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
Entry requirements
Domestic student
You're considered a domestic student if you're an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or have a permanent humanitarian visa. This applies even if you're studying abroad or have dual Australian citizenship.
International student
You are considered an international student if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or New Zealand.
Admission criteria
To be considered for entry into this course, you must:
- Have completed a bachelor degree (AQF7) or equivalent in any discipline.
Or
- Have completed a diploma degree (AQF5) or equivalent in any discipline.
And - Have five years of documented relevant experience in a leadership position in an early childhood setting.
Relevant experience is measured in full-time years but may be completed within a part-time equivalent timeframe.
Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.
English language requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
| Cards (stat) | |
|---|---|
|
IELTS 7.0 |
with writing 7.0; speaking 7.0; reading 7.0; listening 7.0 |
|
TOEFL 91 |
with writing 26; speaking 24; reading 22; listening 22 |
|
PEARSON 72 |
with writing 75; speaking 76; reading 72; listening 72 |
|
CAMBRIDGE 178 |
with writing 193; speaking 194; reading 179; listening 175 |
|
LANGUAGECERT ACADEMIC 73 |
with writing 78; speaking 82; reading 71; listening 67 |
|
MET 62 |
with writing 74; speaking 59; reading 63; listening 61 |
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE); LanguageCert Academic; Michigan English Test. If a test displays N/A, it is not accepted for this course.
Higher English standards than those normally required for admission to graduate study at the University of Melbourne may be needed for eligibility for Australian teacher registration on graduation.
About selection
As part of your application, you must also:
- Provide a curriculum vitae (CV) detailing relevant education, work experience, skills and achievements
- Attend an interview (if shortlisted)
- Provide a folio of work demonstrating professional experience and skills relevant to the course, if relevant
All applicants must also complete the Initial Teacher Education Assessment. Details of the selection test are available on the Faculty of Education’s Initial Teacher Education Assessment (iTEA) website.
Missing information or documents may result in your application being deemed ineligible.
When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic performance
- Performance in test or examination
- Assessment of folio
- Performance at an interview, if relevant
- Motivation to complete the course, if relevant
- Capacity to complete the course, if relevant
The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Additional information
You must have a valid Working with Children Check prior to the commencement of the practicum subjects, and for the duration of this course.
Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)
We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.
GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.
Advanced Standing
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).
For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.
Need more information on the University’s general entry requirements?