Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (CRICOS course code 0100711) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology over 1 year. This AQF Level 8 qualification is designed for graduates who want to specialise in early childhood education, preparing them to work with children from birth to 12 years in diverse settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00122A), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment, ensuring quality education and ESOS Act protections. Whether you aim to become a kindergarten teacher or pursue leadership roles in early childhood centres, this program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience through a mandatory 12-week work placement. Located at RMIT's Bundoora Campus in Melbourne, Victoria, students benefit from modern facilities and a vibrant student community. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,000+ courses, choosing the right program is critical—HeadStart Academy helps you navigate this landscape with accurate, up-to-date data from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026.
Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (CRICOS course code 0100711) is a graduate-level qualification delivered by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), a public university with CRICOS provider code 00122A. This 1-year program (52 weeks) is taught in English and leads to a Graduate Diploma, classified under AQF Level 8. It falls within the field of Education - Teacher Education - Early Childhood, preparing graduates to work with young children in educational and care settings. The course includes a mandatory work component of 12 weeks (35 hours per week, approximately 420 hours total), providing hands-on experience in real early childhood settings. Please note that this is indicative information sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Always verify with RMIT for the most current details.
As a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, this program focuses on the principles and practices of early childhood pedagogy, child development, curriculum design, and inclusive education. Students explore topics such as play-based learning, family engagement, assessment and evaluation, and leadership in early childhood contexts. The course typically includes theoretical foundations and practical applications, aligning with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) where relevant. While specific unit offerings are set by the institution, graduates of such programs are generally prepared to design and implement learning experiences for children aged birth to 12 years, with a strong emphasis on culturally responsive and ethical practice. RMIT's program combines coursework with a significant work-integrated learning component, ensuring graduates are job-ready. For a detailed syllabus, refer to the provider.
According to the CRICOS register, this course has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend full-time, aligned with student visa requirements. The course is delivered on campus at RMIT's Bundoora Campus in Melbourne. Part-time study may be possible but could affect visa conditions—check with the provider. As an AQF Level 8 graduate diploma, it typically requires a prior bachelor's degree in a related field for entry. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
Tuition fees for the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at RMIT are indicative at A$37,440 for the full program. Non-tuition fees (such as materials or administrative charges) are approximately A$373, bringing the estimated total to A$37,813. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note that fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For the most accurate and current fee information, always visit RMIT's official website. Melbourne living costs (excluding tuition) are estimated at A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for rent, food, transport, and personal expenses. Compare this with other course options across Victoria's 50+ registered providers.
International applicants typically need an IELTS overall band score of 5.5-6.0 or equivalent English language test results. As this is a graduate diploma, a bachelor's degree in education or a related field is usually required. Some providers may accept extensive relevant work experience. Foundation or pathway programs are not part of this course, but RMIT offers other preparation options if needed—contact the institution directly. Always check the specific entry requirements on RMIT's website, as they may set higher standards. Meeting the minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission. For visa purposes, you must demonstrate English proficiency and genuine student intent.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 12 weeks at 35 hours per week (approximately 420 total hours). This work-integrated learning (WIL) typically takes the form of an industry placement or internship in an early childhood education setting, such as a kindergarten, childcare centre, or preschool. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop professional skills, and meet accreditation requirements where applicable. Placements are arranged by RMIT, and students may need to obtain a Working with Children Check. The work component is an integral part of the course and must be completed to graduate. International students must ensure their visa permits work-integrated learning related to their course—typically allowed under Student visa conditions.
This course is delivered at RMIT's Bundoora Campus, located at Plenty Road, Bundoora VIC 3083, in the northern suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. Bundoora is a vibrant student area, home to multiple universities and a diverse population. Melbourne offers excellent public transport—trams and buses connect to the city centre in about 30 minutes. Victoria has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers, with Melbourne being the largest international student destination in Australia. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate: average weekly rent for a shared apartment is $200–$300, groceries $80–$120, and public transport $50–$70. The city boasts a strong education sector, cultural diversity, and world-class facilities.
Victoria is home to leading education providers, with RMIT being one of Australia's top public universities. When choosing this course, consider the strong demand for qualified early childhood teachers in Australia, with many roles eligible for skilled migration. The practical work component gives you an edge in the job market. However, ensure you meet the English proficiency requirements and have the financial capacity for tuition and living costs. Melbourne's student community is large (over 200,000 international students), offering support services and networking opportunities. Always verify the CRICOS registration status of your chosen provider—only CRICOS-registered institutions can enrol international students. HeadStart Academy's data, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), helps you compare options confidently.
To study this course, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) declaration; evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living expenses, and OSHC; and English proficiency. As a full-time student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. OSHC is mandatory—arrange it through your provider or a registered health insurer. Note that visa conditions are subject to change; always refer to the Department of Home Affairs. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring your tuition and welfare rights. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice—consult a registered MARA agent for personalised guidance.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's directory to find graduate diploma courses in early childhood education. RMIT (CRICOS 00122A) is one option. Filter by course level, field, and location.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check RMIT's entry requirements, including English test scores (IELTS 5.5-6.0) and academic qualifications. Submit your application online through RMIT's international admissions portal before the deadline. You may need to provide transcripts, a personal statement, and references.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If accepted, RMIT will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need to meet GTE, OSHC, and financial capacity requirements. Seek advice from a MARA agent if needed.
Ready to take the next step? Explore your options for Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education at CRICOS-registered providers across Australia with HeadStart Academy. Start your search today!
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Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education is a CRICOS-registered programme at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.