Bachelor of Education (Primary)
at Australian Catholic University, New South Wales.
A four-year primary teaching degree offered at Blacktown, North Sydney, Strathfield and Canberra (ranks shown are for North Sydney). NSW applicants need three HSC Band 5 results including English, plus any 2 units of mathematics at Band 4, though the course can build in a year to meet this. AITSL-listed program.
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the ACU Bachelor of Education (Primary) for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 67.35 | uac.edu.au |
| 2025 | 67.05 | uac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 67.25 | uac.edu.au |
| 2023 | 65.40 | uac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through UAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
No formal Year 12 subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge may still apply.
What you will study
The degree prepares students to teach across the primary years, with curriculum studies in the key learning areas, education theory and extensive school experience through ACU's Professional and Community Engagement program. NSW applicants are expected to have at least three HSC Band 5 results including English, plus any 2 units of mathematics at Band 4. The course is structured so that students who do not meet the three-Band-5 requirement can meet it within the degree. Religious education and specialisations are available through related ACU degrees.
Placement and industry experience
Practicums are completed in a range of school and community settings through the embedded Professional and Community Engagement program. Students must obtain a Working With Children Check before their first professional experience placement.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as primary teachers in government, Catholic and independent schools after registration with the relevant state teacher regulator.
- Common destinations include classroom teaching from Foundation to Year 6, leading-teacher roles and curriculum coordination.
- Many alumni progress into deputy and principal positions, departmental policy roles or specialist literacy and numeracy support.
Professional accreditation
- AITSL accredited programs list
- Meets primary teacher registration requirements in all states and territories
Typical first jobs
- Classroom teacher (K-6) in NSW Department of Education public schools
- Classroom teacher in NSW Catholic Schools (Sydney, Parramatta, Wollongong and others)
- Independent school classroom teacher (Anglican, Uniting Church and AIS network)
- Casual or temporary teacher building toward permanency
- Rural and remote teacher under NSW Beyond the Line program
- Learning support or special-education teacher (with appropriate stream)
Graduate starting salary
$80,000 - $88,000 per year
Source: education.nsw.gov.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
The program is on AITSL's list of accredited programs and meets the teacher education requirement for registration as a primary teacher in all states and territories. Graduates teach in Catholic, government and independent schools; ACU's religious education options are relevant for Catholic schools.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who enjoy working with K-6 children and managing busy classrooms
- Those willing to live and teach in rural NSW for placement (or full-time work)
- People comfortable being observed and evaluated by supervising teachers
- Students who can balance theoretical readings with practical lesson preparation
- Those committed to a regulated profession with mandatory accreditation
It is probably not for you if
- Students who dislike formal lesson planning and reflective writing
- Those uncomfortable being observed in their work for extended periods
- Anyone hoping to avoid the LANTITE literacy and numeracy test
Careers this leads to
Australian career pathways that name this Bachelor of Education (Primary) as an entry route. Each page shows uni, TAFE and apprenticeship alternatives.
Related courses at ACU
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the Australian Catholic University website and on UAC before applying.