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Top 10+ Government-Accredited Online Childcare First Aid Courses in Australia

Posted on by quickseo

Top 10+ Government-Accredited Online Childcare First Aid Courses in Australia

Online Childcare First Aid Courses Australia

In Australia, every childcare worker must have proper first aid training. This is required by the Education and Care Services National Law. It means all educators and careers need to complete certified courses in first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis management.

The main qualification for this is the HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting course (previously known as HLTAID004). This course is the recognized standard for anyone working with children and teaches how to handle emergencies in childcare and school settings.

All the courses listed below are nationally accredited and approved by ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority). When you complete these, you’ll receive the HLTAID012 certificate along with HLTAID009, HLTAID010, and HLTAID011 units.

These units together cover essential life-saving skills such as CPR for adults, children, and infants, as well as how to manage bleeding, burns, choking, and other common childhood emergencies like asthma attacks, anaphylaxis, and febrile convulsions.

In simple terms, completing this training gives you the right knowledge and an approved certificate to safely care for children and meet all legal and licensing requirements in childcare and education settings.

Visit Now : Certificate III in early childhood education and care

Key Course Features (All Providers)

Nationally Recognised Certification

All the courses listed below give you an official Statement of Attainment for the following nationally recognised first aid units:

  • HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

  • HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support

  • HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

  • HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting (Childcare First Aid)

These qualifications are accepted across Australia and are valid for three years, although the CPR unit (HLTAID009) is usually recommended to be renewed every year.

Child-Focused Curriculum

The HLTAID012 course is designed especially for people working with children and infants. It covers how to handle emergencies like fever, vomiting, dehydration, convulsions, as well as asthma and anaphylaxis management.
Unlike general first aid courses, this one includes child-specific situations that often happen in preschools, childcare centres, and schools. Trainers also use real-life examples and scenarios that reflect what you might experience while working with kids.

ACECQA-Compliant Training

The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) officially recognises HLTAID012 as meeting all the first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis training requirements for people working in childcare or education settings.
So, if you complete an HLTAID012 course, you’ll meet the legal and professional first aid requirements needed for jobs such as teachers, educators, and childcare staff.

Hands-On Practical Training

Every accredited first aid course includes practical skill sessions where you actually practice what you learn. For instance, during CPR training, you’ll perform realistic chest compressions on a manikin that’s placed on the floor just like a real emergency situation.

You’ll also get hands-on experience using AED trainers (defibrillators) and handling scenario-based emergencies such as asthma attacks or choking incidents. These activities help you build confidence and real-life skills you can use when it matters most.

Same-Day Certificates

Most registered training providers (RTOs) issue your digital certificate either immediately or within 24 hours after you complete the course.
That means once you finish the final class or assessment, you can quickly download your official Statement of Attainment—perfect if you need proof of qualification for a new job or childcare position.

Flexible Learning Options

Many training providers now offer blended learning, which combines online theory lessons with a short in-person practical session.
This setup is great for busy people, as you can complete the theory part at home and then attend a short, hands-on workshop at your convenience.
Some providers also have fully in-person or live online (Zoom) courses, allowing you to choose the style that best suits your schedule.

Course Cost and Duration

The cost and duration of childcare first aid courses can vary depending on the provider and delivery method:

  • Cost: From under $100 for short blended courses to a few hundred dollars for full in-person training.

  • Duration: From 3–4 hours (for short or refresher courses) up to 6–8 hours for full-day face-to-face classes.

No matter which option you choose, every accredited HLTAID012 course includes hands-on CPR practice using adult, child, and infant manikins until you’re confident with your skills.

Get Certified for Childcare Work

After successfully finishing the HLTAID012 course, you’ll receive an official Statement of Attainment showing you have completed HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012.

This certificate qualifies you to meet the first aid requirements for working in childcare centres, kindergartens, and schools across Australia.

Visit Now: Certificate III in individual support (ageing and disability)

1. FirstAidPro – HLTAID012 (Childcare First Aid)

FirstAidPro is a national Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that offers a blended HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid course, which combines online theory with a short 2-hour practical session. This course replaces HLTAID004 and is fully approved by ACECQA.

The course covers all HLTAID012 childcare content along with the usual HLTAID011 first aid topics. It includes child-specific situations such as fever, vomiting, and convulsions.

