Are you an international student looking to study early childhood education in Australia? Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (CRICOS course code 111526B) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic over 3 years, preparing graduates for a rewarding career in early childhood teaching and care. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), which means it meets Australian Government quality standards and is open to international student enrolments. Melbourne Polytechnic, CRICOS provider 00724G, is a government-owned TAFE and higher education institution with a long history of vocational and academic training. As a HeadStart Academy user, you can trust that all data is sourced directly from the official CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026. Studying early childhood education in Victoria gives you access to a diverse student community, strong job market, and world-class institutions. Melbourne is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, offering a wide range of courses for international students.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (CRICOS course code 111526B) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic over 3 years. This course falls under the field of education 070101 - Teacher Education: Early Childhood, at AQF Level 7. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to work as early childhood teachers in preschools, long day care centres, and other early learning environments. The program includes a mandatory work component of 17 weeks (approximately 646 hours) of work-integrated learning, which typically involves supervised placements in early childhood settings. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing practical teaching competence and meeting professional accreditation requirements. Melbourne Polytechnic is a government-owned institution with a strong focus on industry-relevant training, and this bachelor degree combines theoretical coursework with practical application. The course is delivered in English, and students must demonstrate English proficiency for entry. It is a single qualification, not a dual or packaged program.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education covers a broad range of topics essential for educating children from birth to five years. Students explore child development theories, curriculum design, inclusive education practices, family and community engagement, and professional ethics. The field of education at this level emphasises evidence-based teaching strategies, assessment techniques, and reflective practice. Graduates typically learn to create safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environments that support children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The course also addresses Australian early childhood frameworks and regulations, preparing students to work within the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). While the exact syllabus is set by Melbourne Polytechnic, this degree generally includes subjects on play-based learning, literacy and numeracy development, health and safety, and working with diverse families. The program aims to produce educators who are critical thinkers, effective communicators, and advocates for children's rights.
According to the CRICOS register, the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education has a duration of 3 years, equivalent to 156 weeks. The course is delivered in English, with no foundation studies or dual qualification. Students are required to attend full-time on-campus classes at the Preston Campus, with possible online components depending on the provider's delivery mode. International students must maintain full-time enrolment as per Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The course is a single qualification (AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree), and it does not include a VET component (VET national code: N/A). Melbourne Polytechnic may offer flexible study options, but the CRICOS registration reflects the standard 3-year full-time duration. Students should confirm the exact study load and class schedules directly with the institution.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is A$73,920, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0, resulting in an estimated total cost of A$73,920. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026 and are subject to change by Melbourne Polytechnic. Please note that this amount does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students, nor does it cover living expenses (accommodation, food, transport) or the visa application charge. OSHC typically costs around A$600–A$800 per year for single cover. Living costs in Melbourne vary; indicative weekly expenses are approximately A$250–A$400 for rent (shared accommodation), A$60–A$100 for groceries, and A$30–A$50 for public transport. For the most current fee schedule, always check Melbourne Polytechnic's official website: http://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/. HeadStart Academy advises students to budget carefully and confirm all costs before applying.
International applicants need to meet both academic and English language requirements. The indicative English requirement for this course is IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent Pearson PTE, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English scores). For prior qualifications, students typically need to have completed Year 12 or equivalent (e.g., Australian Year 12 certificate or an overseas secondary school qualification that is considered equivalent). Some applicants may be admitted based on previous diploma-level studies or relevant work experience. Melbourne Polytechnic may also offer pathway or foundation programs for students who do not directly meet the entry criteria. However, these options are not part of this specific CRICOS registration. Always check the provider's official admission pages for precise entry requirements, as they can vary by intake and country of origin. Meeting the minimum English score does not guarantee admission; the provider may require higher scores for competitive places.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 17 weeks, totalling approximately 646 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) is typically structured as supervised professional placements in early childhood education settings, such as preschools, childcare centres, or kindergartens. During these placements, students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world classrooms under the guidance of experienced educators. The WIL component is designed to meet the professional experience requirements for teacher accreditation in Australia. Placements may be scheduled across different semesters or concentrated in the final year. Students are responsible for obtaining compliant placement sites, often with support from the provider's placement office. It is important to note that the work component is an assessed part of the course and not a separate paid job. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow them to undertake unpaid placements, which they do under the Student visa (Subclass 500) without additional work restrictions.
This course is delivered at Melbourne Polytechnic's Preston Campus, located at 77-91 St Georges Rd, Preston, Victoria 3072. Preston is a vibrant suburb about 8 km north of Melbourne's central business district, well-served by public transport including trams, trains, and buses. The campus is close to the Preston Market, High Street shopping, and various student amenities. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is Australia's second-largest city with a population of over 5 million. It is home to more than 200,000 international students from over 150 countries. The city's cost of living is relatively high compared to other Australian cities; indicative weekly rents for shared accommodation are around A$250–A$450, while a one-bedroom apartment may cost A$400–A$600. Groceries cost approximately A$70–A$100 per week, and a public transport myki pass (zone 1+2) is about A$50 per week. Studying at Melbourne Polytechnic gives you access to the dynamic education sector in Victoria, which has a strong demand for qualified early childhood teachers.
International students who receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. Key requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC, travel), and meeting English proficiency as set by the Department of Home Affairs. OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is mandatory for the duration of the visa. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled holiday periods. However, work must not interfere with study. All international students are protected by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which ensures quality education and sets standards for providers. For detailed visa guidance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Victoria, and particularly Melbourne, offers a rich environment for studying early childhood education. The state has a strong economy, a diverse population, and a robust education system. With over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, you'll have access to many institutions and networking opportunities. Early childhood teachers are in high demand across Australia, with strong job prospects and potential pathways to permanent residency. Consider factors like climate (temperate with distinct seasons), lifestyle (arts, sports, food), and the cost of living. Melbourne consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities. However, studying in a major city like Melbourne means higher living costs than in regional areas. If you prefer a quieter setting, some providers offer similar courses in regional Victoria. Before choosing, evaluate your budget, career goals, and personal preferences. HeadStart Academy can help you compare courses and providers across Australia.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Melbourne Polytechnic:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to explore all CRICOS-registered institutions offering Bachelor Degree courses in Early Childhood Education. Filter by location, fees, and duration to find the best fit. Melbourne Polytechnic, CRICOS 00724G, is one of many options.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit Melbourne Polytechnic's official website (http://www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au/) to review the exact entry requirements, English language test scores accepted, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results, and other supporting documents. Submit your application through their online portal or via an authorised education agent.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If your application is successful, the institution will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge a Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, GTE statement, and health insurance. Visa processing times vary; apply well in advance.
Ready to start your journey in early childhood education? Use HeadStart Academy to compare similar courses and find the perfect fit for your study abroad plans.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is a CRICOS-registered programme at Melbourne Polytechnic. 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.