Early Learning Diploma to Degree program
The department is investing up to $7 million to strengthen the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce through this diploma to degree pathway.
Overview
The NSW Department of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø has launched the Early Learning Diploma to Degree (ELDD) program to increase the number of qualified early childhood teachers (ECT) across NSW.
The department is partnering with Charles Stuart University, Macquarie University, University of Wollongong and Western Sydney University to deliver the program and support over 400 early childhood educators to achieve an early childhood teacher qualification.
This future-focused investment of up to $7 million will improve the availability of Early Learning Diploma to Degree opportunities for dedicated professionals in the sector, helping to address workforce shortages and uplift professional development for early learning educators.   
Program details
The ELDD program provides bridging pathways for committed, diploma-qualified early childhood educators, with at least 2 years recent ECEC sector experience, to gain an ACECQA-approved early childhood teacher qualification. 
Macquarie University and Western Sydney University’s opportunities include new diploma-to-degree pathways for 2026 enrolments. These intensive study pathways are supported by wrap-around services such as mentoring, wellbeing services, study support and financial assistance to help students balance study, work, and life commitments.  
Additionally, the University of Wollongong and Charles Sturt University support students in their established intensive ‘Early Learning Diploma to Degree’ pathways, through an extended range of mentoring, wellbeing services, study support and financial assistance.
The ELDD program builds on the success of the department’s previous diploma-to-degree partnership with the University of Wollongong to co-design the intensive program with Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA), which led to over 100 ECT graduates from its first intake.
A highly trained workforce makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families and communities, and there’s high demand for skilled and capable ECEC teachers across the state.
Find the right course for you
To learn more about the programs delivering under ELDD, visit:
Charles Sturt University -
Macquarie University -
University of Wollongong –
Western Sydney University -