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.

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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.

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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.