🎓 Study Early Childhood Education in 2026 — Get Financial Support
Applications are now open for the 2026 NSW Government Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Scholarship Program. You could receive up to $6,000 to help cover the cost of studying an eligible Early Childhood qualification.
METS trainers will inspire you to create a safe and inclusive environment in early childhood education and care services. This nationally- recognised course includes 12 core units and 3 electives.
This qualification will give you knowledge for supporting and leading children’s learning and development, health and wellbeing, along with designing, planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs and practices, that meet the requirements of the National Quality Framework (NQF), which includes the National Law and Regulations, National Quality Standard, the assessment and rating process and national learning frameworks. It will also prepare you for working with community members and external agencies.
The Education and Care Services National Regulations state under Section 126: Centre-based services – The qualification requirements for educators at centre-based services for children preschool age or under are – at least 50 per cent of the educators who are required to meet the relevant educator to child ratios for the service must have, or be actively working towards, at least an approved diploma level education and care qualification. Section 128: Family Day Care Co-ordinator qualifications state: A family day care co-ordinator must have an approved diploma level education and care qualification.
While enjoying the combination of online study as well as practical workplace experience, this course will prepare you for your role and responsibilities as a diploma level educator.
To achieve this qualification, the individual must have completed a total of least 280 hours of work in a regulated children’s education and care service in Australia as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of units of competency. The total number of hours may be applied collectively across all units of competency that include the requirement for workplace hours.
Duration: Approximately 12 to 24 months
NSW Smart and Skilled funding is available for eligible students in the following region:
Enquire now
Delivery mode
This course is available in the following study modes:
Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic requirements
Smart and Skilled Funding Eligibility (NSW)
METS Training Services delivers government subsidised training, including the NSW government training under the Smart and Skilled program.
To access NSW government-subsidised training with METS Training Services, including fee exemptions or concessions, you must be:
- an Australian citizen or meet the criteria of being an Australian permanent resident, a humanitarian visa holder, or a New Zealand citizen;
- aged 15 years or older;
- no longer be at school;
- living or working in NSW; or registered as a NSW apprentice or new entrant trainee.
Please note: Students on temporary visas (including Student Visa Subclass 500 and most visitor or working holiday visas) are not eligible for government-subsidised training.
Course fees
Course fee
Unknown
Enquire now
Smart and Skilled Funding – Fee Free Training may be available for eligible students.
2026 NSW Government ECEC Scholarships
✅ What You Need to Know
- Up to $6,000 per successful applicant
- Applications open: 1 October 2026
- Applications close: 31 March 2027
- Available for eligible ECEC VET qualifications
- For students who commence studying after 1 October 2026
Related career opportunities
This course will prepare you for the following roles.
About METS Training Services
METS is a leading RTO and approved Smart & Skilled Provider, delivering nationally recognised qualifications within the community service, childcare, retail, business and warehouse industries.
Legal name
Macquarie Employment Training Service Limited
More about METS Training Services