How to Become a Primary or Secondary School Teacher in Australia
If you’re thinking about becoming a primary or secondary school teacher in Australia or helping others transition into those roles - this guide walks you through everything you need: from qualifications and accreditation, to what schools expect and how to get your first teaching job.
What qualifications do you need to teach in schools
To be eligible to teach in Australia, you need a recognised initial teacher education (ITE) qualification from an accredited provider. Common qualification paths include:
- A 4‑year teaching degree (e.g. Bachelor of Education)
- A combined degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education)
- Or an undergraduate degree in another discipline (e.g. Science, Arts) PLUS a recognised postgraduate teaching qualification (e.g. Master of Teaching / Graduate Diploma) often used by people changing careers
Primary VS Secondary - What's the difference?
- Primary teaching: The course should prepare you broadly because primary school teachers usually cover many subject areas (English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Arts, PD/HPE, etc.).
- Secondary teaching:
You need subject‑specific depth, meaning your undergraduate (or prior) study must provide sufficient content knowledge in the subject(s) you intend to teach (e.g. Mathematics, Science, English, Languages, Humanities).
Registering as a teacher
Teacher registration/licensing is managed at the state/territory level, after finishing your qualification you must register with the relevant authority before you can work in a school.
Here’s a breakdown for each region -
New South Wales
Learn moreNSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) // Accredited ITE degree (Bachelor Ed / combined / postgraduate), completion of required supervised practicums, pass national literacy & numeracy test (LANTITE).
Victoria
Learn moreVictorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) // Approved ITE program: either a 4‑year degree including teaching qualification, or a graduate ITE qualification after an undergraduate degree.
Queensland
Learn moreQueensland College of Teachers (QCT) // A recognised initial teacher education program - either 4‑year, or graduate pathway after undergrad plus any state‑specific requirements.
Western Australia
Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) // An accredited ITE qualification (or one assessed equivalent), including supervised teaching practice — the Board evaluates equivalency for some non‑standard qualifications.
Australian Capital Territory
Learn moreACT Teacher Quality Institute (ACT TQI) // At least four years full‑time (or equivalent) higher education including an accredited initial or graduate-entry teacher education program plus professional experience placements.
Northern Territory
Learn moreTeacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory (TRB NT) // A 4‑year (or equivalent) pre‑service teacher education degree including a minimum period of supervised practice teaching.
South Australia
Learn moreTeachers Registration Board of South Australia (TRB SA) // Accredited initial teacher education qualification, as determined by the Board (equivalent standards apply); supervised practice and compliance with suitability / child‑safety requirements.
Tasmania
Learn moreTeachers Registration Board of Tasmania (TRB TAS) // Approved ITE qualification (or equivalent), meeting course content and supervised teaching/practicum requirements per state standards.
What schools look for
While meeting ITE and registration requirements is fundamental, schools also care about other qualities. Common expectations include:
- Strong subject‑knowledge
- Good classroom‑management skills, student engagement ability, and adaptability
- Professionalism, commitment to ongoing professional development and compliance with child‑safety and regulatory standards (e.g. registration, WWCC)
- Flexibility - being able to teach multiple subjects (especially at primary level), or being open to varied school contexts (public, private, different student demographics).
- Alignment with the
national teaching standards which guide quality teaching practice across Australia.
Ready to take the next step?
Becoming a primary or secondary school teacher in Australia is a rewarding path. With the right qualification, accreditation, and understanding of what schools expect, you can position yourself as a strong candidate in any state or territory.
At Expect a Star, we work with schools across Australia and support candidates through every step - from qualifications and registration, to matching you with a role that fits your skills, passions and location.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your background, preferred teaching level (primary or secondary) and we’ll help you start your teaching journey.
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