Primary Teaching Degree in Australia

You will have the chance to improve your leadership skills if you decide to pursue a career in teaching and move up to positions like head of a year or even head teacher. No matter your ambitions, education allows you to progress as high as you would like.

Demands for primary school teachers in Australia

Demands for teachers in Australia are rising, and the population of primary students will increase dramatically over the next ten years. Australia has a large number of primary school teachers working there.  The demand for primary school teachers is expected to grow due to our constantly growing population; therefore, this position offers the chance to improve the lives of young people.

There were 156,041 primary school teachers in Australia as of 2021. By 2025, the National Skills Commission Employment Projections predict that there will be 179,800 teachers working in the country.

Bachelor of Teaching Primary

The Bachelor of Teaching Primary degree is designed for successful careers and will develop your knowledge, confidence, and skills through theoretical and experience-based learning. You'll study various courses in primary education and specialist teaching areas to provide you with a highly desired degree qualification.

Key study areas include:

• Foundations of primary education
• How to teach K-6 curriculum
• Language and literacy development
• Psychology of learning and teaching
• Behavior management

Entry requirements

Bachelor of education primary requirements are:

• Completed a 12 Years qualification (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification)
• English language skills
• Grade Point Average of 5.5 (50%) at the senior secondary school level.

Universities have different entry requirements, so they carefully read the course information on their website. You can also contact us if you need any advice or assistance.

Duration

Minimum Duration is 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time.

Expected Fee

A$10,000 – A$45,000 AUD / Year.

Master of Primary Teaching

Master of Teaching Primary course is an introductory fundamental course that will prepare you with the necessary skills to demonstrate your proficiency in accordance with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Career Stage) and to be eligible for professional registration.

You can teach across the Australian Curriculum with the help of the Master of Teaching Primary course. Australian Curriculum must be covered accreditation requirements includes:

• English
• Science
• Mathematics
• Humanities and Social Sciences (Including Geography (Foundation – Year 6), History (Foundation - Year 6), Civics and Citizenship (Year 3 Year 6), and Business and Economics (Year 5 – Year 6) )
• Technology
• Arts
• Health and Physical Education

Entry requirements

Master of primary teaching requirements in Australia are:

• Completion of an Australian Bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
• Students' Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 7.5 (60%).
• Must have taken an English language proficiency test.
• Universities have different entry requirements, so they carefully read the course information on their website. You can also contact us if you need any advice or assistance.

Duration

2 years full time (4 years part-time) - 16 credit points.

Expected Fee

A$25,000 – A$47,000 AUD / Year.

Ph.D. Program of Teaching Primary

A Ph.D. in teaching primary requires you to complete a research thesis (or alternative approved output) of no more than 80,000 words. A ph.D. program can be pursued in any field of study, like:

• Curriculum and pedagogy
• Early childhood education
• Educational psychology and inclusive education
• Mathematics, science, and technology
• Teacher education, language, arts, and professional learning
• Work, learning, and leadership
• You will also complete many professional development activities or coursework units related to your selected research. These activities are created to give you the professional skills you'll need to advance your future career.

Entry requirements

Ph.D. degree requirements to study teaching primary in Australia:

• Students must have completed a 3 to 4-year graduation degree and a 2 years Masters's program.
• Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3 (55%) at the master's level.
• Must have taken an English language proficiency test. The score for the preferred tests is: TOEFL – 79, IELTS – 6.5, PTE – 58-64

Universities have different entry requirements, so they carefully read the course information on their website. You can also contact us if you need any advice or assistance.

Duration

3 years full-time equivalent and 6 years part-time equivalent. But the maximum duration of the Ph.D. program is 4 years full-time.

Expected Fee

A$43,000 – A$65,000 AUD / Year.

If unsure which program is best for you, don't hesitate to contact us. Our advisors will help you find the best courses in Australia according to your needs and demands.

Location of Universities

There are 43 best universities in Australia, one in each state and territory. Most universities have more than one campus located across multiple states and territories. You can choose where in Australia you want to study.

Best Universities for Primary Teaching

Numerous providers are offering a variety of primary teaching courses. The criteria for entry vary for each one. The top institutions offering a degree in teaching primary are:

Victoria (VIC)

• Deakin University
• Federation University of Australia
• Monash University

South Australia (SA)

• University of South Australia (UniSA)
• Flinders University

Western Australia (WA)

• Curtin University
• Edith Cowan University

Queensland (QLD)

• Griffith University

New South Wales (NSW)

• Australian Catholic University

Tasmania (TAS)

• University of Tasmania

If you are applying to study in Victoria, you must take the CASPer test. This computer-based assessment screens and evaluates key professional characteristics and is designed for suitable discerning applications, increasing fairness in evaluations.

