Western Sydney University secures NSW Government funding to support Early Childhood educators into teaching careers

Western Sydney University has received over $930,000 from the NSW Department of Education to develop a new early childhood pathway, supporting diploma-qualified educators to become Early Childhood Teachers.

The Early Childhood Diploma to Teaching Pathway recognises the strong Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector experience of diploma-qualified educators and provides targeted academic, financial and professional support to help them gain the qualifications needed to become high-quality Early Childhood Teachers.

Students enrolled in the pathway will receive a scholarship of $3,000 per year of study, up to $6,000 in total to support their studies. They will also benefit from a comprehensive range of academic and professional wraparound supports designed to help them succeed at university and in their future careers.

As part of the pathway, students will be matched with an ECEC sector experienced mentor who will guide them as they navigate university systems, adapt to new ways of learning and thinking, and develop leadership skills.

Professor Michele Simons, Dean of the School of Education, said the initiative reflects the University’s strong commitment to developing high-quality educators to support children’s learning and development, and address workforce needs in early childhood education.

“Western Sydney University is proud to have secured funding through the NSW Department of Education’s ‘Diploma to Degree’ initiative, a program designed to help qualified Early Childhood Educators upskill to become Early Childhood Teachers,” said Professor Simons.

“This new Diploma to Teaching degree provides an exciting opportunity for experienced educators to build on their existing qualifications and progress into teaching roles, while continuing to support their communities.”

Domestic students living in New South Wales who are interested in this program will have the opportunity to apply for a Spring 2026 intake. Applicants must hold an Australian Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121 or equivalent) and have a minimum of two years’ ECEC sector experience at a Diploma level. It is offered as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), meaning that a large percentage of tuition fees are subsidised by the Commonwealth Government.

The program includes 60-days of professional experience as required by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). One placement can be undertaken in the student’s current workplace.

For more information, or to register your interest, please visit the webpage.

ENDS.

20 February 2026
Photo credit: Monica Pronk

Ali Sardyga, Senior Media and PR Advisor