The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (CRICOS course code 110055C) is a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) delivered by Southern Cross University (SCU) over 3 years. This course is designed for international students who want to become qualified early childhood teachers in Australia. With a strong focus on work-integrated learning, including 17 weeks of professional placement, graduates are prepared to work in early childhood settings. Southern Cross University is a government-funded institution (CRICOS 01241G) with campuses in New South Wales and Queensland. HeadStart Academy provides this information from the official CRICOS register to help you make informed decisions about studying in Australia. Australia offers over 26,000 CRICOS-registered courses across 1,556 providers, and this course is among them. All listed institutions are protected by the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive quality education and consumer rights.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (CRICOS course code 110055C) is a Bachelor Degree at AQF Level 7, delivered by Southern Cross University (SCU) over 3 years (156 weeks). It is classified under Field of Education 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood. This course prepares students to work as early childhood teachers in a range of settings, including preschools, kindergartens, and early learning centres. The curriculum covers child development, curriculum planning, pedagogy, and inclusive practices, with a strong emphasis on practical experience. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 01241G), it meets Australian government standards for international student enrolment. Southern Cross University is a publicly funded university with multiple campuses, ensuring students access quality education and student support services.
The field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood focuses on the development and education of children from birth to around eight years old. Students in this Bachelor Degree will learn about child psychology, play-based learning, literacy and numeracy development, and family engagement. They will also study how to create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments. While specific subject names are not listed on the CRICOS register, graduates of early childhood teacher education programs typically gain the knowledge and skills to design and implement educational programs, assess children's learning, and collaborate with families and communities. The course includes a significant work-integrated learning component, which allows students to apply theory in real early childhood settings under supervision. This practical experience is essential for meeting professional accreditation requirements in Australia.
According to the CRICOS register, the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education has a duration of 3 years, equivalent to 156 weeks of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, not a dual or combined degree, and it does not include foundation studies. International students typically study full-time on-campus, though some components may be delivered online. The program is structured to meet the requirements for student visa (Subclass 500) holders, who must maintain full-time enrolment. For detailed information on study modes, including any blended learning options, you should consult Southern Cross University directly. The duration ensures that students complete the required academic and professional experience needed for graduate employment.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$78,000, with non-tuition fees of A$6,000, bringing the estimated total to A$84,000. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Please note that this total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Living costs in Australia vary by location; for example, on the Gold Coast, indicative weekly rent for a student is around A$250-$350, groceries A$70-$100, and transport A$30-$50. In Lismore, rent may be slightly lower. Always confirm current fees with Southern Cross University (SCU) at www.scu.edu.au before applying. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that does not receive referral fees from any institution.
International applicants typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5-6.0 (exact requirements set by the provider). For the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Southern Cross University expects applicants to have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent. Entry may also consider previous tertiary study or work experience. There are no foundation or pathway options listed on the CRICOS register for this specific course, but the university may offer alternative entry programs. Always check the official entry requirements for the intake year you are applying for, as these can change. For academic and visa-related guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
This course includes a compulsory work-integrated learning component totaling 17 weeks, with 40 hours per week (approximately 680 hours in total). This professional placement occurs in early childhood education settings such as preschools, long day care centres, or kindergartens. It allows students to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of qualified educators, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Placements are typically arranged by the university and may be spread across multiple sessions. This work component is integral to meeting the professional standards required for early childhood teaching registration in Australia. International students should ensure their student visa conditions allow for any unpaid placements (work integrated learning is generally permitted). The placement also provides valuable networking opportunities for future employment.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is delivered at two locations: Gold Coast Airport Development Park - Bilinga in BILINGA, Queensland, and Lismore in EAST LISMORE, New South Wales. The Bilinga campus is close to Gold Coast Airport and about 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise, offering a vibrant student lifestyle with many international students. Lismore is a regional city in northern NSW, known for its laid-back atmosphere and lower cost of living. Both campuses are easily accessible by public transport. The Gold Coast has over 40 CRICOS-registered providers offering hundreds of courses, while Lismore is home to Southern Cross University's main campus. Students can expect a supportive learning environment at both locations, with on-campus facilities including libraries, study spaces, and student services.
To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your course and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, provide evidence of financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC), and have adequate English proficiency. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of your visa. All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are covered by the ESOS Act, which protects international students' rights. For exact visa conditions and application procedures, visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for this course: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Southern Cross University (CRICOS 01241G) is a government-funded university. Filter by course level (Bachelor Degree), field (Early Childhood Education), and location (Gold Coast or Lismore) on HeadStart Academy. 2) Apply directly to Southern Cross University: Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and any other required documents. Check application deadlines for your intended intake (e.g., February or July). Submit your application through the SCU online portal or via an education agent. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, SCU will issue a CoE. Then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, demonstrating GTE, financial capacity, and OSHC. HeadStart Academy provides information to help you make informed choices – always confirm with the provider.
Ready to start your early childhood teaching journey? Explore the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Southern Cross University and take the next step toward your Australian study dream.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is a CRICOS-registered programme at Southern Cross University (SCU). 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.