Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) (CRICOS course code 083213M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 4 years. This page provides a detailed overview of the course, including fees, entry requirements, work component, delivery locations, and student visa information. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. Australian Catholic University is a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 00004G) offering a range of courses to international students. With a strong focus on professional practice and work-integrated learning, this degree prepares graduates for careers in early childhood education across Australia. Explore this page to understand what the course involves and how to apply.
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The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) is a four-year undergraduate degree aimed at developing skilled early childhood educators. The course is registered on CRICOS under code 083213M and falls under the field of Education (Field of Education 070101 – Teacher Education: Early Childhood). As an AQF Level 7 qualification, it provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to work with children from birth to five years. Australian Catholic University delivers this program across five campuses in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. International students benefit from Australia's robust education quality framework, including the ESOS Act protections and CRICOS registration, ensuring the course meets national standards. Graduates may pursue registration as early childhood teachers in Australia, subject to state requirements.
This bachelor degree covers core areas of early childhood education, including child development, curriculum design, inclusive practices, family engagement, and professional ethics. Students learn how to create safe, stimulating learning environments for young children, incorporating play-based and inquiry-based pedagogies. The course also addresses the diverse needs of children, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, and promotes culturally responsive teaching. Assessment typically includes written assignments, presentations, reflective journals, and practical placements. While each institution tailors its curriculum, all CRICOS-registered providers must deliver learning outcomes aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework. Graduates emerge with the skills to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs in early childhood settings.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) has a duration of 4 years (208 weeks) according to the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes on campus, with some institutions offering blended learning options. The program is full-time, and international students must maintain a full-time study load under their student visa conditions. The CRICOS registration confirms the course meets government requirements for international students, including sufficient contact hours and academic support.
The indicative tuition fee for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) is A$142,496 for the entire course. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0, but this may not include optional costs such as uniforms or learning materials. The estimated total cost is A$142,496. Please note: this is an indicative figure sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by Australian Catholic University and may change. Always check the university's website for current fees. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and visa application charges. For example, living costs in Sydney or Melbourne can range from A$1,500–A$2,500 per month. For precise financial planning, consult the provider and the Department of Home Affairs.
Entry requirements for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) include an English language proficiency of IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent test). Applicants typically need to have completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent qualification. Some universities may require a minimum ATAR or prior study in relevant subjects. Foundation or pathway programs may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Contact Australian Catholic University for specific academic prerequisites. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. As HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent, we recommend consulting a MARA agent for visa advice.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks, with 35 hours per week, totaling approximately 700 hours of professional experience. This supervised placement is typically undertaken in early childhood education settings such as childcare centres, preschools, or kindergartens. Work-integrated learning (WIL) allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop practical teaching skills, and build professional networks. Placements are arranged by the university and are integral to meeting accreditation requirements. Students must complete all placement hours satisfactorily to graduate. This hands-on experience is a valuable part of the degree and enhances employability after completion.
Australian Catholic University delivers this course at five campuses: Blacktown CBD Campus in Blacktown, NSW; Brisbane Campus in Banyo, QLD; Melbourne Campus in Fitzroy, VIC; North Sydney Campus in North Sydney, NSW; and Strathfield Campus in Strathfield, NSW. Each campus offers access to modern facilities and is located in or near major city centres. Blacktown and North Sydney are in Greater Sydney, with the North Sydney campus offering proximity to the CBD. Strathfield is also in Sydney's inner west. Brisbane campus is in the northern suburb of Banyo, about 12 km from the city. Melbourne campus is in Fitzroy, close to the city centre. Sydney and Melbourne have large international student populations (over 200,000 each), with extensive public transport networks. Brisbane also has a growing student community. When choosing a campus, consider living costs: Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, while Brisbane offers a lower cost of living. Indicative weekly rent in Sydney is A$350–A$600, in Melbourne A$300–A$500, and in Brisbane A$250–A$450.
International students undertaking this course must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows study in a CRICOS-registered course, part-time work (48 hours per fortnight) during academic terms, and unlimited work during scheduled breaks. To apply, you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the provider, evidence of financial capacity, OSHC for the duration of your stay, and a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement. The Australian Government provides the Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa for accompanying family members. All international students are protected under the ESOS Act, which ensures quality education and consumer rights. For up-to-date visa conditions, visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered MARA agent.
Early childhood education is a rewarding field with strong demand in Australia. Before enrolling in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) at ACU, consider the following: First, accreditation – ensure the course leads to teacher registration in your intended state (e.g., NESA in NSW, VIT in Victoria). Second, location – think about living costs and lifestyle; Sydney and Melbourne are vibrant but expensive, while Brisbane offers a more relaxed pace. Third, work-integrated learning – the 700-hour placement is intensive but invaluable. Fourth, post-study work rights – a bachelor degree qualifies you for a 2-year post-study work visa (Subclass 485). Finally, check if you meet English and academic requirements. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, so you have options. Use HeadStart Academy's free resources to compare courses and find the best fit.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) at Australian Catholic University:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Bachelor Degree), field (Teacher Education: Early Childhood), and location. Confirm the provider is CRICOS-registered (ACU is 00004G).
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit ACU's website (www.acu.edu.au) to check entry requirements, English test scores (IELTS 6.0-6.5), and application deadlines. Submit academic transcripts, English proof, and GTE statement.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, ACU will issue a CoE. Then apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) online, including OSHC, financial evidence, and genuine temporary entrant documentation.
Start your journey – explore CRICOS-registered early childhood education courses on HeadStart Academy today.
View the full Australian Catholic University Limited profile →
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Catholic University Limited. 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.