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Primary education courses

Inspire future generations to love learning with a primary school teacher course

Introduction to Primary education

Do you want to teach young children during their first years at school—and make a lasting impression on their lives?

Open Universities Australia can help you find the pathway into primary school teaching that suits you best, whether you want to start small without entry requirements, or dive straight into an accredited primary education degree. 

Start below to compare online primary teaching courses from leading universities. When you study your course online through us, you get to explore teaching theories from home, while completing essential professional placements at real primary schools. 

We’re here to answer any questions you may have about your study choices. We can also guide you every step of the way through your enrolment, so you don’t have to navigate the complex world of university administration on your own. 

education-primary-education-student-alison-kettle-
Ally studied primary education with Curtin University, through Open Universities Australia

What to study to be a teacher

To become a qualified teacher you need a bachelor or postgraduate degree in education.

So what’s the right option for you?

Bachelor degree

Best suits you if:
You have an ATAR of 70 or higher or have done VET studies

View bachelor degrees

Don’t have the right ATAR? No worries

View pathways

Postgraduate degree

Best suits you if:
You have already completed a bachelor degree in any discipline

Pathways to becoming a teacher

You don't have to put your future on hold if you didn't finish high school, or get the right ATAR.

Start uni with a study pathway today.

No entry requirements

Two options to start

Most popular

Undergraduate certificates

  • Begin your path to becoming a teacher candidate straight away
  • Best for aspiring teachers who are domestic students
  • Flexibly upskill in as little as six months to open up career opportunities
  • Gain a qualification and four subjects to credit toward a bachelor degree
  • Access student loans to support your journey
View undergraduate certificates

Single subjects

  • Best for students who want to start small and try out study
  • Flexibly upskill a specific area in as little as 13 weeks
  • Earn credit with each subject to count towards a bachelor degree
  • Access student loans to support your journey
View single subjects

Continue to a degree with full credits

Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)

  • 100% online study with a flexibly located placement
  • Graduate directly from the university
  • Become a qualified teacher anywhere in Australia
Find out more

Discover primary education courses

Online primary education certificate

Start with no entry requirements, and gain a certificate qualification on the way to completing your degree.

Curtin University

Work towards your future in early childhood teaching

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
View all undergraduate certificates

Online primary education subjects and short courses

Start small with no entry requirements, and gain entry into a Bachelor of Education.

Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 25 Nov 2024, 02 Jun 2025, 01 Dec 2025
Curtin University

Exploring and Contesting Curriculum

UndergraduateCUR-EDC140

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 25 Nov 2024, 02 Jun 2025, 01 Dec 2025
Curtin University

The Numerate Educator

UndergraduateCUR-EDC145

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 25 Nov 2024, 02 Jun 2025, 01 Dec 2025
Curtin University

Educators Inquiring About the World

UndergraduateCUR-EDC175

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 25 Nov 2024, 02 Jun 2025, 01 Dec 2025
Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 03 Mar 2025, 01 Sep 2025
Curtin University

Child Development for Educators

UndergraduateCUR-EDC135

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 03 Mar 2025, 01 Sep 2025
Curtin University

Performing Arts for Educators

UndergraduateCUR-EDC153

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 03 Mar 2025, 01 Sep 2025
Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
View all subjects

Online primary education degrees

Get ready to make a difference in people's lives and become a teacher by studying a bachelor degree.

Curtin University

A student centred approach to teaching and learning

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Australian Catholic University

Confidence, skills and experience to teach prep to Year 12

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Southern Cross University

Double your options to work with young learners

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Southern Queensland

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

UndergraduateUSQ-BEP-DEG

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Southern Cross University

A teaching degree that gives you more options

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Edith Cowan University

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

UndergraduateECU-PRI-DEG

A nationally accredited teaching course in primary education

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Southern Cross University

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

UndergraduateSCU-PRI-DEG

Transform the classroom with a primary teaching specialisation

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

Online primary education graduate diploma

Searching for a more fulfilling career? Switch to teaching in just one year with a full time graduate diploma.

Curtin University

Switch careers to primary teaching – in just one year!

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
View all graduate diplomas

Online primary education master degrees

Deepen your understanding of education with postgraduate study.

Australian Catholic University

Bring your love of learning to the classroom

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Curtin University

Master of Teaching (Primary Education)

PostgraduateCUR-PRI-MAS

Uncover your teaching talent with an in-demand qualification

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Charles Sturt University

Master of Teaching (Primary)

PostgraduateCSU-TCH-MAS

Cultivate a love of learning in primary school students

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Griffith University

Master of Primary Teaching

PostgraduateGRF-PRT-MAS

Add to your degree and become a primary teacher

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Tasmania

Master of Teaching (Primary)

PostgraduateTAS-EDC-MAS

A recognised teaching qualification in all states and territories

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Swinburne University of Technology

Master of Teaching (Primary)

PostgraduateSWI-MTP-MAS

Develop a holistic approach to learning

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Southern Queensland

Master of Learning & Teaching (Primary)

PostgraduateUSQ-MTP-MAS

Teach and support children in primary school

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
Australian Catholic University

Spread the world of God in the classroom.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
View all postgraduate degrees

Discover 141 ways to study primary education with leading Australian universities.

