Sydney Montessori Training Centre

AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma

Upcoming Courses

Perth – August 2025 – October 2026 in blocks

Sydney – 10 February 2026 – 17 July 2027 (Friday/Saturday format principally in term time)

Melbourne – 19 February 2026 – 23 January 2027 (Friday/Saturday format principally in term time)

Information Session

Register for our next free online AMI Montessori Diploma Information Session to learn more about the course and hear from past students.

JOIN THE INFORMATION SESSION

Course Description

The AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma is an in-depth study of Montessori pedagogy focusing on the developmental needs of children from three to six years of age.

Award

AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma*

Directors of Training

  • Amy Kirkham
  • Kay Urquhart

Course Delivery Mode

Blended Part-time

This is a mixture of “live” online and in-person sessions across the course. Other requirements include:

  • 400 hours of training led by an AMI Trainer
  • 140 hours of supervised practice with Montessori materials
  • 170 hours of Observation and Practice Teaching

Course Schedule

2025: Perth – Blended Block Mode ( 12 August 2025 – 17 October 2026)
Trainer – Kay Urquhart
Perth Course Schedule (August 2025 – October 2026)
DATEDAYtime (AWST PERTH)
2025
BLOCK 1 – ONLINE
12 AugustTuesday5–8pm
16 AugustSaturday12 noon –3pm
19 AugustTuesday5–8pm
23 AugustSaturday12 noon –3pm
26 AugustTuesday5–8pm
30 AugustSaturday12 noon –3pm
2 SeptemberTuesday5–8pm
6 SeptemberSaturday12 noon –3pm
9 SeptemberTuesday5–8pm
13 SeptemberSaturday12 noon –3pm
16 SeptemberTuesday5–8pm
20 SeptemberSaturday12 noon –3pm
BLOCK 2 – IN-PERSON
29 September – 24 OctoberMonday – Friday9am – 4:30pm
* Placement 1: 1 week of observations can be completed between Block 2 and 3 (term 4)
2026
BLOCK 2a – ONLINE
Date TBCSaturday12 noon –3pm
Date TBCSaturday12 noon –3pm
2026
BLOCK 3 – IN-PERSON
5 January – 30 January 2026Monday – Friday9am – 4:30pm
* Placement 2: 1 week of observations followed by 1 week of practice teaching can be completed between Blocks 3 and 4 (term 1 2026) 
BLOCK 3a – ONLINE
Date TBCSaturday12 noon –3pm
Date TBCSaturday12 noon –3pm
BLOCK 4 – IN-PERSON
6 April – 24 April 2026Monday – Friday9am – 4:30pm
*Placement 3: 1 week of observations and 2 weeks of practice teaching can be completed between Blocks 4 and 5 (term 2) OR after Block 5 (term 3)
BLOCK 5 – IN-PERSON
6 July – 17 July 2026Monday – Friday9am – 4:30pm
BLOCK 6 – IN-PERSON
28 September – 16 October 2026Monday – Friday9am – 4:30pm
GRADUATION
17 October 2026SaturdayTime TBC – graduation may occur on an earlier date but please keep this free.
NOTE: All times are in Australian Western Standard Time, which is Perth, WA Local time.

