Please see below for updates on the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education offered by AE Education Group (Stott’s Colleges).

Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education

• CRICOS Code:116494J
• Start Date:May, September
• Course Duration:1 year
• Campus:Melbourne, Sydney, Online Learning
• Tuition Fee:$3,150 per unit, total of 8 units, totaling $25,200
• Administration Fee:$250
• Initial Deposit (Domestic Students in Australia):$3,400

Professional Accreditation: This course is accredited by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Study Mode

A. On-campus Learning

• Students are required to take 2-3 courses per semester, with each course consisting of 2 hours of lectures + 1 hour of tutorials per week, except for placement units.
• An additional 7 hours of self-study per course per week is recommended.
• First Semester: Requires on-campus attendance 1 day per week.
• Second and Third Semesters (during placement): Additional attendance days are required based on the placement schedule.

B. Online Self-paced Learning

• Students in the online learning mode must complete on-campus placements in the second and third semesters.

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements:Applicants must hold an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.

English Requirements:If the bachelor's degree was not completed in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Canada, or Ireland, students must meet one of the following minimum English requirements:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.5 (Overall score reduced!!)
• PTE: Overall score of 58 with no band less than 53
• Or other equivalent English test scores

Placement Arrangements (Field Education Placements)

This course is designed to develop students' practical industry skills, ensuring they gain real work experience during their studies and have the opportunity to work in Australian early childhood education centers.

Students will complete two 30-day professional placements in the second and third semesters:

• Professional Placement I: 30 days with preschool children (3-5 years old)
• Professional Placement II: 30 days with infants and toddlers (6 weeks - 2 years old)

Melbourne & Sydney Campuses: We will arrange high-quality early childhood education center placements for students.
Online Learning Students: May need to find their own placement institutions. For details, please contact the Placement Coordinator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🔹 Q: I completed my undergraduate degree in Australia. Do I still need to provide English test scores?
A: No, your degree meets the English requirement.

🔹 Q: Are there additional fees for placements?
A: No, placement fees are included in the tuition fee.

🔹 Q: If I am studying online from Perth, can AE arrange a local placement for me?
A: No, but AE can assist you in finding a suitable placement institution. Currently, there is a high demand in the early childhood education industry, and most students can easily find placement opportunities.

If you are unable to find one, we will provide further assistance. If a placement still cannot be arranged, AE will arrange one for you in Melbourne or Sydney.

🔹 Q: I am studying at the Melbourne campus. Will AE arrange a placement for me?
A: Yes, we will arrange high-quality early childhood education center placements for students. If students prefer to arrange their own, they can contact institutions directly, and we will provide assistance.

🔹 Q: Can I apply for RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)?
A: Possibly. Please submit your academic documents, and our academic team will conduct a case-by-case assessment.

🔹 Q: If I am a student visa holder, can my spouse study this course online?
A: Please refer to the Australian Immigration website for information on study rights for student visa dependents.

🔹 Q: Can I study this course online from outside Australia?
A: No, this course is currently only available to students holding an Australian visa. Please check the Australian Immigration website for relevant policies.

Study Mode Options

A. On-campus option

For on-campus option, students will study 2–3 units per trimester, with most on-campus units (except placement units) consisting of two hours of lectures and one hour of tutorials per week.

Additionally, students should allocate seven hours of personal study per unit each week. In Trimester 1, students will attend campus one day per week. However, during the placement period in Trimester 2 and 3, students will be required to commit additional days as per the placement schedule.

B. Fully Online (Self-paced) option

For fully online option, students will be required to attend your placement face-to-face in Trimester 2 and 3.

Requirements

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to the Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education, students must have an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.

English Requirements

If you have obtained a bachelor’s degree (AQF 7) or equivalent from a countryother thanAustralia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, or the Republic of Ireland, students must meet one of the following minimum English language requirements:

• An overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.5, or
• An overall PTE score of 58 with no individual band score below 53, or
• equivalent AE English placement test

Please visit our website for the Admissions Policy for Overseas Students and Admissions Procedure for Overseas students (Higher Education and VET).

Field Education Placements

The course is structured to maximise students’ opportunities to become work-ready and secure employment in an Australian early childhood education centre during their studies. Students will complete two 30-day placements in Trimester 2 and 3.

Professional Experience I: 30 days with preschoolers (3 to 5 years old)

Professional Experience II: 30 days with infants and toddlers (6 weeks to 2 years)

We will place students in a quality early childhood centre to ensure they learn from the best if they are studying in Melbourne and Sydney. However, if students prefer to arrange their own placement, we make it easy for them. For all details, please talk to our Placement Coordinator.  If students are studying fully online, placements may need to be self-sourced depending on where they live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have completed my Bachelor's degree in Australia. Do I need to sit an English test for admission?
A:No, you will meet the English language requirement if you have completed a bachelor's degree in Australia. Please refer to theAdmissions Procedures for Overseas Studentson our website for more details.

Q: Do I need to pay separately for placement?
A:No, all placement costs are covered in your tuition fee.

Q: If I am studying online from Perth, will AE provide me with a placement in Perth?
A:No.  However, AE provides support to source their own placements.  Given the high demand for early childhood staff, it is highly unlikely that you will be unable to secure a placement. However, if you are unable to do so, we will provide further assistance. In cases where a local placement is not possible, we will arrange one for you in Melbourne or Sydney.

Q: I am studying on campus in Melbourne, can AE arrange a placement for me?

A:We will place students in a quality early childhood centre to ensure they learn from the best. However, if students prefer to arrange their own placement, we make it easy for them.

Q: Can I get Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for my previous qualification?
A:You may be eligible for RPL. Please submit your previous qualifications for assessment by our faculty, who will review your case on an individual basis.

Q: If I am on a student visa, can my spouse study this course online?
A:Please refer to the Australian immigration website for information on study rights for student visa dependents.

Q: Can I study this course online from outside of Australia?
A:No, this course is currently only available to Australian visa holders. Please refer to the Australian immigration website for details on study rights in Australia.

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