Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) (CRICOS course code 115298K) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Southern Cross University (SCU) over 1 year. This AQF Level 8 qualification specialises in early childhood teacher education, preparing graduates to work with children from birth to five years. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 01241G), it meets rigorous Australian education standards and is open to international students. The course is offered at three locations: Perth (WA), Melbourne (VIC), and Sydney (NSW), giving you flexibility to study in a major Australian city. Southern Cross University is a government-funded university with a strong reputation in education. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge, with no referral fees. Whether you aim to teach in Australia or overseas, this graduate diploma equips you with practical skills and theoretical knowledge in early childhood development, curriculum planning, and inclusive education.
The Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) sits within the field of education (07) and specifically in teacher education: early childhood (070101). This level of study typically covers advanced topics in child development from birth to school age, play-based learning pedagogies, family and community engagement, and early childhood curriculum frameworks such as the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). You will explore assessment strategies for young children, inclusive education practices, and leadership in early childhood settings. While the exact syllabus is set by Southern Cross University, graduates of similar programs often develop skills in designing age-appropriate learning experiences, observing and documenting children's progress, and collaborating with families. The course emphasises practical application through a substantial work component (see below). As an AQF Level 8 qualification, it builds on prior undergraduate study and is designed for those with a bachelor degree who wish to specialise in early childhood teaching. Australia offers over 26,000 courses across all levels — this one is specifically registered under CRICOS course code 115298K, ensuring it meets the standards required for international student enrolment.
According to the CRICOS register, this Graduate Diploma has a duration of 1 year (52 weeks). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The course is delivered via face-to-face teaching at SCU's partner campuses in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. While the standard duration is 1 year full-time, students should confirm their specific study pattern with the provider. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their student visa conditions. Note that this is not a VET course (VET national code not applicable) — it is a higher education graduate diploma.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$26,000, with non-tuition fees of approximately A$2,000, resulting in an estimated total of A$28,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by Southern Cross University. Please note that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge are not included in this estimate. For current fees and any additional costs (such as materials or field trips), always check the SCU website directly at www.scu.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not set or guarantee fees — they are indicative only and subject to change. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers, each setting their own tuition; comparing fees across providers can help you plan your budget.
While specific entry requirements are set by Southern Cross University, typical expectations for a Graduate Diploma at AQF Level 8 include completion of a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in any discipline. For this early childhood specialisation, a background in education or child-related studies may be beneficial but is not always mandatory. English language proficiency is likely required — the indicative range is IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent). Some providers may accept alternative tests such as TOEFL or PTE. If you do not meet direct entry requirements, pathway options including foundation programs or English language courses may be available — contact SCU for details. It is important to verify admission criteria directly with the institution before applying. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring they meet Australian quality standards for international student enrolment.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 12 weeks at 40 hours per week, totalling approximately 480 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) typically takes the form of supervised professional experience placements in early childhood education settings, such as long day care centres, preschools, or kindergarten programs. The placement allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real classrooms, develop teaching skills under mentor guidance, and build professional networks. Such practical experience is a hallmark of Australian teacher education programs and is often required for registration as an early childhood teacher. While the specific arrangement is determined by SCU, international students should note that work placements are considered part of the course and do not count towards student visa work hours (48 hours per fortnight). However, paid work during placement may be subject to visa conditions — clarify with your provider or a registered migration agent.
This course is delivered at three campuses: SCU Perth (WA), The Hotel School Melbourne (VIC), and The Hotel School Sydney (NSW). Perth is the capital of Western Australia, home to over 200,000 students and a growing international student community. Melbourne is Australia's largest student city with over 250,000 international students, known for its vibrant culture and excellent public transport. Sydney, Australia's most populous city, has over 150,000 international students and a competitive job market. Each location offers unique lifestyle benefits: Perth's lower cost of living (average weekly rent ~$400, groceries ~$150, transport ~$40), Melbourne's diverse food and arts scene (rent ~$450, groceries ~$160, transport ~$50), and Sydney's harbour lifestyle (rent ~$600, groceries ~$180, transport ~$55). All campuses are accessible by public transport. Southern Cross University partners with local providers to deliver this course, ensuring students have access to dedicated support services. For a broader view, Australia has 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses — choosing the right city is a key decision.
International students enrolling in this CRICOS-registered course (115298K) will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include maintaining full-time enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and holding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity evidence is required, covering tuition, living costs ($21,041 per year as per Department of Home Affairs), OSHC, and travel. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects your rights, including tuition fee protection and access to complaint mechanisms. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent — for personalised advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Follow these three steps to secure your place in the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) at Southern Cross University:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field (Education), and city (Perth, Melbourne, or Sydney). Confirm the course CRICOS code 115298K and provider CRICOS 01241G are current on the official CRICOS register.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Visit Southern Cross University's website at www.scu.edu.au to check entry requirements, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS), and application deadlines. Submit your application with supporting documents (academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy). Some providers charge an application fee — confirm before applying.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** — Once accepted, SCU will issue a CoE, which you need to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Visa processing times vary; apply early.
Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) 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.