Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)
Course information for - 2026 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 3 locations
- Melbourne
- Online MT
- Strathfield
- Melbourne
- Online MT
- Strathfield
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- UAC code
- 101120
- ATAR
- 60.00 for Strathfield
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2026
Applications open April 2025
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2026
Applications open April 2026
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
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
- If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
- If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
- You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
- If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
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 current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course:
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
Bachelor Degree graduates may be eligible for entry into further postgraduate coursework degree programs.
Fees
Course costs
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
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
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
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.