Wondering about studying Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Australia but unsure if you meet the entry requirements? You are not alone. Many students are looking to study Early Childhood Education in Australia for their career aspirations and PR potential, but entering into these programs may be confusing.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including alternative pathways even if you are not qualified

What are the requirements for early childhood education in Australia?

Australia offers a wide range of ECE courses at different universities, below are the entry requirements vary based on the level you choose:

Entry Requirements	Bachelor of Early Childhood Education	Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education	Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)	Diploma or Certificate III (TAFE / RTOs)
Academic Qualification	Completion of Year 12 or equivalent	Any completed Bachelor’s degree	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline	Year 10–11 equivalent
English Proficiency	IELTS 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6.0)	IELTS 6.5+	IELTS 7.5 (with 8.0 in Speaking & Listening in some states)	IELTS 5.5–6.0
Course Duration	3 – 4 years	1 – 1.5 years	2 years	1 – 2 years
Career Opportunities	Eligible to work as an Early Childhood Teacher	Career changers looking to enter the education field	Higher English requirement due to teacher registration rules	Leads to jobs faster, and credits often transfer to a Bachelor’s

What To Do If I Don’t Meet the Requirements?

Don’t worry! Many students start with a bridging program to help them qualify later. Check out the options below that may be right for you:

• ELICOS Package or English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

If your IELTS or PTE score is not high enough, you can take an English course and then move straight into an ECE course. There are many universities or providers that offer these courses.

•  Foundation programs or Bridging Courses

Foundation programs offer a convenient pathway for high school students who have not completed Year 12 or international students who do not meet the initial entry requirements. These courses often lead to a Bachelor’s degree, giving students the opportunity to study at Australian universities and colleges.

• Start with a Diploma

By taking a course in Diploma of Early Childhood Education at TAFE or RTO, you can transfer credits into year 2 of your Bachelor's degree. This way, you can both improve your knowledge and gain practical work experience.

PR Opportunities through Early Childhood Education in Australia

Worried about long-term plans? Here’s the good news:

Early Childhood Education is on the Australian Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making it one of the top PR-friendly courses and easier to apply for:

• Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

• State nomination (subclass 190 or 491)

• Pathway to PR as a Child Care Centre Manager

  
  

States such as Victoria, NSW, Queensland and South Australia are actively seeking qualified ECE graduates and many international students receive invitations to apply for PR after gaining work experience.

Join Our Free ECE Online Fair – Talk to Top Universities!

You’ll be able to:

• Chat live with universities like USYD, ACU, TAFE, and more

• Explore entry requirements, package offers, and migration pathways of Early Childhood Education

• Get personalised advice from migration agents and education experts

  
  

Join our ECE Online Fair on July 18. Register now