Does your qualification count? Diploma-level qualifications for OSHC in Victoria

If you've ever looked at an OSHC job in Victoria and thought "I don't have an early childhood diploma, so that's not for me" — this post is for you. Plenty of people who'd make wonderful educators rule themselves out because they don't realise their qualification already counts.

Here's what the rules say, and the long list of qualifications that sit at diploma level for outside school hours care (OSHC) in Victoria.

Why qualifications matter in Victorian OSHC

In Victoria, at least half of the educators on the floor in an OSHC service must hold — or be enrolled in and actively studying — a diploma-level qualification approved for outside school hours care. The rest of the team need at least a Certificate III-level qualification, or to start one within 6 months.

That's why, for our Victorian Holiday Quest roles this summer, we're specifically looking for diploma-level educators. It's how we keep every room well-supported and every child well cared for.

(In NSW it's different — no qualification is needed to start as an OSHC educator. You'll need a valid NSW Working With Children Check, and we can help you apply.)

The good news: it's a much wider list than you'd think

Diploma level for Victorian OSHC isn't limited to early childhood. If you've studied in any of these areas, you may already qualify.

Children's services

• Diploma of School Age Education and Care
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• Diploma of Out of School Hours Care
• Diploma of Children's Services (OSHC)

Education and teaching

If you're a teacher — or studied to become one — you're very likely covered:

• A primary or secondary teaching qualification at diploma level or above, such as a Bachelor of Education
• Current Teacher Registration
• A Certificate in Teaching or Education that required at least 2 years' study
• A Diploma in Education Support that required at least 2 years' study

Youth and community

Youth workers and community services graduates bring exactly the skills school-age children need:

• Diploma of Community Services
• Diploma of Community Welfare Work
• Diploma or Bachelor of Youth Work
• Bachelor of Arts (Youth Studies, Youth Affairs or Recreation)
• Bachelor of Social Science (Youth Work)
• Bachelor of Social Work, with 12 months' experience working with school-age children

Sport and recreation

Love getting kids active? These count too:

• Bachelor of Physical Education
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education)
• Bachelor of Sport Science (Exercise Science)
• Associate Diploma in Arts (Fitness, Recreation or Leadership)

Still studying? That counts

You don't have to have finished. If you're enrolled in one of these qualifications and actively studying, you count towards the diploma-level requirement. That makes OSHC a great fit for uni students — especially over the summer holidays.

What about Certificate III level?

For the rest of the team, a Certificate III-level qualification is needed (or starting one within 6 months). Examples include a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, a Certificate III or IV in Education Support, a Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care, a Certificate IV in Community Services or Youth Work, and health or allied health degrees such as psychology or occupational therapy.

Not sure if yours is on the list?

This is a summary of ACECQA's approved list (updated May 2026), so it isn't every qualification. You can check ACECQA's full list — or simply apply anyway and ask us. We'll check it for you.

Your qualification also affects your pay. Our casual educators in Victoria (Melbourne) earn $40–$46 an hour + super under the Children's Services Award — where you sit in the range depends on your qualification and experience.

Join us beyond the bell

This summer, Holiday Quest runs from the end of Term 4 up to Christmas, takes a break between Christmas and New Year, then runs again from Monday 4 January until school goes back in late January 2027. We're hiring casual educators in North & West and South-East Melbourne, and across Sydney's south-west and the Hills District.

See our Victorian roles, pay and how to apply — it takes about two minutes, and we'd love to hear from you.