Graduate Diploma Curriculum & Instruction Full Time

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education

at Stott's Colleges, Australian Surf Industry Training School, Front Cooking School, Melbourne Language Centre, Affectors Academy · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

116494J

CRICOS provider code

00197D

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$25,200 total

Per year

A$25,200/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, offered by private higher education providers in Melbourne such as Stott's Colleges and partner institutions, is suited to those with a completed undergraduate degree in any field who wish to qualify as early childhood educators. Students learn about child development, curriculum planning, and the principles guiding the Australian children's education sector. Topics cover play-based learning, inclusive education, cultural diversity, leadership in early childhood settings, and effective communication with children and families.

This qualification is structured over one year of full-time study. Students complete a series of units of study, each carrying specific credit points as set by the institution. A key feature of this graduate diploma is the professional placement requirement, students gain real classroom experience by completing supervised teaching placements in early childhood settings such as childcare centres and kindergartens, adhering to Australian regulatory standards.

The course develops skills in child observation and assessment, curriculum design, reflective practice, and family engagement. Graduates learn how to meet regulatory and ethical guidelines and develop a professional teaching identity. The programme suits those seeking to shift careers into early childhood education or needing credentials recognised for work in Australian settings.

Students in Melbourne benefit from proximity to a major education industry hub and can take advantage of the work rights attached to an Australian student visa, which allow them to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and full-time during breaks. After finishing the course, eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Check the provider’s official website for unit outlines, credit details, and information about professional placements.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Early childhood teacher
Kindergarten teacher
Education support officer
Centre director (after gaining experience)
Early childhood curriculum advisor
Australian industries hiring graduates include early learning centres, kindergartens, community organisations and not-for-profit childcare services

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education at Stott's Colleges, Australian Surf Industry Training School, Front Cooking School, Melbourne Language Centre, Affectors Academy?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$25,200 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Early childhood teacherKindergarten teacherEducation support officerCentre director (after gaining experience)Early childhood curriculum advisorAustralian industries hiring graduates include early learning centres, kindergartens, community organisations and not-for-profit childca...

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