Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12) (CRICOS course code 086119G) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Western Sydney University over 3 years. This course is designed for international students who want to become early childhood or primary teachers in Australia, with a pathway to teaching from birth to 5 years or birth to 12 years. As a Level 7 Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) in the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101), it provides foundational knowledge and practical skills for educating young children. Western Sydney University, a government-owned institution (CRICOS 00917K), offers this dual qualification that combines early childhood and primary teaching preparation. With multiple campuses across Sydney's growing western region, this course gives students access to diverse communities and strong employment prospects.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12) (CRICOS 086119G) is a full-time Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) offered by Western Sydney University, a government-funded institution registered on CRICOS (provider code 00917K). The course is part of the field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101) and is designed to prepare graduates for registration as early childhood teachers (birth to 5 years) or primary teachers (birth to 12 years) in Australia. It is a dual qualification, meaning students graduate with a degree that covers both early childhood and primary teaching pathways, increasing career flexibility. As a comprehensive initial teacher education program, it includes theoretical study in child development, curriculum design, and inclusive education, along with professional experience placements (though no mandatory work component is listed on CRICOS). Western Sydney University is one of Australia's largest universities, known for its strong links to the education sector and high graduate employment rates. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, which lists 26,433 courses across 1,556 registered providers Australia-wide.
This course provides a broad academic foundation in education, with a focus on early childhood and primary teaching. Students explore key areas such as child development from birth to 12 years, educational psychology, teaching methods for literacy and numeracy, inclusive education, and curriculum frameworks like the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Australian Curriculum. The degree also includes practical teaching strategies, assessment techniques, and professional ethics. Graduates typically develop strong communication, critical thinking, and reflective practice skills essential for working with children, families, and communities. The field of Teacher Education: Early Childhood (070101) emphasises play-based learning, social-emotional development, and culturally responsive teaching. While specific unit offerings are set by Western Sydney University, the CRICOS register confirms the course is a dual qualification, meaning it satisfies requirements for both early childhood and primary teacher accreditation in Australia.
According to the CRICOS register, Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12) has a duration of 3 years (156 weeks) of full-time study. The course is delivered in English, reflecting the language of instruction. As a dual qualification, it integrates both early childhood and primary teaching content into one degree, so students do not need to complete separate courses. There is no foundation studies component listed – applicants are expected to meet direct entry requirements. The mode of study is typically on-campus at one of Western Sydney University's delivery locations. Students should note that the duration may vary depending on study load and credit transfers. Always confirm current study mode options directly with Western Sydney University.
The indicative fees for Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12) as per the CRICOS register (April 2026) are: tuition fees of A$97,507 for the entire program, plus non-tuition fees of A$900 (e.g., student services and amenities fee). The estimated total cost is A$98,407. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Sydney are estimated at around A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for rent, food, and transport. These fees are indicative and subject to change – always check Western Sydney University's official website for the most current fees. HeadStart Academy does not charge any referral fees; all data is sourced from the CRICOS register.
International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements: typically an IELTS overall score of 6.0 to 6.5, with no band below 5.5 to 6.0 (exact requirements vary by test type and are set by Western Sydney University). For this Bachelor Degree level, applicants should have completed Year 12 or equivalent, with satisfactory results in relevant subjects such as English and mathematics. Some students may need to complete foundation or pathway programs if they do not meet direct entry criteria – check with the provider for options. All entry requirements are determined by Western Sydney University and are subject to change. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the university's international admissions page for precise details. Remember that meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive.
This course does not include a mandatory work component under CRICOS registration. However, as an initial teacher education program, it likely includes professional experience placements (practicum) as part of the curriculum – these are not listed as a separate work component but are integral to meeting teacher registration requirements. Confirm placement obligations directly with Western Sydney University.
Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12) is delivered at three campuses of Western Sydney University: Bankstown City (Bankstown, NSW), Parramatta (Parramatta, NSW), and Penrith (Kingswood, NSW). All are located in Greater Sydney, Australia's largest city with a population of over 5 million. Sydney has a vibrant multicultural community and is home to more than 100 CRICOS-registered providers offering thousands of courses. The campuses are well-connected by public transport: Bankstown is on the T3 train line, Parramatta is a major transport hub, and Penrith is served by the T1 line. Living costs vary by area – weekly rent for a shared apartment ranges from A$200–A$400 depending on location. The western Sydney region is growing rapidly, offering ample work and placement opportunities in schools and early childhood centres.
To study this course in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your study plus a short period after. Key conditions include: must maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course (check 086119G), meet attendance and academic progress requirements, and hold adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Work rights: you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (at least A$29,710 per year from October 2025), and OSHC. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent; we recommend consulting a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. The ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student, including refund policies and access to support services.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12) at Western Sydney University:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Bachelor Degree), field (Teacher Education: Early Childhood), and city (Sydney). Verify CRICOS registration for Western Sydney University (00917K) and the course code 086119G.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Check entry requirements for international students on Western Sydney University's website. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 6.0-6.5), and any other required documents. Submit your application through the university's online portal or via a registered education agent. Note application deadlines and any foundation pathway options if needed.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** – Once accepted, Western Sydney University will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online (ImmiAccount). Include evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement. Processing times vary – apply well in advance.
Sydney is Australia's most populous city, offering a dynamic lifestyle, world-class universities, and a strong job market for teachers. Western Sydney University's campuses are in fast-growing areas with high demand for early childhood and primary educators. However, living costs are relatively high – budget around A$20,000–A$25,000 per year for basic living expenses. Public transport is efficient but can be costly (approximately A$40–A$60 per week for a student travel pass). With over 100 CRICOS-registered providers in Sydney, you'll be studying in a multicultural environment with excellent support services. Whether you prefer the urban energy of Parramatta, the community feel of Bankstown, or the bushland setting of Penrith, Western Sydney University options give you flexibility. Consider your preferences for lifestyle, climate, and placement opportunities before choosing a campus.
Ready to start your teaching career? Explore this course on Western Sydney University's website and begin your application today.
Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12) 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.