Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) (CRICOS 108403F) at University of South Australia (UniSA)

Course overview

Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) (CRICOS course code 108403F) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks). This program is designed for those who wish to become secondary school teachers, focusing on educational theory, curriculum development, and practical teaching skills. Graduates are qualified to teach in Australian secondary schools and have strong prospects both locally and internationally. The course is registered on CRICOS (provider code 00121B), ensuring it meets the Australian Government's quality standards for international students. With a work component of 20 weeks (800 hours), students gain invaluable hands-on experience in real classrooms. University of South Australia (UniSA) is a public university with a reputation for innovative teaching and strong industry connections. Adelaide, where the Mawson Lakes campus is located, is known for being a safe, affordable, and multicultural city with a vibrant student life.

What you'll study

This course falls under the field of education: Teacher Education: Secondary (Field of Education 070105). At the Bachelor Honours Degree level (AQF Level 8), students typically engage with advanced studies in teaching methodologies, educational psychology, subject-specific curriculum design, and assessment strategies. The program also includes a research component, culminating in an honours dissertation that develops critical thinking and analytical skills. While the exact subjects are set by University of South Australia (UniSA), graduates are prepared to teach in secondary schools across a range of disciplines. The inclusion of a substantial work-integrated learning component ensures that theoretical knowledge is applied in real educational settings, meeting the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. This combination of academic rigor and practical experience makes the course highly valued by employers.

Duration and study mode

The Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) has a duration of 4 years and 1 month (approximately 211 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. Students study full-time on campus at the Mawson Lakes location. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual degree) and does not include foundation studies. The course is structured to meet the requirements for teacher registration in Australia, including both coursework and the professional experience component. Full-time enrollment is typical for international students to maintain visa compliance, though you should confirm specific study mode options directly with University of South Australia (UniSA).

Fees (indicative — set by University of South Australia (UniSA))

The indicative tuition fee for the Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) is A$131,200 for the entire course. Non-tuition fees are listed as A$0 on the CRICOS register, meaning there are no mandatory additional academic fees. However, this total does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. Living costs in Adelaide are relatively affordable: weekly rent for a student may range from A$150-250, groceries around A$60-80, and public transport approximately A$40-50. These are estimates and can vary. Always check the University of South Australia (UniSA) website for the most current fees, as tuition is subject to change by the institution. HeadStart Academy only provides indicative data from the CRICOS register as of April 2026.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International applicants typically need to have completed a qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 certificate with competitive grades. English language proficiency is generally required at IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall, with no band below 5.5 to 6.0 (specific scores may vary by institution). Some students may need to complete pathway programs such as a Foundation Studies course if they do not meet direct entry requirements. University of South Australia (UniSA) may also consider previous academic performance and relevant experience. For accurate and up-to-date entry requirements, always refer to the provider's official admissions page. Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the University of South Australia (UniSA) directly.

Work component

This course includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks, totaling approximately 800 hours (performed at 40 hours per week). This work-integrated learning takes the form of supervised teaching placements in secondary schools, where students apply their pedagogical knowledge under the guidance of experienced teachers. Such placements are a core requirement for teacher registration in Australia and typically occur in multiple settings over the course of the degree. The experience allows students to develop classroom management skills, lesson planning, and assessment techniques. It also helps build professional networks and increases employability upon graduation. All placements are arranged by the university and comply with relevant workplace health and safety standards.

Delivery locations

The Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) is delivered at the University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Mawson Lakes is a suburb located about 12 km north of Adelaide's city centre, well-connected by public transport including train and bus services. Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is home to over 40 CRICOS-registered providers and a student population of over 40,000 international students. Living costs in Adelaide are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, making it an attractive option for international students. The campus itself features modern facilities including libraries, teaching spaces, and science laboratories. For more location-specific information, explore our South Australia study guide.

Student visa

International students enrolling in this course will need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in Australia and includes work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Financial capacity evidence is required to demonstrate you can cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. The Department of Home Affairs sets these conditions. For detailed guidance, visit our student visa page. Remember, HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice; consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised assistance.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to begin your journey with the Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) at University of South Australia (UniSA):

1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use our course search to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm that University of South Australia (UniSA) and course code 108403F meet your goals.

2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Check entry requirements, arrange English language testing (e.g., IELTS), and submit your application before the deadline. University of South Australia (UniSA) accepts applications through its online portal.

3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500)**: Once accepted, UniSA will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.

Start your application today! Explore more courses or contact University of South Australia (UniSA) for personalised advice.

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