Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Australia offers 33 free early childhood education classes online courses in 2026, ranging from Short Courses to Master's Degree. You can study free early childhood education classes online 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.


Displaying 16 of 16 courses
Free early childhood education classes online are introductory or subsidised programs that cover the fundamentals of working with children from birth to 5 years. Many sit at Certificate III or short course level and focus on play-based learning, safety and child development. In Australia, these options can be a low-cost pathway into a full Early Childhood Education Industry qualification.
Most introductory short courses fit within 4 months, especially if they are fully online and self-paced. A Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care commonly takes 6–12 months, while a Diploma may run for 12–24 months. Bachelor and Master’s degrees usually take 3–4 years, matching the overall 4 months to 4 years duration range.
Yes, many Australian RTOs, TAFEs and universities offer these programmes fully online, alongside blended and on-campus options. Learners can complete theory units via digital platforms and sometimes arrange local placements in early learning centres. StudySelect lists a range of Online Courses so students can compare flexible delivery, part-time schedules and support services before enrolling.
Entry-level short courses and taster units are sometimes offered at no tuition cost, especially under fee-free TAFE or state-subsidised training initiatives. AQF Certificate III and Diploma courses can range from low-fee subsidised places through to full-fee private study, while higher education degrees cost more. Some Diploma and Bachelor pathways may be eligible for VET Student Loans or HELP-style government assistance.
Completing these studies can help you progress towards roles such as Child Care Worker, Early Childhood Educator, Child Care Coordinator or Family Day Care Coordinator. With higher-level qualifications, you may also move into kindergarten or preschool classroom positions and centre leadership roles. Students exploring career options can read more about the Child Care Worker Career pathway.