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2026: Melbourne – Blended part time ( 19 February 2026 – 23 January 2027)
Trainer – Amy Kirkham
Melbourne Course Schedule (19 February 2026 – 23 January 2027)
DATEDAYtime (MELBOURNE)ONline or In PErson
2026
BLOCK 1 – A MIX OF ONLINE & IN-PERSON SESSIONS
19 FebruaryThursday6pm–9:15pmONLINE
21 FebruarySaturday9am –12:15pmONLINE
26 FebruaryThursday6pm–9:15pmONLINE
28 FebruarySaturday9am –12:15pmONLINE
5 MarchThursday6pm–9:15pmONLINE
7 MarchSaturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
12 MarchThursday6pm–9:15pmONLINE
14 MarchSaturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
19 MarchThursday6pm–9:15pmONLINE
21 MarchSaturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
26 March Thursday6pm–9:15pmONLINE
28 March Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
7 -11 AprilTuesday – Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
13 – 17 AprilMonday – Friday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
* Placement 1: 2 weeks of observations and 1 week Teaching Practice can be completed between 20 April – 15 May 2026 in Term 2
16 MaySaturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
22 & 23 MayFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
29 & 30 MayFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
5 & 6 JuneFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
12 & 13 JuneFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
19 & 20 JuneFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
27 JuneSaturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
29 June – 4 JulyMonday – Saturday 9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
6 – 10 JulyMonday – Friday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
18 JulySaturday9am –12:15pmONLINE
1 AugustSaturday9am –12:15pmONLINE
15 AugustSaturday9am –12:15pmONLINE
29 AugustSaturday9am –12:15pmONLINE
* Placement 2: 2 weeks of observations followed by 2 weeks of practice teaching can be completed between 13 July – 18 September in Term 3
5 SeptemberSaturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
12 SeptemberSaturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
21 – 26 SeptemberMonday – Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
16 & 17 OctoberFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
24 October Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
30 & 31 OctoberFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
6 & 7 November Friday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
13 & 14 November Friday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
20 & 21 NovemberFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
27 & 28 NovemberFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
4 & 5 DecemberFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
11 & 12 DecemberFriday and Saturday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
*Placement 3: 2 weeks of Teaching Practice can be completed between 5 October – 18 December in Term 4
2027
4 – 8 JanuaryMonday – Friday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
11 – 15 JanuaryMonday – Friday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
18 – 22 JanuaryMonday – Friday9am – 4:30pmIN PERSON
GRADUATION
23 January 2027SaturdayTime TBC – graduation may occur on an earlier date but please keep this free.
NOTE:
*All times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time or Australian Eastern Daylight Time depending on the part of the year, which is Melbourne, VICTORIA Local time.
**In person sessions are held at the Melbourne Training Centre.
2026: Sydney – Blended part time ( 10 February 2026 – 17 July 2027)
Trainer – Kay Urquhart
Sydney Course Schedule (10 February 2026 – 17 July 2027)
DATEDAYtime (SYDNEY)ONline or In PErson
2026
BLOCK 1 – ONLINE
10 FebruaryTuesday5pm – 8pmONLINE
14 FebruarySaturday12pm – 3pmONLINE
17 FebruaryTuesday5pm – 8pmONLINE
21 FebruarySaturday12pm – 3pmONLINE
24 FebruaryTuesday5pm – 8pmONLINE
28 FebruarySaturday12pm – 3pmONLINE
3 MarchTuesday5pm – 8pmONLINE
7 MarchSaturday12pm – 3pmONLINE
10 MarchTuesday5pm – 8pmONLINE
14 MarchSaturday12pm – 3pmONLINE
17 MarchTuesday5pm – 8pmONLINE
21 MarchSaturday12pm – 3pmONLINE
BLOCK 2 – IN PERSON
1 & 2 MayFriday and Saturday9am – 5 pmIN PERSON
8 & 9 MayFriday and Saturday9am – 5 pmIN PERSON
15 & 16 MayFriday and Saturday9am – 5 pmIN PERSON
22 & 23 MayFriday and Saturday9am – 5 pmIN PERSON
29 & 30 MayFriday and Saturday9am – 5 pmIN PERSON
5 & 6 JuneFriday and Saturday9am – 5 pmIN PERSON
12 & 13 JuneFriday and Saturday9am – 5 pmIN PERSON
19 & 20 JuneFriday and Saturday9am – 5 pmIN PERSON
26 & 27 JuneFriday and Saturday9am – 5 pmIN PERSON
* Placement 1: 2 weeks of Observations followed by 1 week of Teaching Practice can be completed during school terms
BLOCK 3 – IN PERSON9am – 4:30pm
24 & 25 JulyFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
31 July & 1 AugustFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
7 & 8 AugustFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
14 & 15 AugustFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
21 & 22 AugustFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
28 & 29 AugustFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
4 & 5 SeptemberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
11 & 12 SeptemberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
18 & 19 SeptemberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
*Placement 2: 2 weeks of Observation followed by 1 week of Teaching Practice can be completed during school terms
BLOCK 4 – IN PERSON
23 & 24 OctoberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
30 & 31 OctoberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
6 & 7 NovemberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
13 & 14 NovemberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
20 & 21 NovemberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
27 & 28 NovemberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
4 & 5 DecemberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
11 & 12 DecemberFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
*Placement 3: 3 weeks of Teaching Practice can be completed during school terms
2027
BLOCK 5 – IN PERSON
12 & 13 FebruaryFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
19 & 20 FebruaryFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
26 & 27 FebruaryFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
5 & 6 MarchFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
12 & 13 MarchFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
19 & 20 MarchFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
BLOCK 6 – IN PERSON9am – 5pm
2 & 3 AprilFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
9 & 10 AprilFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
12 – 16 AprilMonday to Friday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
19 – 23 AprilMonday to Friday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
BLOCK 7 – IN PERSON
18 & 19 JuneFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
25 & 26 JuneFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
2 & 3 JulyFriday and Saturday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
5 – 9 JulyMonday to Friday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
12 – 16 JulyMonday to Friday9am – 5pmIN PERSON
17 July: GRADUATIONSaturdayTBCIN PERSON
*Written exams will be conducted in Block 6 and oral exams will be conducted in Block 7.
*All times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time or Australian Eastern Daylight Time depending on the part of the year, which is Sydney, New South Wales Local time

