The Sydney Institute for Community Languages Education (SICLE) is playing a key role in increasing teacher supply with more diverse entrants to initial teacher education and to the teaching profession.

We are doing this by offering a Master of Teaching (MTeach) pathway program, developing and offering Language Proficiency Tests and coordinating the Language Teaching Approval Program.

Western Sydney University is currently offering scholarships for students who enrol into a MTeach, $10,000 per year, up to two years of study. To register visit High Achieving Teachers

Want to become a qualified teacher in Australian schools?

If you are a teacher in a community language school with higher education qualifications in Business, IT or another area and want to become a qualified teacher in Australia by completing a Master of Teaching, SICLE is offering a pathway to teacher accreditation known as the MTeach preparation program. The program aims to prepare you for applying and enrolling into a Master of Teaching at either Sydney University or Western Sydney University.

*Applicants for the preparation program must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.

The program consists of:

  • Guidance and advice to prepare you and/or your documentation to meet the entry and English language requirements for the MTeach at either the University of Sydney (USyd) or Western Sydney University (WSU).
  • Careers advice to help you decide what type of teaching specialisation you can pursue from choices including Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary.
  • Assistance with the university application and admission process.

Information sessions will be held in April 2025 to attend one of the information sessions please register your interest below.

{registrations close May 13th, 2025)

Frequently asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the MTeach preparation program, some general information about the Master of Teaching degrees and the English Language requirements needed to be accepted. If your questions aren’t answered by this general information, please register and attend an information session using the form above. Make sure you submit your specific question so we can tailor the sessions to your needs. We’ll be adding more FAQs over time.

Tertiary qualifications from many universities overseas are recognised in Australia. However, you may need to get official translations of your degree and records of study. A benefit of registering and completing the MTeach preparation program is that you will be given tailored advice to help you understand the requirements of entry and what is expected of you once you commence postgraduate study.

If you have four years of university with enough relevant study of Education, you should apply to NESA for recognition. If you have less than four years of university study (after 12 years of schooling) you may need additional qualifications in Australia.

Yes! You can do a Master of Teaching which will qualify you to be a primary or secondary teacher in Australia. Register for an information session to find out more about the MTeach and the preparation program.

The three most common specialisations available are:
  • Early childhood teachers work with children in their formative years (typically aged between two and five). Teachers introduce children to the school environment and help them to develop key skills that provide the basis for all future learning.
  • Primary teachers in Australia teach all subjects from Kindergarten to Year 6 to children generally aged between 5 and 11. They need to study in many curriculum areas. Teachers can specialise in Languages, Maths, Science and Technology or English after they train as generalist teachers.
  • Secondary teachers are generally trained in two subject areas and need to have two or three years tertiary study in these subjects. They teach students aged from 11 to 18.

There are different ways you can prove your proficiency with English to be admitted into the MTeach.

Generally, if you have not previously studied in English at a university, you will need to prove proficiency with an approved English test taken within 2 years of your date of commencement in the MTeach. The IELTS test is the most common. Both WSU and USyd require a minimum IELTS scores of 7.5 overall, a minimum of 7.0 in Reading and Writing and 8.0 in Listening and Speaking. Other tests such as the ISLPR and TOEFL – IBT tests may also be accepted but it will depend on the university.

Alternatively, you can prove English proficiency in other ways such as through the completion of a degree in English at an Australian university or at a number of approved overseas universities.

The MTeach preparation program will help you understand what is accepted by USyd or WSU and provide you with guidance to ensure you meet the requirements.

Teachers are currently in high demand and so your chances are very good. There are shortages in secondary school Science, Maths, Technical and Applied Studies and also in Special Education. Many of these positions are available in regional locations outside of Sydney.

If you are an Australian Citizen or Permanent resident you are eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) at either WSU or USYD. This means the government pays for a portion of your studies. However, you will still need to pay the remaining contribution towards your study each semester. While not free, this does mean the MTeach will be significantly cheaper than many other full fee-paying postgraduate degrees.

For your contribution, Australian Citizens can elect to pay upfront (each semester) or defer payments until reaching the repayment income threshold set and adjusted by the Australian government. Deferring your payments requires taking out a HECS-HELP loan. The university will provide you with guidance on how to apply for this loan if you are given a place in the masters.

Permanent residents are required to pay upfront each semester.

You should build on your training and experience. If you were a secondary teacher, stick to that in Australia. There are differences between primary and secondary teaching but both are both equally demanding. Training in classroom management gives you skills for all classrooms.

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