Delivery: You complete online self-paced modules, followed by a 2-hour face-to-face skills workshop. You can also choose a full traditional classroom option.

Duration: Around 3–4 hours of online learning plus 2 hours practical training. Certificates are issued on the same day after assessment.

Units Included:

  • HLTAID009

  • HLTAID010

  • HLTAID011

  • HLTAID012 (Childcare First Aid)

Content Highlights: CPR for infants, children, and adults, basic life support, allergic reactions, asthma, anaphylaxis, bleeding, choking, burns, and common injuries in young children.

Accreditation: The course is nationally recognised under the HLT training package and approved by ACECQA. The certificate meets all childcare first aid requirements across NSW, QLD, WA, and other states.

Pricing: FirstAidPro often offers discounted rates and daily deals. Even at the regular price, this blended course is faster and cheaper than a full-day class.

Also Read: Top 10+ Early Childhood Education Online Courses in Australia (2025) – the only guide you need

2. Red Cross – HLTAID012 First Aid for Teachers & Carers

The Australian Red Cross (RTO #3605) offers the HLTAID012 course in two ways – in-person and blended learning through their “First Aid for Teachers & Carers” program, also known as Education & Care First Aid. This course is designed especially for childcare workers, teachers, and parents of young children.

Course Units

This training includes four nationally recognised units:

  • HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

  • HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support

  • HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

  • HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting

After completing the course, you’ll receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for all four units.

Course Content

The program covers the complete Provide First Aid syllabus, along with child-focused topics. It includes training on asthma and anaphylaxis management for infants, children, and adults, which are essential skills for anyone working in childcare or education.

Delivery Options

The Red Cross offers face-to-face classes (usually full-day sessions) in major cities, as well as blended options in some states. These blended courses combine online pre-learning with a shorter, practical classroom session.

Who It’s For

This course is ideal for childcare educators, kindergarten staff, carers, and parents. The Red Cross mentions that it meets the training requirements for first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis under the National Law for education and care services.

Certification

Once you complete the training, you’ll receive your Statement of Attainment (HLTAID009–012). The Red Cross usually issues certificates on the same day of completion.

Locations

Courses are available across Australia, and the Red Cross also offers group training sessions at workplaces. You can check the Red Cross First Aid website for the latest schedules and locations.

Also Read: Becoming a Qualified Childcare Educator: Which Course is Right for You?

3. St John Ambulance – Education & Care First Aid (HLTAID012)

St John (in NSW, VIC, and other states) offers an Education and Care First Aid course that covers the HLTAID012 unit. This is a complete, one-day first aid course specially designed for people working in childcare.

Delivery:

The course is delivered face-to-face in one full day, with no pre-course work required. St John uses its special SJx training format, which makes the learning process faster and easier with the help of technology while still including all the important hands-on practice sessions.

Price:

The course costs around $245 in both NSW and VIC (prices can vary slightly between states).

Units Covered:

  • HLTAID009

  • HLTAID010

  • HLTAID011

  • HLTAID012

After you finish the course successfully, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment.

Course Content:

This course includes the full standard first aid training, plus extra focus on asthma, anaphylaxis, and common child injuries. St John makes the sessions practical and realistic with scenarios like CPR, choking, and allergic reactions.

Accreditation:

The course is ACECQA-approved and fully meets the Education and Care Services National Regulations for first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis training.

Extras:

St John’s trainers are qualified and experienced many are nurses or paramedics. You can also get your certificate printed on the same day after completing the course. Classes are available at many locations across NSW and VIC (check the St John state websites for details).

Also Read: Top 5 Reasons to Study Disability Course Online with Oxford College

4. Skills Training College – Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012)

Skills Training College (RTO) offers a very affordable HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid course through blended learning.

Cost: $99 (at the time of writing) – one of the cheapest options in Australia.

Delivery: The course is offered in a blended format, which includes an online self-paced theory module and a short face-to-face practical session.

Duration: The in-person session takes around 3.5 hours, and the online part can be completed at your own pace. Certificates are issued on the same day after completion.

Units Included: HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012. These units cover CPR, basic life support, wound care, and childcare-specific first aid.

Approach: Skills Training College focuses on practical, hands-on learning using baby and adult manikins. The course also includes real-life scenarios commonly found in schools and childcare settings. The short in-person time makes it convenient for working adults.

Outcome: This nationally recognised qualification allows you to work in childcare or any educational environment. Even though the course is affordable and short, it fully meets all government and industry standards.

