Education and Teaching degrees in Australia prepare graduates to become qualified, registered teachers and education professionals across a broad spectrum of learning environments — from early childhood centres and primary schools to secondary classrooms, vocational training settings, universities, and community education organisations. The course equips students with deep pedagogical knowledge, child development theory, curriculum design, inclusive education practices, and classroom management skills. Specialisations typically include Early Childhood Education (birth to 8 years), Primary Education (Prep to Year 6), Secondary Education (Years 7–12 in specific subject areas), and Special Education or Inclusive Education. Some programs also offer pathways into educational leadership, adult education, and curriculum policy. Graduates must meet the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) professional standards and gain registration with their relevant state or territory teacher registration authority before practising.

Australia offers two main qualification pathways: a four-year Bachelor of Education for school leavers, or a one-and-a-half to two-year Master of Teaching for graduates who already hold a relevant bachelor's degree in a non-education field. Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates are also available for shorter specialist studies. These qualifications are nationally accredited and, once completed, allow graduates to teach anywhere in Australia. Key employers include state and territory government education departments (public schools), Catholic education systems, independent and faith-based schools, TAFE institutes, registered training organisations (RTOs), early childhood centres, disability service providers, community education bodies, and universities.

For school leavers entering a Bachelor of Education directly from Year 12, an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is typically required, with scores generally ranging between 50.0 and 70.0 depending on the institution, specialisation, and state. In Victoria and Western Australia, ATARs of 70.0 or above are commonly required for primary and secondary teaching pathways. Many programs also require a non-academic selection component — for example, in Victoria applicants may need to sit the CASPer test, a computer-based assessment that evaluates communication skills, ethical reasoning, and professional characteristics. Some states also require prerequisite senior secondary subjects such as English and Mathematics. Students applying through alternative pathways — such as TAFE diplomas, mature-age entry, or prior work experience — may be eligible for guaranteed entry or credit recognition at certain institutions.

For the postgraduate Master of Teaching, applicants must hold a completed bachelor's degree in a relevant field with strong academic performance (typically a credit average or above). The specific undergraduate discipline must align with the intended teaching area — for example, a science degree for secondary science teaching, or a bachelor's degree relating to the Australian curriculum for primary and early childhood pathways. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers, with most institutions requiring IELTS scores of at least 7.0 overall (with no individual band below 7.0) for education programs. All initial teacher education students in Australia must also pass the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) before completing their final professional experience placement, as mandated by all state and territory regulatory bodies.