Master of Education vs. Master of Teaching in Australia

You’re not the only one asking, “Is it worth it?”

We often hear this from international students in Australia, especially those considering the next step in pursuing a Master of Education or a teaching qualification.

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of working in education. Or maybe you're already in the field and want to move into something more specialised like leadership or policymaking. 

But now you're wondering: Will this actually lead somewhere?

You're not alone in this. Students across the globe ask the same questions:

• “Can I become a teacher if my degree isn't in education?”

• “What’s the difference between a Master of Education and a Master of Teaching?”

• “Will this course help me stay in Australia long-term?”

If any of that sounds like you, this guide is for you.

In the next sections, we’ll break down the difference between the two degrees, who they’re for, what each leads to, and how they fit into your career and PR plans here in Australia. 

Let’s start by differentiating these two master’s courses.

The Master of Education is designed for current teachers, education professionals, and those with experience in education-related roles who want to upskill, specialise, or move into leadership, policy, or research.

It’s ideal if you already have a background in education and want to deepen your expertise, not necessarily gain initial teacher registration. This course won’t qualify you to become a classroom teacher if you aren’t already one, but it will open doors to higher roles within the education sector.

Key Facts

• AQF Level: 9

• Focus Areas: Educational leadership, curriculum and pedagogy, inclusive education, TESOL, policy, or research

• Post-Study Work Visa Eligible: Yes (2–3 years under Temporary Graduate Visa 485)

Course Duration

• 1 to 2 years (full-time or part-time)

Course Overview:

• Mostly coursework-based (though some may offer a minor thesis or research project)

• Allows for specialisation in areas like leadership, TESOL, digital learning, or inclusive education

• No supervised teaching practicum required

Course Outcomes:

• Education consultant or adviser

• Curriculum coordinator or learning designer

• Leadership roles in schools, NGOs, or education departments

• University research or academic pathway (e.g. PhD prep)

• Corporate L&D or training development roles

Roles in the SOL:

Depending on your background, experience, and the specialisation you choose, graduates may align with roles like:

• Education Adviser

• Policy Analyst

• University Lecturer

• Instructional Designer
  

The Master of Teaching is a professional qualification designed for students who want to become classroom teachers in Australia, even if they haven’t studied education before.

It’s for those starting fresh in the profession, often coming from another degree or career. The biggest distinction? The M.Teach does lead to teacher registration, while the M.Ed. does not.

Key Facts

• AQF Level: 9

• Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Primary, or Secondary Education (based on program stream)

• Post-Study Work Visa Eligible: Yes (2–3 years under Temporary Graduate Visa 485)

Course Duration

• 2 years (full-time)

Cost per year:

• AUD $28,000–$38,000 (depending on the university and specialisation)

Course Overview:

• Structured around Australian teaching standards and accreditation

• Includes mandatory supervised teaching placements (usually 45+ days)

• Leads to provisional teacher registration upon graduation

• Students must meet AITSL requirements (e.g., suitable undergraduate degree + English proficiency)

Course Outcomes:

• Provisional registration as a teacher in Australia

• Teaching roles in early childhood centres, primary or secondary schools

• Opportunities for regional migration if teaching in-demand subjects (e.g. maths, science, special ed)

Roles in the SOL:

The M.Teach aligns directly with registered teaching occupations, such as:

• Early Childhood (Pre-Primary) Teacher

• Primary School Teacher

• Secondary School Teacher

• Special Needs Teacher

Know more about the Skilled Occupation List.

The cost of studying a Master of Education in Australia for international students ranges from AUD $25,600 - $45,984. 

View some of the sample course fees per university below.

