Step up from diploma to degree with the right support. Become a qualified early childhood teacher in as little as 18 months with our Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years).
Applications open: 9.00am on Monday 3 November 2025
Applications close: 11.59pm Friday 13 February 2026
Start study: Session 1 in March 2026
Register your interest today and be the first to know when Connected Early Childhood Pathway applications open.
Gain the confidence, skills and support to succeed at university.
Become an early childhood teacher in three easy steps.
To apply, you must be located in NSW and have completed an approved Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Check out the full eligibility criteria in the FAQs below.
Enrol in our online Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years). Start study in Session 1 2026 and finish your degree in as little as 18 months (includes study during our summer session) or up to two years.
Applications for the Connected Early Childhood Pathway scholarship program open soon. Register your interest now and we'll let you know as soon as applications open.
Ready to become an early childhood teacher? We want to hear from you! Reach out with any questions about the program.
The Connected Early Childhood Pathway is our dedicated scholarship program for diploma qualified early childhood educators. It's your pathway to becoming a university qualified early childhood education teacher. Supported by the NSW Department of Education, and delivered by Charles Sturt University, the program provides financial, academic and personal support to help you succeed at university.
To be eligible for our scholarship program you must:
Priority will be given to students in regional, rural, and remote locations, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
We have more than 25 years of expertise in early childhood education. We're the #1 public university for grads who get jobs.* We also have a strong commitment to regional, rural and First Nations students. And as Australia’s most experienced online university, our fully online Connected Early Childhood Pathway is designed for students balancing work, family and life. You’ll get expert advice, dedicated support, and all the resources you need – without having to attend campus.
*Good Universities Guide 2024/25
A standard full-time study load is usually eight subjects per year. However, if you'd like to complete your degree in 18 months, you can expect to study four subjects across four consecutive sessions (which includes the summer session).
If you are successful in receiving the Connected Early Childhood Pathways scholarship, you will be awarded up to $6,000 of financial support. This will be paid in four instalments over the two years.
Additional loading is offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (15 per cent), regional and rural students (10 per cent) and remote students (20 per cent). If you fall into two categories, we will fund you for whichever one has the highest loading.
Yes, to be eligible you must be located in New South Wales.
Yes, you will complete all your studies online, except for the professional experience placement requirements. Professional experience placements can be secured in your local area, and in some cases, your current workplace. Remember, you're always welcome to attend any campus in person. Our campus facilities are available to use, even if you study online.
