Study to be an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teacher in Australia
Australia has a very large and highly-regulated Early Childhood Education and Care sector. In other countries this industry might be referred to as preschool, nursery school, or pre-kindergarten. In Australia it is often referred to as 'kindy'.
Early childhood education covers birth to 5 years old. However, for early childhood teachers holding a bachelor, some states also include early primary. This level of education helps children prepare for the transition to full-time school and develops their learning & social skills. day may include painting and drawing, being read books, drama and dance, playing outdoors developing coordination and physical skills, and art classes. They learn to interact with other children and follow structured routines/activities.
Due to the high cost of l often resulting in both parents working, more and more Australian families a rely on early childhood centres. The Australian government's Child Care Subsidy (CCS) scheme sees up to 90% of childcare education costs covered for many families. As a result, the high demand for teachers is expected to grow into the future. As a result, gaining a qualification in this industry may lead to skilled migration opprtunities.
Study Early Childhood Education on a Student Visa
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education & Care
This entry-level course is studied at the Vocational Education and Training (VET) level.
Potential roles:
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Early Childhood Educator
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Early Childhood Assistant Educator
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Family Day Care Educator
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After- Hours Care Educator
The average hourly wage for educators with the Certificate III is approximately $25-$32/hour.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care
This too is studied at the Vocational Education and Training (VET) level. However, it is also available as a Higher Education Diploma, which is more expensive.
The Certificate III is a prerequisite to be allowed to take the Diploma. Most international students will study both courses, as the diploma is considered the industry standard. In addition, attaining a diploma after a minimum of 92 weeks of study could result in the Temporary Graduate 485 Visa (Graduate Work Stream) for the role of Childcare Centre Manager. Please consult with a migration agent or lawyer for any study decisions based on potential for skilled migration.
Each course is one year long. The average price for the two-year combined qualification at the VET level is approximately $18,000-$20,000.
The Diploma at the Higher Education level is approximately $25-$30,000, depending on where you study.
Potential roles when you hold this Diploma:
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Early Childhood Educator
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Family Day Care Coordinator
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Team Leader
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After- Hours Care Coordinator
If you hold a Diploma, you may be eligible for up to 1.5 years of credit towards the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.
The average salary for educators who hold a diploma is approximately $32+/hour, based on government-monitored award wages.
Ensure your degree is recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), as an approved early childhood qualification for Early Childhood Teachers.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
This course is studied at the Higher Education (HE) level.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Is a 4-year degree. Ensure your degree is recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), as an approved early childhood qualification for Early Childhood Teachers.
Potential roles:
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Early Educator Director
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Early Childhood Teacher
The average salary for teachers who hold a bachelor is approximately $70,000-$100,000+, based on government-monitored award wages and experience.
As with any bachelor degree, graduates may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Post-Higher Education Work Stream).
On average, the tuition is approximately $90,000-$140,000, spread over 4 years, depending on the education provider and any scholarships (reducing the price substantially).
Master of Early Childhood Education
Graduates of this Masters are eligible for teaching registration.
Good news ... any bachelor qualification ( from any field) makes you eligible to study this course, and results in an Australian teaching registration. It is the perfect course if you want to to change careers or are seeking a possible pathway to futher visas in Australia.
The Master of Early Childhood Education Is a 2-year degree.
Ensure your degree is recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), as an approved early childhood qualification for Early Childhood Teachers.
Possible roles:
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Centre Director
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Early Childhood Teacher
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Pre-school Teacher
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Education Policy Advisor
The average salary for teachers who hold a masters is approximately $80,000-$100,000+, based on government-monitored award wages and experience.
As with any masters degree, graduates aged 35 or under may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Post-Higher Education Work Stream).
On average, the tuition is approximately $90,000-$140,000, spread over 4 years, depending on the education provider and any scholarships (reducing the price substantially).
Opportunities for Graduates
A shortage of around 21,000 Early Childhood Teachers (ECTs) in Australia, identified by Jobs and Skills Australia. It is driven by several issues affecting both supply of qualified teachers and growing demand for early childhood education.
Reasons for so many job openings include:
1. High Staff Turnover (Up to 30% Leaving the Industry)
A significant proportion of early childhood educators leave the profession each year. This turnover happens because of:
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Low pay compared with other professions requiring similar qualifications
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High workload, including administrative tasks, planning, and compliance requirements
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Limited career progression
When experienced educators leave, services must constantly recruit and train new staff, increasing the overall workforce gap.
2. Rising Demand for Childcare
The cost of living in Australia has increased, which means many families require two incomes to manage household expenses. As a result:
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More parents return to work earlier after having children
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More children are enrolled in early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres
This rapidly increases the demand for qualified ECTs, especially as regulations require specific educator-to-child ratios and qualified teachers in services.
3. Higher Pay in Other Industries
Graduates with education or childcare-related qualifications may choose careers in:
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Primary school teaching
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Corporate training or education roles
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Community services
These sectors often offer higher salaries, more stable hours, and better benefits, making them more attractive than early childhood teaching.
4. Population Growth
Australia’s population continues to grow due to:
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Natural population growth
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Migration
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More families means more young children, which increases the need for early childhood services and qualified teachers.
5. High Burnout Rates
Early childhood education can be emotionally and physically demanding. Educators often face:
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Long hours
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High responsibility for children's safety and development
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Behaviour management
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Staff shortages that increase workload
These conditions can lead to burnout, causing educators to leave the profession earlier than expected.
6. Shortage in Regional and Remote Areas
Regional and rural communities face additional challenges:
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Fewer training institutions nearby
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Limited housing and relocation support
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Smaller candidate pools
As a result, services in these areas struggle to recruit and retain qualified ECTs, contributing significantly to the national shortage.
Can Early Childhood Education Qualifications Lead to Skilled Migration in Australia?
Yes, possibly. Studying an Early Childhood Education teaching qualification in Australia may open pathways to skilled migration.
Graduates with the right qualifications, work experience, and skills assessments may become eligible for certain occupations listed on Australia’s skilled occupation lists.
Important Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered migration advice.
Immigration laws and eligibility requirements may change.
For advice based on your personal situation, please consult a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer.
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Skilled Occupations Related to Early Childhood Education
As of March 2026, graduates with an approved teaching qualification, a positive skills assessment, and relevant work experience may be eligible for occupations listed on Australia’s skilled migration lists.
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
Occupations currently listed include:
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Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher
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Child Care Worker
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Child Care Centre Manager
These roles are recognised as priority occupations due to ongoing workforce shortages in the early childhood education sector.
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
The following early childhood roles appear on the MLTSSL, which may provide access to longer-term skilled migration pathways:
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Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher
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Child Care Centre Manager
Occupations on this list may be eligible for certain skilled visa programs, depending on migration requirements at the time of application.