Junior School Studies (Years P–6) is an Australian higher education qualification that prepares graduates to teach children from Preparatory (Foundation) year through to Year 6, covering students roughly aged 5 to 12. Offered primarily as a four-year Bachelor of Education (Primary) or a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), this degree equips students with deep knowledge of child development, curriculum design, and pedagogical practice across all key learning areas mandated by the Australian Curriculum — including English, mathematics, science, humanities and social sciences (HASS), the arts, health and physical education, and technologies. Graduates are trained to create inclusive, engaging, and evidence-based learning environments that support every child's academic, social, and emotional growth during their most foundational years of schooling. The course is grounded in the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL) and all programs must be nationally accredited to qualify graduates for teacher registration in their state or territory.

This course is designed for individuals who are passionate about working with young children and who wish to make a lasting impact during the critical early years of formal education. It suits school leavers who have always envisioned a career in teaching, as well as mature-age students and career changers seeking a professionally rewarding vocation. Students develop a wide generalist skill set, learning to teach across all subject areas rather than specialising in a single discipline. The program integrates theory with substantial classroom practice, ensuring graduates are classroom-ready from day one. Employers include government (public) primary schools, Catholic systemic schools, and independent private schools across metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote Australia, as well as international schools, educational support organisations, community education services, and government education departments.

Most Australian universities require applicants to have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) with an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) that meets the program's minimum threshold, which typically ranges from around 65 to 80 depending on the institution and state. Subject prerequisites commonly include satisfactory completion of Year 12 English and, in many programs, Mathematics or a Science subject. Mature-age applicants, TAFE graduates, or those with prior tertiary study may be considered on the basis of their academic history, work experience, or through a Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Many providers also offer pathway programs, Diploma-to-Degree transfers, and Indigenous-specific entry schemes for students who do not meet standard academic requirements. Applicants who have completed a prior degree may be eligible to enter a Master of Teaching (Primary) program as an alternative route into the profession.

In addition to academic requirements, all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) applicants in Australia must meet non-academic suitability criteria. This typically involves submitting a written personal statement addressing motivation and suitability for teaching, and in some states (notably Victoria), completing an online situational judgement assessment such as the CASPer test, which assesses personal and professional attributes. All students enrolled in an accredited ITE program are required to sit the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) and meet the required standard prior to graduation. For international applicants, English language proficiency must be demonstrated through IELTS Academic, with most programs requiring an overall band of 7.0 to 7.5 with no sub-score below 7.0. Students must also obtain a Working with Children Check before undertaking supervised professional experience placements in schools.