Early Childhood Education Courses in Australia

- May 13, 2025
At Echoes Global Education, we specialize in guiding international students to find the right academic and career pathways in Australia. One of the most in-demand, rewarding, and impactful study options available today is early childhood education. If you’re passionate about nurturing young minds and seeking long-term opportunities in Australia, then pursuing early childhood education courses is a smart and meaningful decision.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from course options and entry requirements to migration prospects and how we at Echoes can support you every step of the way.
Why Study Early Childhood Education in Australia?
Australia’s education system is known for its quality, inclusivity, and job-ready learning models. The need for qualified early childhood educators is growing across the country—both in cities and regional areas.
Here’s why early childhood education makes sense for international students:
1. Skill Shortage = Job Opportunities
The Australian government has officially listed Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher on its Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), highlighting a national skills shortage. This presents a clear pathway for international students to not only study but also work and potentially settle in Australia.
2. Hands-On, Real-World Training
Early childhood courses include industry placements, meaning you’ll graduate with experience, not just a certificate. This practical training is a key advantage for job seekers.
3. Globally Recognized Qualifications
Your Australian qualification will open doors internationally, allowing you to work in a variety of educational settings worldwide.
4. Migration Pathways
Graduates of early childhood education programs are eligible for Temporary Graduate Visas and later, skilled migration visas. We’ll cover more on this later.
What Will You Learn?
These courses equip students to work with children from birth to 5 years of age in professional childcare settings. Topics typically covered include:
- Child development and psychology
- Educational planning and curriculum design
- Health, safety, and nutrition
- Communication with families and teams
- Child protection and ethical practice
At Echoes Global Education, we help you find programs that strike the perfect balance between academic knowledge and hands-on application.
Study Options Available
Here’s a quick overview of the most popular early childhood education qualifications for international students:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Duration: 12 months
Role: Assistant educator or support worker - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Duration: 18–24 months
Role: Lead educator, room leader, or supervisor - Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
Duration: 3–4 years
Role: Registered early childhood teacher
Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (for those who already hold a degree)
Duration: 1–1.5 years
Many institutions allow you to progress through these courses in a packaged format, meaning you can study multiple qualifications in one streamlined program.
Entry Requirements
To gain admission into early childhood education courses in Australia, students generally need:
- Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent)
- English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5–6.5 depending on the program)
- Police check and Working with Children Check
- Valid student visa (subclass 500)
If you’re not sure you meet the English requirements, don’t worry—we can guide you toward English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses that prepare you for academic success.
Cost and Scholarships
Tuition fees vary based on the institution and program level:
- Certificate III: AUD 7,000–10,000
- Diploma: AUD 12,000–18,000
Bachelor’s Degree: AUD 20,000–35,000 per year
At Echoes, we work closely with colleges and universities that offer scholarships, fee waivers, and payment plans. We’ll also help you package courses in the most cost-effective way possible.
Career Opportunities
Upon graduating, you’ll be able to work in:
- Long day-care centers
- Preschools and kindergartens
- Family day-care setups
- Community childcare programs
- Private or government-run childcare facilities
Salary ranges typically start from AUD 50,000 and can go up to AUD 85,000+ depending on your role and experience.
Migration Prospects
Many international students pursue early childhood education not just for employment—but as a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
After graduation, you may be eligible for:
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
Gain 18–24 months of work experience in Australia. - Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
Permanent residency without state nomination. - Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
State-nominated PR for qualified professionals. - Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491)
A great option if you’re open to working in regional areas.
To explore your PR options, we highly recommend speaking with a migration agent in Australia. Our team works hand-in-hand with registered MARA agents to guide you through your migration journey.
Why Work With Echoes Global Education?
We’re not just an education consultancy—we’re your lifelong partner. As your trusted education consultant in Melbourne and across Australia, Echoes Global Education offers:
- Free one-on-one counseling
- Course and visa guidance
- Application and documentation support
- Scholarship and fee discount assistance
- Post-study work and PR advice
- Ongoing student care
Our commitment to every student’s journey has made us a go-to choice for those looking to study, live, and thrive in Australia.
Partner Institutions We Work With
We partner with some of the best providers of early childhood courses in Australia, including:
- Holmesglen Institute
- TAFE Queensland
- Victoria University
- Australian Catholic University
- Swinburne University
- Melbourne Polytechnic
Whether you prefer Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or a regional area, we’ll help you select a location and campus that suits your career and lifestyle goals.
Hear from Our Students
“Thanks to Echoes Global Education, I started my Diploma in Early Childhood Education in Brisbane. They handled my admission and visa process seamlessly. Now, I’m applying for my 485 visa!”
— Anjali S., India
“From selecting my course to helping me with scholarships, Echoes was there every step of the way. I’m now working in a childcare center and planning my PR journey.”
— Mark O., Philippines
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Ready to Start Your Journey?
Studying early childhood education courses in Australia can be the start of a life-changing journey—and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for the best course, a cost-effective college, or a long-term migration plan, Echoes Global Education has you covered.
📞 Book a Free Consultation Today
Start your career, your future, and your life in Australia with Echoes Global Education.