Master of Education Course Fees Per Year (international fees)

Enquire about costs at a specific institution

Apply for scholarships

Enquire about financial support

Master of Teaching Course Fees Per Year (international fees)

Enquire about costs at a specific institution

Apply for scholarships

Enquire about financial support

Master of Education

To apply for a Master of Education in Australia, most universities will expect:

1. Academic Qualifications

   • A Bachelor’s degree in Education, or

   • A Bachelor’s in another field plus relevant work experience in teaching, training, or education

   • Some research pathways may require honours-level study or prior academic writing samples

2. English Language Proficiency

   • IELTS (Academic): Overall 6.5 or 7.0, with no band lower than 6.0

3. Other Requirements (Depending on University)

   • A personal statement or statement of purpose

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining experience in the education sector

   • Academic or professional references

Master of Teaching

To apply for a Master of Teaching in Australia, most universities will require:

1. Academic Qualifications

   • A completed Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area (e.g. English, Math, Science for Secondary Teaching)

   • Your undergraduate subjects must align with the teaching area you wish to specialise in

   • The degree must meet the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) standards

2. English Language Proficiency

   • IELTS (Academic): Overall 7.5, with no band lower than 7.0 in reading and writing, and 8.0 in speaking and listening

   • Required for both university admission and future teacher registration

3. Additional Requirements

   • A Working with Children Check (required before school placements)

   • 45+ days of supervised teaching placements (as part of the course, not entry)

   • Possible interview or assessment task (varies by university)

Entry requirements are not the same for every student

Your entry pathway depends entirely on your background.

Did you study overseas? Have you worked in education before? Are you switching careers or continuing in the same field?

At IDP, we can help you understand exactly what requirements apply to your situation.

• If you studied in another country, we’ll check if your Bachelor’s degree aligns with Australian teaching or education standards.

• If you’ve worked in education, we’ll help show how that experience supports your application.

• If you’re changing careers or unsure whether you qualify, we’ll guide you toward the best course based on your goals, not just what’s available.

Entry requirements aren’t always straightforward. Submitting the wrong documents or applying for the wrong course could delay your study plans, or worse, get your application rejected.

Need clarification about your eligibility? Talk to our IDP counsellors for free.

Check my entry requirements

Both Master of Education and Master of Teaching degrees align with occupations listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), like Secondary Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, or Education Adviser, which are often eligible for skilled visas. This means:

If you complete your degree and gain relevant work experience in one of these occupations, you can apply for skilled visas such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) to stay and work in Australia temporarily.

After gaining work experience, you may become eligible to apply for permanent skilled visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or State Nominated Visas (subclass 190 or 491), depending on your occupation, location, and other factors.

What else do you need to consider?

For teaching roles, registration with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) or a relevant state authority is usually required. Your eligibility for registration can affect your visa options.

Some teaching specialisations (such as secondary teaching in shortage subjects like maths or science) may have better PR prospects due to higher demand.

Regional study or work can boost your chances for state nomination, especially if you study or work outside major cities.

How IDP can help

Understanding and planning your PR pathway can feel complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our counsellors understand how education qualifications, work experience, and visa rules all connect. We can help you:

• Choose the right course and specialisation for your goals

• Understand the registration and work experience requirements

• Plan a clear path from student visa to work visa in Australia

Talk to an IDP expert today to get personalised advice tailored to your background and dreams in Australia.

Schedule a free course consultation

Or are you still unsure which one suits your goals best?

Maybe you’re worried if your current qualifications meet the entry requirements.

You might also be hesitating about course fees.

Or maybe, you’re thinking whether a master’s degree could really boost your job and PR opportunities. 

These are all important questions, and you deserve clear answers from experts who’ve helped thousands of students before you.

At IDP, we’ll look at your unique background, help you compare your course options, and guide you through your application step-by-step. 

Whether you’ve studied overseas, already have teaching experience, or you’re starting fresh, we’ll make sure you take the best steps towards your long-term career and migration goals. 

Your first step starts here. Don’t waste time contemplating. Let our experts answer your questions for free. 

We’re happy to help you plan your study goals.

Article sources:

Skilled occupation list, CQ University, Victoria University, La Trobe University, Monash University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, The University of Western Australia, Temporary Graduate visa, Skilled Nominated Visa