Study school teaching as a postgraduate student

Teaching is a career brimming with opportunity and reward. With recent investment in the industry, there’s never been a better time to change direction and become a school teacher.

Changing direction to begin a career in school teaching

There are a range of pathways to becoming a teacher. The best option for you depends on your individual situation. Many courses can also be completed part-time and/or online. This flexibility allows you to fit in study alongside work commitments.

School teaching degrees often require direct application to the relevant university or other higher education provider.

Pathways into teaching for career changers

There’s more than one pathway into teaching. If you’re thinking about changing careers, watch the video to learn more.

Use your previous studies or vocational experience to become a teacher

You could become a teacher within 18-24 months by studying a postgraduate teaching qualification, tapping into your previous studies or vocational experience. Entry requirements vary and are set by the higher education providers.

Paid, employment-based teaching degrees

You can complete a postgraduate teaching degree in 18 - 24 months with support of:

• A government-funded scholarship, and
• Paid employment in a government school while you study

These are offered through the Victorian Government funded Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow programs. If you are enrolling in a secondary school teaching degree, you may be eligible for a scholarship.

Costs involved with studying teaching

The cost of a postgraduate teaching course is set by the higher education providers. It can vary each year. To find out the exact cost of each teaching course, it’s best to check with the providers directly.

If you enrol in a course with Commonwealth Supported Places, you may be eligible for HECS-HELP to pay for your studies. To find out if you’re eligible, visit Commonwealth supported places.

Scholarships for people enrolling in secondary school teaching degrees

The Victorian Government is offering scholarships of up to $9,000 that can support you with the cost of studying a postgraduate teaching degree.

These scholarships are available to eligible students who enrol in secondary school teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025, or return in 2024 or 2025 after discontinuing their degree prior to 2022, with further payments if they work in Victorian government secondary or specialist school settings after they graduate.

To find out more, visit Scholarships for secondary teaching degrees.

Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships

In addition to the Victorian Scholarships for secondary teaching degrees, you may also be eligible for one of a limited number of Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships for people enrolling in postgraduate teaching degrees from 2025.

For further information about the eligibility criteria and application process, please visit the Commonwealth Department of Education’s website at: Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships.

Visa and migration requirements to study teaching

If you’re overseas and plan to study teaching in Australia, you’ll need a visa.

To find out more, visit Studying in Australia.