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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.
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.
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 hands-on 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 find 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.
This degree is based at the Mount Gambier campus, with the flexibility to also study at Mawson Lakes, Magill, Whyalla or online (professional placements are in person).
South Australian residents studying this degree can apply for the QualifySA in Early Childhood Financial Support Program* which provides financial assistance throughout study and into the initial years of employment.
12023 QS Subject Rankings - Education and Training *Other eligibility criteria apply.
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.
The degree is practical in nature, and 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 have completed a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care you could receive up to one year (8 courses/36 units) of credit and complete this degree in as little as two years.
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, Mawson Lakes, Mount Gambier or Whyalla 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.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
1. Accreditation requirements mandate that students undertake supervised professional experience of no less than 80 days in a formal education setting. Students in the Bachelor of Early Childhood (B-5 years) will undertake a minimum of 20 days of professional experience placement in a birth to 3 years child care setting and 60 days in a preschool 3 to 5 years setting towards meeting industry requirements as part of the minimum required 80 days. There must be a minimum of 10 days in Australian early childhood settings with children aged birth to 35 months and a minimum of 30 days in Australian early childcare with children aged 3 until they go to formal schooling.
2. Graduates of the program will be considered early childhood teachers (birth - 5 years) by ACECQA.
Notes
1. This course is part of the Education Studies component of the program which comprises 9 courses (40.5 units).
2. This course is part of the Curriculum Studies component of the program which comprises 10 courses (45 units).
3. Students select one 4.5-unit course from the 'Electives' list above. Alternative courses may be approved by the Program Director.
4. This course is part of the Professional Experience component of the program which comprises 3 courses (18 units).
5. These courses combined meet ACECQA's requirement of 80 days of placement (a minimum of 10 days Birth-35 months, with the remainder in a 3-5-year context).
6. Students who wish to pursue a career as a Junior Primary teacher should consider transferring to the 4-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) (L/MHEC). Applicants will be required to complete a Teaching Capabilities Statement.
7. Students in this program are not required to complete the LANTITE or the Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment.
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.
Why Bachelor of Early Childhood (B-5 years) (Mount Gambier)
This degree prepares you to work in preschool/kindergarten, and/or childcare settings as an early childhood teacher.
Practical in nature, 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.
Real-world connections
Workplace learning is a major focus of this degree and throughout your studies you will complete a minimum of 80 days of field-based placements. Placements take place in preschools/kindergartens and childcare centres. This practical experience will equip you with the skills and confidence needed after graduation and will help you to build industry networks and relationships.
UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, and on campus to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
study online, including accessing videos and course resources
participate in an interactive online learning environment
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use discussion forums for team work and communication
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.
Career outcomes
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, Mawson Lakes, Mount Gambier or Whyalla 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.
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
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.
Explore a range of 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning. With the flexibility to study when and where it suits you, there’s no need to hit pause on work or family commitments.
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads 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 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:
academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
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 campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
Entry Scores The rules and values that specify the level of attainment required to qualify for consideration for admission to UniSA. Below ATAR-based represents your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors.)
