Education (Bachelor) Programs in Australia — Universities & Tuition Reference (2026)

Overview

Australia offers a broad and diverse set of bachelor-level education programs, ranging from single degrees in primary or early childhood education to combined degrees that pair education with a discipline such as science, mathematics, or business. As of 2026, there are 111 distinct education bachelor programs delivered across 18 Australian universities. These programs are designed to prepare graduates for teaching registration in Australian schools, early childhood settings, or for roles in educational policy, curriculum development, and educational research.

The tuition fee for international students in these programs varies considerably, from approximately A$26,665 per year to A$65,880 per year, depending on the university, the type of degree (single, combined, or honours), and the length of the program. Typical program durations are four years for most undergraduate teaching degrees, with some combined or extended degrees lasting five years. A small number of education studies or educational leadership programs are three years in length and do not directly lead to teacher registration.

This reference entry provides a structured overview of representative education bachelor programs at selected Australian universities, grouped by institutional tier based on QS World University Rankings 2027. The purpose is to give prospective international students a factual, data-anchored basis for comparing options. All tuition figures are approximate for the 2026 academic year and should be verified with the respective university’s official website before application.

Program Structure and Duration

Education bachelor programs in Australia generally fall into two categories:

• Teaching degrees that lead to professional accreditation for teaching in schools or early childhood settings. These are typically four-year degrees (sometimes with an embedded honours year) and include supervised teaching placements (practicum) as a compulsory component.
• Education studies degrees that focus on the broad study of education as an academic field, without fulfilling all requirements for teacher registration. These are often three-year programs and can serve as a pathway into postgraduate teaching degrees or careers in education administration, policy, or training.

Some universities offer combined degrees (e.g., Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Science) that span four or five years. These integrated programs allow students to graduate with two bachelor qualifications and are particularly popular for those aiming to teach in secondary schools, where subject-matter depth is required alongside pedagogical training.

Within the representative data set, the majority of programs are four-year teaching or honours degrees. The University of Sydney’s combined degrees (Bachelor of Education / Bachelor of Science) are five years long, reflecting the additional subject specialisation. At the other end, Adelaide University offers a three-year Bachelor of Education Studies and a three-year Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) — the latter is a teaching degree for early childhood settings (birth to five years), which is an exception to the typical four-year duration for school-level teaching.

Honours programs (indicated as “(Honours)” in the degree title) usually include a research component and may be required for certain postgraduate study pathways or for higher starting salaries in some states. In the dataset, both The University of Queensland and The University of New South Wales offer Honours versions of their Primary Education degrees at the same tuition as the non-Honours version, while Monash’s combined degrees are all Honours-level.

Tuition and Costs

International student tuition for education bachelor programs in Australia varies significantly by institution and program type. The full range across all 111 programs is A$26,665 to A$65,880 per year. The selected representative programs provide a good illustration of this spread:

• Upper end: Monash University’s Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Science at A$65,880 per year; The University of Sydney’s combined degrees at A$64,340 per year; The University of New South Wales’s primary education programs at A$53,125 per year.
• Mid range: Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) at A$43,400 per year and Bachelor of Education Studies at A$45,000 per year; Macquarie University’s secondary and early childhood degrees at A$42,875 per year; The University of Western Australia’s primary Honours at A$38,900 per year.
• Lower end: The University of Queensland’s primary education programs at A$36,152 per year; Curtin University’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at A$35,660 per year and Bachelor of Educational Studies at A$32,728 per year; University of Technology Sydney’s Bachelor of Education Futures at A$33,735 per year.

The tuition listed does not include additional costs such as health cover (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC), textbooks, materials for teaching placements, or living expenses. Some universities offer scholarships specifically for international education students; these are not reflected in the tuition figures.

Grouping by University Tier

The 18 universities offering education bachelor programs span a wide range of institutional profiles, from global research powerhouses to technology-focused and teaching-intensive institutions. The nine universities represented in the dataset are grouped below based on their QS World University Rankings 2027. This grouping is not a ranking list; rather, it helps contextualise the academic environment, research intensity, and global reputation of each institution.

Group 1: Global Top 30 – Research-Intensive Leaders

This group includes the three universities ranked highest globally in the dataset. Each offers a combination of highly regarded education programs, often with strong research connections and opportunities for combined degrees.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) – QS 19
UNSW offers two versions of its Bachelor of Education (Primary): a standard degree and an Honours degree, both with a four-year duration and identical tuition of A$53,125 per year. UNSW’s School of Education is known for its focus on evidence-based teaching and strong industry partnerships with New South Wales schools. The Honours pathway is particularly attractive for students interested in research or leadership roles.

