Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Name: Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Price: <a href='#fees-and-scholarships'> Commonwealth supported place </a> AUD

VU course code: ETEC | CRICOS: 111750E, 113574M | Level of study: Postgraduate

Duration

0.5 years full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

In Person

Fees

Commonwealth supported place

Location

Sydney Campus, City Campus, Brisbane Campus

All start dates

Overview

Learn about the practice of teaching young children from birth to 5 years, with a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education.

The course introduces key concepts for teaching young children in early childhood education settings.

You will complete four units to gain expertise in the concept of responsive teaching, focusing on different ways of knowing, being and doing in the Australian context.

On course completion, you’ll understand how to create rich and varied learning opportunities in early childhood settings. You’ll learn about teaching and learning approaches that are based on sound ethical principles, reciprocal relationships, and children and families as capable contributors.

Those wishing to register as an early childhood teacher will need to pathway from the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education into the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Exhibit an introductory body of knowledge of early childhood pedagogy in relation to the changing nature of education in a rapidly evolving global context;

Understand how to create learning opportunities in particular areas that embrace a rich and varied curriculum, ensuring learning and teaching approaches are based on sound ethical principles and foster reciprocal relationships in early childhood settings;

Critically review different ways of knowing, being and doing founded on the view of children as capable contributors to pedagogical decision-making in learning and teaching.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course. We call this a ‘pathway’.

For PhD applicants, we offer a related ‘Integrated PhD’ which allows you to establish relevant skills before beginning your research.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education students will be required to complete:

48 credit points Core units

Units

Fees & scholarships

University fees vary, depending on how much the government contributes towards course costs (if anything).

Read below to find out about the fee ‘type’, the estimated yearly tuition costs for this course, and the financial support on offer (including our generous scholarship program).

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

A Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education provides you with an introduction to the field of teaching in early childhood education.

If you wish to register as an early childhood teacher in Victoria, you will need to complete the remaining content from the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

FURTHER STUDIES (PATHWAYS)

Start dates

Melbourne

On campus – Melbourne City Campus

Course starts 27 April 2026

Applications close 19 April 2026

Course starts 27 July 2026

Applications close 19 July 2026

Course starts 28 September 2026

Applications close 20 September 2026

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information on this page, please note that dates are subject to change. Some courses may close early due to an earlier start date or there being limited places available.