Are you considering a career in primary teaching? The Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) at Western Sydney University is a CRICOS-registered course (code 061012B) designed to prepare you for a rewarding role in Australian classrooms. This Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) is delivered over 3 years (156 weeks) and is open to international students. With an indicative total cost of A$98,388 (including tuition and non-tuition fees), this pathway combines a broad arts foundation with focused teacher training. Western Sydney University is a government-owned institution (CRICOS 00917K) with campuses in Bankstown, Parramatta, and Penrith. This course is classified under Field of Education 099999 (Society and Culture, n.e.c.), providing a liberal arts education with a pathway toward primary teaching. Graduates often pursue further postgraduate study to become fully accredited primary teachers in Australia. Read on for full details on entry requirements, study locations, fees, and how to apply.
Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) (CRICOS course code 061012B) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Western Sydney University over 3 years. This CRICOS-registered program (provider code 00917K) is offered at three campuses in New South Wales: Bankstown City, Parramatta, and Penrith (Kingswood). The course provides a foundational arts education with a specific pathway toward primary teaching, allowing students to develop critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness skills. As part of Australia's higher education system, this degree is regulated under the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive quality education and consumer protections. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, which lists 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers offering 26,433 courses across Australia.
The Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) falls under the broad field of Society and Culture (Field of Education 099999). Students engage with subjects that develop analytical reasoning, communication, and understanding of social and cultural contexts. While specific curricula are determined by Western Sydney University, graduates typically gain skills in research, critical analysis, and written and oral communication. The course is designed as a pathway—meaning it covers foundational arts disciplines while preparing students for postgraduate teaching studies. Notably, this course does not include a mandatory work component, but practical teaching experience may be integrated through elective units or future study.
The Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) is a 3-year full-time program, equivalent to 156 weeks on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English, and the course is a single qualification—not a dual or packaged program. No foundation studies component is offered within this course. Students should plan for full-time study as per Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions, which typically require a minimum of 20 hours per week of scheduled classes. Western Sydney University may offer part-time options in limited circumstances, but full-time enrolment is standard for international students.
Tuition fees for the Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) are set by Western Sydney University and listed on the CRICOS register as A$97,488 total for the 3-year program. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) are approximately A$900, bringing the estimated total to A$98,388. Please note these are indicative amounts sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional compulsory costs for international students include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (e.g., accommodation, food, transport), and the Student visa application charge—none of which are included in the totals above. Always confirm current fees directly with Western Sydney University via their website before applying.
International applicants typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band score below 5.5–6.0 (exact requirements vary by provider and may be higher for teaching pathways). Academic requirements generally include completion of Australian Year 12 or an equivalent overseas qualification that meets the entry rank for this degree. Western Sydney University may also consider foundation studies or pathway programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements—refer to the provider's website for specific details. Note that entry requirements are set by the institution and may change; always check with Western Sydney University's admissions office.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. While some teaching degrees incorporate practicum placements, the Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) is a pathway degree that focuses on academic study without a required work or internship element. However, students may seek voluntary work or extracurricular teaching-related experiences to strengthen their future applications for postgraduate teaching programs. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
Western Sydney University delivers the Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) at three campuses in New South Wales: Bankstown City (Bankstown, NSW), Parramatta (Parramatta, NSW), and Penrith (Kingswood, NSW). Bankstown City is located in Sydney's south-west, approximately 30 minutes by train from the city centre. Parramatta is a major commercial hub in Western Sydney, well-served by trains and buses, with a large student population. Penrith is in the outer west of Sydney, about 50 minutes by train from the city, and offers a suburban campus environment. Sydney has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers and a vibrant international student community. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average; indicative weekly expenses for a single student range from A$600–$800 for rent, groceries, and transport (as a guide only).
International students enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: demonstrating genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intent, meeting English language and financial capacity criteria, and maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. With your Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (subject to visa conditions). CRICOS-registered providers like Western Sydney University are ESOS-protected, meaning you have legal rights under Australian consumer law. For detailed visa advice, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) at Western Sydney University:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Western Sydney University (CRICOS 00917K) and course code 061012B are CRICOS-registered.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Visit Western Sydney University's website to review entry requirements, English language tests, and application deadlines. Submit your application online with supporting documents (academic transcripts, English test results, etc.).
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, Western Sydney University will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. You will also need to arrange OSHC and demonstrate financial capacity.
Ready to apply? HeadStart Academy helps you research and compare CRICOS-registered providers. Follow our 3-step guide above to begin your application to Western Sydney University.
Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Western Sydney University. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.