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  • Undergraduate
  • Degree

Diploma of Education and Teaching Studies

How to apply
Entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
Location
  • Online
Start
Fees
  • AUD 2,960
  • (Indicative annual fee)

Overview

  • The Diploma of Education and Teaching Studies gives you an alternative entry into a UniSQ teaching degree, such as a Bachelor of Early Childhood or Bachelor of Education. The courses you complete in the diploma may count as credit towards your chosen qualification.
  • Build the skills you need to succeed at university by strengthening your academic, digital and cultural knowledge throughout your core courses.
  • Some of the core foundational courses in this diploma are offered free of charge – helping you save on study costs while easing your transition into university study.
  • Learn the foundations of teaching and explore how humans develop, what shapes student learning, and how different characteristics can influence the classroom experience. You’ll examine the legal and professional responsibilities associated with supporting diverse learners and how prepare students to thrive in an ever‑changing world.
  • This teaching diploma eases you into university‑level study, combining structured support with the foundational knowledge you’ll need for your future teaching degree.

A great introduction

I think studying a pathway has been a great introduction to the university environment and it has been an advantage to get used to how things work at UniSQ before I start my degree.

Veronica - Pathways

Career outcomes

This diploma is not a standalone teaching qualification and has been developed mainly as a pathway into a UniSQ teaching degree, such as the Bachelor of Early Childhood or Bachelor of Education.

If you’re not interested in further study, you may be eligible for entry-level, non-teaching roles that typically support learning environments, such as:

  • teacher aide / learning support assistant
  • education support officer
  • school administration assistant
  • after‑school care assistant
  • early learning centre assistant
  • community education program assistant
  • education resource or library assistant.

Why study a Pathways Diploma at UniSQ?

Save money
The foundational study skills courses in this diploma are free (no tuition fees or HECS-HELP debt).
Sample your future degree
The first‑year courses provide insight into your chosen discipline and count as credit toward your future UniSQ undergraduate degree.
Quality student support
You'll have access to a range of support including academic advising, personal counselling, career guidance, and study skills workshops.

What you'll study

To graduate from the Diploma of Education and Teaching Studies, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.

Degree structure

A pathways diploma combines free foundational courses with first-year undergraduate courses in specific discipline areas. Once completed, you can use the diploma as a pathway into a select undergraduate degree and you may be able to gain credit towards your qualification, if you decide to keep studying.

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.

Other study options

If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this diploma and provided that you meet all the entry requirements, you can go on and apply for:

Entry requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes.

To be eligible

Select the highest level of education you have or will be completing to find the entry requirements that applies to you.

You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

ATAR 50.00
This is the lowest adjusted score to which UniSQ made an offer in Trimester 1, 2025. Meeting the lowest adjusted score doesn't guarantee admission.

An Australian Year 12 high school qualification, or equivalent.

All applicants

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:

  • IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 5.5 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.

Entry pathways

There are many pathway programs available to fast-track your way to a UniSQ degree and gain the confidence to study along the way.

Need help deciding which pathway is right for you? Contact our friendly team who can assist with any questions you might have.

Fees and scholarships

Commonwealth supported AUD 2,960
The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your degree, and you need to pay a student contribution.
  • Eligible domestic students can study the initial foundation courses at no cost. To access the free courses you'll need to complete a FEE-FREE Uni Ready Commonwealth Assistance Form. Visit the Pathway Diplomas website for more details.
  • The estimated 2026 annual fee above is based on the current average rate of the courses aligned to the discipline of your diploma for your first year of study. The fee does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee
  • This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
  • We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
  • Further details are available on the Fees website.

Additional costs

You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.

Payment options

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.

UniSQ Scholarships

We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!

Find out more

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply
Degree code
DETS
Location QTAC code
Online 908115

You can also apply to study at UniSQ via the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website by clicking the location link in the above table.

Select to start your degree in Block 1, 3 or 5:

Study period Application closing date Orientation Start date
Block 1, 2026 Monday 12 January Monday 12 January Monday 19 January
Block 3, 2026 Monday 4 May Tuesday 5 May Monday 11 May
Block 5, 2026 Monday 24 August Monday 24 August Monday 31 August

More information on application key dates is available.

There are several special admission schemes that use adjustment factors to boost your ATAR or selection rank with additional points, to improve your chances of getting into your preferred degree.

You may be eligible for these admission schemes based on:

  • your background and personal circumstances
  • where you live
  • the subjects you studied at school.

You do not have to apply for these adjustments as they will be automatically applied by QTAC when your application is assessed.

Preparing to apply

You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:

Each degree has unique entry requirements so it’s essential to know the specifics for your chosen degree.

Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.

Apply online directly to UniSQ for your chosen pathway program.

After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.

Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.

Find out more

Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.

Live Chat

Available 5 days a week
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Phone

Freecall
1800 269 500

Email

Email us at study@unisq.edu.au

Appointment

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

A Diploma of Education is a shorter, entry-level qualification (usually one year of full-time study), often focused on support roles. It’s ideal for those wanting to upskill quickly or use it as a pathway into a bachelor's degree. UniSQ’s Diploma of Education and Teaching Studies is a pathway program, giving you credit towards an education and teaching degree.

An undergraduate degree in education, such as a Bachelor of Education is a full teaching qualification, required for classroom teaching.

A teaching diploma alone does not qualify you as a teacher. However, it can serve as a stepping stone into a Bachelor of Education or other teaching qualifications.

Graduates with a teaching diploma (or equivalent) often pursue opportunities such as:

  • education support worker
  • teacher’s aide or classroom support roles
  • administration officer in schools or training organisations
  • studying a Bachelor of Education or other related degree.

The cost to study a teaching diploma will vary depending on the education provider you choose. At UniSQ, the Diploma of Education and Teaching Studies includes free teaching diploma foundational courses, giving you the opportunity to gain essential study skills as well as reducing some of the costs associated with your study. Discover more about how the free pathway diploma courses work at UniSQ.

Yes! Many learning institutions offer online Diploma of Education degrees.

At UniSQ, you can study an online Diploma of Education and Teaching Studies. Our online study programs are designed to fit around you and your lifestyle, allowing you to balance your teaching diploma with work, family and other life commitments.