H3- How to Apply

International students can apply directly through the University's website using the online application system or can apply through us. If you have any queries regarding your application, you can:

• Call us
• Send an email
• Make an online query

High Demand Teaching Areas Australia

There are areas in urban and rural Australia's territories where insufficiently trained teachers are going. Queensland has programs to recruit specific instructors to fill open positions in its rural, remote, or regional communities.
Each Australian state is trying to recruit instructors in physics, biology, computing, mathematics, and other academic areas due to the high need for teachers in these fields.

Primary teachers demand

• Rural and remote communities, all age level
• Teachers of special education
• Teaching languages

Primary Teaching Scholarships

Top primary teaching scholarships to study in Australia are:

• Adelaide Scholarships International
• Flinders International Postgraduate Scholarships
• International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS)
• Australia Awards Scholarships
• The University of South Australia scholarships

Pathways to Primary Teaching

Primary school teachers are trained to teach students from Kindergarten to Year 6. They plan and deliver educational programs to assist primary school students' intellectual, physical and social development (typically aged between 5 and 11).

Teaching Primary Occupation in Demand

Studying primary education course allows you to nominate the occupations of teaching for Australian General Skilled Migration. The teaching career is on the Medium to Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

Pathway to Temporary and Permanent Visas

• An applicant who nominates an occupation on the MLTSSL list can apply for a:
• Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 Visa
• Temporary Skills Shortage Subclass 482 Visa
• Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 Visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 Visa
• Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa
• Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa
• Permanent Residence (Permanent Regional) Subclass 191 Visa

An applicant who nominates an occupation on the STSOL list can apply for a:

• Temporary Skills Shortage Subclass 482 Visa
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 Visa
• Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa
• Permanent Residence (Permanent Regional) Subclass 191 Visa

Primary Teaching Career Opportunities

• Beyond teaching-related positions, the Bachelor of Education Primary (Honors) Curriculum provides a variety of employment alternatives. You may decide to work for many different employees, such as:
• Business associations
• Department for Education
• Catholic Education South Australia (CESA)
• Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA)

If you decide to continue teaching, the Honours program will prepare you with further qualifications and specialized skills to improve your job prospects. The primary school teaching profession has excellent employment prospects and consistent long-term growth. Careers to consider:

• Primary teacher: create lesson plans under the Australian Curriculum and promote classroom learning for kindergarten to 6 years.
• Junior primary teacher: create lesson plans in line with the Australian Curriculum and promote learning in the classroom for students aged five to eight.

You may continue further research with a Master of Education, Ph.D., or Education Doctorate.

The initial teacher education qualification for the Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) satisfies both the requirements of the national approach to the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia and those of the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia for teacher registration in South Australia.

Role and responsibilities

Primary teachers daily create lesson plans that follow the broad syllabus and curriculum standards. They teach various subject areas, including English, mathematics, science, technology, society and environment, creative arts, personal development, health, and physical education.

Work activities

A typical work activity for a primary teacher is:

• Teaching a variety of lessons for a specific year group, from kindergarten to Year 6.
• To engage primary students, using creative activities such as art, music, and sport.
• Use computers and other electronic devices to prepare lessons, report on student development, and undertake administrative duties.
• Encourage students to develop effective study habits.
• Discuss students' growth with their parents.
• Take care of the students outside the classroom (i.e., playground).
• Attend staff meetings.
• Assisting with organizing sporting activities, tours, and other extracurricular activities.

Qualification

Suppose you want to become a primary teacher. In that case, you need to complete at least four years of tertiary study, including an accredited teacher education program, at a recognized university or higher education institution, such as:

• a Bachelor of Education Primary
• a combined or double degree, for example, a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education Primary
• an undergraduate degree and an accredited graduate entry teaching degree, for example, a Master of Teaching Primary.

Primary School Teacher Salary in Australia

Primary schools teacher salary in Australia might differ depending on several factors, including the type of school (private or public), the courses they teach, their years of experience, and more. However, the average salary for a primary school teacher in Australia is AU$69,849.

