English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at the Years 1–6 level in Australia are designed to equip students — both as language learners and as aspiring educators — with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools to engage meaningfully with English language teaching and learning in primary-school contexts. As an educator-focused qualification, these programs draw on applied linguistics, second language acquisition theory, and culturally responsive pedagogy to prepare graduates to work with students from non-English-speaking backgrounds (NESB) in primary classrooms, ELICOS centres, community language settings, and migrant education programs. Courses may be studied as specialisations within a Bachelor of Education, as postgraduate certificates or diplomas, or as part of a Master of Teaching (TESOL) for those already holding teaching qualifications. The content spans oral language development, early literacy and numeracy in multilingual contexts, intercultural communication, and EAL/D curriculum design specifically suited to the foundational years of schooling.

This field sits within the broader 'Mixed Field Programmes' category because it straddles formal education, community services, linguistics, and cultural studies. Students may be Australian-born teachers seeking an ESL specialisation, career changers entering the education sector, or internationally trained educators seeking Australian accreditation. Employers include government primary schools, Catholic and independent schools, TAFE institutes, ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) providers, refugee and migrant settlement services such as AMES Australia and Navitas Skilled Futures, community colleges, and adult education centres. The field is strongly supported by peak bodies including English Australia, TESOL Australia, and the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

Entry requirements vary depending on the level of qualification. For Certificate IV and Diploma programs in TESOL, applicants are typically required to have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) and demonstrate English proficiency at approximately IELTS 5.5 or above. These entry-level courses are often open to students with no prior teaching experience, as many programs are specifically designed for beginners entering the ESL field. For Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma programs, applicants generally need to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in any discipline and demonstrate English proficiency at IELTS 6.5 or higher. A Master of TESOL or Master of Education (TESOL) similarly requires a three-year undergraduate degree as a minimum, with some programs preferring applicants who hold a degree in education, linguistics, or a humanities-related field.

For those wishing to teach ESL in Australian government primary schools (Years 1–6), a full teaching qualification — such as a Bachelor of Education or a Master of Teaching — is required, along with registration through the relevant state or territory teacher regulatory authority (e.g., the Victorian Institute of Teaching, NESA in NSW, or equivalent). A Working with Children Check is mandatory for all roles involving students under 18. International applicants must meet the English language requirements of their chosen provider, and many universities also accept the TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge CAE as evidence of English proficiency. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available at many institutions for applicants who have existing TESOL qualifications or ESL teaching experience, potentially reducing the duration and cost of study.