Junior Secondary Studies (Years 7–10) refers to the phase of Australian schooling that spans Years 7 to 10, catering for students aged approximately 12 to 16. Often called 'middle school' or the 'junior years', this phase bridges the structured environment of primary school with the specialised, subject-focused senior years. Students in this phase follow the Australian Curriculum across all eight key learning areas while increasingly beginning to explore elective subjects that align with their individual interests and future pathways. Courses designed to prepare educators to teach at this level — such as the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) or the Master of Teaching (Secondary) — equip graduates with deep subject-area expertise, contemporary pedagogical skills, and the professional experience required to work in government, Catholic, and independent schools nationwide. As students progress from Year 7 to Year 10, teaching becomes increasingly subject-specialist, with dedicated teachers for each discipline delivering content across English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Health and Physical Education, Languages, The Arts, and more.

The Junior Secondary phase is a pivotal period developmentally, academically, and socially. Courses within this field of study prepare teachers not only to deliver curriculum content but also to support adolescent wellbeing, foster inclusive learning environments, and guide students through the critical transition from primary school into senior secondary education and beyond. Employers of graduates include state and territory government school departments, Catholic education offices, and independent school networks across all Australian states and territories, as well as specialist settings such as alternative schools, remote community schools, and special education centres.

For the Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Australian providers typically require completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) with an ATAR of around 65–75 (varies by provider), along with satisfactory results in English. Many providers offer alternative pathways for applicants who do not meet ATAR requirements, including completion of an undergraduate certificate, diploma of teacher education preparation, or prior university study. Applicants may also be assessed using TAFE or VET qualifications, relevant work experience, and mature-age entry provisions. In Victoria, all initial teacher education applicants must complete a non-academic attributes assessment (such as the CASPer test) to demonstrate suitability for the profession, and similar non-academic assessments apply at many other institutions nationally. For the Master of Teaching (Secondary), applicants must hold an undergraduate bachelor's degree that includes a major study in at least one recognised secondary teaching area, and preferably a minor study in a second teaching area.

All students enrolled in an initial teacher education course in Australia must achieve the required standard for both components of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE), administered by ACER. This test is not typically an entry requirement but must be passed prior to graduation. Additionally, all students undertaking professional experience placements must hold a current Working with Children Check (or state equivalent, such as a Blue Card in Queensland or Working with Vulnerable People Registration in the ACT) before entering any school setting. International students from non-English-speaking backgrounds are generally required to demonstrate English proficiency, typically at IELTS Academic 7.0 overall, with higher scores required in speaking and listening components.

Providers across Australia accept a wide range of admission pathways, recognising prior learning, TAFE certificates and diplomas, previous university study, and career-change applicants with substantial professional backgrounds. Some providers offer accelerated postgraduate pathways (as short as 18 months) for eligible career changers. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer may reduce the overall duration of study. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available at most universities, significantly reducing course costs, and a range of government scholarships — including those offering up to $40,000 for undergraduate and $20,000 for postgraduate students — are available to eligible applicants who commit to teaching in government schools post-graduation.