Teacher - Primary (VIC)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

To become a primary teacher you usually have to study primary school teaching, middle school teaching or education at university. Alternatively, you can undertake a postgraduate qualification specialising in primary education after completing a degree with relevant study areas.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your VCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in primary school teaching, middle school teaching and education. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires a relevant bachelor degree. A number of universities in Australia offer postgraduate courses in primary education. They are also available by distance education. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information.

Additional Information:

Teachers in all Victorian government, Catholic and independent schools need to be registered by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). For more information visit the VIT website.

Practical placements are usually required in education courses. Before undertaking practical placements in Victorian schools, you must obtain a Working with Children Check issued by the Department of Justice.

Teachers are required by mandatory reporting laws to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Use electronic learning materials (CHC Unit)
  2. Diploma of Educational Studies
  3. Advanced Diploma of Rudolf Steiner Education
  4. Certificate in Educational Studies (Advanced)
  5. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education - Primary
  6. Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences / Bachelor of Education
  7. Bachelor of Early Childhood - Education and Care
  8. Bachelor of Early Childhood Education *
  9. Bachelor of Education *
  10. Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood
  11. Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood and Primary
  12. Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood/Primary
  13. Bachelor of Education - P-10
  14. Bachelor of Education - Prep-Year 12
  15. Bachelor of Education - Prep-Year 12 (Accelerated)
  16. Bachelor of Education - Primary *
  17. Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Education - Primary
  18. Bachelor of Outreach and Community Education
  19. Bachelor of Physical and Outdoor Education
  20. Bachelor of Primary Education
  21. Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Education - Primary
  22. Bachelor of Teaching - Primary
  23. Bachelor of Visual Arts / Bachelor of Education - Primary

Employment Opportunities:

Prospects of employment are generally enhanced by a willingness to work, initially, anywhere in the state.

For Further Information:

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

(03) 9637 2376

Victorian Institute of Teaching

(03) 8601 5800

Information for other states and territories: