Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Magill, Mawson Lakes

Mount Gambier

Whyalla

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BTECE

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$41,300

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 7.0 IELTS Reading 7.0 IELTS Listening 7.0 IELTS Speaking 7.0 IELTS Writing 7.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115761C

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Essential requirements

All applicants are required to submit a 400-600 word Teaching Capabilities Statement (TCS) with their application. In the TCS, applicants describe their motivation to teach. The TCS assesses non-academic entry requirements in accordance with national teacher education program standards.
Prior to undertaking any professional experience placement that involves contact with minors (under 18 years of age), students will be required to provide a successful Working with Children Check (WWCC) with the Department of Human Services. Information on the procedure to be followed for obtaining clearance will be provided with the letter of offer and may be viewed at the Teaching and Education Placements web page. These placements form a compulsory part of the program. A successful clearance is also required for visits to education sites in other courses, to enter any school, pre-school or childcare centre for any reason, including on placement, observation, internships or visits.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 7.0
IELTS Reading 7.0
IELTS Listening 7.0
IELTS Speaking 7.0
IELTS Writing 7.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	75
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
China	Gaokao	65%
China	Maple Leaf Education Systems World School Program	67%
Global	International Baccalaureate	26
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India	CBSE and CISCE	75
India	State Board Examinations	85
Indonesia	SMA III	78%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.78
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	3.01
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	87%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	9
Taiwan	GSAT %	65%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.40
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	8
UK / Global	NCUK	8
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	8
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	22
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1130
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thôxwng (Vietnamese Year 12)	8

Note:

For International students the campus location is Magill and Mawson Lakes only.

Why Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)?

Early childhood education goes far beyond nursery rhymes, picture books and learning the alphabet. It’s about giving young children the language, confidence, social skills and behaviours to set them up for a lifelong journey of discovery. And the research is clear – quality early childhood education has a positive effect on learning and development throughout the school years (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).

With our Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), you’ll become a resourceful and engaging teacher, ready to inspire the next generation. You’ll learn effective modern teaching techniques, understand childhood development, and discover how to create safe and inclusive classrooms. Graduate classroom-ready, having completed 80 days of placements in early childhood settings.

Overview

Guide young minds at the very start of their educational journey as an inspiring early childhood teacher.

Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is a future-focused program designed to give you the skills to excel in the modern classroom. You’ll discover how childhood development influences how kids grow and learn. Explore a range of education philosophies and teaching approaches to find your own unique teaching style. Learn how to encourage learning through engaging play-based activities. Create safe, inclusive and culturally responsive spaces that support every child’s learning.

With 80 days of professional placements, you’ll gain practical skills and graduate eligible to work as a teacher in early childhood and care sites, including long day care centres and preschools.

You can also choose to study this program at our regional campuses in Mount Gambier and Whyalla.

Key features

Focus on the learning and development of children from birth to 5 years.
Learn play-based approaches and concepts to teach early literacy and maths skills.
Build practical skills in 640 hours of placement, starting from first year.
Access contemporary purpose-built learning spaces.
Develop culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices.
Be eligible for registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (TRB) upon graduation.

What you'll learn

The Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) prepares you to become a nurturing and effective early years educator, ready to provide exceptional teaching experiences to children from birth to 5 years.

Over the three-year program, you’ll build skills that go beyond traditional teaching – ensuring you’re adaptable to the evolving demands of modern education. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of childhood growth and development. Develop leadership and advocacy skills, learning to support children and families in diverse and challenging circumstances. Explore the histories and philosophies of early education, investigating both contemporary and alternative approaches. Learn effective methods for teaching and promoting early literacy and numeracy.

In your first year, you’ll learn to plan, implement and document play-based learning activities. Explore how language works, how it develops and how children use it. In the second half of the year, you’ll complete your first 10 days of professional work placement in a real-world setting.

