Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)
Course information for - 2026 entry
International
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 2 locations
- Melbourne
- Strathfield
- Melbourne
- Strathfield
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 083213M
- Fees (first year)*
- $35624
- Start dates
- February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027, February 2028, July 2028
Domestic students enrolled in this course may be eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Payment. Read more about the payment and browse the eligibility criteria.
Overview
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) is aimed at those students dedicated to a career teaching in a birth to five setting.
Developed in response to workforce needs in the early childhood sector, the course can be undertaken as a natural progression for graduates of the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or as a standalone course. Graduates of the course will have a strong grounding in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.
We also recognise that an early childhood educator is likely to teach a diverse range of students across the course of their career. Our students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond to this diversity.
Professional experience
You will be required to complete 80 days. year 2= 20 days; Year 3= 20 days; Year 4=20 days and 20 days
Work placement
Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course. You’ll be placed in relevant prior-to-school settings at different stages of your course to ensure your practical experience evolves alongside your theoretical knowledge base. Our placement program also gives you diverse educational experiences, so you’ll be in a better position to choose your future career path.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration as an early childhood teacher in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools and a range of early childhood education settings.
The course is approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority, (ACECQA) as an Early Childhood Teacher qualification.
This course will not lead to primary or secondary teacher registration.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- early childhood education
- kindergarten teaching
- policy development
Employment rates
84% of Early Childhood and Primary Teaching students are employed full-time within 4 months of graduating. (2019 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey )
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years), a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Exit Points
Students who have successfully completed the required coursework for the following programs may choose to exit the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) with the Following corresponding qualification:
- Certificate in Educational Studies
- Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
- Bachelor of Educational Studies
Graduates of this course qualify as Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs). However, these qualifications do not permit graduates to teach in Primary or Secondary schools in Australia.
Additional course information
The course includes an articulation pathway for graduates of the AQF level 5, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, providing credit recognition and, for selected cohorts, direct admission into year two of the course.
Requirements for working with children: All students enrolled must have the appropriate approvals before they may enter a classroom. These are: Blue Card (Qld) or Working with Children Check (ACT, NSW and Vic), or equivalent requirements in other states and territories. International students must bring police check documentation from their own countries. To meet the requirements for working in settings other than schools, a National Police check may be required. All students who have lived in another country for 12 months or more must provide a police check from that country for that period.
Overseas study available
Our undergraduate education students can undertake professional experience and community engagement in locations like Kiribati and Solomon Islands. Students work with communities to raise the level of student engagement and offer professional development to local teachers. This intensive professional learning for teachers increases flexibility and adaptability as an educator and provides a global perspective for a better understanding of differences within classrooms.
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must meet any additional prerequisite requirements imposed by state jurisdictions.
International applicants need to refer to the English Language Requirements section available here.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed at year 12 level, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
Australian Capital Territory | Prerequisites: Nil Assumed Knowledge:
|
New South Wales | Prerequisites: Nil Assumed knowledge:
|
Queensland | Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C) Assumed Knowledge: General Mathematics |
Victoria | Prerequisites: English: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English Recommended Studies: Mathematics: Two units of Mathematics (any) |
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
International applicants
If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.
Find the equivalent qualification for your country
You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy , including the English Language Proficiency requirements.
If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):
an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)
an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic
Overall score:65. Individual score of 6.5 in all bands.
PTE Academic
58 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills.
TOEFL
Internet based total of 79, with a minimum of 24 in writing, 19 in reading, 20 in listening and speaking.
C1 Advanced
A minimum score of 176 with a minimum of 176 in all tests.
ACU English Language test; or ACU EAP
B (65-74%)
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for international applicants
If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed.
Further study
Bachelor Degree graduates may be eligible for entry into further postgraduate coursework degree programs.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $4453
- Average first year fee: $35624
- Estimate total cost: $142496
The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
International applicants
Direct application
Apply nowInformation on the application procedure
International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.
Deferment
Yes. See Defer your offer.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.
Staff Profile
Laurien Beane
Early Childhood Education Lecturer and advocate
Laurien Beane is a lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Arts at Australian Catholic University and engages in leadership for improving professional practice in early childhood. Laurien collaborates on government sponsored projects with industry partners conducting curriculum, policy and practice workshops. Laurien has held executive roles in organisations including Early Childhood Australia, Queensland, and Australian Early Childhood Teacher Education Network (AECTEN) under the umbrella of the Australian Council of Deans of Education (ACDE). Currently, Laurien is engaged in social justice and advocacy projects ensuring women in early childhood marginalised contexts have access to high quality educational experiences.