澳-南十字星大学-近期新州幼儿教育政策变化以及对学生的影响综述

Dear Partners,

There have been some recent teacher registration changes in New South Wales, and it is important that you are aware of these changes. Below is a summary of the changes and impacts to students. Please note that these changes do not apply to any other Australian states or territories.

What is changing?

• From 1 January 2026, for students who do not hold an undergraduate degree and enter the Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) with 5 years early childhood education and care work experience, this will no longer be eligible for teacher registration in New South Wales (NSW). This change does not apply to any other Australian state or territory.

• This change relates to teacher registration requirements in NSW only, not course accreditation;

• The Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood) remains an ACECQA approved early childhood teaching qualification irrespective of state or territory. See https://www.acecqa.gov.au/qualifications-0/are-you-qualified; and,

• Separately, Southern Cross University is aware of an early childhood employer (Goodstart) who has introduced stricter employment requirements, no longer accepting a non‑education bachelor’s degree (5 years’ work experience) plus a one‑year qualification pathway. This is a Goodstart requirement, not a teacher registration or course accreditation matter.

  
  

• Students entering the program with a degree qualification are not affected;

• A three‑year or four-year bachelor’s degree plus the Graduate Diploma (an equivalent four‑year qualification) remains acceptable for teacher registration in NSW;

• The change does not apply retrospectively (prior to 1 January, 2026); and,

• Students who started their studies before 1 January 2026 can continue and complete their program under the current rules.

Who is impacted?

• The change affects a small group of students (primarily domestic Australian students) entering through the Diploma plus experience pathway;

• International students, whether on a student visa or another visa, usually hold an undergraduate degree before entering the course and are not impacted; and,

• Overall, the impact is limited to approximately 4% of Australian students in the program.

Please share this information with your teams, current and prospective students as appropriate, and feel free to reach out if you’d like support clarifying this change or advising affected students.