Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching (Birth to 5) (CRICOS course code 113300D) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Excelsia University College over 1 year. This AQF Level 8 course prepares international students for a career in early childhood education, focusing on child development from birth to five years. The program includes a mandatory 12-week work-integrated learning placement, giving you practical experience in Australian early childhood settings. Excelsia University College (CRICOS 02664K) is a private provider with campus in Pennant Hills, New South Wales. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring quality and ESOS Act protections.
Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching (Birth to 5) (CRICOS course code 113300D) is a one-year graduate diploma offered by Excelsia University College. This course is designed for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a related field and wish to specialise in early childhood education. The curriculum covers key areas such as child development, curriculum design, inclusive practices, and family engagement. Graduates are prepared to work in preschools, long day care centres, and other early learning settings. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia offering more than 26,000 courses, this qualification is part of a robust education system. HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to ensure accuracy.
This course falls under the field of education (07) with a focus on teacher education in early childhood (070101). Students gain advanced knowledge in early childhood pedagogy, play-based learning, and assessment strategies. The program emphasises practical skills through a 450-hour work component, allowing you to apply theory in real classroom environments. While specific syllabi vary, graduates typically develop the ability to design and implement age-appropriate learning programs, support diverse learners, and collaborate with families and communities. The course also covers ethical and legal frameworks relevant to early childhood education in Australia.
The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching (Birth to 5) is designed to be completed in 1 year (52 weeks) full-time. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students attend classes at the Excelsia University College campus in Pennant Hills, NSW. The CRICOS register confirms the duration and mode. As an international student, you must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with your Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
Indicative tuition fee for this course is A$19,504. Non-tuition fees (such as application or materials fees) are estimated at A$500, making the estimated total A$20,004. Please note: these fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (see /visa/oshc-health-cover), and the visa application charge. Always verify current fees directly with Excelsia University College at http://excelsia.edu.au/. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees or commissions – we are a free resource for students.
International students typically need an overall IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent) for this course. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a related discipline, as this is a graduate-level program. Prior qualifications may be assessed individually. Some providers offer foundation or pathway programs if you do not meet direct entry requirements – check with Excelsia University College for options. All entry requirements are set by the institution. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the provider for the most current criteria. Remember, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee visa approval; you must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 12 weeks at 37.5 hours per week, totalling approximately 450 hours. This is a work-integrated learning placement, typically in an early childhood education setting such as a preschool or childcare centre. Placements provide hands-on experience with children aged birth to 5 under supervision. They are an integral part of the curriculum and help you develop practical teaching skills. The placement is arranged by the provider, but you may need to meet specific prerequisites (e.g., working with children check). This component also aligns with student visa work rights: you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
The course is delivered at Excelsia University College's campus: 1 City View Road, Pennant Hills NSW 2120. Pennant Hills is a suburb in Sydney's north, approximately 25 km from the CBD. It is well-served by public transport, including trains and buses. Sydney has a large international student population, with over 200,000 students from across the globe. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average; indicative weekly expenses (rent, groceries, transport) are around A$500-700. For more on studying in New South Wales, see our /study/graduate-diploma/nsw and /states/nsw pages.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Excelsia University College, evidence of English proficiency, financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and dependents, and a genuine intention to stay temporarily (GTE). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited during scheduled breaks. You must maintain enrolment and satisfactory attendance. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the duration of your stay. For detailed guidance, see /visa/student-visa-subclass-500. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching (Birth to 5) at Excelsia University College: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers – Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Compare this course with other early childhood graduate diplomas. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution – Meet entry requirements (including English test scores), prepare academic documents, and submit your application through Excelsia University College's website. Check application deadlines. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) – Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of OSHC, finances, and GTE.
New South Wales is home to over 200 CRICOS-registered providers offering early childhood education courses. Sydney, where Pennant Hills is located, offers diverse job opportunities in early childhood settings, including long day care, preschools, and family day care. The demand for qualified early childhood teachers is strong, with government initiatives supporting the sector. When choosing a location, consider factors like living costs (Sydney is one of Australia's most expensive cities), transport access, and cultural diversity. HeadStart Academy's /study/graduate-diploma/nsw page lists other graduate diploma options in NSW. Always verify provider registration on CRICOS.
Visit Excelsia University College's website to apply or learn more at http://excelsia.edu.au/.
Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Teaching (Birth to 5) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Excelsia University College. 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.