Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education

Program code

4212

Available at

Nathan

Gold Coast

Mount Gravatt

Logan

South Bank

Online

Offshore

Other

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time (online only)

Credit points

80

Indicative fee

$35,000.00* per year (more)
* 2025 indicative annual fee

CRICOS code

117116E

Commencing in

Trimester 1 and Trimester 2

About this program

As an early childhood teacher, you play a crucial role in building a strong educational foundation, inspiring curiosity, and a love for learning that benefits children throughout their lives. 

With a growing demand for skilled teachers, early childhood education offers strong job prospects and career growth.  

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education will qualify you to be an early childhood teacher, to work in early childhood education and care services, long day care centres and kindergartens/preschools. 

This program covers key areas of early childhood education for ages birth to five years, including building a strong understanding of child development, curriculum and pedagogical practices. You will build your skills to design and implement engaging activities that stimulate children's imaginations and learning experiences. 

All courses also have an embedded focus on children's rights, to support your understanding of working with young children benefiting both their development and your teaching experience.   

This program includes 60 days professional experience learning via placement in early childhood education settings. 

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is designed for those with a diploma and at least five years of professional experience, or prior completion of a non-education bachelor degree (AQF level 7). 

Attendance information

If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Managing Study Interruptions
Leave of Absence

Taking a leave of absence from this program is permitted, subject to conditions outlined in the Enrolment Procedure.

Program accreditation

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is currently seeking professional accreditation with ACECQA. Please check with your state's early childhood teacher registration body for reciprocal arrangements which exist in other states/territories. 

International students

An International student is one who is not:

  • an Australian or New Zealand citizen or
  • a Pacific Engagement visa holder or
  • a person who has Australian permanent resident status.
Indicative annual tuition fee

The indicative annual tuition fee is calculated based on a standard full-time study load which is usually 80 credit points (two full-time trimesters).

The indicative annual tuition fee is based on current conditions and available data and should only be used as a guide. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Tuition fees
  • An International student pays tuition fees.
  • Students are liable for tuition fees for the courses they are enrolled in as at the census date.
  • The tuition fee is charged according to the approved program fee for the trimester in which the student is enrolled.

Program fees for the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education (4212)


If the fee rate for your program is not displayed above, please contact Student Connect for assistance.

Changing programs

If an International student changes to a different program they will be subject to the approved program fee for the trimester in which they are enrolled.

Permanent resident status

If an undergraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will be provided with a domestic fee-paying place.

The student may then apply for a Commonwealth supported place at the next admission period provided that the student satisfies the conditions for transfer from a domestic fee-paying place to a Commonwealth supported place as set out in the Fees and Charges Procedure.

If a postgraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth supported place (subject to availability) or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.

If a research student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.

Further information