Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) (CRICOS course code 095676C) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by James Cook University over 2 years. This course prepares international students for secondary teaching careers in Australia, combining theoretical knowledge with practical classroom experience. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the rigorous standards of the Australian Government and the ESOS Act, ensuring international students receive quality education and legal protections. James Cook University (CRICOS 00117J) is a public university with campuses in Cairns and Townsville, Queensland, offering a unique tropical study environment. With over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and 26,000 courses across Australia, HeadStart Academy helps you find the perfect program. Whether you're drawn to the Great Barrier Reef or vibrant regional cities, this masters degree offers a pathway to teaching registration in Australia.
Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) (CRICOS course code 095676C) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) (AQF Level 9) in the field of Teacher Education: Secondary (070105). Delivered by James Cook University, a government-funded institution, this course equips graduates with the skills to teach in secondary schools across Australia. Students develop expertise in curriculum design, pedagogical strategies, and classroom management, with a strong emphasis on real-world teaching practice through mandatory work placements. CRICOS registration (00117J) guarantees that the course meets national quality standards, allowing international students to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). James Cook University is renowned for its commitment to Indigenous education and tropical research, offering a distinctive learning environment. Australia’s education system is highly regulated, and graduates of this CRICOS-registered program are eligible for teacher registration in most Australian states, pending meeting additional state-specific requirements.
This course focuses on Teacher Education: Secondary, covering the breadth of pedagogical theory and practical teaching methods. Students explore child development, learning theories, curriculum design, and assessment strategies specific to secondary education. The program includes subject specialization in areas such as English, Mathematics, Science, or Humanities, allowing graduates to teach in their chosen disciplines. The work-integrated learning component (39 weeks of placements) provides supervised teaching experience in real classrooms, developing classroom management skills and professional confidence. While specific units may vary, the course aligns with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the graduate level. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to apply for provisional teacher registration in Australia, subject to meeting English proficiency and other state requirements. This masters level study builds on prior qualifications, deepening understanding of educational research and inclusive teaching practices.
The Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) is a full-time program with a duration of 2 years (104 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English, and it is a single qualification program (no dual award). Students typically attend classes on campus, with some courses offering online components, but the placement and practical requirements necessitate physical attendance at partner schools. The standard study load is four subjects per semester, with intakes usually in February and July. International students on a Student visa must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory progress. This duration allows for comprehensive coverage of both theoretical and practical aspects of teaching, ensuring graduates are job-ready. The program is designed to be completed within the specified timeframe, though extensions may be possible under special circumstances.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) is A$70,684 for the full 2-year program, with no additional non-tuition fees (A$0). This estimate is sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and is subject to change by James Cook University. Fees are payable per semester and may increase annually. The total estimated cost excludes Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for international students and typically costs between A$600 and A$1,600 per year depending on the provider and coverage. Additionally, living expenses in Queensland’s regional cities are relatively affordable compared to Sydney or Melbourne: Cairns and Townsville offer weekly rents from A$200–A$350 for shared housing, groceries around A$80–A$120 per week, and transport via bus or bicycle is common. The student visa requires proof of sufficient funds to cover these costs. Always confirm current fees with James Cook University before applying.
To be considered for this program, international students typically need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum grade average (e.g., Credit/GPA 5.0). English language proficiency is required, with an indicative IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall (with no band below 6.5 or 7.0 for speaking and listening, as teaching standards often require). Equivalent tests like TOEFL or PTE are also accepted. Applicants must demonstrate suitability for teaching through a personal statement and may be interviewed. Foundation or pathway programs are not directly linked but James Cook University offers the Tertiary Access Course – Teaching that may help meet prerequisites. International students must also satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and show financial capacity to cover tuition and living costs. It is essential to check the exact requirements on the JCU website, as they can change. Consult a registered migration agent for visa advice.
This course includes a mandatory work component: 39 weeks of professional experience placements in secondary schools, totaling approximately 311 hours (based on typical hour-per-week requirements). This work-integrated learning is a core part of initial teacher education, allowing students to apply theory in real classrooms under the supervision of experienced teachers. Placements occur across various school settings, including public and private schools in the Cairns and Townsville regions. Students are responsible for arranging their own transport to placement sites, though JCU assists with placement allocation. This practical experience is crucial for developing teaching competence and meeting Australian Professional Standards. International students must ensure their visa conditions permit work placements; generally, unpaid placements integral to the course are allowed. OSHC insurance covers medical needs during placements.
This course is delivered at two campuses: James Cook University – Cairns (Smithfield, QLD) and James Cook University – Townsville (Townsville, QLD). Both locations offer a unique tropical lifestyle. Cairns is a tourist gateway to the Great Barrier Reef with a multicultural student population and affordable living costs (rent ~$250–$350/week). Townsville is a vibrant regional city with a strong economy and easy access to Magnetic Island. Public transport is available via bus networks, and both campuses are accessible. Queensland is home to over 1,000 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 10,000 courses, making it a popular study destination. These regional campuses provide a supportive environment with smaller class sizes and a focus on community engagement. Students can also access JCU’s online resources and libraries across both locations.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this CRICOS-registered course. Visa conditions include maintaining full-time enrolment, adequate health insurance (OSHC), and complying with work limits: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited work during scheduled breaks. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement assesses your intention to stay temporarily. You must show sufficient funds for tuition, living costs, and travel. OSHC is mandatory for the entire visa duration. Upon acceptance, James Cook University will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) needed for your visa application. Processing times vary; apply early. Note that this Masters course is a pathway to up to 3 years of post-study work rights (Subclass 485). For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs website. ESOS Act protections apply to all CRICOS-registered courses, ensuring tuition fee refunds and support.
Follow these three steps to enrol in the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) at James Cook University:
Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Masters), field (Education), and location (Queensland). Verify that James Cook University (CRICOS 00117J) is registered for this course (CRICOS 095676C).
Step 2: Apply directly to James Cook University. Check specific entry requirements (English test scores, prior degree, academic transcripts). Submit your application online via the JCU International Application Portal before the deadline (usually October for February intake and March for July intake). Provide all documents, including a personal statement.
Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500). Once accepted, JCU will issue a CoE. Use this to lodge a visa application online with the Department of Home Affairs. Arrange OSHC, prove financial capacity, and meet GTE requirements. Your visa must be granted before you travel to Australia.
Ready to start your teaching career in Australia? Use HeadStart Academy to find and compare CRICOS-registered courses today.
Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary) is a CRICOS-registered programme at James Cook 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.