Master of Teaching (Primary) (CRICOS 055926K) at Australian Catholic University

Course Overview

Master of Teaching (Primary) (CRICOS course code 055926K) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 2 years. This course is classified under Field of Education 07 - Education, specifically 070103 - Teacher Education: Primary. It is designed for international students who hold a prior bachelor's degree and wish to become primary school teachers. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical teaching experience, ensuring graduates meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00004G), it is approved for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. With 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses across Australia (April 2026), this course is one of many but stands out due to ACU's reputation in education and multiple campus locations. The indicative fee is A$71,248 total, with no additional non-tuition fees, though OSHC, living costs, and visa charges are extra. The language of instruction is English, and the course is a single qualification without foundation studies or dual awards.

What You'll Study

This program focuses on the theory and practice of teaching primary school children (typically ages 5-12). Students explore curriculum development, pedagogy, child development, and inclusive education. The field of Teacher Education: Primary emphasizes preparing graduates to teach all key learning areas in the Australian Curriculum, including English, mathematics, science, humanities, and the arts. At the Masters level, students engage with advanced educational research and evidence-based practice. They develop skills in lesson planning, assessment, classroom management, and working with diverse learners. While exact subject listings are set by Australian Catholic University, typical topics include literacy and numeracy teaching, Indigenous education, special needs support, and professional ethics. The course culminates in a supervised teaching placement (see work component section below). Graduates exit with the knowledge to apply for teacher registration in Australia (subject to state requirements).

Duration and Study Mode

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is a 2-year full-time program, recorded as 104 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include foundation studies. The course is delivered on-campus at ACU campuses in Banyo (Brisbane), Watson (Canberra), Fitzroy (Melbourne), and Strathfield (Sydney). International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The program may include intensive blocks and flexible scheduling to accommodate placements. ACU may offer part-time options in some circumstances, but full-time study is standard for visa purposes. Check with the provider for specific study mode details and any online components.

Fees (Indicative)

The indicative tuition fee for the entire program is A$71,248, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0, resulting in an estimated total of A$71,248. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, visa application charges, or other personal costs. OSHC is mandatory for international students (see our OSHC guide for details). Living costs vary by city: in Sydney, weekly rent for a shared apartment averages A$350–A$500; in Melbourne, A$300–A$450; in Brisbane, A$250–A$400; in Canberra, A$400–A$550. Transport and groceries add approximately A$150–A$250 per week. Always confirm current fees directly with Australian Catholic University Limited, as fees are subject to change. HeadStart Academy does not charge referral fees; we are a free resource.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

International applicants must meet English language requirements: typically IELTS 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.5) or 7.0 overall (with no band below 7.0) for teacher registration purposes—confirm with ACU. In addition, a prior bachelor's degree in any discipline is usually required. Some background in education or relevant work experience may be advantageous. Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission; ACU assesses each application holistically. Foundation or pathway options are not offered within this CRICOS course, but the provider may have alternative pathways—contact ACU for details. All applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa. Non-English speaking background students may need to provide proof of English proficiency via tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Check ACU's website for precise requirements.

Work Component

This course includes a supervised work component: 48 weeks of professional experience, totaling approximately 336 hours (7 hours per week). This is a mandatory part of the program, giving students real classroom experience in Australian primary schools. Placements are typically arranged by ACU and may occur in multiple school settings across different year levels. The work-integrated learning component helps students apply theoretical knowledge, develop teaching skills, and build professional networks. It also satisfies the practical teaching requirements for teacher registration in Australia. International students on a Subclass 500 visa can undertake these placements as part of their course. Note that placements are unpaid; however, they are a core part of the curriculum. ESOS Act protections apply, ensuring quality supervision and workplace safety.

Delivery Locations

Australian Catholic University Limited delivers this course at four campuses: Brisbane Campus (Banyo, QLD), Canberra Campus (Watson, ACT), Melbourne Campus (Fitzroy, VIC), and Strathfield Campus (Strathfield, NSW). Each location offers a unique study experience. Brisbane (Banyo) is about 10 km from the CBD with access to public transport. Canberra (Watson) is a quieter campus near the city centre with a strong education focus. Melbourne (Fitzroy) is close to the CBD, offering vibrant student life. Strathfield (Sydney) is a leafy suburb with excellent rail links to the city. All campuses are CRICOS-registered and provide support services for international students. The choice of campus may affect your living costs and lifestyle: Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, while Brisbane and Canberra are slightly more affordable. Each city has a large international student community—Melbourne and Sydney each host over 150,000 international students, Brisbane around 100,000, and Canberra about 25,000. Consider your preferences for climate, transport, and cultural activities when choosing a campus.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). You must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from ACU, demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, meet health and character requirements, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. However, work must not interfere with study. It is important to have sufficient funds to cover tuition, OSHC, living expenses (at least A$21,041 per year as per Department of Home Affairs), and visa application fees (currently A$1,600). After graduation, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) to work in Australia. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice—consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for your specific situation.

How to Apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Teaching (Primary) at Australian Catholic University Limited:

1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to confirm that ACU (CRICOS 00004G) and this course (055926K) are current. Filter by course level (Masters Degree), field (Teacher Education: Primary), and location (choose your preferred campus). HeadStart Academy can help you compare courses.

2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit ACU's website (www.acu.edu.au) to review specific entry requirements, English language scores, and application deadlines. Submit your application along with academic transcripts, English test results, and any other required documents. Some courses may have a separate teaching performance assessment.

3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once ACU issues your CoE, you can apply for the Student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged, sufficient funds, and all supporting documents. We recommend consulting a migration agent for visa lodgement.

Is a Teaching Degree Right for You?

Choosing to study teaching in Australia offers a rewarding career with strong demand. Primary school teachers are on Australia's skilled occupation list, providing pathways to permanent residency. However, teaching requires patience, creativity, and a genuine passion for working with children. International students should consider the academic and English demands—IELTS 6.5-7.0 is typical for registration. Additionally, teaching degrees involve significant practical placements, which can be demanding but invaluable. Each campus city has its own character: Sydney and Melbourne offer vibrant multicultural environments but higher living costs; Brisbane and Canberra provide a more relaxed pace with lower expenses. Think about your personal preferences and career goals. HeadStart Academy's free resources can help you explore over 26,000 courses across 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers. Remember, all listed institutions comply with the ESOS Act, guaranteeing quality education and student protections.

Start your teaching journey in Australia—explore more courses and providers on HeadStart Academy.

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