Overview

The aim of the Early Learning Diploma to Degree (ELDD) program is to increase the number of qualified early childhood teachers in NSW.

The department is working with Charles Sturt University, Macquarie University, University of Wollongong, and Western Sydney University to support over 400 early learning educators to achieve their teacher qualification.

This $7 million investment aims to expand diploma to degree opportunities, address workforce shortages, and boost professional development for early learning educators.

Program details

The ELDD program supports experienced diploma-qualified early learning educators with at least 2 years of recent employment in early learning to achieve an ACECQA-approved early childhood teacher qualification in two years rather than four.

In 2026, Macquarie University and Western Sydney University are offering new diploma-to-degree pathways. Students are supported in these intensive degrees with mentoring, wellbeing services, study help, and financial assistance to help them manage study, work, and life.

The University of Wollongong and Charles Sturt University also offer supported intensive 'Early Learning Diploma to Degree' pathways. Similarly, students receive a wide range of mentoring, wellbeing support, study help, and financial aid to help them succeed in their study.

The ELDD program builds on the success of a previous Accelerated Degree Pathway program partnership between the department and University of Wollongong. Co-desgined with the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA), the new course reduced degree study time to two years without compromising quality. This first program produced more than 100 early childhood teacher graduates.

Having well-trained teachers makes a big difference for children, families, and communities. There is strong demand for skilled early learning teachers across the state.

Find the right course for you

To learn more about the programs delivering under ELDD, visit:

• Charles Sturt University - Connected Early Childhood Pathway - Study

• Macquarie University - Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood – StepAhead) | Macquarie University
  

• University of Wollongong – Early Years Accelerated - University of Wollongong – UOW

• Western Sydney University -Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) - Diploma to Teaching Pathway