Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education

No, the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is delivered fully online for all new students, using live online classes via Microsoft Teams as well as flexible online units you can complete in your own time. However, all students — regardless of delivery mode — are required to complete 60 days of face-to-face placement at an approved early childhood service as part of the course. Students enrolled in the online delivery mode are not eligible for a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

You will complete two separate 30-day placements totalling 60 days of supervised professional experience. Professional Experience I involves 30 days with preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years old, and Professional Experience II involves 30 days with infants and toddlers aged 6 weeks to 2 years. Placements are completed in Trimester 2 and 3 during the study period. Acknowledge Education will organise placements for all students who are available to complete their placement in line with the scheduled study period. If you prefer to arrange your own placement, you must notify placement@ae.edu.au as soon as possible after your course commences.

Yes, the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education is accredited by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and sits at AQF Level 8. Graduates may apply for registration and work in Australian early childhood education and care settings with children from birth to age five, and are also eligible to apply for registration as an early childhood teacher with their state teacher regulatory authorities, subject to meeting state or territory regulatory requirements. Career outcomes include roles such as Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher, Qualified Educator, Educational Leader, Service Director, and Area Manager.

For international students, the indicative total tuition fee is $21,500 for the online delivery mode ($2,687.50 per unit x 8 units), plus an administration fee of $250. The blended delivery option, which is no longer available for new enrolments, was priced at $25,960 ($3,245 per unit x 8 units). Domestic students should view the fee details on the Acknowledge Education website.

Yes, students are encouraged to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) — also known as exemptions — for studies completed at another higher education provider, as well as relevant industry work experience. Your eligibility and quantity of exemptions will be determined by factors such as the similarity of your prior completed studies with your Acknowledge Education course, and the equivalence of your prior studies and/or experience with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Approved exemptions may reduce the overall cost and study load (duration) of your course. You must complete an RPL application form and submit it with all supporting evidence, including subject outlines, certified English translations of your qualification and academic transcript, and a recent CV/resume and work references.