Associate Degree in Education (Primary) (Exit Only) (CRICOS course code 103729B) is a Associate Degree delivered by Western Sydney University over 2 years. This course is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in primary education, focusing on teaching children from kindergarten to Year 6. Graduates will gain foundational knowledge in pedagogy, curriculum development, and classroom management. The program includes a work-integrated learning component, providing practical experience in school settings. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider 00917K), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. Western Sydney University is a government-funded institution with a strong reputation in teacher education. This exit-only qualification means it is a pathway for students who may not complete the full bachelor's degree but still obtain a recognized qualification. The course is delivered at the Bankstown City campus, located in the vibrant suburb of Bankstown in South-Western Sydney. Students benefit from access to modern facilities and a diverse community. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource to help you explore your study options in Australia. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026.
This Associate Degree falls under the field of Education (07) with a focus on Teacher Education: Primary (070103). Students will study subjects such as educational psychology, curriculum design, literacy and numeracy teaching strategies, inclusive education, and professional practice. The course is designed to equip graduates with the skills to plan and deliver effective lessons, assess student learning, and create supportive classroom environments. While the specific syllabus is set by Western Sydney University, typical learning outcomes include understanding child development, applying evidence-based teaching methods, and engaging with the broader school community. Practical placements are integral to the program, allowing students to apply theory in real classrooms under supervision.
The course duration is 2 years full-time, equivalent to 104 weeks on the CRICOS register. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — not a dual degree or combined program. There are no foundation studies integrated into this course. Students are expected to attend classes at the Bankstown City campus. The program may also be available in part-time mode, but international students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions. If you are considering this course, check with Western Sydney University for the current study mode options and timetables.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$64,992. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) are estimated at A$600, bringing the estimated total to A$65,592. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as of April 2026 and are subject to change. Fees are set by Western Sydney University, so always confirm the latest fees on their official website. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge. International students should budget for accommodation, food, transport, and study materials. As a guide, living costs in Sydney are estimated at around A$25,000–A$30,000 per year, but this varies by lifestyle. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee fee amounts — always check with the provider before enrolling.
Entry requirements are determined by Western Sydney University. Generally, for an Associate Degree at AQF Level 6, students are expected to have completed secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12, with satisfactory results in relevant subjects. English language proficiency is also required; typical IELTS scores range from 5.5 to 7.0 overall depending on the course level. Check with Western Sydney University for specific English test requirements and scores. International students may also need to meet prior study or prerequisite requirements. If you do not meet the direct entry criteria, foundation or pathway programs may be available — contact the provider for options. This course is not a VET program, so no VET national code applies. Always refer to the provider's official entry requirements for the most accurate and current information.
This course includes a mandatory work component consisting of 13 weeks of professional experience at 10 hours per week, totalling approximately 130 hours. This work-integrated learning typically involves placements in primary schools, where students observe and assist teachers, plan small group activities, and gradually take on teaching responsibilities under supervision. Such practical experience is essential for developing classroom management skills and applying pedagogical theory in real educational settings. The work component is designed to meet the professional standards required for graduation and future registration as a teacher in Australia. Students must arrange their placements through the university's partnership schools. International students should note that unpaid work placements are allowed under student visa conditions, but paid work (including internships) must not exceed the permitted work hours.
This course is delivered at Western Sydney University's Bankstown City campus, located in Bankstown, New South Wales. Bankstown is a bustling suburb in South-Western Sydney, about 20 kilometres from the Sydney central business district. It is a multicultural hub with excellent public transport links, including trains and buses, making it accessible for students. The area has a range of accommodation options, from shared apartments to homestays, with indicative weekly rent for a room around A$250–A$350. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, so budget accordingly. The Bankstown campus offers modern learning facilities, libraries, and student support services. Sydney itself is home to numerous CRICOS-registered providers, offering a rich educational environment. When choosing a study location, consider factors like climate, lifestyle, and career opportunities in the region.
International students enrolled in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia. Work rights are a key benefit: during term time, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight; during scheduled course breaks, there is no limit on work hours. Additional visa conditions include maintaining satisfactory course attendance and progress, and arranging Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study purposes. Financial capacity evidence may be requested to show you can cover tuition, living costs, and dependents' expenses. All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are covered by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which provides legal protections for international students. For detailed visa information, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Applying for this course at Western Sydney University involves three steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use HeadStart Academy or the official CRICOS register to confirm that this course (103729B) and provider (00917K) are registered. Filter by course level (Associate Degree), field (Education), and location (NSW) to find suitable options.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Visit Western Sydney University's website to check specific entry requirements, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS), application deadlines, and required documents. Submit your application online. Some courses have intakes in February and July.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: If accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Then you can apply for the Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and meet the GTE requirement. Seek advice from a registered migration agent if needed.
Bankstown is a vibrant, multicultural area with a strong sense of community. It offers affordable living compared to the Sydney CBD, with a range of shops, restaurants, and parks. The campus is easily accessible by train and bus. However, Sydney's overall cost of living is high, so plan your budget carefully. For students in education, Bankstown provides diverse school settings for placements. Consider your preference for urban versus suburban environments, and whether you need proximity to the city. HeadStart Academy provides this guide to help you weigh your options.
HeadStart Academy is a free resource that helps international students find CRICOS-registered courses. All provider and course information is sourced from the official CRICOS register as of April 2026. Australia has 1,556 registered providers offering 26,433 courses to international students. This course is covered by the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights as a student. We do not charge fees or take commissions. For the most current data, always verify with the CRICOS register: cricos.teqsa.gov.au.
Ready to study primary education in Australia? Explore more Associate Degree courses on HeadStart Academy.
Associate Degree in Education (Primary) (Exit Only) 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.