Skills Assessment Authority

All immigrant teachers must take the mandatory skills assessment offered by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. The AITSL Standards for Teachers help you understand and develop your teaching practice and expertise across 4 career stages. By demonstrating the Standards, you can have maximum impact on all learners.

The examination evaluates whether they are qualified for primary teaching jobs. You must complete their skills evaluation if you plan to migrate. You must register with the portal. Provide them with the necessary documents:

• proof of identity
• any evidence of a name change
• proof of qualification
• transcript for each year of your qualification
• evidence of supervised teaching practice signed by an official
• IELTS English test proficiency results
• AITSL fees as required
• Skills assessment AU$860
• Skilled employer statement AU$232
• The appeal of the assessment outcome is AU$860
• AITSL Skills Assessment Certificate AU$232

You will be informed via the portal when the assessment is finished. You can ask for an AITSL Skills Assessment Certificate from them to use with your points test for your visa application, and this AITSL certificate is valid for two years.

Global Primary Teaching Industry

The education industry is vast, and Primary school education today focuses on establishing children's fundamental literacy and numeracy skills and developing their understanding of the world. That's why primary education is compulsory and provided by the state in almost all countries worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to become a primary teacher Australia?

After completing your studies, you must apply for teaching registration to become a fully qualified teacher. Some common steps are:

Step 1: You must complete a primary education degree, such as a Bachelor of Education, understand children, and gain the knowledge and skills which is required to teach a variety of topics. Organized work placements may also give you valuable experience.

Step 2: If you already have a Bachelor's degree in another field, you can also pursue a postgraduate degree, such as a Master of Teaching with a primary education major. As a result, you can advance your career and earn valuable primary teaching jobs experience.

Step 3: To get a job at a school and qualify as a teacher, you must register with your state's Teacher Registration Authority. Get in touch with your state's relevant authority for additional information on the specific criteria for registration.

How much cost is required to study primary teaching in Australia?

The required cost to study primary teaching in Australia depends on your study level and the University you will attend. The cost of study in Australia for international students to pursue a primary teaching degree range from AU$20,000 to $40,000 per year.

The average annual suggestive fee for a bachelor of teaching primary is between AU$20,000 and $38,000 per year. At the master's level, the yearly is between AU$30,000 and $45,000 per year. But if you want to enroll in online primary teaching courses and study in your home country, you can save some money because you won't need to buy flights or pay for any other expenses abroad (i.e., rent, utility bills, public transport).

Can you do a teaching degree online?

You can start a career as a teacher at any moment in your life by taking classes online, which saves you significant time in your professional and personal lives. You can earn the credentials you need to become a teacher on your schedule by taking one of NCC's online primary teaching courses.

Is primary teaching a good career?

In Australia, teaching is observed as a good career choice, well respected professional job, and a stable life occupation that is relatively well paid in the country.

What qualities do you need to be a primary school teacher?

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Energy, enthusiasm, stamina, patience, dedication, and self-discipline.
• The initiative, leadership, supervisory skills, and team working abilities.
• Imagination, creativity, and a sense of humor.

What are the requirements to work as a teacher in Australia?

• 4-year undergraduate teaching degrees such as BA, BSC, BEd or a 3-year bachelor degree followed by a one-year postgraduate teaching certificate PGDE, PGCE to teach in Australia.
• Applied for a skilled migration visa.
• You must be qualified to teach school-age children in the country where you completed initial teacher training in your early years.
• Academic IELTS with a score of 7 plus bands

What is the age limit for primary teachers in Australia?

Although there is no age limit to work as a teacher in Australia, they must be above 17 years of age.

What Do Primary School Teachers Do?

Australian primary school teachers usually teach children in Years 1 through 6 whom range in age from 5 to 12 years old. They follow to a government-mandated curriculum created to improve children's literacy and numeracy skills while also promoting their emotional and social development.

A primary school teacher might instruct students in English, mathematics, technology, physics, social science and the humanities, the arts, and health and physical education, among other disciplines.

So, now you know why studying teaching primary in Australia is a good option, let's start planning. Contact us directly for free advice. We are there for you through every step and will help you to fulfill your dreams!

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Disclaimer: ‘Atlantis International Pty Ltd’ and its associates are independent consulting entities which are not associated in anyway with the Australian ‘Department of Home Affairs’ (DOHA). Information on this website does not constitute personal migration advice. For a customized migration advice based on your personal circumstances, please call and talk to one of our Immigration Consultants or register your interest with our Associates.