Master of Teaching (Primary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (CRICOS course code 096830A) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 2 years 3 months (~117 weeks). This dual qualification prepares graduates to become primary school teachers with a specialisation in religious education, combining the academic rigour of a Master of Teaching with a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00004G), it meets Australian Government standards for international students, ensuring quality education and student protections under the ESOS Act. With campuses in Melbourne (Fitzroy) and Sydney (Strathfield), students can choose a vibrant city lifestyle and gain hands-on experience through supervised teaching placements. HeadStart Academy provides this page as a free resource, sourcing data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you compare courses and plan your study journey in Australia.
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The Master of Teaching (Primary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education (CRICOS 096830A) is a combined program offered by Australian Catholic University Limited (ACU), a public university with multiple campuses. This AQF Level 9 qualification is ideal for international students who hold a prior bachelor's degree and wish to become primary school teachers with expertise in religious education. The course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical classroom experience, covering pedagogy, curriculum design, child development, and spiritual formation. As a dual qualification, students earn two awards upon completion: a Master of Teaching (Primary) and a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education, enhancing career prospects in both public and faith-based schools. The course is taught entirely in English, and all students benefit from ACU's strong industry connections and teaching placements across Victoria and New South Wales.
This course falls under the field of Education (07), specifically Teacher Education: Primary (070103). Students engage with core subjects in teaching methodologies, educational psychology, literacy and numeracy strategies, inclusive education, and assessment practices. The religious education component explores theology, scripture, ethics, and religious pedagogy. At the Master's level, graduates develop advanced skills in critical analysis, research-informed practice, and leadership in primary education. While exact syllabus details are set by ACU, internationally educated students can expect a balance of coursework, workshops, and supervised teaching placements in primary schools. This preparation aligns with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, helping graduates qualify for registration in Australia.
The course duration is 2 years 3 months (~117 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. It is a full-time program delivered in English. As a dual qualification, it combines two awards into one integrated study plan, allowing students to complete both the Master of Teaching (Primary) and Graduate Certificate in Religious Education simultaneously. This structure is designed to save time and cost compared to taking the two credentials separately. The academic year typically includes semesters and may involve intensive blocks. Students are expected to attend classes on campus at either the Melbourne or Strathfield location, with some online components possible. Practical placements are scheduled throughout the program, contributing to the total duration.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$89,060, with non-tuition fees listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register. The estimated total cost is therefore A$89,060. Please note: these fees are indicative, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are subject to change by Australian Catholic University Limited. Additional expenses not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and visa application charges. For current tuition fees and any compulsory extras, always confirm directly with ACU's international office. Living costs in Melbourne and Sydney are among the highest in Australia; indicative weekly rent for a shared apartment is AUD 300–500, groceries AUD 80–150, and public transport AUD 30–50.
International applicants typically need an IELTS overall score of 6.5 to 7.0 (with no band below 6.5) or equivalent English test results. Entry requires a recognised bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field, with a strong academic record. Some prior study in education or religious studies may be advantageous. ACU may consider applicants with relevant professional experience. Foundation or pathway programs are not offered for this specific course; if you do not meet the academic or English requirements, contact ACU for alternative pathways. Always verify specific entry criteria and any additional prerequisites (e.g., statutory checks, teaching experience) directly with the provider.
This course includes a compulsory work-integrated learning component totaling 42 weeks at 10 hours per week (~420 hours). This involves supervised teaching placements in Australian primary schools, where students gain practical classroom experience under the guidance of mentor teachers. Placements are arranged by ACU and may take place in both government and independent schools, including Catholic schools. This hands-on training is essential for developing teaching competencies and meeting the professional experience requirements for teacher registration in Australia. International students are supported throughout the placement process and must comply with any state-based working with children checks.
The course is delivered at two ACU campuses: Australian Catholic University-Melbourne Campus in Fitzroy, Victoria, and Strathfield Campus in Strathfield, New South Wales. Melbourne is a vibrant, multicultural city with over 100 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student population. Sydney, Australia's largest city, has similarly diverse educational offerings. Both campuses offer modern facilities, library access, and student support services. Public transport is accessible: Fitzroy is well-served by trams and buses, while Strathfield is a major rail hub. When choosing a location, consider factors like climate, cost of living, and lifestyle preferences. HeadStart Academy provides state pages (e.g., /states/vic) to help you compare.
To study this course, international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (approximately AUD 29,710 per year for a single student), and travel expenses. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. Note that this course is CRICOS-registered, which means it qualifies for a student visa.
Follow these three steps to apply for Master of Teaching (Primary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education at Australian Catholic University Limited:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Master Degree), field (Education), and city (Melbourne or Sydney). Ensure ACU’s CRICOS provider code 00004G is active.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit ACU’s international admissions page, review entry requirements (English language, academic transcripts, and any teaching statements), prepare your application, and meet application deadlines. You may apply via an authorised education agent.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): If accepted, ACU will issue your CoE. Then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including proof of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE statement.
Choosing between ACU’s Melbourne and Sydney campuses depends on your personal preferences. Melbourne is known for its affordable living relative to Sydney, with a thriving arts scene and strong public transport. Sydney offers more job opportunities in education but higher living costs. Both cities have large international student communities and excellent support services. Consider visiting each city (virtually or in person) to get a feel for the lifestyle. HeadStart Academy's state pages provide detailed cost-of-living breakdowns and provider counts to aid your decision.
Interested in this course? Use HeadStart Academy to compare similar CRICOS-registered programs or contact Australian Catholic University Limited directly via their website (www.acu.edu.au).
View the full Australian Catholic University Limited profile →
All Masters Degree (Coursework) courses in New South Wales →
Master of Teaching (Primary)/Graduate Certificate in Religious Education is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Catholic University Limited. 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.