Victoria’s New Immigration Policy & VU Early Childhood GD Scholarship – A Dual Benefit for Migration Planning
Victoria’s government and education sector have recently announced two major updates: the 2024-25 Victorian state nomination program has been upgraded, prioritizing early childhood education occupations, and Victoria University (VU) has doubled its scholarship for the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood program. These combined policies present a rare opportunity for students and skilled migrants pursuing a career in early childhood education in Australia.
Victoria’s State Nomination Policy Upgrade: Early Childhood Education Now a Priority
Victoria has adjusted its state nomination allocation for the new financial year and introduced a priority processing policy for early childhood educators, highlighting the high demand for talent in this field.
Key Policy Highlights
- Increased State Nomination Quotas
- The 190 visa (permanent skilled migration) quota has increased to 3,000 places.
- The 491 visa (regional skilled migration) allocation has surged to 2,000 places.
- This expansion creates more opportunities for applicants.
- Early Childhood Education as a Priority Occupation
- The Victorian government has officially stated that early childhood educators will be a key focus for state nomination.
- The minimum invitation score may be lowered, and application requirements could become more flexible.
- Easier Skills Assessment Process
- The early childhood education skills assessment authority has changed to ACECQA, simplifying previous complex language and experience requirements.
- This adjustment reduces application difficulties and speeds up the assessment process.
- Flexible Migration Pathways
- 190 Visa: Grants permanent residency (PR) and is open to skilled migrants working anywhere in Victoria.
- 491 Visa: Requires applicants to work and live in regional Victoria for three years before transitioning to the 191 PR visa.
With these changes, early childhood education has become one of the most competitive options in Victoria’s skilled migration program, providing a clear and fast-tracked pathway to permanent residency.
Victoria University’s Early Childhood GD Program: Scholarship Doubled, Reducing Tuition Costs
To further support students, Victoria University (VU) has significantly increased its scholarship for the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood program for February and April 2025 intakes, easing the financial burden on international students.
Key Benefits of the VU Early Childhood GD Program
- Generous Scholarship & Reduced Tuition
- Tuition fees reduced from $32,200 to $25,760, saving $6,440.
- Initial deposit lowered to $5,000, reducing upfront financial pressure.
- Innovative Block Model Teaching
- VU adopts a “one-subject-at-a-time” Block Model, allowing students to focus on a single course at a time.
- Small class sizes (maximum 35 students) enhance learning efficiency and academic performance.
- Guaranteed Internships & Job Support
- VU partners with over 5,000 childcare centers across Australia.
- Students gain hands-on experience, increasing employability upon graduation.
- Flexible Payment Plan
- Tuition is paid per subject, reducing the need for large upfront payments.
- Students can plan their finances more flexibly.
Why Choose the Early Childhood GD Program?
Completing the GD program not only enables graduates to apply for a work visa but also lays the foundation for permanent residency applications. Given the high priority of early childhood occupations in migration, as well as the simplified skills assessment, this program offers a streamlined academic pathway for those looking to migrate to Australia.
Migration Benefits of Early Childhood Education
- Lower Points Requirement for Invitations
- With Victoria’s priority processing, early childhood educators are likely to receive invitations at lower points thresholds.
- Faster Skills Assessment & Visa Processing
- The switch to ACECQA has made the skills assessment process more efficient and flexible.
- Increased state nomination quotas mean faster visa processing.
- Clear Migration Pathways
- Whether through the 189 Independent Skilled Visa, 190 State Nomination Visa, or 491 Regional Visa, early childhood educators have high chances of receiving invitations.
Take Advantage of This Opportunity – Contact Merchants Prosperity for Expert Support
From selecting the right early childhood education program to completing the skills assessment and state nomination application, Merchants Prosperity provides professional services and comprehensive support.
- One-on-one migration consultation
- Tailored visa and migration pathway planning
- Expert guidance for skills assessment and state nomination applications
Now is the best time to plan your migration through early childhood education. Contact Merchants Prosperity today and take the first step toward your future in Australia.