Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)

Entry Requirements

• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent (or an approved alternative entry pathway for students without an ATAR)
• English language proficiency to the level set by the enrolling institution, generally Academic IELTS or an accepted equivalent
• Some providers grant credit for a completed Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Course Snapshot

Program Outcomes

A standard Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth–5) is approved by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as meeting the National Quality Framework, and qualifies graduates to work as an early childhood teacher in long day care, kindergarten and preschool settings. It does not, on its own, qualify a graduate to teach in an Australian primary school.

A smaller number of dual-accredited Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) programs, usually four years full-time and covering Birth to 12 years, are separately accredited by AITSL and the relevant state or territory Teacher Registration Board for primary teaching. If teaching in a primary school is your goal, confirm with your education agent which specific program and campus offers this dual accreditation, as it is not the standard inclusion on this page.

Registration requirements differ by state and territory, so graduates should confirm requirements with ACECQA (early childhood) or their state Teacher Registration Board (primary) before assuming eligibility to work.

Career Steps

After graduating, most early childhood teachers register with ACECQA or their state regulator and move into a kindergarten, preschool or long day care role. 

For a full walkthrough of qualification pathways, registration and career options, see How to Become an Early Childhood Teacher.

Already hold a Bachelor’s degree in another field? The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is a shorter route into the same career.