Master of Teaching Early Childhood (CRICOS course code 110624H) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 2 years. This course equips you with the skills to teach children from birth to five years, with a strong focus on play-based learning, inclusive practices, and Indigenous perspectives. As a CRICOS-registered program (CDU CRICOS 00300K), it meets Australian qualification standards and is open to international students. With 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers and over 26,000 courses available, HeadStart Academy helps you navigate your options. Below you’ll find detailed information about fees, entry requirements, work components, and how to apply.
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Master of Teaching Early Childhood (CRICOS course code 110624H) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 2 years. This program is designed for graduates who wish to become early childhood teachers, preparing them to work in preschools, long day care centres, and other early learning settings. The course is classified under the field of education: 07 - Education → 0701 - Teacher Education → 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood (AQF Level 9). As a CRICOS-registered course, it ensures international students receive the protections of the ESOS Act. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
The Master of Teaching Early Childhood covers key areas of early childhood pedagogy, curriculum development, assessment, and inclusive education. Students explore child development, family partnerships, and culturally responsive teaching—with a special emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. The program blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates to meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. While specific units vary, typical topics include early language and literacy, mathematics in early childhood, and leadership in early childhood settings. This course also includes a substantial work-integrated learning component.
According to the CRICOS register, the Master of Teaching Early Childhood has a duration of 2 years (104 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. It is delivered as a coursework Masters, meaning students complete structured units rather than a thesis. The program is available on a full-time basis, with part-time options potentially available for domestic students, but international students must maintain full-time enrolment to satisfy visa conditions.
The following indicative fees are sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026). Tuition: A$65,524 for the entire program. Non-tuition fees: A$736 (may include materials, library, or student services). Estimated total: A$66,260. Please note: these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the student visa application charge. Living costs in Darwin vary; as a guide, weekly rent might range from A$250–$400, groceries around $80–$120, and public transport about $30–$50. Always confirm current fees with Charles Darwin University (www.cdu.edu.au) before applying. Fees are subject to change.
Entry requirements for this course typically include an IELTS overall score of 6.5–7.0 (no band below 6.5–7.0, depending on the test). You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, ideally in any discipline but with some background in early childhood education. A GPA equivalent to a CDU 4.0/7.0 may be required. Some applicants may need to complete a bridging or pathway program—refer to CDU for details. All applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. As always, we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent for personalised visa advice.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component: 16 weeks of professional experience at 30 hours per week (approx. 480 hours total). This supervised placement takes place in early childhood settings such as preschools, childcare centres, or community programs. It provides authentic classroom experience, allowing you to apply theory under the guidance of experienced teachers. This work-integrated learning is a crucial part of teacher accreditation in Australia.
The Master of Teaching Early Childhood is delivered at two CDU campuses in the Northern Territory: Casuarina Campus in Casuarina (a suburb of Darwin) and Danala Education and Community Precinct in Darwin City. Darwin is a vibrant multicultural city with a relatively low cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne. It has a student population of around 10,000, including many international students. Public transport options include buses, and cycling is popular. The city is home to several other CRICOS-registered providers, offering diverse study opportunities.
International students studying this course on campus will typically apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain OSHC for the duration of your stay. The GTE requirement means you must prove your intention to stay temporarily. Financial capacity must cover tuition, living costs (at least AUD 21,041/year), and travel. For detailed guidance, visit the Department of Home Affairs. ESOS Act protections ensure you can access essential services and tuition protection.
Applying for the Master of Teaching Early Childhood at Charles Darwin University involves three steps: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Filter by course level, field, and city on HeadStart Academy. Confirm CDU offers this course. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Check entry requirements (IELTS, prior qualifications), prepare documents, and submit an online application through CDU’s website. Note application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once you have the CoE, lodge your visa application via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE and OSHC requirements. HeadStart Academy is a free resource and does not charge referral fees.
Studying in the Northern Territory offers a unique Australian experience: small class sizes, strong community feel, and a climate that ranges from tropical in Darwin to arid in Alice Springs. Darwin is Australia’s gateway to Asia, with a rich multicultural atmosphere. Living costs are moderate; weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Darwin city centre is around $300–$500. However, the NT has fewer registered providers than other states (around 20 CRICOS providers), so options are more limited but often more specialised. If you value close-knit learning environments and want to make a difference in remote Aboriginal communities, NT could be a great fit. Consider your career goals and lifestyle preferences before deciding.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step guide above, or explore more courses on HeadStart Academy. For personalised advice, contact a registered migration agent.
Master of Teaching Early Childhood is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charles Darwin University (CDU). 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.