Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education in Australia
Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is a 1-year course in Australia — equivalent to the first year of a Master's — that qualifies graduates to work as an Early Childhood Teacher, with course fees starting from $19,504 in total.
This occupation is highly in-demand across Australia, and as of December 2024, ACECQA is the sole designated authority for Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) migration skills assessments.
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Course Snapshot
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Duration: 1 year (equivalent to first-year Master's study)
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Tuition Fee: Starts from $19,504 in total
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Initial Deposit: Starts from $2,750
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English Requirement to Enrol: Varies by institution, generally IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (some institutions waive this for recent Bachelor/Master graduates from Australia)
What Will You Learn in This Course?
A Graduate Diploma is a course equivalent to the first year of a Master's. Upon completing this course, you'll acquire a recognised qualification and practical skills in caring for and organising learning activities for children.
The focus of the course is on the play-based learning method — you'll learn how to educate and stimulate children's development while letting them play.
Career Outcomes After This Course
A Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education equips graduates with the compassion and skills to become a teacher. Beyond the teaching industry, you'll also have exposure to government agencies and the private sector focused on child development.
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Early Childhood Teacher
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Kindergarten Teacher
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Early Childhood Service Manager
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Community Service Manager
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Welfare Manager
Migration Skills Assessment: What You Need to Know
As of December 7, 2024, ACECQA is the designated authority for all Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) skills assessments.
1. Qualifications
To meet ACECQA's requirements, applicants must hold an ACECQA nationally approved early childhood teaching (ECT) qualification, or an equivalent. If you don't currently have an ACECQA-approved qualification, ACECQA will assess your qualifications under the NQF as part of a dual assessment, which may require additional evidence.
2. English Language Proficiency
ACECQA requires applicants to meet one of the following standards:
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One year of full-time tertiary or higher education study in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States
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An IELTS Academic score of 7.0 or higher in reading and writing, and at least 8.0 in speaking and listening, undertaken in the last 3 years
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ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) teacher-focused assessment with Level 4 in all areas
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On a case-by-case basis, ACECQA may accept a professional reference from an employer in an English-speaking country
Unlike AITSL, ACECQA accepts one year of full-time tertiary study in an English-speaking country, making it easier for applicants to meet English requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education take?
The course takes 1 year to complete and is equivalent to the first year of a Master's degree.
How much does this course cost in Australia?
Course fees start from $19,504 in total, with an initial deposit starting from $2,750. Exact pricing varies significantly by institution — fees across partner schools range from roughly $19,500 to $37,440.
Who assesses Early Childhood Teacher migration skills?
As of December 7, 2024, ACECQA (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority) is the sole designated authority for ECT skills assessments, replacing AITSL.
What English score do I need for the skills assessment?
You need an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 or higher in reading and writing, and at least 8.0 in speaking and listening, undertaken in the last 3 years — or an equivalent pathway such as ISLPR Level 4 or one year of full-time tertiary study in an English-speaking country.
What can I work as after completing this course?
Graduates can work as an Early Childhood Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, Early Childhood Service Manager, Community Service Manager, or Welfare Manager.
Ready to Start Your Early Childhood Teaching 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.
Book a FREE Online Consultation to get a personalised course and school recommendation, confirm your intake date, and start your visa application process today.


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