Also Read: Why the Certificate III in Individual Support Online is Perfect for Busy Learners

5. Vital First Aid – HLTAID012 (Education & Care First Aid)

Vital First Aid (RTO 31124) offers the HLTAID012 course designed especially for educators and childcare workers. The course is available in a flexible blended format or as a full classroom option.

In the blended option, students complete an interactive online module followed by a 3.5-hour practical session in person. The online part is adaptive, allowing experienced learners to skip topics they already know, making the in-person training shorter and more focused. Those who prefer a traditional method can choose the 7-hour face-to-face class instead.

The course covers three key units — HLTAID009 (CPR), HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid), and HLTAID012 (Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting). Although HLTAID010 isn’t listed separately, its child-related emergency elements are included within the HLTAID011 content.

Training includes all essential first aid skills with extra focus on child-specific care, especially managing asthma and anaphylaxis in children. The aim is to equip educators with the confidence to handle any child emergency.

Classes are conducted live in Sydney and nearby areas, with onsite training available across Australia. Sessions include realistic role-play activities, and trainers ensure small group sizes for personal attention.

After completing the course, participants receive a Statement of Attainment for HLTAID009, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012, issued by Vital First Aid (RTO 31124).

Also Read: Top Benefits of Completing a Certificate III in Disability Support in Australia

6. Coastal Training College – Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012)

Coastal Training College (Gold Coast) offers a very simple and fast HLTAID012 childcare first aid course.

Price: $130 per person

Format: The course includes online theory and a short in-person practical session. You first complete the free online learning modules, then attend a 90-minute practical assessment. These practical sessions run daily in the Gold Coast and Northern NSW. This setup makes it a quick and convenient option.

Duration: The in-person hands-on session takes only 1½ hours, after you finish the online study. Certificates are issued on the same day you complete the practical.

Units Covered: HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012 — giving you the full childcare first aid qualification.

Content: The course teaches essential first aid skills such as CPR for infants, children, and adults, using an AED, treating asthma and allergic reactions (EpiPen use), and managing wounds, burns, choking, and shock. It meets all the ACECQA and education & care compliance requirements.

Outcome: This course is perfect for people who already have first aid experience or anyone who wants to update their childcare first aid skills quickly. With an affordable price and short duration, it’s a very practical way to earn a nationally recognised HLTAID012 certificate.

7. FirstAidPro Adelaide – Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012)

FirstAidPro Adelaide (RTO #31124) offers a face-to-face HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid course.

Duration: It’s a one-day class that runs for about 6.5 hours in the classroom, and there’s no pre-course work required.

Cost: The course costs around $119 per person, and sometimes they have daily deals that make it even cheaper.

Units Covered: The course includes HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012, giving you the full Childcare First Aid and CPR qualification.

Course Content: It covers comprehensive first aid with extra focus on child-related emergencies, such as fever, vomiting, and febrile convulsions. The training follows Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines and is ACECQA-approved.

Delivery Method: It’s an instructor-led, hands-on class, and you can get your printed certificate on the same day.

Accreditation: The course is nationally recognised, industry-approved, and meets ACECQA requirements for those working in childcare or education settings.

Also Read: Study Options for the Cert III Childcare Online in 2025

8. Australian Training Institute (ATI) – Childcare First Aid (HLTAID012)

ATI (RTO) offers the HLTAID012 course through blended learning.

  • Cost: $120 per person.

  • Format: You start with self-paced online learning that takes about 3 to 6 hours, and then attend a 4-hour face-to-face practical session.

  • Units included: HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011, and HLTAID012.

  • Content: The course teaches all standard first aid skills. It especially focuses on emergencies involving children, such as asthma, anaphylaxis, convulsions, and dehydration. It also includes everything from HLTAID011 and adds more details for infants and children.

  • Accreditation: The course is ACECQA-approved, which means it meets the legal requirements for first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis in childcare.

  • Outcome: After completing the course, students receive a certificate that qualifies them for teaching or childcare jobs. ATI recommends this training for educators and carers, and suggests taking additional official asthma and anaphylaxis units for those in leadership roles.

9. FirstAidPro (ZoomFirstAidCourse) – HLTAID012 (100% Online via Zoom)

FirstAidPro offers a fully online HLTAID012 course that you can do over Zoom. This means you can complete the course entirely from home.