The University of Sydney – QS 28
Sydney’s education offerings are distinctive for their combined degrees. The Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Science) / Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Mathematics) / Bachelor of Science are both five-year programs at A$64,340 per year. These degrees allow students to graduate with two bachelor qualifications, meeting the subject specialisation requirements for teaching science or mathematics in secondary schools. The University of Sydney has one of Australia’s oldest education faculties and benefits from proximity to a large network of urban schools.

Monash University – QS 31
Monash provides integrated Honours degrees that pair education with another discipline. The Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Science (A$65,880 per year) and the Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Business (A$65,065 per year) are both four-year programs. These are intensive combined courses that include teaching placements as part of the curriculum. Monash’s Faculty of Education is the largest in Australia and has a strong international reputation, particularly in STEM education and educational policy.

Group 2: Strong Research Universities – QS 40 to 79

This group comprises established Australian universities with solid research output and well-regarded teaching programs.

The University of Queensland (UQ) – QS 40
UQ offers four-year Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Honours) programs, both at A$36,152 per year. UQ’s education degrees are noted for their emphasis on the science of learning and include opportunities for rural and international teaching placements. The Honours option adds a research project. UQ is one of the more affordable Group of Eight universities for education study.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) – QS 77
UWA’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Honours) is a four-year program at A$38,900 per year. This is an Honours-only degree, meaning all students are required to complete a research component. UWA’s education program benefits from Perth’s growing school sector and offers pathways for students interested in working in regional Western Australia.

Adelaide University – QS 79
Adelaide University (formed by the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia) offers two distinct three-year programs: the Bachelor of Education Studies (A$45,000 per year) and the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (A$43,400 per year). The Education Studies degree does not lead to teacher registration; it is designed for students who wish to work in education-adjacent fields. The Teaching degree qualifies graduates to work in early childhood settings (birth to age five). Both programs are shorter and less expensive than most four-year teaching degrees.

Group 3: Innovative and Practical – QS 87 to 189

This group includes universities known for a strong focus on graduate employability, industry engagement, and practical skills.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – QS 87
UTS’s Bachelor of Education Futures is a three-year program at A$33,735 per year. This degree is distinctive for its focus on innovation, technology, and flexible learning environments. It is not a standard teacher-registration degree — graduates typically need to complete a postgraduate teaching qualification if they wish to teach in schools. However, it provides a strong foundation for roles in educational technology, policy, and curriculum design.

Macquarie University – QS 126
Macquarie offers four-year Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) programs, both at A$42,875 per year. These degrees are fully accredited and include professional experience placements. Macquarie’s education faculty is particularly known for its inclusive education and special education research.

Curtin University – QS 189
Curtin provides two education pathways: a four-year Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) at A$35,660 per year and a three-year Bachelor of Educational Studies at A$32,728 per year. The secondary education degree leads to teaching registration in Western Australia and is offered with a range of teaching majors. The Educational Studies degree is a non-teaching qualification, suitable for roles in training, educational support, or as a stepping stone to postgraduate teaching. Curtin’s programs are among the most affordable in the dataset.

Selection Guidance

Choosing among these programs requires careful consideration of four main factors: accreditation and registration, program type and length, cost, and location.

Accreditation and Registration
If your goal is to become a classroom teacher in Australia, you must select a program that leads to teacher registration. In the dataset, the following are accredited teaching degrees:

• UNSW Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Honours
• University of Sydney combined degrees (secondary)
• Monash combined Honours degrees
• UQ Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Honours
• UWA Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Honours)
• Adelaide University Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (for early childhood)
• Macquarie Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and (Early Childhood)
• Curtin Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education)

The non-teaching degrees — Adelaide’s Bachelor of Education Studies, UTS’s Bachelor of Education Futures, and Curtin’s Bachelor of Educational Studies — do not on their own qualify you for teaching registration. They can be used as a foundation for a Master of Teaching (usually a two-year postgraduate degree). This pathway may be attractive if you want a shorter undergraduate degree or if you are exploring education without committing to classroom teaching.

Program Type and Length
Four-year programs are standard for school teaching. Five-year combined degrees (like Sydney’s) are ideal if you want deep subject specialisation and a broader career base. Three-year programs (Adelaide Teaching, Curtin Educational Studies, UTS Education Futures) offer faster graduation at lower total cost but require additional study for school teaching.

Cost
Tuition ranges from A$32,728 per year (Curtin Educational Studies) to A$65,880 per year (Monash combined). Over a four-year degree, the difference between the lowest and highest total tuition is over A$130,000. Consider your budget and also factor in the cost of living in the university’s city — Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive than Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide. Many universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships for international students; check each institution’s scholarship portal.

Location
Your choice of university also determines where you will complete your teaching placements. Some programs offer placements in rural or remote schools, which can be beneficial for building a diverse teaching portfolio. If you plan to work in a specific Australian state after graduation, attending a university in that state can simplify registration and networking.

