Entry requirements
Who can apply for the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood. It is a graduate-entry qualification, so a completed bachelor’s degree is the main requirement.
Entry requirements at a glance.
A bachelor’s degree
A completed bachelor’s degree in any discipline (or an equivalent qualification). An education or teaching background is not required.
English language proficiency
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0), or an equivalent accepted test, taken within the last two years. Exemption requests are assessed against Fairmont’s approved admissions requirements. Details →
Working with Children Check
A current Working with Children Check (or a willingness to obtain one) because the course includes professional placement in early learning settings. More on the WWCC →
National Police Check
A current National Police Check (or a willingness to obtain one) before your first placement in an early learning setting. It has a fee, set by Victoria Police. More on the police check →
Recognition of prior learning
Relevant prior study or experience may be eligible for credit, assessed case by case. About RPL →
Am I eligible?
Answer three questions for a quick, indicative guide based on the requirements on this page. Nothing is saved, and it does not replace the confirmation we do with you during your application.
Your degree is the main prerequisite.
The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood is a postgraduate qualification (AQF Level 8) designed for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to move into early childhood teaching and leadership. Your undergraduate degree can be in any field. There’s no requirement to have studied education, psychology or a related area beforehand.
If you hold a qualification you believe is equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree, provide the details when you enquire. Equivalence and any overseas-qualification assessment are confirmed as part of your application.
English language requirements.
All applicants must meet Fairmont’s English language requirements. The standard is IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 (Academic), or an accepted equivalent. Previous study in English does not give an automatic exemption. You can request an exemption. We assess each request against Fairmont’s approved admissions requirements.
IELTS 6.5
An overall band of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0 (Academic module), or an equivalent accepted English test.
Taken recently
Your test result should be no older than two years at the time you apply.
Other evidence
To request an exemption, tell us about your previous study.
Working with Children Check.
Every student needs a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) before their first placement begins. It is a government screening check that clears you to work or volunteer with children. It is separate from a police check, and in Victoria it is valid for five years.
When to apply
Not needed to apply or enrol, only before your first placement. Apply as soon as you accept your offer. Some checks clear within days, but others take weeks and some take months. Applications are made online through the Victorian Government. From 19 October 2026, anyone applying for a check, renewing one or changing from a volunteer to an employee check must complete a short online child safety course (about 45 minutes) before their application can be finalised.
What it costs
Placements are unpaid, so in Victoria you can usually apply for a volunteer check, which is free. A current employee WWCC covers placement too.
Coming from interstate?
The WWCC is state-based, and checks from other states do not transfer automatically. Placements arranged in Victoria require a Victorian check. If your circumstances are different, ask us.
National Police Check.
Every student also needs a current National Police Check before their first placement begins. It is a check of your criminal history record across Australia, and the result is a National Police Certificate.
What it is
A National Police Certificate lists any disclosable court outcomes from every Australian state and territory. Victoria Police issues it for employment, volunteering and student placement.
When you need it
Not needed to apply or enrol, only before your first placement. When you apply, a current check, or confirmation that you are willing to get one before placement, is enough. Processing takes at least 10 business days.
What it costs
The check has a fee, set by Victoria Police and updated on 1 July each year. See the current fee.
How to apply
Apply online through Victoria Police. You need three identity documents (one with your photo), a credit or debit card for the fee, a smartphone and at least 25 minutes. Apply for a National Police Check.
Recognition of prior learning & credit.
If you have completed relevant postgraduate study, or hold substantial professional experience in a related area, you may be eligible for credit (advanced standing) towards the qualification. Recognition of prior learning is assessed case by case: note it in your enquiry and bring any transcripts or evidence to your course-advice call so it can be assessed.
What you’ll provide.
There is nothing to prepare now. During application we will ask for:
Proof of your degree
The testamur and academic transcript for your completed bachelor’s degree.
Photo identification
A form of photo identification.
English evidence
Evidence that you meet the English requirement: a test result, or your exemption request.
Working with Children Check and National Police Check
A current WWCC and National Police Check, or confirmation you’re willing to obtain them before placement.
Applying from overseas.
Fairmont is not registered on CRICOS, so we can’t enrol students who need a student visa.
Ready to take the first step?
Apply through our student portal, or send an enquiry and we’ll guide you through it.