Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood (CRICOS course code 117458E) is a Graduate Diploma delivered by Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd over 1 year. This course is designed for international students seeking to deepen their expertise in early childhood education, focusing on pedagogical practices, child development, and leadership in early learning settings. Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03535M) is a private higher education provider with campuses in New South Wales and Victoria. As a CRICOS-registered institution, it meets Australian government standards for delivering courses to international students. The course includes a substantial work component of 480 hours, providing practical experience in Australian early childhood centres. HeadStart Academy is your free resource for exploring CRICOS-registered courses and providers; all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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This Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8) is in the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101). It equips graduates with advanced skills to work with children from birth to five years, covering curriculum design, inclusive practices, and family engagement. Students learn to critically evaluate early childhood theories and apply them in diverse settings. The course is a single qualification, not dual or foundation studies. As a higher education course, it does not have a VET national code. The language of instruction is English, and international students must meet English language requirements (IELTS 5.5-6.0 overall). The indicative tuition fee is A$30,000, with additional non-tuition fees of A$2,500, totaling approximately A$32,500. These fees are set by the provider and subject to change; always check Polytechnic Institute Australia's website for current fees. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges are not included. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, ensuring diverse study options. HeadStart Academy provides this information free of charge, with no referral fees.
The Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood focuses on advanced concepts in early childhood education, including child psychology, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and leadership in early learning environments. Students explore contemporary research on child development, cultural responsiveness, and ethical practices. The program typically includes theoretical coursework combined with practical application. While exact subjects vary, graduates are prepared to take on roles such as early childhood teachers, centre directors, or policy advisors. The field of education (07) is a priority area in Australia, with strong demand for qualified early childhood professionals. Polytechnic Institute Australia's course is designed to meet national quality standards, and international graduates may be eligible for post-study work visas, subject to visa conditions.
The course duration is 1 year (52 weeks) on the CRICOS register. It is delivered full-time in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The study mode is face-to-face at the provider's campuses. International students should note that student visa (Subclass 500) conditions require satisfactory course attendance and progress. The course is a single qualification at AQF Level 8, which is a graduate diploma.
Tuition fee: A$30,000. Non-tuition fees (including materials, excursions, or administrative charges): A$2,500. Estimated total: A$32,500. These are indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd and are subject to change. Always confirm with the provider before applying. Additional costs include OSHC (approx. A$500–A$700 per year for single cover), living expenses (approx. A$21,041 per year as per Department of Home Affairs), and the student visa application charge (currently A$1,600). HeadStart Academy recommends budgeting for these costs when planning your study in Australia. Visit Polytechnic Institute Australia's website (http://www.pia.edu.au/) for the most current fee schedule.
International students typically need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent English language test). Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification, preferably in a related field. Some institutions may consider relevant work experience. For this graduate diploma, prior qualifications in education or early childhood are beneficial but not always mandatory. Check with Polytechnic Institute Australia for specific academic requirements and any pathway options. If you do not meet English requirements, you may consider English language courses (ELICOS) as a pathway. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the provider directly or consulting a registered migration agent for personalised entry advice.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work component of 12 weeks, 40 hours per week (approximately 480 total hours). This work-integrated learning (WIL) involves a supervised professional placement in an early childhood setting, such as a childcare centre or preschool. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop practical skills, and build professional networks. Placements are typically arranged by the provider and may be in locations near the campus. International students on a Subclass 500 visa can undertake this placement as part of course requirements. The work component is integral to meeting Australian professional standards for early childhood educators.
This course is delivered at four campuses: - 107 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 (Parramatta, NSW) - Level 1, 363 King Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003 (West Melbourne, VIC) - Level 1, West, 237 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220 (Geelong, VIC) - Level 16, 233 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (Sydney, NSW)
Parramatta is a major business district in Western Sydney, with a large student population and excellent public transport connections. Sydney CBD campus is in the heart of the city, surrounded by cultural attractions. West Melbourne is close to the Melbourne CBD, while Geelong is a regional city about an hour from Melbourne with a growing education sector. Each location offers unique lifestyle and cost-of-living factors. For example, weekly rent in Sydney ranges from A$300–$500, while Geelong is more affordable at A$200–$350. All campuses are accessible by public transport. Choose a location that suits your budget and preferences. HeadStart Academy's location pages provide detailed insights, including number of CRICOS-registered providers in each city.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time in Australia. Key requirements include: proof of enrolment (Confirmation of Enrolment – CoE), genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, sufficient funds, English proficiency, and OSHC. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to current visa conditions). Visa conditions also require maintaining course attendance and progress. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet requirements. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring tuition fee protection and consumer rights.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood at Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy's course explorer to filter by course level (Graduate Diploma), field (Education), and city (Sydney, Parramatta, West Melbourne, Geelong). Verify the provider's CRICOS code (03535M) and course code (117458E).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution. Visit Polytechnic Institute Australia's website (http://www.pia.edu.au/) to check entry requirements, English test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results, and any required documents. Submit an online application or through an authorised education agent.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application online through ImmiAccount. Include evidence of GTE, OSHC, financial capacity, and English proficiency. Await visa decision (processing times vary). Then plan your travel and accommodation in Australia.
When choosing a campus location, consider your preference for a big city versus a regional area. Sydney and Parramatta offer vibrant multicultural environments, extensive public transport, and many international students. Living costs are higher but part-time work opportunities are abundant. West Melbourne and Geelong provide a more laid-back lifestyle with lower living expenses. Geelong, for example, has a growing student community and easy access to natural attractions. All campuses are close to essential amenities. HeadStart Academy's state pages (e.g., /states/nsw) offer detailed guides on studying in New South Wales and Victoria, including lists of registered providers and cost-of-living breakdowns. Whichever location you choose, you'll benefit from Australia's high-quality education system and student support services.
Explore more Graduate Diploma courses in Education on HeadStart Academy, or visit the Polytechnic Institute Australia website to apply.
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Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood is a CRICOS-registered programme at Polytechnic Institute Australia 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.