- 1 year part-time
- External
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 2,312
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- Expand your teaching expertise to deliver learning that makes a life-long difference. Gain the skills to deliver crucial early childhood and Kindergarten learning with UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Early Childhood Education and Care.
- Become qualified to deliver essential learning to children aged from birth to 5 years of age. This degree is an approved Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
- Build on your existing expertise – this qualification is an ideal option for primary or secondary teachers who want to move into the early childhood education space, or for rural educators who need to be adaptable and multi-skilled in communities with limited teaching resources.
- Understand the critical importance of the first five years of life in shaping brain development, and recognise how supportive, nurturing environments build the foundation for future learning, health and life success.
Personable
My favourite thing about studying at UniSQ is how personable it is and how important you are as a student. I was always worried that going to university would be about big classes and having to scramble to keep up with the lectures.
Georgia
Career outcomes
This degree suits teachers who want to broaden their career opportunities and be qualified for in-demand prior-to-school kindergarten and long day care career vacancies. This qualification also suits those wishing to pursue management or advisory positions within education settings to work with children from birth to 5 years of age.
Professional accreditation
This degree is an approved Early Childhood Teacher (ECT) qualification with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
What you'll study
To graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Early Childhood Education and Care, you must successfully complete 4 units of study.
Degree structure
A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Degree requirements
Placements
A student of the Graduate Certificate of Early Education and Care, you will embark on the following professional placements:
- 20 days with children aged 3-5 (Kindergarten)
- 10 days with children aged from birth – 35 months
- 30 days with children before they start formal schooling or another approved context.
Other study options
At UniSQ, we support busy, modern learners wanting to start or progress in their careers. Whatever your goals, we offer flexible study options such as opportunities to upskill without committing to a full degree.
Discover UniSQ’s industry-driven short courses.
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in any discipline, including a three-year education degree, from a recognised tertiary institution
or - a relevant diploma and a minimum of five years' of documented, relevant work experience in a leadership position in an early childhood setting (e.g. Activity Group Leader, Head Teacher, Centre Director, Educational Leader, Group Leader).
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet these requirements throughout your studies.
Some childcare centres may require evidence of vaccination prior to undertaking professional experience at the site.
State law in Queensland (Australia) requires that all adults working/undertaking professional experience/researching with children under the age of 18, are required to hold a current Positive Exemption Card (Blue Card) or hold a valid Working with Children Check. Students in other Australian states or in overseas contexts need to ensure they have complied with the equivalent requirements and have registered the details with the UniSQ Education Placement Office.
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (4 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
Placement courses may incur some additional costs, including uniform and equipment, transport to and from venues and, in some instances, living expenses, particularly for placements in rural and remote settings
Payment options
You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.
You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2025 | Monday 10 February | Monday 3 February | Monday 10 February |
| Trimester 2, 2025 | Monday 26 May | Monday 19 May | Monday 26 May |
| Trimester 3, 2025 | Monday 8 September | Monday 1 September | Monday 8 September |
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 16 February | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
More information on application key dates is available.
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:
- interviews and selection criteria
- CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
- referee reports.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.
Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Available 5 days a week
Chat now
Freecall
1800 269 500
Email us at study@unisq.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you do! To complete this postgraduate Education and Teaching Grad Cert, you must hold an undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher education qualification in primary or secondary education, which leads to teaching registration.
For specific information, please view the entry requirements section of this page.
The opportunities for practical experience will vary depending on where you choose to study your Grad Cert in Early Childhood.
At UniSQ, when you study our Graduate Certificate of Early Childhood Education and Care, you will benefit from 60 days of professional experience, including 10 days with children under three years of age and a minimum of 20 days with children aged three to five and 30 days with children before they start formal schooling.
Yes! At UniSQ, you can study our Grad Cert of Early Childhood Education and Care as an external student, learning your subject theory online, and attend campus when required for practical experience and residential schools. You can choose to study full-time or part-time, allowing you to balance your degree with work and life commitments.
Discover the different ways to study at UniSQ.
