Course information for - 2027 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- Domestic
Offered at 1 locations
- Strathfield
- Strathfield
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- ATAR
- New
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027
Applications open August 2026
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not offered this intake
This mode is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students only.
Overview
The Bachelor of Education (Primary) is available by direct entry application to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Away From Base mode. This study mode allows students to live and work in their local community, while studying and attending two compulsory residentials of one week each in Strathfield each semester
ACU has a long-held reputation as a leading provider of quality and innovative teacher education. This course is designed for people who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and inspiring young minds. The Bachelor of Education (Primary) combines theory with practice, ensuring students not only learn about the social, political and cultural contexts that shape education in schools. In addition to working within your home community, you’ll also gain practical experience by being placed within schools during the course (this is a compulsory component and is taken in block-periods that may extend from 1 to 10 weeks in NSW, and 1 to 6 weeks in Queensland).
Achieve your goals with a scholarship.
A generous Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship is available to support new undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolling in an initial teacher education (ITE) program to help meet the costs of their study. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here.
Professional experience
You will be required to complete 80 days of embedded professional experience.
- YEAR 2: EDET100: Effective Teaching 1: Becoming a Teacher - 15 days
- YEAR 2: EDET201: Effective Teaching 2: Curriculum and Pedagogies - 20 days
- YEAR 3: EDET301: Effective Teaching 3: Engaging for Positive Learning and Environments - 20 days
- YEAR 4: EDET402: Effective Teaching 6: Reflective Practice for Teaching and Learning - 25 days
Work placement
All initial teacher education programs must include a defined period of professional experience, where pre-service teachers practise teaching in a school under the direct supervision and guidance of an appropriately qualified teacher.
The current requirements are for a minimum of 80 days of professional experience that occurs in structured supervised settings. Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course.
Community engagement
You will complete a community engagement unit, EDES206 Social Justice and Community Engagement for Educators, with a minimum of 25 hours of direct service or equivalent.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration as primary teachers in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools. This program has been listed on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) accredited programs list and meets the teacher education component of the qualification requirement for registration (accreditation) as a primary school teacher in all states and territories.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- primary teaching
- education administration
- government policy
- group facilitation
- market research while contributing to improving Indigenous education.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Away from Base), a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Available Minor(s)
-
Indigenous Education
Step into one of the oldest living cultures on Earth and explore the richness, resilience, and diversity of First Nations knowledges. This minor in Indigenous Education invites you to engage deeply with Indigenous histories, philosophies, languages, and pedagogies—giving you the tools to become a more informed, respectful, and inclusive educator.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Exit Points
A student who has completed the course requirements for the courses listed below may graduate with the corresponding qualification. However, none of these qualifications qualify the holder to teach in Australia.
- Undergraduate Certificate in Educational Studies
- Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
- Bachelor of Educational Studies
A student who does not satisfy the LANTITE requirements may exit the course through an appropriate pathway, provided they meet the criteria for that award.
Additional course information
Students must complete professional experience units during which time they are required to be available full-time. All students enrolled must have the appropriate approvals before they may enter a classroom. These are: Blue Card (Qld), Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) or Working with Children Check (NSW and Vic).
Entry requirements
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, which includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement and meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements.
All applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
- To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| NSW | Prerequisites: Nil Assumed Knowledge: A minimum of three Band 5 HSC results (including one in English), and a Mathematics Band 4 HSC result. Note: This course is structured to allow applicants to meet the three Band 5 and/or the Mathematics Band 4 entry requirements. |
OR
b. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants may be selected following an interview with the course adviser and staff of the campus Indigenous Higher Education Unit. They should have:
- minimum of three years’ work experience; or
- completion of year 12 or equivalent; or
- demonstrated relevant tertiary study skills or successful completion of a Tertiary Communication Skills program.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students
Admission Schemes
Further study
Bachelor Degree graduates may be eligible to progress to a range of postgraduate coursework programs, eg Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and, through them and/or with relevant work experience, to Master’s degree programs.
Fees
Course costs
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Apply directly to ACU
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
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