Bachelor of Early Childhood (B-5 years) (Mawson Lakes)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Start date
February
July
Campus
Magill
Mawson Lakes
Duration
3 year(s) full-time
Mode
On-campus/Online
Program Code
MBXC
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
111861J
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Applicants are advised that a successful Working with Children Check (WWCC) with the Department of Human Services is required for all preservice teachers prior to undertaking any professional experience placement or site visit that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age). These placements form a compulsory part of the program. Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance can be found on the Professional Experience Placement website.Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
NoneEnglish language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
Admission Requirements by Country
Vietnam 7.5 Australia 73 IB (best 6) 26 USA SAT (1600) 1110 India (best 4) State Board 75 India (best 4) Central Board 65 HKDSE 15 Nepal NEB 2.61 Bangladesh HSC 4 Canada High School (OSSD) 65 Eynesbury FSP 330 German Abitur 3.5 Kenya KCSE (average) B+ Malaysia STPM (best 3) 6 Malaysia UEC 30 Norway GPA 3 Pakistan HSSC 85 Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) 7 Sweden GPA 13 UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board 7
Degree overview
- Study a three-year degree that focusses on the learning and development of children from birth to five years of age.
- This degree prepares you to work in preschool/kindergarten and/or childcare settings as an early childhood teacher.
- Get practical experience with a minimum of 80 days of field-based placements throughout your degree starting in your first six months of study.
- Be supported by our dedicated professional experience office who will source and manage your placements in partnership with educational sites.
- Learn with experienced early childhood teachers in collaborative learning classes.
- Graduate with a respected qualification, UniSA is No.1 in SA for Education1.
- Study with the largest education training provider in South Australia with a history dating back to 1876.
- 97% of our international students feel supported with their studies2.
- This degree is based at the Mawson Lakes campus with the flexibility to also study at Magill campus.
12023 QS Subject Rankings - Education and Training
22021 i-Graduate Survey, International Student Barometer – Study Support Indicator (97.7%).
Snapshot
This industry-relevant, three-year professional degree is focused on the learning and development of children from birth to five years of age. After graduating from this degree you’ll be able to work in preschool/kindergarten, and/or childcare settings as an early childhood teacher.
Within this practical degree you will begin teaching placements during your first six months. This focus on industry experience will continue throughout your studies, and by graduation you will have completed a minimum of 80 days of field-based placements.
You will also develop an in-depth understanding of the principles and concepts relating to early childhood development and learning, as well as leadership and advocacy in matters relating to early childhood.
This program is approved nationally by ACECQA as an Early Childhood Teacher qualification and meets the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (the Board) requirements for the purpose of early childhood teacher registration in South Australia.
If you are interested in teaching children from birth to eight years of age, in junior primary, preschool/kindergarten and/or childcare settings, you will need to study the four-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) at Magill or Mawson Lakes campuses.
What you'll learn
The aim of this degree is to provide you with knowledge across a range of contexts. The learning is largely practically-based, and centres heavily on the principles and concepts relating to early childhood development and learning, as well as curriculum planning for children aged from birth to five years of age. The three key components of the curriculum include:
- curriculum studies
- professional experience, and
- education studies.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- essays
- reports
- presentations
- professional experience placements.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Early Childhood (B-5 years) (Mawson Lakes)
This degree prepares you to work in preschool/kindergarten, and/or childcare settings as an early childhood teacher.
Within this practical degree you’ll start professional placements in the first six months of your studies, giving you the opportunity to experience early on what teaching in real life is like. You’ll be fully supported by UniSA’s Professional Experience office who will source and manage your placements in partnership with educational sites. You’ll graduate from this degree career ready with early childhood experience.
Your career
The Bachelor of Early Childhood (Birth-5 years) sets you up to work in early childhood settings as an early childhood teacher.
Graduates can go on to work in a variety of settings including:
- preschools/kindergartens and children’s centres, childcare and long daycare centres, including OSHC, Kindy Care and Family Day Care services
- allied family, child and parent health services
- community, faith-based and not-for-profit agencies providing family outreach, safety and wellbeing services and community outreach centres.
This degree offers Early Childhood Teacher graduates opportunities to work in a range of education, government and community employment sectors including:
- the South Australian Department for Education and other government agencies responsible for early childhood education and care
- Australian Islamic schooling
- Catholic Education South Australia (CESA)
- Lutheran Education (LESNW)
- the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA)
- other community and social service providers and government agencies.
This program is approved nationally by ACECQA as an Early Childhood Teacher qualification and meets the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (the Board) requirements for the purpose of Early Childhood Teacher registration in South Australia.
If you are interested in teaching children from birth to eight years of age, in junior primary, preschool/kindergarten and/or childcare settings, you will need to study the four-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) at Magill or Mawson Lakes campuses.
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program has been approved by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as an Early Childhood Teaching Qualification for the purposes of the Education and Care Services National Law.
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Education Studies
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Education Studies)
- SAIBT Diploma of Arts
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- SAIBT Diploma of Arts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