Your second year focuses on teaching early literacy, engaging young learners, and establishing social harmony and respect in the classroom. Learn to create inclusive classrooms that support children of all abilities and backgrounds and explore First Nations perspectives to inform culturally responsive teaching. You’ll also discover how to nurture children’s creative expression through music, dance, drama and visual arts. This year includes a 35-day preschool placement to expand and consolidate your skills.

In your final year, you’ll develop strategies for teaching reading and mathematical concepts. Learn how to teach science, technology, languages and humanities in ways that help children understand and engage with their world. After completing your coursework, you’ll undertake another flexible 35-day placement working with children from birth to 5 years of age.

Please note, a Working With Children Check (police check) is required for all students to undertake placements and to graduate.

Majors

The Bachelor of Teaching is also available with majors in the following:

Primary
Secondary.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

114 units from Core courses, and
18 units for all Work integrated learning, and
12 units for Electives

Complete exactly 114 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Play-based Learning, Theories and Pedagogies	Course code EDUC1001	Units 6
Course name Children's Growth and Development	Course code EDUC1002	Units 6
Course name Understanding Complexities Impacting Families and Communities	Course code EDUC1003	Units 6
Course name Early Numeracy	Course code EDUC1004	Units 6
Course name Learning About Language	Course code EDUC1005	Units 6
Course name Early Childhood Education: Contexts, History, Philosophy, Frameworks	Course code EDUC1007	Units 6
Course name First Nations Peoples, Knowledges and Culturally Responsive Teaching	Course code EDUC1013	Units 6
Course name Children's Literature	Course code EDUC1026	Units 6
Course name Arts Education	Course code EDUC2001	Units 6
Course name Learning About Literacies and Literature	Course code EDUC2006	Units 6
Course name Inclusive Education and Responsive Teaching	Course code EDUC2008	Units 6
Course name Learning About Reading	Course code EDUC2010	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Issues, Theories and Practices in Early Childhood Education	Course code EDUC2049	Units 6
Course name Theories of Learning	Course code EDUC3000	Units 6
Course name Exploring Mathematics through Play	Course code EDUC3001	Units 6
Course name Science and Technologies for Young Children	Course code EDUC3002	Units 6
Course name Languages Education	Course code EDUC3003	Units 6
Course name Effective Pedagogical Practices for Engaging Young Learners and Guiding Behaviour	Course code EDUC3004	Units 6
Course name Humanities and Social Science Education	Course code EDUC3005	Units 6
Course name Health and Physical Education	Course code EDUC4101	Units 6

Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Professional Experience 1: Early Childhood Infant and Toddler	Course code EDUC1900	Units 6
Course name Professional Experience 2: Early Childhood Preschool	Course code EDUC2900	Units 6
Course name Professional Experience 3: Early Childhood Birth to 5	Course code EDUC3900	Units 6

Complete 12 units comprising:

0 to 12 units from Free electives, and
0 to 12 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Wellbeing for Learning and Teaching	Course code EDUC2064	Units 6
Course name Teaching Rural and Regional	Course code EDUC2070	Units 6
Course name The Importance of Peer Relationships	Course code EDUC3019	Units 6

Career outcomes

You will graduate with a qualification recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and the Teacher Registration Board of South Australia. This means you’ll be able to register and work as a teacher in early childhood and care sites, including long day care centres and preschools. You’ll even be able to start working in early childhood settings from the end of your second year, while completing your studies.

Industry trends

In 2023, the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care released its Final Report into early childhood development in South Australia. The report details an ambitious vision to position South Australia as a nation leader on early childhood development by:

Reducing the number of children starting school with developmental challenges.
Offering up to 30 hours of preschool per week for 3 and 4-year-olds who need the most development support.
Constantly translating new scientific knowledge into action.
Leading the national policy conversation on the early years.

Our Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) has been formulated with these recommendations in mind, designed to prepare you for the future needs and requirements of the industry.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This program is offered at our Magill, Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses.

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: