Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching
Course code: GD-ECTCH
January, April, October
AUD $36,000 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available
Access Melbourne is available
April, October
AUD $52,000 (2026 indicative first year fee)
IELTS 7.0: with no band less than 7.0
Career outcomes
Overview
Your future career starts at Melbourne
Upon completing the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching, graduates are ready for the challenging work of being an early childhood educator and are greatly sought after by centres and schools in our extensive network. You will graduate ready to operate in the multi-disciplinary early childhood field involving care, education and health.
Key career outcomes
- Become a skilled and effective early childhood educator. Register to work in Australian early childhood education and care settings as an early childhood educator. You can also register with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as an early childhood teacher, to teach children to the age of five years.
- Upskill to step into an education leadership role. Build on your existing skills as an experienced early childhood educator to prepare for a leadership role, or to step into policy or management.
- Discover the versatility of the early childhood sector. You could work as a playgroup leader, a teacher in a bush kinder, or you could start your own early childhood program. You could also find a rewarding career in one of the other areas outlined below.
Where can studying early childhood education take you?
As well as allowing you to register as an educator, a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching can also lead to roles in:
- Government services such as children’s services coordination and education policy
- Health services such as youth wellbeing services
- Education services such as assessment and evaluation services, or early intervention for children with special needs
- Regulatory authorities such as quality regulation and assessment.
Accreditation
The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching is accredited by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Graduates may apply for registration to work in Australian early childhood education and care settings. Graduates are also eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
Industry connections
You will build community and teaching connections, ready for your career in early childhood education.
- Our extensive network of schools and early childhood centres connects you directly with future employers.
- Build a network of professional connections through 60 days of placement across multiple early childhood education settings.
- Learn from globally recognised early childhood education and care experts, and expand your industry knowledge and networks.
Career support
Plan and achieve your goals with our career support services. Access these services to build your confidence and improve your career readiness while studying.
Support includes:
- Personalised career consultations
- Workshops on resume writing, LinkedIn optimisation, and interview skills
- Access to an exclusive job portal connecting students to industry opportunities
- Networking events with alumni and professionals.
Hear from Jayson Cooper, a lecturer in the program, about his career as an early childhood educator.
Explore further graduate coursework
Once you’ve completed the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching, you could go on to study a range of other graduate coursework programs to further inform your teaching practice or educational leadership, such as:
- Master of Education
- Master of Learning Intervention
- Master of Instructional Leadership
- Master of Education in Evidence-Based Teaching
Make a difference through graduate research
Build on your graduate diploma to pursue a graduate research qualification, such as a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Research or through the Master of Education’s research option. Supported by a globally connected research community, you’ll collaborate with supervisors, experts and peers who share your passion for discovery and impact.
Through regular connection with peers, researchers and our global network of industry partners, you’ll develop strong connections with community and industry that open the door to an outstanding future.
Explore graduate research at Melbourne
Profile
Maria Frial
“You will be challenged and at times doubt yourself and your capabilities, but if you take it one day at a time and keep an open and learning mindset, you will come out more confident and highly equipped to do the most important task ever: helping young individuals grow and better themselves every day.”
- Maria Frial, Early Childhood graduate.
Graduate pathways
Once you've completed your undergraduate degree, you can go on to gain employment or begin a graduate degree and work towards a professional qualification such as law, engineering or medicine. Or you could join our graduate research community and contribute to our world-changing research.
Your graduate degree will be internationally recognised, and set you apart from those who study a traditional Australian single or double degree.
Explore the graduate pathways available once you complete your undergraduate degree here.