Price: $149 – the pricing is clear and straightforward.

Format: The course is run as live Zoom classes for both theory and practical parts. Before the course, a first-aid kit (including manikins, AED trainer, etc.) is sent to you so you can practice and show your skills on camera.

Units: The course covers HLTAID011 (First Aid) and HLTAID009 (CPR), along with HLTAID012 content through real-life scenarios. After finishing, you get the HLTAID012 Statement of Attainment.

Content: The course focuses on childcare topics like CPR for children, asthma, and anaphylaxis in schools. The interactive format lets you practice on a real manikin while your instructor guides you.

Delivery: You enrol online, complete the theory at your own pace, attend scheduled live Zoom practical sessions, and submit videos of your skills.

Certificate Validity: Your certificate is valid for 3 years. Renewal is possible through reassessment. Group discounts and payment plans are often available.

RTO: The course is run by First Aid Pro (RTO 31124). This is a great option if you want flexibility or live far from a classroom since there is no travel required.

(Additional Accredited Options)

Many local RTOs and TAFEs also offer HLTAID012 training, sometimes called “Childcare First Aid Course” or “First Aid in Education Settings.” For example, Charter (charter.edu.au) and KKT (kktc.com.au) provide government-accredited HLTAID012 courses. When choosing a course, make sure the provider is a registered RTO and that the course includes the HLTAID012 code. Also, check whether the course is online or in a classroom so it fits your schedule.

Comparing Costs and Outcomes

As you can see, prices for courses vary a lot. Quick half-day courses can cost less than $100, while full-day courses usually range from $200 to $300. Cheaper courses may need you to do more learning on your own, but the full-day courses include all the training in person. No matter which course you choose, they all give the same nationally recognised qualifications (HLTAID009–012). You can pick a course based on how you like to learn and what fits your budget. After finishing, you will be fully qualified to work in childcare, preschool, or school settings. The most important thing is that you get a valid first aid certificate and the confidence to handle emergencies with children – exactly what parents and regulators expect.

Meeting Childcare Regulatory Requirements

Completing an HLTAID012-accredited course is a must for anyone working in childcare. The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) says that HLTAID012 (Provide First Aid in an Education & Care Setting) “meets most occupational licensing requirements for teachers, educators, support staff, centre and family day care staff, including first aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training.”

This means that your Statement of Attainment from these courses covers the first-aid requirement for any childcare or Early Childhood Teaching job. Employers in nurseries, daycares, and schools look for this certificate when checking your resume.

By completing an accredited course, you not only meet the rules but also learn life-saving skills. You will practice staying calm in emergencies and know how to respond if a child stops breathing or has a severe allergic reaction. These practical skills, along with a government-backed certificate, make you a stronger candidate. In childcare, having a current HLTAID012 certificate can even be the key factor in getting hired.

In summary, the table below outlines each course’s core details (format, duration, price and certification):

Provider / CourseDelivery ModeDurationUnits AwardedCost (approx.)Notes
FirstAidPro – HLTAID012 Childcare (Online + 2h face)Online modules + 2h practical~4–6 hrs totalHLTAID009/010/011/012Varies (often <$150)ACECQA-approved; same-day cert
Australian Red Cross – First Aid for TeachersFace-to-face or blended1 day (~6.5h)HLTAID009/010/011/012~$150–$200Includes asthma & anaphylaxis
St John Ambulance – Education & Care First AidFace-to-face (1 day)6.5–7 hrsHLTAID009/010/011/012~$245ACECQA-approved; SJx tech format
Skills Training College – HLTAID012Blended (online + short face)~3.5 hrs + onlineHLTAID009/010/011/012$99Very cost-effective; same-day cert
Vital First Aid – HLTAID012Blended (3.5h face + online) or full face3.5–7 hrsHLTAID009/011/012~$100–$200“Reactive” online learning; childcare focus
Coastal Training – HLTAID012Blended (online + 90min face)~1.5 hrs faceHLTAID009/010/011/012$130Tailored to educators; quick renewal option
FirstAidPro Adelaide – HLTAID012Face-to-face (6.5h)6.5 hrsHLTAID009/010/011/012$119Covers child-specific cases
Australian Training Institute – HLTAID012Blended (3–6h online + 4h face)4–8 hrs totalHLTAID009/010/011/012$120Pre/post study; recommended for leaders
FirstAidPro (Zoom) – HLTAID012100% Online (Zoom)~3–4 hrs liveHLTAID009/011 (and HLTAID012)$149Live Zoom sessions; equipment supplied

All of these courses are offered by approved Registered Training Organisations and provide nationally recognised first aid certificates. They all meet the childcare industry’s strict health and safety standards. When choosing a course, think about the location, how it’s delivered, and the cost. For example, some courses are fast and inexpensive, while others are full-day and more detailed. In the end, any accredited HLTAID012 qualification gives you the same opportunities. The most important thing is to complete a current course from a recognised provider so you have the skills to keep children safe and the certification that employers require.

