What ATAR Do You Need To Study Teaching?

UPDATED 2022

With this new decade bringing unprecedented challenges to both students and parents alike, in Queensland, the switch from Overall Position (OP) to the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), is just another challenge that Year 12 students will need to face in the 2020s. Although this change may be met with some resistance, there are actually many benefits to transferring to this type of admissions criteria. If your child is hoping to study education next year, they need to know how to navigate this new system and be prepared.

What is the ATAR for Teaching?

Students looking to pursue a degree in education have a plethora of options available with the majority of universities in Queensland offering Bachelor of Education degrees. Although most of the schools offer degrees in early childhood, primary, and secondary education, the entrance requirements are similar for all specialisations. Although the entrance requirements can vary from year to year, and even semester to semester, the minimum ATAR for education is normally around 65-70. While this may seem relatively attainable for your child, some of the programs can be quite competitive, so it’s always best to aim above the bare minimum and aim to achieve the very best ATAR possible regardless of the minimum entry requirements. 

For universities that offer a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) as a dual degree, ATAR requirements will have to be met for both degrees. This means that the minimum can vary greatly (some programs require ATAR scores as high as 94). However, by combining two degrees, students have the chance to become a highly specialised secondary educator.  In addition to meeting the education requirements, most universities require the completion of an online questionnaire demonstrating why a student wants to become a teacher as well as a personal statement on why they feel this is the right career for them. A Blue Card is also required before students do any field work in the schools. 

Are you concerned that your child won’t be able to meet the academic requirements they need to become a teacher in Queensland? 

A TEAM TUITION CAN HELP!

Becoming a Teacher in Queensland

Bachelor of Education University of Queensland

The ATAR for Education requirements at The University of Queensland are the highest in the state for a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree at roughly 77 (OP 11).

UQ’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary) degrees are dual degrees combined with one of five other undergrad degrees. The choices offered are listed below with ATAR entry requirements ranging from 77 all the way up to 94 depending on the program. 

Dual Courses offered are:

Bachelor of Education Queensland University of Technology

QUT also offers degrees in early childhood, primary and secondary education with both listing a minimum required ATAR of about 70. However, they do offer guaranteed entry for applicants with an ATAR of 92 or higher. 

Worried about your ATAR?  Learn how 87% of our students get their “personal best” ATAR Score!

QUT also offers the following double degrees with ATAR requirements falling between 70 and 80.

Bachelor of Education Griffith

The ATAR for Education degrees at Griffith is 69.35 with Primary Education being offered at their Gold Coast, Logan and Mt Gravatt locations and Secondary Education offered at both Gold Coast and Mt Gravatt.

Accredited Courses offered are:

    • Master of Primary Teaching
    • Master of Secondary Teaching
    • Bachelor of Education (Primary Major)
    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary Major)
    • Bachelor of Education (Primary/Special Needs Double Major)
    • Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood Double Major)
    • Bachelor of Education (Primary/Health and Physical Education Double Major)
    • Bachelor of Education (Junior Secondary/Secondary Double Major)
    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary/Learning Support Double Major)

Teaching and Education Degrees at ACU

Australian Catholic University offers a range of teaching and education degrees with  ATARs ranging from 58.5 – 70.

Accredited Courses offered are:

    • Master of Teaching (Secondary)
    • Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts (Humanities)
    • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood & Primary)
    • Bachelor of Education (Primary)
    • Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Science
    • Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Exercise Science

Bachelor of Education University of Southern Queensland

USQ requires an ATAR of 68 for both its primary and secondary Bachelor of Education degree programs. 

Accredited courses offered are:

    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
    • Bachelor of Education (Primary)
    • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
    • Master of Learning and Teaching (Secondary)
    • Master of Learning and Teaching (Primary)

Bachelor of Education Central Queensland University

CQ University offers undergrad degrees in early childhood, primary and secondary education with all requiring an ATAR of 61.8.

Accredited courses offered are:

    • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
    • Bachelor of Education (Primary)
    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
    • Master of Teaching (Primary)
    • Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Bachelor of Education University of the Sunshine Coast

A Bachelor of Education (Primary) at USC requires a minimum ATAR of 68.

Accredited courses offered are:

    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts
    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Science
    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies
    • Bachelor of Primary Education
    • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
    • Master of Teaching (Secondary)
    • Master of Teaching (Primary)

Bachelor of Education – James Cook University

Bachelor of Education (Primary) at JCU requires a minimum ATAR of 66.45

JCU also offers a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) as a stand-alone degree with an entry requirement of 66.45

Accredited courses offered are:

    • Bachelor of Education (Primary)
    • Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
    • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
    • Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary)
    • Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary)

Bachelor of Education/ Bachelor of Arts – Southern Cross University

SCU combines their education degrees with a Bachelor of Arts to ensure a well-rounded foundation.  ATAR for teaching degrees at SCU is 70 (OP 13) with no additional prerequisite entry requirements. 

Accredited courses offered are:

    • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)
    • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary)
    • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary)
    • Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Bachelor of Education – Open University

Open University offers a variety of education courses including a Bachelor of Education in both primary and early childhood education through Curtin University and requires an ATAR of 70. A full list of entry requirements for this unique program can be viewed here.

Worried about getting into University with the new ATAR System? Here is what you need to know

Calculating your ATAR Score for an Education Degree

The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) brought Queensland in line with other states and territories within Australia in 2020. The ATAR is calculated using a complex system of a student’s assessments and exam marks, school rankings and scaling. Courses that are most often required to calculate an ATAR for teaching in Queensland are: English, Maths, and a Science option. For an in-depth understanding of how the ATAR is calculated, see QTAC’s detailed ATAR guide. If you’re looking for a simpler explanation as a starting point, visit our beginner’s guide to understanding ATAR.

How to get into Education without an ATAR

For many universities, there are options for getting into your desired program without having an ATAR. Some schools offer diploma courses that will help you to learn the skills you need to enter a degree program. Some diploma courses also combine first year degree courses to help you get a head start.  Other universities take vocational experience into consideration or offer bridging courses. Contact the specific school your child is interested in attending to find out specific requirements.

How to achieve the ATAR for Education in Queensland

As there are a range of education degrees offered throughout Queensland, the ATAR for teaching also varies greatly making it easier to find a program that your child will qualify for. However, if they are set on a specific interest area, geographical location or a specific school that just feels right for them, they will want to be confident that they have the grades to secure themselves a spot. A Team Tuition can help. We employ some of the most elite educators in Australia who know just the right way to inspire and help children to meet their goals and set them on the road to successful post-secondary studies in Education.  Our team will partner with your family to provide a customised program best suited to your child’s needs. 

Most teaching degrees require you to have a assumed knowledge in a variety of subject areas but having solid marks in English and Maths is going to help. If you are looking to improve in these subject areas then take a look on our guides on how to get an A in Maths A and how to get an A in English

Still not sure how ATAR works? Here are all the answers to your questions!

What ATAR do you need to be a teacher?

Regardless of what ATAR is required to get into the teaching program of your choice, the most important thing you can do is to do your very best. As entry requirements frequently change, students need to do whatever they can to ensure they perform at their highest level during their final high school years and sometimes that means getting a little help along the way.