcome after Completing Master of Early Childhood Education
Graduates of a Master of Early Childhood Education program can pursue a variety of advanced roles in the field, including:
- Early Childhood Education Leader or Director
- Kindergarten Director
- Preschool Director
- Child Psychologist
- Policy Advisor
- Education Researcher
- Early Childhood Education Consultant or Advisor
- Curriculum Specialist
- Childcare Centre Manager
- Non-Profit Program Manager
- Family Services Coordinator
- Professional Development Trainer
Master Programs in Early Childhood Education: Top Universities and Tuition Fee 2024/25
| University/College | Annual Tuition Fee (AUD) | Intake | Location |
| Deakin University | $33,800 – $40,000 | Feb, Jul | Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Edith Cowan University (ECU) | $36,200 – $42,000 | Feb, Jul | Joondalup (Perth) |
| University of South Australia | $33,500 – $41,000 | Feb | Magill, Mawson Lakes (SA) |
| Federation University | $28,140 – $38,000 | Mar, Jul, Nov | Ballarat |
| Charles Darwin University (CDU) | $29,784 – $38,000 | Feb, Jul | Casuarina (Darwin) |
| Australian Catholic University | $26,848 – $36,000 | Feb, Jul | Melbourne, Strathfield |
| Curtin University | $33,697 – $40,000 | Mar, Aug, Nov | Perth |
| Flinders University | $36,300 – $43,000 | Mar | Bedford Park (Adelaide) |
| Western Sydney University (WSU) | $31,216 – $38,000 | Mar, Jul | Bankstown City (Sydney) |
Latest News and Exciting Facts about Early Childhood Education in Australia
- Booming Job Market: There is a significant demand for early childhood education professionals, with over 3,000 job postings on LinkedIn and over 9,000 on SEEK.
- Competitive Pay: Many roles offer attractive salaries, ensuring that your passion for teaching young children is well-compensated.
- Flexible Hours: The flexibility in working hours makes this field ideal for those looking to balance work and personal life.
- Professional Development: Numerous positions come with opportunities for professional growth and development, keeping you updated with the latest in early childhood education.
- Growing Industry: The education and training industry in Australia is one of the fastest-growing sectors, expanded by 11.2% by May 2023 i.e., approx. 11,300 new jobs.
- Childcare Job Surge: There is an expected 21.6% growth in childcare jobs by 2026, driven by initiatives like the funded three-year-old kindergarten program rolling out across Victoria.
- Job Locations: Job opportunities are available across Australia, not just in major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) but also in regional areas. Only About Children, a prominent early learning provider, operates more than 80 campuses across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, employing over 2,000 people. They offer a range of full-time, part-time, and casual opportunities for early childhood teachers and educators.
Scholarships for International Students Pursuing Early Childhood Education in Australia
Here are some scholarships available for international students pursuing early childhood education in Australia:
- 10% Deakin Alumni Discount Scholarship
- VU Sydney & Brisbane Early Childhood Education International Scholarship offered by Victoria University
- Jack and Merleen Sheedy Early Childhood Education Scholarships offered by Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
- Monash University International Scholarship
- University of Melbourne International Early Childhood Education Scholarship
- Charles Sturt University International Early Childhood Education Scholarship
- University of Southern Queensland International Early Childhood Scholarship
These scholarships are available at both bachelor’s and master’s levels, providing awards ranging from $5000 per year to a 10% to 20% reduction in tuition fees. For more details, please visit their official website.
Early Childhood Education Courses in Sydney (NSW)
- TAFE NSW – Sydney, Bankstown, Blacktown
- Ikon Institute of Australia – Sydney
- Excelsia College – Sydney
- Macquarie University – North Ryde
- Western Sydney University (WSU) – Bankstown City
- Australian Catholic University (ACU) – Strathfield
- University of Canberra – Sydney Hill
Early Childhood Education Courses in Melbourne (Victoria)
- Victoria University – Melbourne, St Albans, Sunshine
- Holmesglen – Glen Waverley, Moorabbin
- Chisholm – Berwick, Dandenong, Frankston
- Ikon Institute of Australia – Melbourne
- Australian Catholic University (ACU) – Melbourne
- Deakin University – Burwood (Melbourne)
- Melbourne Polytechnic – Preston
- Federation University – Ballarat
Early Childhood Education Courses in Perth
- TAFE WA – Rockingham, Murdoch
- Edith Cowan University (ECU) – Joondalup (Perth)
- Curtin University – Curtin (Perth)
Early Childhood Education Courses in Adelaide
- University of South Australia (UniSA) – Magill, Mawson Lakes
- Flinders University – Bedford Park
- TAFE SA – Regency Park
- Ikon Institute of Australia – Adelaide
In Summary
Early Childhood Education in Australia offers a promising path for those passionate about nurturing young minds. With options ranging from diplomas to master’s degrees at renowned universities, students can tailor their education to their career goals. The sector boasts a growing job market, competitive salaries, and diverse career opportunities across the country.
International students can benefit from various scholarships, making education more accessible. With globally recognized qualifications and a strong emphasis on practical skills, pursuing Early Childhood Education in Australia not only provides personal fulfillments but also excellent career prospects.