Introduction
Teaching is no doubt one of the most popular study options in Australia, and taking the Teaching (Primary) course means studying to become a primary/elementary school teacher for students from Prep to Grade 6.
According to the website, Seek, there are over 3,195 jobs available under Education services, which indicates that the job growth for education is as fast as other occupations. As primary teacher is high demand in Australia, this occupation is normally on the skilled occupation list for migration.
Why study Primary Education Degree in Australia?
- Top Rankings
Australian universities are well-known for their teaching quality, and their qualifications are recognised worldwide. According to QS Ranking 2023, there are 7 universities listed among the world’s Top 100 in the Education discipline.
- No specific background needed
If you are a high school graduate, you can either start with a Diploma course and study your way into a Bachelor’s of Primary Education, or you can use your final high school examination results to apply for a bachelor’s course.
If you have any Bachelor’s degree, doing a Teaching (Primary) Master’s degree often requires no background in Education. Simply ask us for more information!
- Multiple Start Dates
Australian universities will normally have 2 intakes each year which makes it more flexible for international students to commence their program based on their individual situation.
- Post-Study Work Visa
By studying 2 years or more in a higher education Teaching (Primary) degree, students will be eligible for a 2-6-year Post-study Work Visa. Graduates can utilise these visa opportunities to get more work experience. For Teaching (Primary) students, they can also use this work visa to prepare for their future migration options.
What are the career outcomes after graduation from Primary Education courses?
- Primary School Teacher: This is the most common career choice for graduates of primary education programs. Primary school teachers in Australia educate students in primary levels, typically from kindergarten to Year 6. They plan lessons, assess student progress, and provide a comprehensive education in various subjects.
- Education Consultancy: Education consultants provide advice and expertise to schools, education departments, or educational organizations. They may assist with curriculum development, teacher training, or program evaluation.
- Education researcher: Graduates with a passion for research can pursue careers as education researchers, conducting studies to improve teaching methods, curriculum, and educational policies. They may work in academic institutions or research organisations.
- School Administrator: With additional qualifications and experience, primary education graduates can aspire to become school administrators. These roles involve managing the daily operations of a school, overseeing staff, and ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.
- Curriculum Developer/Planner: Curriculum developers design educational materials and resources for primary schools. They may work for educational publishers, government bodies, schools or educational technology companies.
- Literacy and Numeracy Coach: Literacy and numeracy coaches provide specialized support to primary school teachers in improving students’ literacy and numeracy skills. They often work within a school or educational district.
- Learning Enhancement Teacher: often referred to as an Learning Support Teacher, is an education professional who specialises in providing additional support and assistance to students who may have specific learning needs or challenges.
Want to explore more about the career outcome of performing arts courses? Contact SOL Edu at [email protected] or fill in the enquiry form! Our team will give you free consultation and free application process.
What Education (Primary) programs might you study in Australia?
- Diploma of Educational Studies
- Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Graduate Certificate in Teaching
- Graduate Diploma in Teaching
- Master of Teaching (Primary)
- PhD
If you want to know which program/s is best for your future career and for your migration plan, contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or fill in the enquiry form. We will offer you free consultation and free application process.
What are entry requirements to enroll in a Primary Education Degree in Australia?
- For the Diploma course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent and attained IELTS 5.5
- For the Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma course and attained IELTS 6.5 (Note: some schools require IELTS 7.5)
- For the Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 7.5
Not sure if you meet the entry requirements of your preferred design course? Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.
What might you study for your Teaching (Primary) degree in Australia?
In Australia, a Teaching (Primary) degree, which leads to qualification as a primary school teacher, typically covers a wide range of subjects and teaching methods to prepare graduates for a career in primary education. The specific courses and curriculum may vary slightly between universities, but here are some common areas of study that you can expect to encounter while pursuing a Teaching (Primary) degree in Australia:
- Foundations of Education: Introduction to the principles and philosophies of education, Historical and contemporary perspectives on education.
- Child Development and Psychology: Understanding the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children. Educational psychology and its application in teaching.
- Curriculum: Curriculum design and development for primary education.
- Pedagogy: Teaching methods and strategies for various subject areas (e.g., English, mathematics, science, humanities).
- Literacy and Numeracy Education: Strategies for teaching and assessing reading, writing, and numeracy skills to primary students.
- Inclusive Education: Strategies for teaching students with diverse abilities and needs, including those with disabilities and special educational needs.
- Classroom Management and Behaviour Support: Techniques for effective classroom management.
- Assessment and Reporting: Methods for assessing student learning and progress. Reporting on student achievement to parents and guardians.
- Technology in Education: Integrating technology and digital resources into teaching and learning. Effective use of educational technology tools and platforms.
- Teaching in Multicultural and Multilingual Contexts: Strategies for teaching culturally and linguistically diverse student populations.
- Education Law and Policy: Understanding legal and policy frameworks related to education in Australia.
In addition to coursework, Teaching (Primary) degrees in Australia typically include practical teaching placements in primary school settings. These placements provide hands-on experience and opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom.
Where to study Primary Education in Australia?
