Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours)
Undergraduate
2025
You're considered an International student if you are:
Undergraduate
2025
098150J
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
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
OR
Work and life experience
In accordance with national teacher education program standards, applicants must also fulfil non-academic entry requirements. All applicants will be required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement with their application, about their motivation to teach, addressing the topics: 'Explain what you think teaching involves. Outline the personal and academic qualities you possess that will enable you to become an effective teacher. Describe your attitude to learning and provide an example of something you have learned that was meaningful'. Complete information on content, format and submission is available here.
Applicants are advised that a successful Working with Children Check (WWCC) with the Department of Human Services is required for all students prior to undertaking any professional experience placement that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age). Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer and may be viewed at the UniSA Education Futures Working with Children Check web page. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance may also be required for visits to education sites in other courses, eg to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation, internships or visits.
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 |
Vietnam | 7.5 |
Australia | 73 |
IB (best 6) | 26 |
USA SAT (1600) | 1110 |
India (best 4) State Board | 75 |
Please note: Mid-year entry will only be available to domestic students. Due to the program structure and professional experience placements, students commencing mid-year study will complete their program in 4.5 years instead of 4 years, with the first year undertaken at maximum 0.8 FTE load. This degree is based at the Magill campus.
1Jobs and Skills Australia: Labour Market Update, February 2023
22021 i-Graduate Survey, International Student Barometer – Study Support Indicator (97.7%).
This industry-relevant, four-year, professional degree is solely focused on teaching children from birth to eight years of age. The employment opportunities after graduating from this degree are diverse and you’ll be able to thrive as a contemporary teacher in three settings - junior primary, preschool, and childcare.
In South Australia qualified early childhood teachers are paid the same across pre-school and school settings.
The curriculum 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 110 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 degree is based at the Magill campus, where the primary specialisms offered are Arts, English, Languages, Mathematics/Science and Religious Education.
At Mawson Lakes campus the primary specialism offered is Arts.
The primary specialisms available externally include Arts and English.
Please note that while your home campus may offer specific specialisms, you are able to study your specialism cross-campus.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) meets the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (the Board) requirements for the purpose of teacher registration in South Australia and the requirements of the national approach to the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia.
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 eight years of age. The four key components of the curriculum include:
You will also undertake three courses in a Learning Area aligned to the Australian Curriculum. Learning Areas include:
This degree leads to a wide range of employment options as it prepares you to thrive as a contemporary teacher in three settings – junior primary, preschool, and childcare.
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 find and manage your placements in partnership with educational sites.
The addition of professional honours is a focused approach to learning and is attainable and achievable by all. It adds no extra time to your degree and will set you apart from competitors when applying for graduate roles. This is due to the skills you will develop in planning, problem-solving and critical thinking, and the ability to undertake practitioner inquiry.
At the end of the second year of this degree, you will be diploma qualified and able to work in early childhood settings (Birth – 5 years) and in out of hours school care (OSHC) while you complete your degree.
You’ll graduate from this degree career ready with classroom experience.
Hear from Steven and Karen as they share their experiences studying Early Childhood Education at UniSA.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) sets you up to work in three educational settings – junior primary, preschool, and childcare.
At the end of the second year of this degree, you will be diploma qualified and able to work in early childhood settings (Birth – 5 years) and in out of hours school care (OSHC) while you complete your degree.
Job prospects are strong Australia-wide with early childhood (pre – primary school) teachers listed as one of the top 20 in demand jobs in Australia1.
Careers to consider include:
Graduates go on to work in a variety of settings including:
This degree also offers a range of diverse employment options beyond teaching-specific roles. You may choose to work for a variety of employers including:
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) meets the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (the Board) qualification requirements for the purpose of teacher registration in South Australia and the requirements of the national approach to the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia.
1Jobs and Skills Australia: Labour Market Update, February 2023
Successful completion of this program provides a recognised academic qualification which will enable graduates to apply for teacher registration in South Australia, interstate and some overseas countries. Applicants should note there are other criteria determining eligibility for registration by the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia and other registration and regulatory authorities. Applicants are advised to check registration requirements as they are subject to change.
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.
-----Additional entry requirements-----
In accordance with national teacher education program standards, please note that as part of your application, you are also required to meet non-academic entry requirements.
All applicants who wish to commence study in our Education degrees are required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement with their application. This supports the national priority to ensure those entering the teaching profession have the personal qualities to best support learners and graduate as classroom ready, high quality teachers.
The Teaching Capabilities Statement complies with the national Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) initial teacher education program standard of academic and non-academic entry requirements. Further information can be found on the Entry Requirements page.
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
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.
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
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.
I am passionate about supporting our pre-service teachers to be successful teachers by focusing on sound pedagogical practices, which include how to generate inquiry based questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.