Top 10+ Early Childhood Education Online Courses in Australia (2025) – the only guide you need

Posted on by quickseo

Top 10+ Early Childhood Education Online Courses in Australia (2025) – the only guide you need

Early Childhood Education Online Courses in Australia

If you’re reading this, it means you’re serious about working with young children – or maybe you’re already doing it and want to take your skills to the next level. In 2025, there are more ways than ever to study early childhood education online. You can choose from nationally recognised VET diplomas that you can complete from home, full bachelor’s degrees offered completely online, graduate entry programs for people who already have a degree, and postgraduate courses for those who want to move into leadership or specialist roles.

I’ve done a lot of careful research – checking official course websites, ACECQA listings, government loan and funding lists, and the latest reports about the early childhood sector. Based on all of this, I’ve gathered the best Early Childhood Education Online Courses in Australia. I’ve also included a simple, practical buyer’s guide to help you choose the course that fits your goals, career plans, and lifestyle.

Visit Now : Certificate III in early childhood education and care

Quick reality check – what matters right now

If you want to become an Early Childhood Teacher (a qualified teacher for preschool or kindergarten), you usually need an ACECQA-approved teaching degree. This can be a 4-year bachelor’s degree or an approved graduate entry program. Before you enrol, check ACECQA’s list of approved qualifications.

If you want to work as an early childhood educator (for example, a lead educator or supervisor in long day care or family day care), the standard qualification is the nationally recognised Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121). Many TAFEs and registered training organisations (RTOs) offer this diploma online or as a mix of online and in-person study. The diploma usually includes a work placement of around 280 hours, but the exact requirement can vary by provider.

Funding: University degrees can use FEE-HELP or HELP loans. Many diploma courses may be eligible for VET Student Loans, but the loan limits depend on the course. Always check loan eligibility with the provider before enrolling.

Important note for 2025: Some fast-tracked online teaching courses have recently been questioned about the quality and availability of student placements. Make sure to check how the provider organises placements and look for independent reviews or reports before you sign up.

How I picked these courses

I focused on choosing courses that meet a few important points. First, I looked for courses that are available online or through trusted online learning platforms. Second, I made sure the courses have clear accreditation or official recognition, such as ACECQA or TEQSA approval, where this applies. Third, I checked that the courses explain their work placement or practical training arrangements clearly, so students know what to expect. Fourth, I chose courses that lead to real career outcomes – such as job opportunities, teacher registration pathways, or options to continue into higher study. I also included strong vocational options, like the CHC50121 qualification, as well as postgraduate conversion programs designed for people who already hold a degree.

Visit Now: Certificate III in individual support (ageing and disability)

Top 12 Online Early Childhood Education Online Courses in Australia (2025)

I organized the options based on their main purpose: vocational diplomas, fully online bachelor’s degrees, graduate conversion and master’s programs, and short or professional development courses.

A – Vocational diplomas (work as an educator / supervisor)

1. Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) – Open Colleges (online)

Why: Open Colleges has been offering online courses for a long time and is well known for its flexible, fully online learning. This means you can study anytime and from anywhere, which is great if you’re working or have a busy schedule. They also provide strong student support to help you through the course. Keep in mind that you will still need to complete work placements as part of the diploma.

Provider: OxfordCollege of Health and Technology

Best for: People who are already working in childcare and want to move up from Certificate III, or those changing careers who want a hands-on, job-focused way to get qualified.

2. Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) – TAFE NSW (online/blended)

Why: TAFE NSW offers this nationally recognised diploma with a strong focus on real, practical learning and good connections with the childcare industry. Many TAFE NSW campuses provide both online and blended (online + in-person) options, and they help you organise your work placement. It’s a great choice if you want trusted public TAFE support and possibly access to Fee-Free TAFE funding in NSW.

