Southern Cross University defends early childhood course amid enrolment and placement concerns

Southern Cross University (SCU) has responded to mounting scrutiny surrounding its Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, following claims aired by the ABC’s 7.30 program alleging low course quality, excessive enrolments, and strained student placements.

The 10-month program, designed to address early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce shortages, has seen a dramatic surge in enrolments with approximately 6,000 students enrolling over the past two years. Many of these enrolments have been linked to international students, with the course promoted by some immigration agents as a potential pathway to permanent residency.

Investigative reports from ABC’s 7.30 program, presented by journalist Adele Ferguson, and additional reporting by Yahoo News Australia, detailed systemic concerns. These include claims that course units ballooned from 200 to more than 2,000 students, creating a “significant crisis” in placement availability. One internal email reportedly called for urgent “phone sprints” to secure placements, with gift cards offered as incentives for staff who met targets.

Concerns were also raised about the quality of some placement sites, with allegations that students were being sent to services not meeting National Quality Standard benchmarks, including lapses in child protection knowledge, safe sleep practices and hygiene.

Immigration agent Mark Glazbrook told 7.30 the situation should “concern every Australian,” citing fears that some international students enrolled in the program were not attending classes and were instead using the course as a migration vehicle.

NSW Greens MLC Abigail Boyd questioned the educational integrity of the program, asking how students could receive a quality education in services that were themselves non-compliant.

In response, SCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin issued a detailed statement defending the course’s academic rigour and purpose. He emphasised that the diploma was fully accredited by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and designed to meet the growing demand for qualified educators in a sector under pressure.

“Workforce shortages in the early childhood sector are well understood,” Professor Carlin said. “The University has worked hard to establish a course underpinned by a commitment to quality, employability and equity of access.”

He added that the program was developed through sector engagement and led by “nationally and internationally recognised experts,” noting its alignment with regulatory expectations and professional practice standards.

“As part of their qualification, students are required to undergo multiple professional placements, which the University arranges,” he said. “We have invested heavily in the infrastructure necessary to do this, and we will continue to ensure students receive meaningful developmental opportunities on placement with reputable providers.”

The course remains fully accredited by ACECQA, and placements are a required component of qualification under the Education and Care Services National Regulations. Nonetheless, the allegations have prompted broader questions about course quality, provider accountability, and regulatory oversight, particularly in light of workforce-driven enrolment strategies.