Pathways to becoming a teacher in the ACT
Discover the steps you need to take to teach in an ACT public school.
In the ACT, there are several pathways to becoming a teacher.
Whether you’re starting to think about teaching as a career or you’ve finished your teaching degree, find your potential next steps.
School leavers
If you're a school leaver who wants to become a teacher in the ACT, here are your next steps.
1. Check the degree you need to complete
To teach in ACT public schools, you must complete a 4-year Initial Teacher Education (ITE) degree at a recognised Australian university. Most degrees require a tertiary knowledge level in English and mathematics.
You can find ITE degrees, the ATAR and admission criteria requirements through Course Seeker.
The ACT Education Directorate works closely with 5 affiliated universities to promote the pathways to becoming a teacher in the ACT. These universities include:
- University of Canberra (UC)
- Australian Catholic University (ACU)
- Charles Sturt University (CSU)
- Swinburne University of Technology (SUT)
- Charles Darwin University (CDU)
2. Study your year 12 ACT Senior Secondary Certificate
Study a Tertiary Package to gain the required ATAR and assumed knowledge requirements.
3. Apply for university admission
Apply for the course you decide to study through the University Admissions Centre or directly with the university.
4. Complete a university pathways course
If you have not met the ATAR requirements for your chosen course, you can complete a university pathways course. These courses provide an alternative route into a degree.
Pathways into a Bachelor of Education could include:
- studying through University of Canberra College
- completing a bridging course
- gaining credit points from Certificate III qualifications.
The Canberra Institute of Technology also offers a range of courses for early childhood education and care. They also offer a certificate and diplomas, which can be a pathway to teaching.
5. Complete your Bachelor of Education or initial teacher education degree
Study an ITE degree at our affiliated universities, and you can apply to earn while you learn. You can work in a school assistant role or complete a paid placement in your final year. You’ll gain great work experience in an ACT public school while getting paid.
6. Register to teach in the ACT with the ACT Teacher Quality Institute
All teachers in Australian schools must be registered with the relevant authority.
In the ACT, this is the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI).
7. Apply for teaching roles in ACT public schools and begin your teaching career
Now you have finished your teaching degree, you can apply for a teaching role.
Find a teaching positions in ACT public schools with the ACT Education Directorate on the JobsACT website.
Undergraduate and masters students
If you're currently studying a teaching degree, here are some pathways to help you progress your career.
1. Work as a school assistant while studying
Working as a school assistant in an ACT public school provides you with valuable experience and paid employment.
Apply any time during the first 3 years of your studies though the 2025 Education Directorate School Assistant Application.
2. Apply for the Pre-service Teacher Pathway Program
The Pre-service Teacher Pathway Program provides an employment pathway for undergraduate and masters students to kickstart their teaching careers, while earning a competitive public school salary.
The program is available for third and fourth-year undergraduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students and second year masters students. Applicants must be an Australian citizen and/or be permanent resident and/or hold a valid student visa.
Program highlights:
- Learn and earn a salary of $80,184 while you finish your teacher education course.
- Secure employment via our Permit to Teach Program.
Apply any time during the third or fourth year of an undergraduate or second year masters of an approved ITE degree through Pre-service Teacher Pathway Program.
3. Apply for a Restricted Permit to Teach
Our Permit to Teach Program allows you to gain valuable experience in an ACT public school.
A Restricted Permit to Teach is available to eligible final year undergraduate or masters ITE course students. You can be employed at one specific school in an area and specialisation that aligns to your study. It allows you to teach up to 60% of a full-time load. You can also access paid practicum leave while completing your final year placement.
To apply, go to Permit to Teach.
4. Apply for an Unrestricted Permit to Teach
An Unrestricted Permit to Teach is available to final semester initial teacher education course students who have completed their final placement.
It allows you to teach without restrictions after completing your final placement.
To apply, go to Permit to Teach.
Mid-career change
If you’re after a career change that will challenge and reward you, find out what your next steps are.
If you’re after a career change that will challenge and reward you, UC STEP is an opportunity to fast track your teaching career.
UC STEP
The ACT Education Directorate has partnered with the University of Canberra (UC) to deliver a new employment-based pathway into teaching known as the School-based Teacher Education Program or UC STEP.
Though this program, you will gain valuable classroom experience while studying for your Masters of Primary or Masters of Secondary Teaching.
UC STEP offers:
- an innovative and flexible accelerated 2-year learning program
- paid employment in an ACT public school from day one. You’ll work as a part-time learning support assistant in your first year before you progress to a teacher through the Permit to Teach program in your second year.
- financial support with a $20,000 scholarship to help you focus on your studies
- mentoring and coaching throughout your studies.
UC STEP has funding for 3 years through a Commonwealth Government Department of Education High Achieving Teachers (HAT) Program Grant.
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