Training Locations

  • Melbourne: Kalker Montessori Centre, 1-3 Estelle St, Bulleen, VIC 3105, Australia
  • Perth: Rockingham Montessori School, Rockingham, WA 6168, Australia
  • Sydney: Southside Montessori School, 35 Lillian Rd, Riverwood NSW 2210, Australia
  • Brisbane: Brisbane Montessori School Australia, 12 Mactier Street, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland 4069, Australia

Course Fees

See our course fees page which includes discounts and payment plan information: Fees

Application requirements

AMI Montessori Diploma course applicants are required to provide the following with their application:

  • Current resume
  • Certified copies of all academic transcripts
  • A short 2 page statement written in the applicant’s own words on why you would like to undertake the AMI 3-6 Diploma and what brought you to Montessori
  • 3 written signed reference letters (1personal, 2 professional). A personal reference written by a family member will not be accepted.
  • If English is your second language, a minimum IELTS (or equivalent of 6 is required to undertake an AMI Diploma with some exceptions for previous University level study in English to be determined on a case-by-case basis
  • Visa documentation for non-residents or a reasonable plan for obtaining a visa
  • It is an AMI requirement that all AMI Diploma students hold current membership with them for the duration of their course. AMI membership costs 30 Euro for a 12 month period. SMTC may collect membership fees on AMI’s behalf if the student does not already have an AMI Membership.
  • The online sessions of this course are live online lectures. They must be attended via Zoom when they are scheduled, to meet AMI’s 90% minimum attendance requirement. 

How To Apply

APPLY NOW

Course outline and completion requirements

*Qualification Authorising Body

The Diploma is awarded by the Association Montessori Internationale and does not form part of the Australian Qualifications Framework.

AMI is considered as the worldwide leader in Montessori education. Its certified training is acknowledged for its rigour and authenticity and the Diploma is internationally recognised. All Association Montessori Internationale Diplomas state the holder has “Studied the principles and practice of the Montessori method for children from 3-6 years of age” and has “passed the written and oral examinations”.

The Diploma does not automatically qualify the holder to teach. The State or Country in which the Diploma-holder wishes to work may have other teaching requirements that must be fulfilled.

