Course Overview

About This Course

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a specialist qualification for people who want to teach English to speakers of other languages in Australia or overseas. Current primary or high school teachers who want to gain additional ESL qualifications will also be interested in this qualification. This graduate certificate offers sound theoretical and empirical foundations and extensive practical skills that address the broader aspects of education and training. In addition to exploring teaching methods and common grammar issues, you will also undertake a supervised professional experience placement in an ESL classroom. Incredibly flexible, this graduate certificate allows you to study online, in the classroom, or a combination of both. You can only start in the Spring session if you're studying part-time.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

A three-year bachelor's degree, a teaching qualification, or appropriate equivalent professional experience.
The Graduate Certificate in TESOL assumes an undergraduate background and some practical classroom experience in TESOL.
This course includes a total of 30 hours of compulsory work-based placements, completed over 13 weeks.
If English is not your first language, you must meet the University's English Language Requirements. Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses. Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.
Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications: you may be eligible for entry if you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution; academic records required and the course must be at least one-sixth complete; non-English documents must include an official English translation.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

TESOL programs are suitable for qualified classroom teachers in public or private schools, as well as those who want to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) through private colleges, refugee support groups, and other support agencies.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

AITSL (for teaching pathway) / NEAS (for ELICOS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

AITSL / VETASSESS

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I progress to a master's degree after completing the Graduate Certificate in TESOL?

Yes. Once you have completed three core subjects and one elective subject, you will have the opportunity to progress into the Master of Education (TESOL) or the Master of Education Extension (TESOL), with credit for all of the subjects (24 credit points) completed in the graduate certificate.

Is there a work placement component in this course?

Yes, this course includes a total of 30 hours of compulsory work-based placements, completed over 13 weeks. You will undertake a supervised professional experience placement in an ESL classroom.

Are fee-subsidised places available for domestic students?

Yes. In 2026, domestic students may be eligible for either a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a UOW-subsidised fee reduction of up to 75% off the full-fee paying amount. The indicative full course fee for 2026 is $9,938.

Is the Graduate Certificate in TESOL accredited by any professional body?

Yes. The University of Wollongong is recognised by the Department of Education (DE) as a provider of EAL/D qualifications for primary/secondary trained teachers. However, DE accreditation will be dependent upon subject choice.

When can I start the Graduate Certificate in TESOL and are there any restrictions for part-time students?

The course starts in both Autumn and Spring sessions. However, you can only start in the Spring session if you're studying part-time. For 2026, the Autumn session starts on 2 March 2026 and the Spring session starts on 27 July 2026.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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