Bachelor of Education Secondary (CRICOS course code 113101M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 4 years. This course is designed for international students who wish to become secondary school teachers in Australia or overseas. As a CRICOS-registered program (CRICOS provider 00300K), it meets Australian quality standards and enables graduates to apply for teacher registration. The course covers key areas of teacher education including curriculum development, classroom management, and subject-specific pedagogy. Students will also undertake a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 16 weeks (560 hours) to gain practical experience in secondary school settings. CDU is a government-owned university with campuses in Darwin, Northern Territory, offering a unique study environment in tropical Australia. This page provides indicative information; always verify details with CDU or the CRICOS register. Trust signals: all listed providers are CRICOS-registered, data sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), and ESOS Act protections apply.
The Bachelor of Education Secondary is structured as a 4-year full-time program, comprising 208 weeks of study as per the CRICOS register. This duration is standard for initial teacher education in Australia, ensuring graduates meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. The language of instruction is English, and international students must demonstrate proficiency typically through IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall. The course is delivered as a single qualification—no dual degree—but students may specialise in secondary teaching areas such as mathematics, science, humanities, or languages. At CDU, students attend classes at either the Casuarina Campus or the Danala Education and Community Precinct in Darwin City. Full-time enrolment is required for visa compliance, and students typically spend 20-25 hours per week in lectures, tutorials, and workshops, plus additional time for lesson planning, assessment preparation, and independent research.
Tuition fees for the Bachelor of Education Secondary are indicative at A$125,736 for the entire 4-year program. Non-tuition fees amount to approximately A$1,472. The estimated total is A$127,208. Please note these figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. CDU sets the fees and may adjust them annually. The tuition fee likely reflects per annum charges; confirm with CDU. Additionally, international students must budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for Subclass 500). In Darwin, indicative living costs are around A$25,000 per year, including rent (A$250-400 per week), groceries (A$80-120 per week), and public transport (A$50-70 per week). Always check CDU's website for the most current fee schedule.
Entry to the Bachelor of Education Secondary requires international students to meet both academic and English language standards. Typical academic requirements include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent with a suitable ATAR, or completion of a recognised foundation program. For mature-age students or those with relevant work experience, CDU may consider alternative entry pathways. The English language requirement is IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall with no band below 5.5-6.0, or equivalent tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English. Other prerequisites may include mathematics or science subjects depending on intended teaching specialisation. CDU also offers pathway programs such as the Tertiary Enabling Program for students who need additional preparation. As entry criteria can change, it's essential to consult the CDU website or contact their international admissions office directly. HeadStart Academy cannot guarantee entry; all applications are assessed by the institution.
Yes, the Bachelor of Education Secondary includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 16 weeks, totalling approximately 560 hours (based on 35 hours per week). This typically involves supervised teaching practice in secondary schools, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings. This is a crucial part of your initial teacher education, helping you develop practical skills in lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessment. CDU will arrange placements in partner schools across the Northern Territory, often in Darwin or regional areas. You will be supported by a supervising teacher and a university mentor. Successful completion of this component is required to graduate and may count towards the supervised teaching hours needed for teacher registration. Some students may need to complete additional practical experience depending on state requirements. Check with CDU for specific placement arrangements.
The Bachelor of Education Secondary is delivered at two locations in the Northern Territory: Casuarina Campus (Casuarina, a suburb of Darwin) and Danala Education and Community Precinct (Darwin City). Casuarina Campus is the main campus of CDU, located about 12 km north of Darwin’s city centre. It offers modern facilities, libraries, and student services. Danala is a new precinct in Darwin City, providing a city-based learning environment. Both campuses are accessible by public transport. Darwin has a student population of around 8,000 international students across its institutions, with 3 CRICOS-registered providers (April 2026 data). Living in Darwin costs less than Sydney or Melbourne, with rent for a shared apartment around A$250-350 per week. The city has a tropical climate and a multicultural community. Studying at CDU gives you the option of either campus, but classes for this course may run at both; check the timetable.
International students enrolling in the Bachelor of Education Secondary must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time and work up to 48 hours per fortnight while courses are in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. To obtain a visa, you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CDU, demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intentions, and show financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of 2026, the visa application fee is A$1,600 (subject to change). Note that the ESOS Act protects your rights as an international student. For detailed visa advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Applying is straightforward if you follow these three steps: 1. Research: Ensure Charles Darwin University (CRICOS 00300K) and this course (113101M) are registered on the CRICOS register. Check you meet the entry requirements, especially English language proficiency. 2. Apply directly to CDU: Submit your application through CDU’s online portal. Provide academic transcripts, English test scores, and any other required documents. Be aware of application deadlines (typically semester-based, with intakes in February and July). 3. Receive your CoE and apply for your visa: If accepted, CDU will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. You may also need to arrange OSHC and demonstrate funds. CDU’s international office can guide you through the process.
Darwin offers a unique study experience for international students. As the capital of the Northern Territory, it has a small but diverse population and a tropical climate. Compared to larger cities, Darwin has a lower cost of living—indicative rent for a one-bedroom apartment is A$300-450 per week, and groceries are about A$100 per week. Public transport includes buses with student concessions. CDU is the only university in the NT offering a full range of courses, and it has strong links to local schools, making practical placements accessible. The NT government offers teacher incentives for remote work, which may appeal if you plan to teach in regional Australia. However, the job market for teachers in Darwin is competitive, and you might need to be flexible with location. City-wise, Darwin has fewer cultural attractions than Sydney or Melbourne, but it offers a close-knit community and proximity to natural wonders like Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Consider your lifestyle preferences before choosing Darwin.
Ready to apply? Explore more education courses on HeadStart Academy or use our 3-step guide above to start your application to CDU.
Bachelor of Education Secondary is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charles Darwin University (CDU). 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.