In 2025, as one of the world’s most culturally diverse, progressive, and education-focused nations, Australia is undergoing a transformative phase in early childhood education.
The federal government has pledged substantial investments, including a $1 billion initiative to build or expand over 160 early education centers, aiming to provide three days of subsidized childcare for families earning less than $530,000 annually.
As a result, the demand for qualified child care centre managers, educators, and support staff has surged. The study projects that Australia will require nearly 100,000 more early childhood educators by 2034, with a significant portion needed in New South Wales.
If you’re passionate about working with children and envision a future in Australia, now is the time to explore this vibrant, purpose-driven career. In this blog, we break down the benefits, qualification process, visa options, and how this pathway can lead to Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia in 2025.
Benefits of Studying Early Childhood Education in Australia
1. High Demand and Job Security
Early childhood educators are among Australia's top 20 in-demand careers. The National Skills Commission projects a 21.6% growth in early childhood teacher PR Australia positions from November 2021 to November 2026. This surge translates to approximately 14,200 new educators needed, ensuring robust job prospects for graduates.
2. High Employability
According to the 2024 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 9 out of 10 graduates in Early Childhood Education in Australia find employment within 3–6 months of completing their qualification. This strong employability is driven by rising demand, government support, and industry-focused training.
3. Competitive Salaries
Qualified early childhood teachers in PR Australia can expect annual salaries ranging from $80,000 to $95,000, reflecting the profession's value and demand. Recent government initiatives have also led to wage increases, enhancing the financial appeal of the sector.
4. Extended Post-Study Work Rights
Recognizing workforce shortages, the Australian government has extended post-study work rights for international graduates in early childhood education:
- Bachelor's degree holders: from 2 to 4 years (5 years in regional areas)
- Master's degree holders: from 3 to 5 years (6 years in regional areas)
These extensions offer graduates sufficient time to gain relevant experience and pursue permanent residency pathways.
5. Pathway to Permanent Residency
Early childhood teachers are listed on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making them eligible for several early childhood education PR pathway options:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent visa
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated visa
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
- Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for early childhood education in Australia, applicants must:
- Study at a CRICOS-approved institution if you're an international student.
- Obtain a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for your state or territory.
- Hold a current First Aid certificate (HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting).
- Meet English language requirements (e.g., IELTS overall 7.0, no band less than 6.5).
- Register with ACECQA or the relevant teacher registration board for teaching roles.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from ACECQA, AITSL, or VETASSESS for migration purposes.
- Have up-to-date vaccinations (e.g., COVID-19, flu, Hepatitis A & B as per employer/state requirements).
- Pass background and police checks (Australian and from home country if applicable).
- Demonstrate good physical and mental health for working in child care settings.
Step-by-Step Process on How to Become an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia
Step 1: Choose Your Qualification
Select from:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (entry-level)
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (advanced, often includes Cert III)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (required for teaching roles)
Step 2: Enrol in a CRICOS-Approved Institution
- To study early childhood education in Australia, choose a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or university listed on the CRICOS website.
- Make sure your early childhood education and care courses meet Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) standards.
Step 3: Apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- Meet English proficiency (IELTS 5.5–6.5, depending on early childhood education courses for international students in Australia).
- To study early childhood education in Australia, provide a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider.
- Show Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) proof, financial capacity, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Step 4: Complete Practical Placements
- All qualifications require mandatory work placements (typically 120–240 hours) in approved child care centres.
- These provide hands-on experience and are crucial for future employability in early childhood education in Australia.
Step 5: Apply for a Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- Obtain a WWCC or Blue Card, depending on your state.
- This clearance is legally required before working with children.
Step 6: Get First Aid and CPR Certified
- Complete HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting, including asthma and anaphylaxis management.
Step 7: Apply for Part-Time or Full-Time Work
- After completing Certificate III or Diploma, you can work up to 48 hours/fortnight (during studies) or full-time on a post-study work visa.
- Join the workforce as an:
- Early childhood educator
- Room leader
- Centre assistant
- Nominated supervisor
- Eventually, the Child Care Centre Manager or Early Childhood Teacher for PR Australia.
Step 8: Apply for a Skills Assessment
- After gaining qualifications and relevant experience for early childhood education in Australia, apply to:
- ACECQA (for educators)
- AITSL (for teachers)
- VETASSESS (for centre managers)
A positive skills assessment is required for skilled migration visas.
Step 9: Apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- After graduation, apply for a post-study work visa to gain Australian work experience.
- Use this time to accumulate experience for your permanent residency pathway.
Step 10: Apply for Skilled Migration or Employer-Sponsored Visa
Choose from:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
All options require skills assessment, an English test, and work experience.
Early Childhood Education PR Pathway Opportunity
As of 2025, pursuing a career in early childhood education is one of the most effective ways for international students and skilled migrants to obtain permanent residency in Australia.
With increasing demand, government support, and inclusion on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), this field offers a stable and clear pathway toward settlement.
Suppose you're offered a full-time role as a child care educator or centre manager. In that case, you may be eligible for Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) PR after gaining at least 2–3 years of relevant experience.
To Conclude
The demand for qualified early childhood educators, teachers, and child care centre managers in Australia is not just a trend—it’s a critical national priority backed by strong government support and long-term employment projections.
With over 30% growth in the past five years and the inclusion of these professions on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), this field offers a rewarding career along with a clear and achievable pathway to permanent residency (PR).
So, are you ready to secure a stable life in Australia with PR benefits? Then connect with Visafast - A leading migration consultancy in Adelaide. With a team of skilled professionals & helping various students & professionals settle in Australia, we can assist you as well.
Book a free consultation call today & let’s get started.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What are the best early childhood education courses for international students in Australia?
All must be CRICOS-approved for student visa eligibility.
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (1.5–2 years)
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (3–4 years)
- Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching (for degree holders)
- Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
- Master of Education (Early Childhood
2. What are the best early childhood education programs in Australia for PR?
Early childhood education and care courses that lead to occupations on the MLTSSL like:
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching
- Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education
- Master of Teaching (Early Childhood
- Master of Education (Early Childhood
Studying in regional areas also increases PR chances via 491/190 visas.
3. What are the best early childhood education career opportunities in Australia?
- Early Childhood Educator
- Child Care Centre Manager
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Educational Leader
- Inclusion Support Educator
All have high demand and PR potential.
4. How long does it take to become an early childhood teacher in Australia?
- Diploma + Work Experience: Around 2–3 years (for educator roles, not teacher-registered)
- Bachelor’s Degree: 3–4 years full-time (direct path to teacher registration)
- Graduate Diploma: 1–1.5 years (after a bachelor's in any field)
- Master’s Degree: 5–6 years total (bachelor’s + 2 years master’s + possible work experience)
