Diploma-qualified educators looking to advance their career can now apply for select Early Childhood Innovative Initial Teacher Education (IITE) programs.
Early Childhood IITE Programs
The Victorian Government is partnering with the following universities to support eligible educators in Victoria to become qualified early childhood teachers:
- Australian Catholic University
- Deakin University
- Victoria University
You can complete these programs in a shorter time, ranging from 18 months to 2 years. These courses are delivered via a combination of online, face to face and intensive study options. They also recognise prior study and professional experience.
Students (educators) can stay in the workforce while they learn.
Universities may provide financial support packages to help with course fees, study materials and other expenses. Please discuss directly with your preferred university. Paid study and placement leave may also be available. This will help students who may not be able to afford to study otherwise.
Eligible students can also access mentoring and coaching to help them successfully complete their courses.
Who can apply
The program is open to those:
- with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or an equivalent qualification approved by ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority),
- who are also currently employed by an eligible early childhood service that delivers (or intends to deliver) a funded kindergarten program in Victoria.
Additional eligibility criteria apply for each program option.
How to apply
Apply directly through the universities. To learn more about each program and apply, visit the university website.
Australian Catholic University
Australian Catholic University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Early Childhood Education(opens in a new window):
- is delivered through both face-to-face and online intensive learning
- uses Virtual Reality experiences to enhance learning
- can be completed in 18 months
- allows for some placements to be completed in a student’s workplace and through partnering services
- provides funding to cover course fees and other supports for employers including backfill for placements.
Applications for the 2024 intake are now open and close 4 March 2024. Dates for course information sessions are listed on the ACU website.
Deakin University
Deakin University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Early Childhood Education(opens in a new window):
- is delivered online over 4 trimesters
- can be completed in 18 months
- allows for placements to be completed in a student’s workplace
- provides access for eligible students to receive a financial scholarship.
Applications for the 2024 intake are now open and close 18 February 2024.
Victoria University
Victoria University’s Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching:
- is delivered through a block mode of study units. Students take one unit over a 4-week block. After two units, they have a 1-week break.
- learning can be completed in 2 years
- allows for placements to be completed in a student’s workplace and through placement swaps
- provides access for eligible students to receive a financial scholarship.
Not taking applications for 2024
The Front Project’s Upskill Program
The Victorian Government has partnered with The Front Project to support 100 eligible Victorian educators to become qualified early childhood teachers through its Upskill Program.
Diploma-qualified educators studying to become degree-qualified early childhood teachers have accessed the program for free throughout their studies.
The Upskill Program has provided students with supports such as:
- mentoring and peer-to-peer support from experienced professionals
- specialised webinars
- access to the Online Community with fellow students and other sector professionals to connect, collaborate and share with one another
- a range of online resources to support continued success
Applications are now closed.
Updated