Required readings

The following texts can be purchased from Montessori Materials Australia as well as other suppliers:

By Dr Maria Montessori

  • The Absorbent Mind
  • The Secret of Childhood
  • The Discovery of the Child
  • The Formation of Man
  • The Advanced Montessori Method Vol 1
  • Education and Peace
  • Maria Montessori’s 1946 London Lectures
  • Citizen of the World: Key Montessori Readings

By Mario M. Montessori, Sr: 

• The Human Tendencies and Montessori Education (AMI Pamphlet)

Recommended Reading

By Dr Maria Montessori

  • The Child in the Family
  • Education for a New World
  • To Educate the Human Potential
  • From Childhood to Adolescence
  • Creative Development in the Child Vol 1
  • Creative Development in the Child Vol 2
  • Psychogeometry
  • Psychoarithmetica
  • The Child, Society and the World
  • What You Should Know About Your Child
  • The Montessori Approach to Music (Sarah Werner Andrews, ed.)

By Dr Silvana Montanaro Quattrocchi

  • Understanding the Human Being

By E.M. Standing

  • Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work

Courses currently underway

2024: Sydney – Blended part time (January 2024 – July 2025)
Trainer – Kay Urquhart

Sydney Class Schedule (January 2024 – July 2025)

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2024: Melbourne – Blended part-time (28 February 2024 – 30 March 2025)
Trainer – Amy Kirkham

Melbourne Class Schedule February 2024 – March 2025

2024: Brisbane – Blended part time (February 2024 – October 2025)
Trainer – Amy Kirkham
Brisbane Class Schedule (February 2024 – October 2025)
DATEDAYtime
2024
BLOCK 1 – ONLINE
28 February – 27 March 2024Wednesdays6–9pm (AEST)
Saturdays6–9pm (AEST)
BLOCK 1 – IN-PERSON
2 – 6 April 2024Tuesday – Saturday9am – 4:30pm
8 – 12 April 2024Monday – Friday9am – 4:30pm
15 – 20 April 2024Monday – Saturday9am – 4:30pm
BLOCK 2 – ONLINE 2024
11 May 2024Saturday6–9pm (AEST)
8 June 2024Saturday6–9pm (AEST)
13 July 2024Saturday6–9pm (AEST)
10 August 2024Saturday6–9pm (AEST)
14 September 2024Saturday6–9pm (AEST)
12 October 2024Saturday6–9pm (AEDT)
9 November 2024Saturday6–9pm (AEDT)
* Placement 1: 2 weeks of observations and 1 week practice teaching to be completed between July and December 2024
2025
BLOCK 3 – ONLINE
31 March 2025Monday6–9pm (AEDT)
BLOCK 3 – IN-PERSON
4 April 2025Friday9am – 4:30pm (AEST)
5 April 2025Saturday9am – 4:30pm (AEST)
7–12 April 2025Monday – Saturday9am – 4:30pm (AEST)
14–16 April 2025Monday – Wednesday9am – 4:30pm (AEST)
* Placement 2: 2 weeks of observations followed by 2 weeks of practice teaching in term 2 2025 
BLOCK 4 – ONLINE
3 May 2025Saturday6–9pm (AEST)
17 May 2025Saturday6–9pm (AEST)
31 May 2025Saturday6–9pm (AEST)
14 June 2025Saturday6–9pm (AEST)
BLOCK 5 – IN-PERSON
30 June – 5 July 2025Monday – Saturday9am – 4:30pm (AEST)
7 – 12 July 2025Monday – Saturday9am – 4:30pm (AEST)
14 – 18 July 2025
Monday – Friday9am – 4:30pm (AEST)
Placement 3: 3 weeks of practice teaching between July and September 2025.
BLOCK 6 – ONLINE
26 July – 13 September 2025Wednesdays & Saturdays6–9pm (AEST)
BLOCK 7 – IN-PERSON
22 – 27 September 2025Monday – Saturday9am – 4:30pm (AEST)
29 September – 4 October 2025Monday – Saturday9am – 4:30pm (AEST)
6 October – 10 October 2025Monday – Friday9am – 4:30pm (AEDT)

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