Introduction
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a suitable course for anyone who wants to become a qualified English teacher. This course will train you to teach English to non-native English speakers and can give you the qualifications or certification to teach English in your home country or overseas. In fact, it is a prerequisite for many employers (such as language schools and colleges) for applicants to have completed a TESOL course in order to work as an English teacher.
Why study TESOL at university in Australia?
- Widely recognised all over the world
Unlike some qualifications which are only recognised in Australia, TESOL is a world-recognised course that is offered in many countries around the world. This means that your English language teaching qualifications should be accepted internationally, so you can teach English in Australia and overseas. Plus, completing the TESOL course can be a great advantage as you will gain teaching skills required to deliver effective lessons.
- Chance to become an TESOL teacher in Australia
Many job advertisements for English language schools in Australia specify that they prefer applicants with TESOL qualifications. This means TESOL enhances job opportunities. In particular, a Master’s degree relating to TESOL is more recognised and preferred.
Are you worried that being a non-native English speaker is a disadvantage? You shouldn’t be. More and more English language schools are hiring non-Native English speakers because they are more likely to understand the difficulties of English learners and they seem to accumulate more skills (especial practical skills) to help international students.
- You will learn more communicative skills rather than grammar-based teaching
The TESOL course does not use the traditional methods of repetition and memorisation, like when you were in high school. Instead, you will learn more communicative teaching methods. Through the TESOL course, you will learn English language teaching skills according to the current trend of English education. TESOL understands that there are many versions of English, and that English is a tool for communication as a common language even among non-native English speakers. The focus of TESOL is on being able to “use” English rather than just cultivating knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
- Stay longer in Australia
By studying 2 years or more of TESOL-related courses in higher education, students will be eligible for a 2-4-year Post Study Working Visa. Graduates can utilise these visa opportunities to get more work experience and prepare for PR applications.
Career outcomes after graduation
- ESL/EFL language instructor/literacy educator
- ESL/EFL Director of Studies
- ESL/EFL learning/teaching material writer/editor/assessor/curriculum developer
- TESOL teacher educator
- Academic advisor for students who are interested in learning a second or foreign language including English
- Researcher in language learning/teaching
- Language education policy adviser
What TESOL courses are available for international students?
- College Certificate in TESOL
- Certificate IV in TESOL
- Diploma of TESOL
- Graduate Certificate in TESOL
- Master of TESOL/ Education (TESOL)/Applied Linguistics (TESOL)
- PhD in Linguistic or Education
What are entry requirements for a TESOL course?
- For the Certificate or Diploma course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent and attained IELTS 5.5
- For the Graduate certificate course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5.
- For the Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5.
If you don’t meet the English requirement, you can apply for an English course program at the university of your choice. Once you pass this English course, you can be qualified to enroll in the TESOL course.
Contact SOL Edu at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899 to discover what TESOL courses are you eligible for. We will offer you free consultation and fee application process.
Where can you study TESOL courses in Australia?
Non-AQF Award:
IH Sydney English for TESOL (IH TESOL)
Impact English College English Skills for TESOL/TKT
Navitas English - English for TESOL
UQ English for Specific Purposes: TESOL
Certificate Level:
IH Sydney – Certificate IV in TESOL
APC – Certificate IV in Communicative TESOL
CCEB - Certificate IV in TESOL
Diploma Level:
Brisbane College of Australia – Diploma of TESOL
Gold Coast Learning Centre – Diploma of TESOL
Graduate Certificate Level:
University of Southern Queensland - Graduate Certificate in Education (TESOL)
Griffith University – Graduate Certificate in TESOL
Bond University – Graduate Certificate in TESOL
Master Level
Bond University - Master of Arts (TESOL)
QUT - Master of Education (TESOL)
Griffith University – Master of TESOL
UQ – TESOL Studies – Master of Applied Linguistics
How to pass a skill assessment for a TESOL teacher in Australia?
Due to a high demand in the force market, TESOL teacher is recognized as a skilled occupation that is nominated for permanent visas in Australia. For immigration purposes, TESOL teachers need to pass a skill assessment assessed by VETASSESS. There are clear criteria that graduates must meet to be considered for a positive assessment.
Group 1: Bachelor degree or higher degree in a highly relevant major field of TESOL
- If you have graduated from a Bachelor degree or higher degree in a highly relevant major field of TESOL, you are required to hold only one year of experience within the last 5 years.
- Highly relevant major fields of study include: TESOL and English as a Second/Additional Language Teaching.
