Can I Study a Childcare Course for Free? What You Should Know About Government Funding

A job in the childcare industry can be incredibly rewarding, but sometimes studying for a new career seems costly and overwhelming.

Luckily, you can study many childcare courses for free (or at a low cost) in Australia, thanks to generous government funding schemes. Plus, flexible study options make learning more accessible.

Here’s how to take a free (or heavily subsidised) childcare course and how government funding in your state can help.

Childcare jobs require specific qualifications gained through studying with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Your training will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need for the job — and enhance your employment prospects.

From work in a daycare centre or kindergarten to providing at-home assistance, roles in the childcare industry can vary quite a bit. Here’s a breakdown of popular positions in childcare and the minimum qualifications needed for each.

Early childhood educator/childcare worker

Early childhood educators work in various government and private settings to supervise, provide care and nurture child development in the early years. In Australia, childcare workers are in high demand, and industry predictions indicate strong growth over the next five years. 

To become a childcare worker, you’ll need the minimum qualification:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113)

States that offer funding for a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care: 

Early childhood teacher

Early childhood teachers work closely with centre management to plan and provide care and early-learning education to pre-primary school-aged children. They are knowledgeable about development in young people and start implementing skills around numeracy, literacy and other core education subjects.

The number of workers in this role has grown significantly over the last five years and is projected to continue.

To become a qualified early childhood teacher, you must complete either:

• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)

For those who have previous tertiary qualifications:

• Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

Funding for courses through Commonwealth supporters places are available in:

Childcare centre manager

A childcare centre manager is responsible for running a kindergarten or family day care centre. They are in charge of the core administration and financial systems, answering directly to centre owners or general managers. They are often leaders to a workforce of caregivers and educators and oversee all developmental and educational programs for young children.

The minimum qualification required to work as a childcare centre manager is:

• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113)

States that offer funding for a Diploma of Early Childhood Education: 

Teacher’s aide

Teacher’s aides work closely with teachers in various learning environments, helping deliver educational programs to support children’s learning. Sometimes a teacher’s aide will assist in specialised programs for children who have specific learning needs.

There is no formal training required to become a teacher’s aide, but it is preferable to have a qualification such as:

• Certificate III in Education Support (CHC30213)

For a more comprehensive learning experience and to hone your skills further, you can complete a:

• Certificate IV in Education Support (CHC40213)

A Certificate III or IV in Education Support has funding available in these states:

Nanny

A nanny cares for children, usually at a customer’s home, and may provide home assistance with cleaning, cooking, errands and supporting children with their homework. 

Although a formal qualification is not necessary to start work as a nanny, a course is desirable:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113) 

The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is available for funding in these states:

Childcare has some of the most heavily government-subsidised training courses available to Australian learners.

The childcare workforce is integral to ensuring every child in Australia has access to safe care, education and development. It is also an essential part of allowing parents and caregivers to work, creating a healthier economy.

Students are also fortunate to have a vast range of flexible study options, curriculum delivery methods and even online childcare courses.

Australian states and territories each have varying training schemes for childcare qualifications, and for comprehensive funding information, it’s best to refer to your state government’s websites.

Find out some of the funding options in your state:

 

Victoria

Free TAFE courses

The Victorian Government’s Free TAFE Initiative makes studying priority courses more accessible than ever. From January 2022, Free TAFE will cover over 60 courses. 

Under this scheme, eligible learners can study the below courses for free:

• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support
• CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support
• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

JobTrainer VIC

JobTrainer is a scheme available to those leaving school, looking for work, or wanting to reskill or upskill in an in-demand industry. VET courses funded by JobTrainer are available for free or much lower cost. 

Childcare courses available through JobTrainer VIC:

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

 

New South Wales

Smart and Skilled Traineeships

This New South Wales funding program for vocational education and training provides financial assistance to those who wish to gain skills to start their careers. Traineeships involve work-based training with study from a recognised training organisation.

Childcare courses available through Smart and Skilled:

• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support
• CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support

JobTrainer NSW

To make studying more accessible, the government initiative JobTrainer supports vocational training and offers free and low-fee training options to those aged 17-24.

Childcare courses available through JobTrainer NSW:

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support

 

South Australia 

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships allow you to earn while learning and gaining the qualification you need.

Childcare apprenticeship and traineeships with fee subsidies in South Australia available: 

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support
• CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

 

Queensland

Certificate 3 Guarantee

The Certificate 3 Guarantee is a scheme that allows learners to pay a reduced amount, making a certificate III qualification more affordable and accessible.

Childcare courses available under the Certificate 3 Guarantee:

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support

Higher Level Skills

Learners eligible for The Higher Level Skills program have access to a government subsidy in selected certificate IV or above qualifications to gain employment or professional development in a priority industry.

Childcare courses available within the Higher Level Skills program are:

• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support

User Choice

The User Choice program contributes to training and assessment costs for eligible Queensland apprentices. 

User choice funding is available for:

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support
• CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Free apprenticeships for under 25s

Apprentices or trainees under the age of 25 who commence priority apprenticeship qualifications from 1st January 2021 to 30th September 2022 and are eligible will receive full course funding through the Queensland Government.

Apprenticeships or traineeships available for free:

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

 

Western Australia

Jobs and Skills WA  

Jobs and Skills WA provides funding to reduce course fees to equip people for jobs that are in high demand, like childcare. To be eligible to receive funding for a child care course, learners need to be studying in the classroom.

Courses available for funding:

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support

Apprenticeships and Traineeships

An apprenticeship or traineeship is a great way to study, gain new skills in a hands-on environment and earn a wage all at the same time. 

In WA, childcare courses are eligible for government funding within apprenticeship programs. 

Courses available for funding:

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support

 

Australian Capital Territory

Skilled Capital

The ACT Government funded training initiative Skilled Capital provides a range of services and subsidies to support Canberrans in accessing quality training and filling critical skills needs areas.

Skilled Capital childcare qualifications:

• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support

User Choice Apprenticeships and Traineeships

User choice government funding is provided towards Australian Apprenticeships. If a person is eligible for funding under User Choice, the ACT Government will subsidise the costs of their accredited training.

Apprenticeship qualifications available:

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support
• CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

 

Northern Territory 

User Choice Apprenticeships and Traineeships

User choice funding is provided to RTOs in the Northern Territory to subsidise the training and assessments of apprentices and trainees, supporting them to achieve nationally-recognised qualifications.

Courses available for funding:

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

 

Tasmania

Skills Tasmania

The Tasmanian government has applied funding to a range of nationally recognised qualifications. Eligible learners will have significantly lower course fees.

Courses available for funding:

• CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• CHC30213 Certificate III in Education Support
• CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support
• CHC50113 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Finding your perfect career and navigating the juggle of study and life’s other responsibilities is not always straightforward. Luckily, with government support and flexible study options available, there is no better time to gain qualifications in childcare than now.

Ready to take the next step in your career in childcare? 

Explore a wide range courses in childcare and early childhood education from different providers, so you can find the best fit for you.