Australia offers Early Childhood Education courses with a primary focus on child care and primary education for kids aged 0-8 years. The field is growing in demand in Australia and other parts of the world, and this is why students globally seek qualifications in the arena from top faculty at Australian universities. The programs are designed to help aspiring students prepare to support the overall development of children, interact responsibly with families, and handle learning environments. Learn all about early childhood education programs in Australia, the top universities offering the program, the course fee, the eligibility criteria, and the job prospects after graduation.

Why Study Early Childhood Education in Australia?

Some of the top reasons to pursue early childhood education in Australia are globally recognised degrees, strong demand for qualified educators, and practical training as part of the course curriculum. Additionally, an early childhood education course in Australia paves the way for career advancement opportunities in the country. 

Listed below are some of the most popular reasons international students choose to study early childhood education in Australia:

  • Worldwide recognition: The degree in Early Childhood Education from an Australian university is recognised globally. This makes graduates readily employable across the world.

  • Strong demand: The demand for qualified educators in Australia, especially at the primary level, is on the rise. This is why many students opt for Early Childhood Education programs to find suitable job opportunities after graduation.

  • PR Pathway: Completion of the degree program from a leading Australian study institution may lead to potential Permanent Residency pathways for graduates. This is another reason to choose the course for several international students.

Early Childhood Education in Australia for Sri Lankan Students

The Early Childhood Education course in Australia focuses on equipping aspiring international students with practical skills and hands-on experience in the field of educating children from birth to age 5. The course is available at different study levels - from Certificate courses and Bachelor’s degrees to Graduate Diplomas - enabling students to pursue potential careers in the field and even apply for permanent residency (PR) in Australia.

Cost of Studying Early Childhood Education in Australia for Sri Lankan Students  

The average Early Childhood Education fees are estimated at AUD 16,100 per semester (approx). The exact cost of pursuing the program is bound to vary from one institution to another in Australia, depending on the level of study, qualification pursued, and other factors. 

Note that the figures above are indicative and represent the Early Childhood Education tuition fee for a Bachelor’s degree at a leading Australian university. The cost of the course would differ for other institutions.

Related Source: https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-early-childhood-education-ebec/international

Eligibility Criteria to Study Early Childhood Education in Australia

The key admission requirements for Early Childhood Education courses at Australian universities are a minimum of a higher secondary education certificate (or an overseas equivalent), proof of English proficiency, such as an IELTS test score, and other specific requirements, as specified by the institution.

While these criteria may vary from one university to another, some of the commonly accepted requirements are:

  • Completion of a senior secondary certificate of education (or an equivalent qualification overseas) for a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

  • Meeting the desired IELTS requirement to study in Australia, or as defined by the specific institution that you apply to, an overall 6.5 is preferred, with no test band less than 6.0

  • Completion of a Bachelor’s in preferably primary or secondary teaching (for PG courses)

  • An overall score of 7.5 in IELTS, with no band lower than 7.0 (for PG programs)

Top Universities to Study Early Childhood Education in Australia     

Some of the best Early Childhood Education universities in Australia include the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and the University of Sydney, among others. These institutions consistently rank high on global university ranking platforms in the field of Early Childhood Education. 

The table below lists the names and respective rankings of some of the top universities that offer Early Childhood Education courses in Australia to aspiring international students: 

University 

QS World University Ranking 2025 for Education

The University of Melbourne

16

The University of Sydney

26

Monash University

30

The University of Queensland

=41

Deakin University

50

The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

62

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

101-150

Australian National University (ANU) 

101-150

The University of Adelaide

101-150

The University of Newcastle

101-150

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/education-training?countries=au

Career Prospects in Australia After Pursuing Early Childhood Education

The Australian education sector offers a wide variety of childhood education jobs to eligible graduates in Early Childhood Education courses in the country. These include suitable roles in day care centres, kindergartens, and early learning centres, among others. 

The table below highlights some of the most-preferred career opportunities for Early Childhood Education graduates in Australia:

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (Approx)

Early Childhood Teacher

AUD 89,070

Early Years Educator

AUD 92,056

Childcare Centre Director

AUD 78,742

Education Coordinator

AUD 112,059

Childcare Worker

AUD 66,868

Related Sources: https://au.indeed.com/career/early-childhood-teacher/salaries

https://au.indeed.com/career/early-years-educator/salaries

https://au.indeed.com/career/child-care-center-director/salaries?from=top_sb

https://au.indeed.com/career/education-coordinator/salaries?from=top_sb

https://au.indeed.com/career/childcare-provider/salaries

Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP for Studying Abroad

IDP Education can help you explore the path of Early Childhood Education in Australia. Our experts not only help ensure that you pursue the best courses in the area but also offer a wide range of Student Essentials Services to make your stay in Australia the most comfortable after the first few weeks of your arrival. Some of our most student-friendly SES include: 

  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

  • Student banking facility

  • Affordable accommodation

  • Study loans

  • Forex card

FAQs on Early Childhood Education in Australia

1. Are there research opportunities in Master’s programs in Data Science in Australia?

Yes, several Master’s in Data Science courses at Australian universities allow research opportunities to international students. These programs are designed to offer research-specific capstone projects, thesis options, and specialised study streams.

2. Which documents are required to prove financial capacity for a student visa in Australia?

You would need to submit loan approval letters for study loans and bank statements to prove sufficient financial capacity to study in Australia. In case of scholarship assistance, you need to produce notarised letters of sponsorship and scholarship award letters.

3. Can I apply for a student visa without a confirmed university admission?

No, it is not possible to apply for a student visa to Australia without receiving a confirmation of admission from an Australian university first.

4. How many hours are Nepali students allowed to work while studying in Australia?

The Australian government permits all international students, including those from Nepal, to work up to a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight during the study term.

5. Which programming skills are required for studying Data Science in Australia?

R and Python are the two essential programming skills required to pursue Data Science courses at Australian universities. Some other programming languages may also be required as per the admission criteria of different universities offering the program. Do check before applying for the course.

6. What is the expected cost of living for Nepali students in Australia?

The average living expenses for international students in Australia are estimated at AUD 29,710 per annum per applicant. The figures are indicative only and may vary from one student to another.

Related Source: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/international/arriving/cost-of-living

7. How many intakes are available for Master’s programs in Data Science in Australia?

Different universities may have different intakes. Most Master’s in Data Science programs, though, have two intakes every year in February and July. Some may have a third intake too, somewhere in late September or early October. It is best to check with the university before applying.

Updated on 17 Sep, 2025