Group 2: Bachelor degree or higher degree in any field of study, PLUS an additional suitable TESOL qualification, at least at AQF Certificate IV level (or a CELTA), which contains TESOL as a method.
- If you have graduated from a Bachelor degree or higher degree in any field of study, plus an additional suitable TESOL qualification, at least at AQF Certificate IV level (or a CELTA), which contains TESOL as a method, you are required to hold at least three years of experience within the last 5 years.
- Relevant TESOL qualifications include Graduate Diploma in TESOL, Graduate Certificate in TESOL, Diploma in TESOL, Certificate IV in TESOL, Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
What is the PR pathway for a TESOL teacher?
Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa
You can apply for Temporary Graduate Visas (485 visas) once you finish at least 2-year course from Australian universities. These types of visas not only allow you to stay and work in Australia up to 3 years after graduation, but also give you more time to meet requirements for permanent residency (PR).
Especially, from June 2023, international students who graduated from a Master of English language teaching (TESOL) can be eligible for additional 2 years on your 485 visa. This means that you can stay in Australia up to 5 years after having graduated from a Mater of TESOL course.
Unsure about all the benefits of studying a Master of TESOL? Contact SOL Edu today for free consultation!
Step 2: Pass a skill assessment for a TESOL teacher
If you study Master of TESOL in Australia and work as a TESOL teacher for at least one year post qualification, then you will have a very high chance to get a positive skill assessment. It is noted that you are only required to work 20 hours per week in one year to be qualified for working experience.
Need our help with your skill assessment application? Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899 or filling out our inquiry form! We will contact you within 24 hours at the latest!
Step 3: Apply for a PR visa
Because TESOL teacher is on the skilled occupation list, you can directly apply for a PR if eligible. You can choose either a Skilled Nominated Visa (190) or Skilled Work Regional Visa (491).
- Visa 190 – Skilled Nominated – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states and you are required to work for the nominated state for at least 2 years. 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.
- Visa 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) – 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.
FAQ
What does a TESOL course cover?
TESOL courses typically cover language teaching methodologies, second language acquisition theories, lesson planning, classroom management, language assessment, and teaching practice with real students.
How long does a TESOL course usually take?
The duration of TESOL courses can vary. Some programs are intensive and can be completed in a few months, while others may be spread out over several years, depending on the type and level of certification.
- Certificate IV in TESOL: usually 6 months
- Diploma of TESOL: 6 months, 1 year or 1,5 years depending on education providers
- Graduate Certificate: 6 months or 1 year depending on education providers
- Master degree: normally 2 years
Are online TESOL courses valid?
Online TESOL courses can be valid and recognised if they are offered by reputable institutions and meet certain accreditation standards. However, as an international student, you must attend the course on campus to be eligible for a student visa in Australia.
Do I need prior teaching experience to enroll in a TESOL course?
While prior teaching experience can be beneficial, it is not always a strict requirement for enrolling in a TESOL course. Many entry-level TESOL courses are designed for individuals with little or no teaching experience. However, there are two compulsory requirements for a TESOL course, which are academic record and English level.
- For the Certificate or Diploma course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent and attained IELTS 5.5
- For the Graduate certificate course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5.
- For the Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 6.5.
Can I teach English abroad with a TESOL certificate?
Yes, a TESOL certificate obtained from Australia is often a common requirement for teaching English in both Australia and overseas. It demonstrates that you have received training in language teaching methods and are prepared to work with non-native English speakers.
What are English teacher qualifications?
To become a TESOL teacher, you normally need a Bachelor’s degree in Education, English, Linguistics, or a related field, along with a TESOL qualification or certification.
What is expected salary for TESOL teachers in Australia?
The salary for TESOL teachers in Australia can vary based on several factors, including the level of qualification, experience, location, and the type of institution where they are employed. As of my last update in September 2021, the following salary ranges were typical for TESOL teachers in Australia:
- Entry-Level TESOL Teacher (with a TESOL certificate and minimal experience): Hourly rates: AUD 20 – AUD 35 per hour
- Experienced TESOL Teacher (with a Bachelor’s degree, TESOL certification, and a few years of experience): Hourly rates: AUD 40 – AUD 50 per hour
- TESOL Teacher in a Language School or Private Language Center: Full-time annual salary from AUD 50,000 – AUD 70,000 per year
- TESOL Teacher in a University or Government Institution: Full-time annual salary from AUD 60,000 – AUD 90,000 per year
Interested in studying TESOL course in Australia? Contact SOL Edu today for free counselling and free application process!