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Early Childhood Education Courses in Australia
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
International students can study the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (now CHC30125, 160 placement hours), the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (now CHC50125, 280 placement hours) or an early childhood teaching degree. The new Diploma needs a Certificate III in early childhood (or relevant Australian experience) before you start. ACECQA assesses early childhood occupations. Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher and Child Care Centre Manager are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, while Child Care Worker is on the Core Skills list only.
Early Childhood Education Courses at a Glance
| Qualifications | CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care; CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care; Bachelor of Early Childhood Education |
|---|---|
| Work placement | Certificate III at least 160 hours; Diploma at least 280 hours |
| Diploma entry | A Certificate III in early childhood, or an Australian diploma or Certificate III plus 12 months in a regulated service, or skill set CHCSS00147 |
| Skills assessment | ACECQA (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority) |
| Example occupations | Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher 241111, Child Care Centre Manager 134111, Child Care Worker 421111 |
Course Options by Study Level
| Qualification | Level | Typical length | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30125) | AQF 3 (VET) | 1 to 2 years | Educator roles in long day care, kindergarten and outside school hours care |
| Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50125) | AQF 5 (VET) | 1 to 2 years | Diploma-qualified educator and room leader roles |
| Bachelor of Early Childhood Education | AQF 7 | 3 to 4 years | Early childhood teacher roles |
New Qualification Codes and Entry Rules
The Certificate III (CHC30121) and Diploma (CHC50121) have been replaced by CHC30125 and CHC50125. Placement hours stay at 160 and 280. The new Diploma has an entry requirement: you need a Certificate III in early childhood education and care, or an Australian diploma or Certificate III with 12 months of work in a regulated service, or the skill set CHCSS00147. This affects students who planned to start straight at Diploma level.
Visa Pathways for Early Childhood Graduates
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher and Child Care Centre Manager are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. Child Care Worker is on the Core Skills Occupation List only, which suits employer sponsorship but not the vocational 485 stream, because that stream needs an occupation on the Medium and Long-term list. A teaching degree usually gives the strongest pathway.
ACECQA assesses these occupations for migration. Its processing target is 80 days, but ACECQA says actual times are currently much longer, so apply early.
Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists
These occupations are linked to early childhood courses. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skilled lists (15 Oct 2026) | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher | 241111 | MLTSSL, CSOL | ACECQA |
| Child Care Centre Manager | 134111 | MLTSSL | ACECQA |
| Child Care Worker | 421111 | CSOL (ROL for group leaders) | ACECQA |
| Out of School Hours Care Worker | 421114 | CSOL | ACECQA |
Lists: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), ROL (Regional Occupation List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas). Check any occupation in our Occupation Finder.
How to Start
- Choose your course and levelTell us your previous study, English results, budget and career goal. We shortlist courses and providers that fit.
- Check entry rules and approvalConfirm the new Diploma entry requirement and that the qualification is on ACECQA's approved list.
- Check the provider on CRICOSInternational students must study a course registered on CRICOS. The CRICOS duration also matters for the 485 visa, which needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia over at least 16 months.
- Apply and accept your offerApply with your documents, accept the offer, pay the deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. The provider then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Apply for your Student visaLodge your Student visa (subclass 500) with evidence of funds, English and the Genuine Student requirement. Since 2 October 2026 most applicants must apply from outside Australia. See our Student visa guide.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We compare early childhood providers on placements, course packages and progression to a teaching degree, check whether you meet the new Diploma entry rules, and help with your application and Student visa. Our Registered Migration Agent can explain the visa options for each level.
Free tools for students
Related courses and visas
Not sure which early childhood education course or provider suits your goals? Get free course advice, plus Student visa help from a Registered Migration Agent.
Get course adviceSources: CHC30125 on training.gov.au · CHC50125 on training.gov.au · ACECQA migration skills assessment · ACECQA approved qualifications · Home Affairs: 485 Post-Vocational Education Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
What is the new code for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care?
CHC50125. It replaces CHC50121, keeps 280 hours of placement and adds an entry requirement, usually a Certificate III in early childhood education and care.
Can I start the Diploma without a Certificate III?
Only if you hold an Australian diploma or Certificate III and have 12 months of work in a regulated Australian service, or have completed the skill set CHCSS00147. Otherwise you start with the Certificate III.
Is childcare on the skilled occupation list?
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher and Child Care Centre Manager are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. Child Care Worker is on the Core Skills Occupation List only, which is used for employer sponsorship.
Who assesses early childhood occupations?
ACECQA assesses Early Childhood Teacher, Child Care Centre Manager, Child Care Worker and Out of School Hours Care Worker for migration.
How many placement hours are required?
At least 160 hours for the Certificate III and at least 280 hours for the Diploma.
Can a childcare diploma get me a 485 visa?
The vocational 485 stream needs an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. Child Care Worker is not on it, so a Certificate III or Diploma alone usually does not lead to a 485. A bachelor degree in early childhood teaching can lead to the Post-Higher Education Work stream.
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