Education and teaching in Australia: AITSL accreditation for Malaysian students

One-line direct answer

Bachelor of Education (4 years, undergraduate) and Master of Teaching (1–2 years, postgraduate) both lead to Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) accreditation; you must then register with your state’s teaching authority (VIT in Victoria, NESA in NSW, QTT in Queensland, etc.) and meet the skills assessment requirement for permanent migration if applying for the skilled visa pathway.

Bachelor of Education vs Master of Teaching

Bachelor of Education (BEd) is a 4-year undergraduate degree combining educational theory, subject specialisms (e.g., Mathematics, English, Science), and practical teaching placements. Entry is typically via SPM/STPM/UEC or foundation completion, with ATAR equivalents around 70–80.

Master of Teaching (MTeach), also called Graduate Diploma in Education or Master of Education (Teaching) at some universities, is a 1–2 year postgraduate program for graduates with a non-education bachelor’s degree. This is popular with STPM or diploma graduates who hold a bachelor’s in Science, Commerce, or Arts and want to transition into teaching.

Both pathways are equally valid and lead to identical teacher registration outcomes. BEd is more common for school-leaver pathways; MTeach is more common for career-changers or those wanting a shorter timeline.

Universities such as University of Melbourne, UNSW Sydney, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, Monash, and Australian Catholic University offer both programs. Tuition ranges from AUD 9,000–15,000 per year (approximately MYR 26,000–44,000 for BEd) and AUD 12,000–18,000 per year (approximately MYR 35,000–52,000 for MTeach).

AITSL accreditation and state registration

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) sets national standards for initial teacher education. All BEd and MTeach programs must be AITSL-accredited; this means the curriculum meets national competency standards and includes mandatory teaching practicum hours (typically 40–45 days of supervised classroom experience).

Upon graduation, you hold an AITSL-accredited qualification but are not yet registered to teach. Registration is managed by each state’s teaching authority:

• Victoria: Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
• New South Wales: NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
• Queensland: Queensland Teachers’ Tribunal (QTT) / QLD Department of Education
• South Australia: Teachers’ Registration Board of South Australia (TRBSA)
• Western Australia: WA College of Teachers
• Tasmania, ACT, Northern Territory: Similar state-based bodies

You must apply to your chosen state’s authority within 6 months of graduation. Registration fees vary but typically range from AUD 300–600 (approximately MYR 870–1,740) and include a Working with Children check (background clearance). Most states process applications within 4–8 weeks.

Once registered, you can teach in any state’s schools, though some states prefer or require prior teacher registration in another state if you move. The registration is valid for a renewable period (typically 3–5 years), and you must demonstrate ongoing professional development to renew.

International qualified teacher pathway and skills assessment

If you intend to migrate to Australia as a teacher (via skilled migration, subclass 189/190/491), you must complete a skills assessment with AITSL. This is separate from state registration and is a requirement for the Department of Home Affairs visa points.

The AITSL skills assessment evaluates:

1. English language proficiency — typically IELTS 7.5 or equivalent (higher than general migration requirements).
2. Teaching qualification — proof of AITSL accreditation or equivalence.
3. Recency of practice — you must have taught for at least 1 year in the past 3 years.
4. Subject match — your teaching subject must be on Australia’s skilled occupation list (subjects in demand include STEM, Mathematics, Science, Special Education).

A typical skills assessment takes 6–12 weeks and costs AUD 500–800 (approximately MYR 1,450–2,320). If approved, AITSL issues a skills assessment certificate, which you then present to the Department of Home Affairs as evidence of qualification.

Malaysian pathway: coming from SPM, STPM, or UEC

SPM holders can enter BEd directly in Year 1, provided you meet entry requirements in English and your chosen teaching subject. Most universities require at least SPM Grade B in English and the subject you wish to teach (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Biology). If your grades are lower, a 12-month foundation programme in education or your chosen subject may be recommended; this costs AUD 6,000–9,000 (approximately MYR 17,000–26,000).

STPM holders with strong grades in your intended teaching subject(s) typically enter BEd Year 1 directly, with no foundation needed. Fast-tracking to MTeach (if you have a relevant bachelor’s) is also common.

UEC graduates with Grade A in relevant subjects enter BEd Year 1 directly. A-Level graduates with strong subject grades are similarly welcomed.

Diploma graduates — those with a 3-year Diploma in Education or a Diploma in a teaching subject (e.g., Business Education, Science Education) can apply for direct entry into BEd Year 2, reducing the undergraduate timeline to 3 years. Bachelor’s degree holders (e.g., BSc, BA) proceed directly to MTeach, bypassing the 4-year BEd.

Teaching specialisms and subject demand

Australia has high demand for teachers in Science, Mathematics, Special Education, and English as Additional Language (EAL) roles. If you specialise in these subjects, you improve your chances of employment and migration prospects.

Early childhood education (birth to age 5) is also in demand but requires a separate Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or similar program, which differs from school-based BEd.

Primary teaching (K–6) typically requires a generalist qualification covering all subjects. Secondary teaching (Years 7–12) requires subject specialisation (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, English Literature).

Salary and employment outcomes

As of 2025, a newly registered teacher in Australia typically earns AUD 62,000–75,000 annually (approximately MYR 180,000–218,000) in Year 1, rising to AUD 90,000–120,000+ with experience and leadership roles. Public school salaries are set by state award; private schools may offer different scales.

Malaysia offers teacher salaries starting around MYR 40,000–60,000 annually in the public school sector (SKM/SMK) or private institutions, depending on employer and location.

Common questions

Q: Do I need to teach a subject I studied at school or university? Not necessarily. If you studied Biology at STPM and wish to teach Mathematics at secondary level, you will need to complete a bridging or specialist program in your new subject area, which may extend your qualification time. Most BEd programs require you to have studied at least one secondary subject to STPM or equivalent level to teach it.

Q: Can I teach in Australia immediately after graduating? You can teach only after state registration is granted. This typically takes 4–8 weeks. During this waiting period, you may work as an unregistered casual or relief teacher in some schools, but not in a permanent role.

Q: What is the difference between BEd and Bachelor of Arts (Education)? BEd is a teaching-focused degree; Bachelor of Arts (Education) is a general arts degree with an education pathway. If you wish to teach, BEd is the standard route. Some students complete a BA/BSc and then undertake a separate MTeach to transition into teaching.

Q: Can I teach in Malaysia after registering in Australia? Yes. Your AITSL-accredited qualification and state registration are recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Education (KPM) and the Malaysian Teachers Registration Board (LPG). You can apply for recognition on return to Malaysia, though specific bridging requirements may apply depending on your state of registration and subject.

Q: How long does AITSL skills assessment take, and what if it fails? Typically 6–12 weeks. If your skills assessment is not approved, you can appeal or reapply after gaining further teaching experience or addressing specific gaps identified by AITSL.

Q: Can I work part-time during my education degree? Yes, international students on a Subclass 500 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester. However, teaching degrees include mandatory placement weeks (e.g., 40–45 days of practicum), so many students work limited hours during teaching blocks.

Sources

• Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (aitsl.edu.au) — accreditation standards, skills assessment, and qualification recognition.
• Victorian Institute of Teaching (vit.vic.edu.au) — VIT registration requirements and fees.
• NSW Education Standards Authority (nesa.nsw.edu.au) — NESA registration and teacher standards.
• Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) — skilled migration for teachers and occupation list.
• University of Melbourne Graduate School of Education — BEd and MTeach programs.