Diploma Level
- Griffith College – Diploma in Education Studies
- University of Queensland – Graduate Diploma in Education Studies
Bachelor’s Level
- Queensland University of Technology – Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- University of Queensland – Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Griffith University – Bachelor of Education
- Macquarie University – Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Master’s Level
- University of Newcastle – Master of Teaching (Primary)
- University of New South Wales – Master of Teaching (Primary)
- Queensland University of Technology – Master of Teaching (Primary)
- University of Queensland – Master of Teaching (Primary)
- Deakin University – Master of Teaching (Primary)
How to pass skills assessments for a primary teacher in Australia?
Unlike other skilled occupations, primary teachers do not need to prove their teaching experience to obtain a positive skills assessment. Only two criteria are applied to assess if you are qualified to be a primary teacher in Australia.
- Qualifications:
You must have completed a minimum of four years full time higher education study. Your study must include a relevant initial teacher education qualification and can include other qualifications.
Initial Teacher Education Qualification Requirements:
Your study must include an initial teacher education qualification comparable to the educational level of an Australian Bachelor degree (Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7) or higher, which includes:
(1) at least one year full-time higher education (university) level study of Primary School Teacher initial teacher education
(2) completion of at least 45 days of supervised teaching practice with students across the 5 to 12 years age range in a primary school setting.
Other Higher Education Qualification Requirements:
Other higher education qualification contributing to the four years of study must be comparable to the educational level of an Australian Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree (Australian Qualifications Framework Level 6) or higher.
If your course is a four-year Bachelor of Education (Primary), you are likely to meet the qualification requirement. However, if your bachelor only includes three years study, you must have an additional relevant initial teacher education qualification, such as Graduate Diploma or Master of Teaching (Primary) to satisfy skills assessment requirement.
- English proficiency:
Since teaching requires a high language proficiency to teach students, the English score required for skill assessment is high compared to other occupations. You can choose one of the following options to prove your English skills:
- An Academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) that shows a score of at least 7.0 for both Reading and Writing; and a score of at least 8.0 for both Speaking and Listening. The IELTS test scores must be the result of a test undertaken during the 24-month period prior to submitting an application.
- Completion of at least four full years of study (or part-time equivalent) in higher education in Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America resulting in qualification/s comparable to the educational level of an Australian Bachelor degree (Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7) or higher. This study must include a recognised initial teacher education qualification.
Want to know if your qualification and work experience are eligible for a migration skill assessment? Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form. Our team will reach out to you within 24 hours at the latest!
What is the PR pathway for a Primary Teacher to migrate to Australia?
Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa
After completing a at least 2 years of Primary Education Course, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post-Higher Education Work stream). You are required to have at least IELTS overall 6.5 with no band score under 5.5 in the past 1 year before you lodge your visa application.
Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-5 years depending on your degree and nationality. However, if you undertook and completed at least 2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR.
Step 2: Apply for a PR or a visa that can lead to a PR
You can be eligible for one of the visas below:
Skilled visas
- 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.
- 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.
Employer Sponsored visas
- 482 – Temporary Skilled Shortage (subclass 482) Short Term Stream – allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years. To apply for this visa, you must have an employer who is willing to sponsor you. You will have a high chance of getting a PR after a 482 visa.
- 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) is applicable for you if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. You must accumulate at least 3 years working as a civil engineer and obtain a relevant skills assessment.
Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] to know which visa option is best for you!
FAQs
What is the expected salary as a Primary School Teacher in Australia?
The medium base annual salary for a beginner teacher is AU$71,000 (Statistics from Teach Queensland).
Is it easy to get a PR after finishing an accredited Primary Education course in Australia?
Although primary teacher is listed on the short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), there are still multiple visa options for international students to migrate to Australia. You can apply for 190, 491 or 494 visa.
What is the tuition fee to study Primary Education courses in Australia?
The tuition fees for primary education courses for international students can vary widely depending on the university and the level of the program (undergraduate or postgraduate). On average, you can expect to pay between AUD 25,000 to AUD 45,000 per year for a primary education course. Tuition fees at prestigious universities (for example at Group of 8 universities) are usually higher than low ranking universities.
What is the LANTITE test?
The LANTITE test, which stands for Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education, is an assessment used in Australia to evaluate the literacy and numeracy skills of individuals who are pursuing or have completed teacher education programs. The test is a requirement for teacher education students and graduates who want to become registered teachers in Australia.
Do I need to take LANTITE test?
Yes, you are required to take the LANTITE test to become a registered teacher in Australia. Normally, universities in Australia require students to pass this test before enrolling in the placements at schools.
What is the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)?
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) is an unique teacher education course that provides graduates with two potential career paths. It’s an initial teaching qualification that covers working with children from birth to age 12, both in Early Childhood settings and Primary Schools.
In Australia, most universities offer separate courses: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) and Bachelor of Education (Primary). After completing the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education), you may be qualified to become an early childhood teacher, usually working with students from Kindergarten to Year 3. If you select the Bachelor of Education (Primary) course, you can work in primary school settings, usually teaching students from Prep to Year 6.
However, some universities, for example, Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University, Australian Catholic University and Monash University provide a special program– Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), which equip you with skills to work with children in both Kindergarten and Primary Schools.
Interested in studying Teaching (Primary) in Australia?
Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane today for free counselling, and a free application process!
Can I teach in primary schools after completing a Bachelor of Education Early Childhood and Primary in Australia?
Yes, you can teach in primary schools in Australia after completing a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary). This degree is designed to prepare graduates to become qualified primary school teachers who are equipped to teach students in the early childhood and primary school years, typically from Kindergarten to Year 6.