There are financial and study supports available to help get started
There has never been a better time to study early childhood education, with a range of financial supports and flexible study pathways available. Depending on their chosen career path, students can access:
Free TAFE
This covers tuition for eligible students undertaking a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. This includes students who have started their training through school and want to continue studying afterwards.
Early Childhood Scholarships Program
Up to $25,000 in financial support to study a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. All students can apply once they have proof of enrolment, and this financial support can be used for course fees, living costs, or other education expenses such as a laptop.
Listen to scholarship recipient Molly’s journey from school to early childhood teaching.
Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships Program
A range of different courses are available through the Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships (ECTP) program including school based apprenticeships and traineeships, and university degrees. Each course has been designed to provide benefits and supports (e.g. mentoring) that students might need while they study.
Other supports
There are also supports while studying, including a new Australian Government subsidy to help eligible students manage costs during early childhood teaching placements. Support continues in the workforce with mentoring, networks, professional development, financial incentives, and relocation assistance to take up roles at priority services.
Find out more Financial support to study and work in early childhood
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