Free Early Childhood Courses

Australia offers 33 free early childhood courses courses in 2026, ranging from Short Courses to Master's Degree. You can study free early childhood courses fully online or on-campus through registered RTOs, TAFEs, and universities. Courses typically take 4 months to 4 years to complete. Graduates commonly move into roles such as Child Care Worker, Early Childhood Educator or Child Care Coordinator across long day care, preschool and family day care settings.

20 Courses

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (SA only)

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care offered by Enhance Training is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the early childhood education sector.

Top Course

CHC50121

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (SA only)

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care offered by Enhance Training is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the early childhood education sector.

Online

Childcare Educator,Early Childhood Educator,Early Childhood Teacher

Price may vary

9-12 months

CHC50125

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (SA Only)

Take the next step in an early childhood career with the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Suzan Johnston Australia (est.

CHC50125

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (SA Only)

Take the next step in an early childhood career with the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Suzan Johnston Australia (est.

Online

Child Care Coordinator,Child Care Worker,Early Childhood Educator,Family Day Care Coordinator,Family Day Care Educator

Price may vary

Between 9 – 18 Months

CHC30121

5.0

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Perth and Mandurah)

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in the early childhood education sector.

CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Perth and Mandurah)

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in the early childhood education sector.

5.0

Classroom,On Campus

Child Care Coordinator,Child Care Worker,Early Childhood Educator,Early Childhood Teacher,Early Learning Coordinator,Nanny

Price may vary

6 Months

CHC30125

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (SA Only)

Start a career in early childhood education with the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Suzan Johnston Australia (est.

CHC30125

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (SA Only)

Start a career in early childhood education with the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Suzan Johnston Australia (est.

Online

Childcare Educator,Early Childhood Educator,Early Learning Coordinator

Price may vary

8 – 14 Months

CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (SA only)

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, offered by Enhance Training, is designed for individuals passionate about nurturing and educating young children.

CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (SA only)

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, offered by Enhance Training, is designed for individuals passionate about nurturing and educating young children.

Online,Workplace

Early Childhood Educator,Family Day Care Educator

Price may vary

Approximately 12 months

CHC40221

5.0

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (Mandurah Campus)

The CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support offered by Gateway Training Academy is designed for individuals aspiring to support students in educational settings.

CHC40221

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (Mandurah Campus)

The CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support offered by Gateway Training Academy is designed for individuals aspiring to support students in educational settings.

5.0

On Campus

Education Assistant,Education Support Worker,Teacher Assistant,Teacher's Aide

Price may vary

23 Weeks

People who search for "free early childhood courses", also look at these courses.

Project Management for Professionals

The Project Management for Professionals course offered by RMIT Online is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic field of project management.

Project Management for Professionals

Online

Project Administrator,Project Assistant,Project Coordinator,Project Manager

Price may vary

6 weeks, 8 hours per week

CPP30321

Certificate III in Cleaning Operations

The CPP30316 Certificate III in Cleaning Operations, offered by MCI Institute, is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the cleaning industry.

CPP30321

Certificate III in Cleaning Operations

Online

Cleaner,Cleaning Supervisor

Price may vary

Up to 12 months part-time

Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health

The Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health offered by UTS Online is designed to equip professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to support the health and wellbeing of children and families.

Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health

Online

Clinical Nurse Consultant,Clinical Research Associate,Community Health Worker

Price may vary

Minimum 8 months

Master of Cyber Security

The Master of Cyber Security offered by UNSW Online is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity.

Master of Cyber Security

The Master of Cyber Security offered by UNSW Online is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity.

Online

Cyber Security Officer,Information Security Analyst,IT Security Engineer

Price may vary

Accelerated; complete in as little as 2 years

Marketing Analytics and Insights

The Marketing Analytics and Insights course offered by RMIT Online is designed to empower marketing professionals with the essential skills needed to leverage data for effective decision-making.

Marketing Analytics and Insights

The Marketing Analytics and Insights course offered by RMIT Online is designed to empower marketing professionals with the essential skills needed to leverage data for effective decision-making.

Online

Customer Analyst,Market Research Analyst,Marketing Analyst

Price may vary

6 weeks (5 - 8 hours per week)

Graduate Diploma of Psychology

The Graduate Diploma of Psychology offered by Edith Cowan University Online is designed for individuals seeking to build a foundational understanding of psychological science.

Graduate Diploma of Psychology

The Graduate Diploma of Psychology offered by Edith Cowan University Online is designed for individuals seeking to build a foundational understanding of psychological science.

Online

Behavioural Support Officer,Case Manager,Health and Wellbeing Consultant,Mental health case manager,Mental Health Support Worker,Rehabilitation Consultant

Price may vary

16 months (minimum) part-time

Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education)

The Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education) offered by the Australian College of Physical Education is designed to equip future educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote health and physical activity in diverse educational settings.

Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education)

Blended,Classroom,On Campus

Sydney

Physical Health and Education (PE) Teacher,Recreation Officer,Sports Development Officer

Price may vary

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Children’s Health

The Graduate Certificate in Women's and Children's Health offered by UTS Online is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to improve health outcomes for women and children.

Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Children’s Health

Online

Community Health Worker,Health Policy Advisor,Health Promotion Officer,Nursing Manager,Nursing Support Worker,Policy and Project Officer,Social Policy Maker,Social Policy Researcher

Price may vary

8 months minimum

Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills

The Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills, offered by Think Education in partnership with Torrens University Australia, provides a comprehensive foundation in essential counselling and communication techniques.

Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills

Online

Community Worker,Welfare Worker

Price may vary

1 year full time, part time options available

BSB50120

Diploma of Business

The BSB50120 Diploma of Business offered by MCI Institute is designed to equip individuals with essential skills for effective business management across various sectors.

BSB50120

Diploma of Business

The BSB50120 Diploma of Business offered by MCI Institute is designed to equip individuals with essential skills for effective business management across various sectors.

Online

Business Owner,Corporate Services Manager,Department Manager,Executive Officer,Project Consultant

Price may vary

12-months

Business Analytics with SQL and Python

The Business Analytics with SQL and Python course offered by RMIT Online is designed to equip participants with essential skills in data analysis and programming.

Business Analytics with SQL and Python

The Business Analytics with SQL and Python course offered by RMIT Online is designed to equip participants with essential skills in data analysis and programming.

Online

Business Analyst,Business Data Analyst,Data Analyst

Price may vary

6 weeks (8-10 hours per week)

Bachelor of Counselling

The Bachelor of Counselling offered by the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to pursue a rewarding career in counselling.

Bachelor of Counselling

Online

Case Manager,Counsellor,Couples Counsellor,Drug and Alcohol Counsellor,Grief Counsellor,Marriage Counsellor,Mental Health Support Worker,Rehabilitation Counsellor,Youth Counsellor

Price may vary

3 years full time

CHC52021

4.8

Diploma of Community Services

The Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021) offered by South Sydney College is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals seeking a professional career in community services.

CHC52021

Diploma of Community Services

The Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021) offered by South Sydney College is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals seeking a professional career in community services.

4.8

Blended

NSW

Community Services Case Manager,Community Services Worker,Support Worker,Welfare Worker

Price may vary

104 weeks (8 Terms)

Graduate Certificate in Mental Health for Education

The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health for Education offered by La Trobe University is designed to equip educators with the essential skills and knowledge to support the mental health and wellbeing of students.

Graduate Certificate in Mental Health for Education

Online

Mental Health Officer,Mental Health Support Worker,Student Counsellor,Youth Counsellor

Price may vary

6 months full-time

Frequently Asked Questions

What is free early childhood courses?

In Australia, free early childhood courses are government-funded or heavily subsidised programs in early childhood education, from short skill sets up to Certificate III, Diploma and even postgraduate study. They focus on educating and caring for children aged 0–5, including play-based learning, safety and child development. Many places are delivered through public TAFEs and approved RTOs under fee-free or low-fee training initiatives.

How long does a free early childhood courses course take in Australia?

Most options fall within 4 months to 4 years, depending on level. Short courses and skill sets can be completed in around 4–6 months. A Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education typically takes 6–24 months, while a Bachelor degree usually runs for 3–4 years. Some postgraduate and Master's pathways are offered over 1.5–2 years part-time.

Can I study free early childhood courses online in Australia?

Many free early childhood courses are available fully online, sometimes with local placements arranged in approved centres. Learners can also choose blended or on-campus study through TAFE, universities and private RTOs. Online delivery often suits people working in child care or returning to the workforce. To compare flexible options, you can browse current Online Courses on Course Finder.

How much does a free early childhood courses course cost?

Standard fee-paying early childhood qualifications can range from a few hundred dollars for short courses up to tens of thousands of dollars for a Bachelor or Master's degree. However, many places are fully or partly covered through fee-free TAFE, state-subsidised training, JobTrainer-style initiatives and VET Student Loans for eligible Diploma and above students. Actual out-of-pocket costs depend on your state, provider and concession status.

What jobs can I get with a free early childhood courses qualification?

Completing an early childhood qualification can lead to roles such as Child Care Worker, Early Childhood Educator, Child Care Coordinator, Family Day Care Coordinator or Kindergarten Assistant. Higher-level study, such as a Diploma, Bachelor or Master's degree, can support progression into lead educator and service leadership roles. For more detail on job pathways, explore the Early Childhood Education Industry guide.