Teachers make a real difference to the lives of young people. There are various pathways into teaching, across early childhood, primary and secondary school settings, as well as financial incentives and support.
Pathways to teaching
There is more than one pathway to becoming a teacher.
The first step for many is studying teaching as an undergraduate university degree. Find and compare courses at:
- Education and Training provides information and advice to help plan your teaching career, no matter your age or circumstances.
- CourseSeeker helps you find the course that is right for you. Course Seeker also includes information on financial assistance and applying for courses.
- CompareED compares institutions and study areas based on real life student experiences.
Other pathways towards a future career in teaching
- Vocational educational and training courses can help you gain entrance qualifications towards a university pathway and help you prepare for a university degree.
- Studying an accredited Master of Teaching qualification in addition to your undergraduate degree.
- The Australian Government High Achieving Teachers Program supports two alternative, employment-based pathways into teaching for high achieving individuals, committed to pursuing a career in teaching.
Teaching scholarships, financial incentives and support
The Commonwealth Prac Payment offers teaching students support while they’re undertaking mandatory placements.
Find out more about the Commonwealth Prac Payment
The Australian Government’s Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship is available to eligible Australians regardless of where you live.
Register your interest now for the Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships
In addition, teaching scholarships are also offered by state and territory governments.
Become a teacher in your state or territory
If you are considering teaching, find helpful information in your state and territory.
Department's projects and opportunities for teachers
The department is involved in a variety of projects, programs and initiatives for teachers. You can see this work below and find out more.
The National Teacher Workforce Action Plan
On 15 December 2022, Education Ministers agreed on a National Teacher Workforce Action Plan (Action Plan) which sets out a clear pathway to addressing the national issue of teacher workforce shortages.
Find out more about the National Teacher Workforce Action PlanCommonwealth Teaching Scholarships
New students commencing teaching degrees in Australia in 2024 can register their interest in applying for scholarships of up to $40,000 to support their studies.
Find out more about the Commonwealth Teaching ScholarshipsVery Remote Teachers Program
Applications are now open for a reduction of HELP debt. If you’re a teacher, including early childhood teachers, working in a very remote area, you may be eligible for a reduction in your Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt.
Find out more about the Very Remote Teachers ProgramRegional University Study Hubs
Regional University Study Hubs help students in regional and remote areas access higher education without having to leave their community. They provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who study online.
Find out more about the Regional ScholarshipsAlternative Pathways – High Achieving Teachers Program
Commencing in 2020, the High Achieving Teachers Program offers two alternative, employment-based pathways into teaching for high achieving individuals, committed to pursuing a career in the teaching profession.
Find out more about Alternative PathwaysTeacher videos
To celebrate teachers and the valuable work they do, the department has released a series of videos which share the personal, lived experiences of teachers. The videos present a snapshot of their lives, what influenced them to take up this rewarding profession and the moments that shaped them.