Future Career Pathways
Graduates of accredited teaching degrees are eligible for professional roles in schools. Teaching is on Australia’s skilled occupation list, which means qualified teachers can apply for post-study work visas and potentially permanent residency. Graduates of education studies degrees have broader options in corporate training, educational publishing, museum education, and policy. Combined degrees are advantageous for secondary teaching where subject expertise is in demand (e.g., mathematics, science).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are all Australian Education bachelor degrees accredited for teaching?

No. Only programs explicitly called “Bachelor of Education” (or that include “Teaching” in the title) are typically accredited. Degrees labelled “Educational Studies” or “Education Futures” are usually not initial teacher education programs and do not lead to teacher registration. Always check the university’s website for accreditation status with the relevant state regulatory authority (e.g., the New South Wales Education Standards Authority or the Victorian Institute of Teaching). The representative list above distinguishes accredited teaching degrees from non-accredited ones.

2. How do combined degrees work, and are they worth the extra time?

Combined degrees (e.g., Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science) allow you to complete two bachelor degrees in a shorter time than studying them separately — typically four or five years instead of six. They are particularly valuable for secondary teaching, as they ensure you meet both the pedagogical and subject-matter requirements. For example, to teach science in high school, you generally need at least two years of undergraduate study in a science discipline. Combined degrees embed this requirement seamlessly. They also broaden your career options if you later decide not to teach. However, they are more expensive due to the longer duration, and the workload is heavier.

3. Can I study a three-year Education bachelor and then become a teacher?

Yes, but you would need to complete an accredited postgraduate teaching degree (usually a Master of Teaching, one to two years). This is a common pathway for students who want to delay the decision to teach, or who wish to first gain a broad education qualification. For example, completing the Bachelor of Education Studies at Adelaide (three years) followed by a Master of Teaching at the same university would take about five years total — similar in duration to a four-year undergraduate teaching degree plus an extra year. Note that some three-year programs (like UTS Education Futures) are not designed as a direct pathway into a Master of Teaching; you should check articulation agreements.

4. What are typical entry requirements for international students?

Entry requirements vary by university and program. Generally, you need a high school qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 certificate, with strong academic results. Many universities require a minimum score in English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, but specific thresholds are not listed in this dataset. Some programs may also require a personal statement or interview. Combined degrees often require higher grades, particularly for the non-education component (e.g., science entry requirements). Prerequisites in mathematics or science may apply for secondary teaching streams. You should always consult the official admissions page for each university.

5. How much can I expect to earn as a teacher in Australia after graduation?

Teaching salaries in Australia are set by state industrial agreements and vary by state, experience, and school sector (government, Catholic, independent). As of 2025, a new graduate teacher in a government school can expect a starting salary of approximately A$75,000 to A$85,000 per year (full-time), increasing with experience. Teachers with a four-year degree generally start at a higher pay level than those with a three-year degree. After several years and with additional qualifications (such as a master’s degree or leadership roles), salaries can exceed A$120,000. Teaching is a regulated profession with strong union representation, and conditions are generally favourable.

6. Are there opportunities for scholarships for international Education students?

Yes. Many of the universities listed offer international student scholarships, although the amounts and eligibility criteria differ. For example:

• UNSW offers the International Scientia Coursework Scholarship for high-achieving students, which can reduce tuition.
• The University of Sydney offers the Sydney International Student Award.
• Monash has the International Merit Scholarship.
• The University of Queensland offers the UQ Excellence Scholarship.
• Curtin provides the Curtin International Merit Scholarship.

Scholarships are competitive and often require a separate application. They may cover partial tuition (e.g., 10–50%) for the duration of the program. Always check each university’s dedicated scholarship page.

Data Note

The data presented in this reference entry is based on a dataset of 111 education bachelor programs offered by 18 Australian institutions for the 2026 academic year. The nine representative programs and institutions were selected to illustrate the diversity in tuition, program type, and institutional tier. All tuition figures are approximate and should be confirmed on the official university website before making financial decisions. Tuition is quoted in Australian dollars (A$) and is for the full academic year (typically 48 credit points). It does not include additional fees such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee, Overseas Student Health Cover, or costs associated with teaching placements (e.g., travel, accommodation, police checks).

QS World University Rankings 2027 are used for institutional grouping. These rankings are based on the latest available QS evaluation at the time of writing and are subject to change in future years. Programs listed may be subject to curriculum changes, accreditation reviews, or discontinuation. Honours programs, combined degrees, and non-teaching pathways are clearly distinguished in the text.

No endorsement of any institution over another is intended. The grouping by tier is purely descriptive and based on one global ranking metric. Prospective students should consider additional factors such as faculty expertise, location, campus culture, and professional placement networks, which are not captured here. For the most current and personalised advice, contacting the universities directly or consulting with a government-authorised education agent is recommended.