Provider: TAFE NSW

Best for: Students who want help finding placements locally, prefer learning with support from a public TAFE, and are looking for clear funding or fee-free study options in their state.

Also Read: Becoming a Qualified Childcare Educator: Which Course is Right for You?

3. Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) — TAFE Queensland (online/blended)

Why: TAFE Queensland gives you flexible ways to study, with clear course outlines showing the order of subjects for online learners. They also help arrange placements in many regions, both city and rural. The course is listed under VET Student Loan options, and information about loan caps is easy to find.

Provider: TAFE Queensland

Best for: Students who live in Queensland or anyone who wants to take advantage of the Fee-Free TAFE program in that state.

4. Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121) – Holmesglen Institute (online/blended)

Why: Holmesglen is a large and well-known Victorian TAFE that offers this diploma with online theory classes and strong support for work placements. It’s also part of the Free TAFE program in some states. Holmesglen has special options for online or traineeship delivery, making it ideal for people who are already working in the field.

Provider: Holmesglen Institute

Best for: Students in Victoria or anyone who prefers studying through a TAFE that offers blended learning and supports employed learners through traineeships.

Also Read: Top 5 Reasons to Study Disability Course Online with Oxford College

B – Fully online Bachelor degrees (teacher pathway / 4-year equivalent)

5. Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education and Care) — University of New England (UNE) via Open Universities Australia (100% online)

Why: The University of New England (UNE) is well known for its high-quality distance education. This degree, offered through Open Universities Australia (OUA), is a fully online course that leads to an ACECQA-approved teacher qualification. It is a great choice for people who want to become qualified early childhood teachers. OUA provides clear information about fees and HELP payment options for online students.

Best for: People who need to study completely online while completing their practical placements in their own local area.

6. Bachelor of Early Childhood Education — La Trobe University (Online)

Why: La Trobe University offers a fully online Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. The course details are clearly listed in the university handbook and on Open Universities Australia. La Trobe’s degree is recognised by ACECQA, meaning it qualifies graduates for approved teaching roles in early childhood education.

Best for: Students who want a flexible, university-level early childhood degree that is officially recognised by ACECQA.

7. Bachelor of Early Childhood Education — Federation University (100% online)

Why: Federation University offers a completely online Bachelor of Early Childhood Education through Federation Online. The university also provides related online certificate courses, making it a good option for students who need to study entirely from home. It is especially suitable for mature-age students or those living in regional areas.

Best for: Regional or remote learners who must complete their studies fully online.

8. Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth–5) — Australian Catholic University (accelerated / fast-track, multi-mode)

Why: Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers an accelerated version of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education designed for people who already hold a diploma in early childhood education. The course combines online study with short, in-person sessions and required placements. This fast-track option helps diploma-qualified educators gain their teaching degree in a shorter time.

Best for: Diploma-qualified educators who want to quickly upgrade their qualifications to become early childhood teachers. Make sure to check the entry requirements and course delivery details before applying.

Also Read: Why the Certificate III in Individual Support Online is Perfect for Busy Learners

C – Graduate conversion & postgraduate (for degree holders / leaders)

9. Graduate Diploma of Early Childhood Education — Deakin University (Online Option)

Why: Deakin University offers an online Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become qualified early childhood teachers. The course is approved by ACECQA and can also lead to a Master of Teaching. Deakin’s online learning system is well designed and includes organised placement opportunities for students.

Best for: People who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another area and want to change careers to become qualified early childhood teachers through an ACECQA-approved program.

10. Graduate Diploma / Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education — Victoria University (Online)

Why: Victoria University offers both Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma options in Early Childhood Education, with some intakes available fully online. These courses are designed for people who want to move into early childhood teaching and help meet the growing need for qualified kindergarten teachers. The programs also serve as conversion courses for graduates from other fields.

Best for: People who already have a bachelor’s degree and want a shorter (around one year) pathway to become qualified early childhood teachers. It’s important to check details about placement support and ACECQA approval before applying.

11. Master of Education (Early Childhood Specialisation) — Edith Cowan University (Accelerated Online)

Why: Edith Cowan University offers a Master of Education with a specialisation in Early Childhood that is delivered in accelerated online study blocks. This format is ideal for experienced educators who want to advance their careers while continuing to work. The course focuses on leadership, policy development, research, and specialist practice in early childhood education.

Best for: Current educators who want to move into leadership roles, curriculum design, research, or centre-director positions within the early childhood sector.

Also Read: Top Benefits of Completing a Certificate III in Disability Support in Australia

D – Not degrees but useful: micro-credentials & PD hubs

12. ECA Learning Hub – short online training courses for early childhood educators

Why: Early Childhood Australia’s Learning Hub offers more than 100 short and self-paced online courses. These cover topics like the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Standard (NQS), inclusion, leadership, and child safety. They are great for earning professional development (PD) points, quickly building new skills, or refreshing your knowledge between formal qualifications.

Best for: Educators who are already working and need focused professional learning, proof of PD for appraisals, or short refresher courses between bigger study programs.

13. Open Universities Australia (OUA) – website to explore online university degrees and study options

Why: Open Universities Australia lets you search and compare online degrees from different universities in one place. You can check course fees, FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP loan options, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP), and subject lists. It’s an easy way to find, compare, and enrol in online degrees from several universities.

Best for: People who want to compare online bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees and find options that qualify for HELP loans or government support.

Important cautions:

Placement capacity is important. Some fast-track online graduate diplomas have recently been criticized because providers could not arrange enough practical placements for all students. If a placement isn’t available, it can delay finishing your qualification or reduce the quality of your learning experience. Always ask the provider how placements are managed, whether they have local partners for placements, and what backup options are available if placements run short.

A diploma is not the same as a teaching degree. For example, the CHC50121 diploma qualifies you to work as an early childhood educator, which is a valuable and in-demand role. However, it does not qualify you as an Early Childhood Teacher. To become a registered teacher, you usually need a university-level degree or an approved graduate program. If your goal is teacher registration, check the official ACECQA list of approved qualifications.

Check loan and eligibility details carefully. Programs like VET Student Loans (VSL) have lists of approved courses and yearly caps that can change. The CHC50121 diploma is on many providers’ VSL lists, with typical caps around $10,000–$19,000 in 2025. Always confirm the exact cap and whether your provider is approved. University degrees usually use FEE-HELP or HECS for loans, and details for Open Universities Australia (OUA) are publicly available.

Also Read: Study Options for the Cert III Childcare Online in 2025

How to choose – a short checklist

Check if the course is approved: Make sure the course is approved by ACECQA for the type of qualification you want—like whether it’s for a teacher or an educator. You can check this on the ACECQA website.

How the course is taught: Find out how the course is delivered. Is it fully online, a mix of online and in-person (blended), or in weekend blocks with a cohort? Also, check if placements (practical work experience) will be local and arranged by the course provider. Ask them to confirm this in writing.

Placement requirements: Ask how many placement hours you need. For example, the CHC50121 course usually requires around 280 hours of placement. Teacher programs often have a minimum number of supervised days—usually 60–80 days, depending on the level. You can check the official requirements on Training.gov.au.

Funding options: Check what funding options are available for you. This could be FEE-HELP, VET Student Loans, or Fee-Free TAFE. Make sure the provider is currently approved for the type of loan or funding you want. You can confirm this on studyassist.gov.au.

Graduate outcomes and job connections: Ask the provider for real information about graduate outcomes and employment. Find out which services or organizations host placements, not just general claims that “we place students.”

Quality checks: Check that the provider and course are officially recognized. This means looking at TEQSA, ASQA, or ACECQA statuses. It’s also a good idea to do a quick news search to see if there have been any issues with placements or the provider.

FAQs

Q – Can I do the diploma fully online and still do placement?

Yes – a lot of training programs let you learn all the theories completely online. But even if you study online, you still have to do practical placement hours at a real early childhood center that is approved. Most training providers help you find and arrange these placements, but the exact process can be a bit different depending on the provider.

Q – Which online course will let me become an early childhood teacher?

You need a teaching qualification that is approved by ACECQA. This could be a four-year bachelor’s degree in teaching, or a graduate teaching program that ACECQA has approved. Some universities offer online or partly online courses that can help you get this qualification. Make sure to check that the course is approved by ACECQA and also understand the steps you need to take to get registered to teach in your state.

Q – Are these online courses recognised for migration/skills assessment?

Only qualifications that have been approved are listed by ACECQA for skills assessment. If you are planning to migrate, it is important to check with ACECQA before you enroll in any course to make sure your qualification will be accepted.