Explore primary education courses

Not sure what to study? Take our course matching quiz.

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Student reviews

We support thousands of students on their study journey every year

Our advisors are here to help with your study goals from enrolment to completion 7 days a week.

Primary education study FAQs

What age group will a primary education degree qualify me to teach?

A primary education degree qualifies you to teach children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. 

If you’d like to teach even younger children in preschools, you’ll need to complete an early childhood education course.    

How long does it take to become a primary school teacher?

It depends on which pathway you take to become a primary school teacher.

If you jump straight into an approved primary teaching degree, it will take you 4 years of full-time study to complete a Bachelor of Education (Primary Education), or 2 years of full-time study to complete a Master of Teaching (Primary Education). 

If you decide on a more flexible online study path, you can choose how many subjects you take at once and graduate at a faster or slower pace.  

Can I really get into a Bachelor of Education even if I don't have a high enough ATAR?

Yes, through Open Universities Australia you can get in through two study pathways: 

An undergraduate certificate

If you didn’t finish Year 12 or get a high enough ATAR for teaching, you can enrol in an undergraduate certificate in education, like Curtin University's Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching Education Studies. This certificate doesn’t have any entry requirements and is open to everyone. Once you complete the four subjects, you will be eligible to continue straight into a Bachelor of Education with full academic credit. 

Single subjects

Alternatively, if you’re still on the fence about primary school teaching, you can try this study option. Through Open Universities Australia, you can enrol in single subjects from a Bachelor of Education without entry requirements, to get a feel for the study area. Once you finish those subjects, you can either walk away, or use them to qualify for entry into the full degree.

Book a consultation with a student advisor for more information about these study pathways. 

What do you learn in a primary education degree?

You’ll learn how to: 

  • teach primary school-aged students in the core Australian curriculum areas, including maths, English, science and technology, history and geography, and arts.  
  • lead and manage a classroom of students from diverse backgrounds and a range of learning abilities. 
  • make lesson plans and assess student work.
  • teach using appropriate technologies. 
  • understand child development and behaviour. 

You can also choose to specialise in an area that interests you, like STEM education, the International Baccalaureate Programme or Indigenous Australian education. 

What is it like to study primary education online?

When you study primary education online, you still cover the same material as an on-campus student. But instead of attending classes in a physical classroom, you watch your lectures and complete your coursework through an online learning portal when it’s convenient to you. This gives you the flexibility to fit study around other commitments in your life like full-time work or carer responsibilities.  

Online study can also give you an advantage in the workforce. Former student Ally Kettle had time to volunteer at a local primary school when she completed her online Bachelor of Education with Curtin University. The extra practical experience gave her an edge when a graduate teaching position came up. She landed the role over hundreds of other applicants. 

Will I go on professional placements?

Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to complete professional placements at local, rural, regional or interstate schools and engage with students from all sorts of backgrounds. You’re required to complete a set number of hours in the classroom before you can qualify as a teacher in Australia. 

Will I be a qualified teacher once I graduate?

Yes, the Bachelor of Education and Master of Teaching courses that are available through Open Universities Australia are approved teaching courses, or what’s known as Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses. 

Once you graduate, you will be eligible for registration as a primary school teacher in all Australian states and territories, and in countries that recognise Australian primary teaching qualifications. You will be able to teach in Australian Government, Catholic and Independent schools. 

What other jobs can I do with a primary teaching degree?

Primary education graduates aren’t just restricted to teaching careers. You could also work outside the classroom, in an area such as:

  • school administration and management
  • education reform and policy
  • education research
  • curriculum design
  • inclusive education
  • corporate training
  • youth guidance counselling.
How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

How do I enrol?

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

Student stories and study advice

What is a Master of Education?

Become an expert in education with this postgraduate course that will take you to the top of the class. Learn how to drive meaningful change in the education sector.

What’s in the 2024 budget for online students?

The Federal Government made a lot of education announcements in its 2024 budget last week, including a welcome change to HELP indexation. So what are the main things you need to know about as an online student? Here’s a quick and easy recap. 

5 inclusive teaching strategies to know

Start practising these strategies in your classroom now, or bookmark them for your learning journey. Inclusive school communities equal inclusive societies, period.

What is inclusive education?

Inclusive education is about students of all abilities, backgrounds and identities learning and growing together. Read more about the positives, negatives and practicalities here..

We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

A student leaping from one side of a platform to another, with a blue sky in the background.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.

Over 523,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

How we can help you

Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

You can rely on us as an unbiased destination for online tertiary education

As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

Enrol in courses from 25 of Australia's leading universities

University of the Sunshine Coast logoMurdoch University logo
The University of Notre Dame Australia logoSwinburne University logo
University of South Australia logoTorrens University Australia logo
Southern Cross University logoUniversity of Southern Queensland logo
La Trobe University logoCurtin University logo
Flinders University logoUniversity of New England logo
University of Tasmania logoThe University of Queensland logo
Griffith University logoUniversity of Adelaide logo
Edith Cowan University logoRMIT University logo
Australian National University logoAustralian Catholic University logo
The University of Newcastle logoJames Cook University Australia logo
Macquarie University logoCharles Sturt University logo
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