Wondering how to become a secondary school teacher in Australia? The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Honours) (CRICOS course code 095156E) is a four-year honours degree delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) that qualifies you to teach in secondary schools. This AQF Level 8 program combines theoretical knowledge with practical teaching experience, preparing graduates for a rewarding career in secondary education. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00109J), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, with all data sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). The University of Newcastle is a leading public university with multiple campuses across New South Wales, offering a supportive environment for international students. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia, choosing the right course is crucial — this page gives you detailed, transparent information to help you decide.
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Honours) (CRICOS course code 095156E) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 4 years. This program is designed for students who wish to become secondary school teachers, with a focus on developing specialist knowledge in one or more teaching areas. The course includes a significant research component through the honours year, enabling graduates to demonstrate advanced skills in educational inquiry. The University of Newcastle is a government-funded institution with a strong reputation in teacher education, offering access to modern facilities and experienced faculty. As part of the CRICOS register, this course ensures international students receive the protections of the ESOS Act. The indicative total fee of A$185,325 covers tuition and non-tuition costs, but living expenses and health cover are additional. Prospective students should always verify current fees on the provider's website.
This program falls under the field of Education (07), specifically Teacher Education: Secondary (070105). Students explore the theory and practice of teaching adolescents, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and classroom management. The honours component involves a supervised research project that contributes to the field of education. Graduates emerge with the skills to design engaging lessons, cater to diverse learning needs, and apply evidence-based teaching methods. While the exact syllabus is determined by the University of Newcastle, typical topics include educational psychology, inclusive education, literacy and numeracy across the curriculum, and discipline-specific teaching methods. The course prepares students for registration as a secondary teacher in Australia, subject to meeting state requirements. International students gain a globally recognised qualification that also meets standards in many other countries.
The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Honours) is a 4-year program (208 weeks on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English, and the course is offered as a single qualification (not a dual degree). Students typically study full-time to complete within the standard duration, although part-time options may be available depending on visa conditions. The program includes both coursework and a research thesis, with practical placements integrated throughout. The University of Newcastle delivers this program across three campuses: Callaghan, Ourimbah, and Gosford, all in New South Wales. On-campus attendance is required for most components, as hands-on teaching experience is central to the degree. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
Tuition fees for this course are indicative and set by The University of Newcastle (UoN). Based on the CRICOS register as at April 2026, the indicative tuition fee is A$183,547, with non-tuition fees of A$1,778, giving an estimated total of A$185,325. Please note that this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Living expenses in New South Wales vary by city; for example, weekly rent in Newcastle ranges from A$200 to A$400, with additional costs for groceries and transport. We recommend checking the University of Newcastle's official website for the most current fee schedule, as fees are subject to change. The University may also offer scholarships or financial aid to eligible international students.
Entry requirements for this course are set by The University of Newcastle. International applicants typically need an IELTS overall score of 6.0 to 6.5, with no band below 5.5 to 6.0 (depending on the component). Other English language tests such as TOEFL or PTE may also be accepted. Applicants should have completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification, with prerequisite studies in English and mathematics. Some teaching areas may require prior study in specific subjects. The University offers pathway programs through its foundation studies or diploma pathways for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. We advise contacting the admissions team for detailed entry criteria, as requirements can vary by year. Always refer to the provider's website for the most accurate information.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 18 weeks, with 30 hours per week (approximately 540 total hours). This involves supervised teaching placements in secondary schools, where students gain practical experience in real classroom settings. Placements are typically spread across the program, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge and develop professional teaching competencies. The University of Newcastle coordinates placements in partnership with local schools, ensuring alignment with course learning outcomes. International students must ensure their visa conditions allow for unpaid work placements; Student visa (Subclass 500) generally permits work-integrated learning as part of the course. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence and employability after graduation.
The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Honours) is delivered at three campuses of The University of Newcastle: Callaghan (in Newcastle, NSW), Ourimbah (on the Central Coast), and Gosford (also Central Coast). The Callaghan campus is the main campus, located in the suburb of Callaghan about 12 km from Newcastle city centre. Newcastle is a vibrant coastal city with a population of over 500,000, known for its beaches and affordable living compared to Sydney. Ourimbah and Gosford serve students on the Central Coast, a growing region between Sydney and Newcastle with good public transport links. Each campus offers modern teaching facilities, libraries, and student support services. When choosing a location, consider proximity to accommodation, part-time work opportunities, and lifestyle preferences. Newcastle has a large international student community, while the Central Coast offers a quieter, nature-focused environment.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. The visa requires you to be enrolled full-time in a CRICOS-registered course, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and hold adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion must also be met — you need to demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity requirements include sufficient funds for tuition, living costs (approximately A$21,041 per year for a single person), OSHC, and travel. It's essential to consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice, as visa rules can change. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Applying for the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Honours) at The University of Newcastle (UoN) is straightforward. Follow these three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** — Use HeadStart Academy to explore courses and providers. The University of Newcastle is CRICOS-registered (00109J), ensuring your qualification is recognised. Filter by course level (Bachelor Honours), field (Education), and location (NSW) to find options that suit your goals.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** — Visit the University of Newcastle's website to review specific entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results, and any other required documents. Submit your application online through the University's admissions portal or via an authorised representative.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)** — Once accepted, the University will issue a CoE, which you need to apply for your visa. Use the Department of Home Affairs online system to lodge your application, attaching your CoE, OSHC evidence, financial documents, and GTE statement. Processing times vary, so apply early. Remember to keep copies of all correspondence.
Start your journey to becoming a secondary teacher — explore this course on the University of Newcastle website.
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Honours) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Newcastle (UoN). 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.