Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (CRICOS course code 116555A) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd over 1 year 10 months (~96 weeks). This course prepares graduates for dual registration as early childhood and primary teachers in Australia, combining child development theory with practical classroom experience. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international students, ensuring quality education and ESOS Act protections. With over 1,500 CRICOS providers and 26,000 courses available in Australia, this degree stands out for its accelerated duration and integrated work component, allowing you to gain real-world teaching hours while studying. Whether you're planning to teach in Adelaide or Melbourne, this pathway offers a fast track to a rewarding career. Explore fees, entry requirements, and delivery locations below.
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (CRICOS course code 116555A) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd over 1 year 10 months (~96 weeks). This AQF Level 7 qualification specialises in early childhood and primary education, covering birth to 12 years. The course is taught in English and includes a compulsory work component of 85 weeks (approximately 7.5 hours per week), totalling around 638 hours of supervised professional experience. This integrated work placement ensures graduates meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd is a private higher education provider (CRICOS 03739K) with campuses in Adelaide and North Melbourne, Victoria. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
This course falls under the field of education (07) with a focus on teacher education (0701) and specifically early childhood teacher education (070101). Students develop foundational knowledge in child development, curriculum design, inclusive education, and pedagogical practices for both early childhood settings and primary classrooms. The program emphasises evidence-based teaching strategies, assessment methods, and professional ethics. Graduates are prepared to create engaging learning environments that support diverse learners. While specific syllabus details are best obtained from Southern Cross Education Institute, typical Bachelor of Education degrees include units on literacy and numeracy education, educational psychology, and Indigenous education. The integrated professional experience component allows students to apply theory in real classrooms under mentorship.
The course duration is 1 year 10 months (~96 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. It is delivered face-to-face at the institute's campuses, with English as the language of instruction. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. The accelerated duration allows students to complete a bachelor degree faster than traditional 4-year programs, making it attractive for international students seeking an efficient pathway into teaching. However, students should be prepared for an intensive study load. As with all CRICOS courses, attendance and progress requirements apply under the ESOS Act.
Indicative fees for this course are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change by the institution. Tuition fee: A$124,000. Non-tuition fees: A$1,750 (including materials, student services, and possibly enrolment fees). Estimated total: A$125,750. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the student visa application charge. For current fee schedules, always check directly with Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd at scei-he.edu.au. Living costs vary by location: Adelaide generally has lower rental costs than Melbourne. A single student in Adelaide may budget around A$350-500 per week for rent, groceries, and transport.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5-6.0 (specific requirements set by the provider). Applicants typically need prior academic qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 12 or a recognised foundation program. Some providers may require a personal statement or interview. For this course, there are no specific foundation studies offered by SCEI, but pathway options may exist through other institutions. Always verify entry criteria with the provider before applying. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the institution's website for the most up-to-date requirements.
This course includes a compulsory work-integrated learning component amounting to 85 weeks, with approximately 7.5 hours per week (total ~638 hours). This professional experience takes the form of supervised teaching placements in early childhood centres and primary schools. Placements are arranged by the provider and allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings. Students gain hands-on experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessment. This component is essential for meeting the registration requirements of the teaching profession. International students must complete these placements as part of their course; work hours do not count towards student visa work limits but are part of the course requirement.
The course is delivered at four campuses: 14-16 Grote Street, Adelaide, SA; 155-161 Boundary Road, North Melbourne, VIC; 41 Boundary Road, North Melbourne, VIC; and 530-538 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, VIC. All campuses are in well-connected urban areas with access to public transport. Adelaide is known for its affordable living and strong education sector, with over 50 CRICOS-registered providers. North Melbourne is close to Melbourne's CBD, offering vibrant student life. Choosing a campus may affect your living costs and lifestyle. For example, a studio apartment in Adelaide's city centre can cost around A$300-400 per week, whereas Melbourne is typically higher at A$400-550. Both cities have excellent tram, bus, and train networks serving the campuses.
International students require a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Under this visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement applies: you must demonstrate genuine intention to study and stay temporarily. Financial capacity evidence must show funds for tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student, plus family if applicable), travel, and OSHC. As HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent, we recommend consulting a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) at Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use the CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Bachelor Degree) and field (Education). Confirm that Southern Cross Education Institute is CRICOS-registered (03739K) and that this course (116555A) matches your goals.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit scei-he.edu.au to review entry requirements, English language tests (e.g., IELTS, PTE), and application deadlines. Submit your application with required documents (transcripts, proof of English proficiency, passport, etc.). Some providers may charge an application fee.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, you will receive a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement. Seek migration advice if needed.
Teaching is a rewarding career with strong demand in Australia. However, this course requires a commitment to both early childhood (birth-5 years) and primary (5-12 years) settings. Consider your passion for working with young children, your patience, and your desire to shape foundational learning. This accelerated degree is intensive, so time management is crucial. Also, consider location: Are you comfortable in Adelaide or Melbourne? Each city offers different living costs and lifestyle. Adelaide has a lower cost of living and a quieter pace, while Melbourne is more cosmopolitan with higher rental costs. Both have excellent public transport. If teaching across two age ranges appeals to you, this dual-stream degree could be the perfect fit. Speak to current students or alumni to gain further insight.
Ready to become a teacher in Australia? Research CRICOS-registered providers like Southern Cross Education Institute, check entry requirements, and apply directly. Your journey starts with a CoE and a Student visa. Explore more on HeadStart Academy.
View the full Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd profile →
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Southern Cross Education Institute (Higher Education) Pty Ltd. 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.