Bachelor of Education Birth to Five Years (CRICOS course code 115408J) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 4 years. This AQF Level 7 program equips you with the knowledge and skills to work with children from birth to five years in early childhood settings. As part of the Teacher Education: Early Childhood field, the course covers child development, curriculum planning, inclusive practices, and family engagement. CDU is a government-owned CRICOS-registered provider (00300K) with campuses in Casuarina and Darwin City, Northern Territory. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000+ courses in Australia, this degree stands out for its focus on the critical early years and its integration of practical work placements. Whether you are an international student seeking a rewarding career in education or a migrant looking to upskill, this course offers a pathway to becoming a qualified early childhood teacher in Australia.
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This Bachelor Degree focuses on Teacher Education: Early Childhood (field of education 070101). While specific subjects are set by CDU, typical early childhood education degrees cover child development from prenatal to age five, play-based learning pedagogies, curriculum design for early years settings, child health and safety, family and community partnerships, and inclusive education practices. Students also study educational psychology, assessment strategies, and professional ethics. The program integrates theory with practical experience through work-integrated learning (see Work Component section). Graduates are prepared for registration as early childhood teachers in Australia, subject to meeting state regulatory requirements.
The course is registered on CRICOS as 4 years (208 weeks) of full-time study. Instruction is delivered in English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Study mode is typically on-campus at CDU's Northern Territory campuses, with possible online components for some subjects — confirm with CDU. International students must maintain full-time enrolment for their Student visa.
Tuition fees for Bachelor of Education Birth to Five Years at Charles Darwin University (CDU) are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Tuition is A$125,736 (total for 4 years). Non-tuition fees (e.g., student services, materials) are estimated at A$1,472, bringing the total to A$127,208. These figures do NOT include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (rent, groceries, transport), visa application charges, or travel. Living costs in Darwin are approximately A$400–600 per week for rent, A$80–120 for groceries, and A$30–50 for public transport. Always confirm current fees directly with CDU at www.cdu.edu.au before applying.
International students generally need an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent English test). You must hold an Australian Year 12 certificate or an overseas equivalent. Some prior study in education or related fields may be beneficial. CDU may offer foundation or pathway programs if you do not meet direct entry requirements — check their website. As a CRICOS-registered course, all international applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their Student visa. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalized advice.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) component: 16 weeks of placement, typically at 35 hours per week (approximately 560 total hours). Placements are in early childhood settings such as preschools, childcare centres, or family day care providers. This practical experience is supervised and assessed, giving you real-world classroom skills and professional networking opportunities. It also helps meet the practical hours required for teacher registration in Australia. Ensure you have a valid Working with Children Check before placement.
CDU offers this degree at two locations in the Northern Territory: Casuarina Campus (CASUARINA, NT) — a suburban campus with modern facilities — and the new Danala Education and Community Precinct in Darwin City (Darwin City, NT), located in the city centre. Darwin is a vibrant multicultural city with a population over 150,000, and the Northern Territory has a high demand for early childhood teachers. Public transport connects both campuses to Darwin CBD. The region's unique cultural context (including Indigenous communities) enriches the study of early childhood education.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to current migration regulations). You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate a genuine intention to study and return home. You also need to show sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. The ESOS Act provides consumer protection for international students, including tuition fee protection and access to complaints processes. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent — always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a MARA agent.
Studying early childhood education in the Northern Territory offers unique advantages: smaller class sizes, affordable living compared to Sydney or Melbourne, and a strong community feel. Darwin's tropical climate means year-round outdoor learning opportunities. The NT has a significant Aboriginal population, and many early childhood services focus on bilingual and culturally responsive programs. However, living in a remote area may pose challenges such as limited public transport in some suburbs and higher grocery costs. Weigh these factors against your personal preferences. With over 1,500 CRICOS providers nationwide, you can compare early childhood degrees in other states via HeadStart Academy's course search.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Education Birth to Five Years at CDU: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Bachelor Degree), field (Teacher Education: Early Childhood), and location (NT). Verify that CDU (CRICOS 00300K) meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to Charles Darwin University: Check entry requirements, prepare your academic transcripts and English test results, and submit an online application via CDU's website (www.cdu.edu.au). Note application deadlines — international students typically apply 6–12 months in advance. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once CDU issues your CoE, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. For visa help, consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
Start your journey to study early childhood in Australia. Explore more courses at CRICOS-registered providers or contact CDU directly.
Bachelor of Education Birth to Five Years 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.