If you have not yet completed a Bachelors degree, you should apply for the Bachelor of Education, which is usually four years in length. If you already have a Bachelors degree (in an area other than education), you can choose from the following programs:

• Graduate Diploma of Education – 1 year
• Bachelor of Education–Graduate Entry – 1.5 to 2 years
• Master of Teaching – 1.5 to 2 years

LEARN MORE> 

2. What is the difference between a one and a two year program?

The difference applies to the different regulations required to become a teacher in each State of Australia and in New Zealand, just as there is in the Provinces of Canada and States in the U.S. The different program lengths reflect each State’s requirements for their teachers. We recommend you consider the program that best fits with your registration requirements for ease of transfer back to Canada or the U.S.

3. Do the programs include a teacher practicum?

Yes, all of the Teacher Education programs include lengthy practicum experience ranging from 40 to 100 days, depending on the program.

4. Can I just do only a teacher practicum portion for my certification?

Yes, AustraLearn offers teacher practicum internships. They are designed specifically for students who are currently earning their teaching qualifications, but would like to do the practicum component overseas. LEARN MORE> 

5. Can I do a Master of Education program, and will it meet the minimum qualifications for me to teach in Canada or the U.S. as well?

Many universities also offer a Master of Education program, however, the Master of Education will not provide you with the qualifications to register as a teacher. The teacher certification programs as described in our teacher education chart give you the qualification to teach. Upon completion of one of those programs, you can then apply to complete a Master of Education, which is usually one year long. The Master of Education will place you in a higher salary range than any of the other qualifications discussed above with all other qualifications being equal. The Master of Education program is worth considering as an add-on option to your teacher certification program if you are looking to potentially go into school administration at some point in time or if you would simply like more preparation and training on becoming a teacher. If you are only seeking your teaching qualification, then you do not need to enrol in a Master of Education program and only need to enrol in one of the programs listed above (Graduate Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Education, or Master of Teaching).

6. How much does a teacher education program cost?
Tuition costs range from $12,000 – 19,000 CAD/USD, depending on your choice of program. We recommend you allow an additional $11,000 – 16,000 CAD/USD to cover living costs.

7. What is the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Assessment and how will that affect my application?

The NZQA assesses your undergraduate degree to ensure it is of the same standard as the undergraduate degrees awarded in New Zealand. All New Zealand universities will require this assessment at some point during your degree and prior to licensure in New Zealand. Specifics on this will be provided upon application.