Bachelor of Primary Education
at University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.
The University of Canberra's primary teaching degree is the four-year Bachelor of Primary Education, accredited by the ACT Teacher Quality Institute for recognition throughout Australia. Applicants answer a teaching suitability questionnaire. Assumed knowledge (NSW): any 2 units of English and Mathematics Advanced (Band 4).
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 UC Bachelor of Primary Education 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 | 60.00 | uac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 58.90 | uac.edu.au |
| 2023 | 60.40 | 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
Study areas are educational studies, literacy and numeracy, and pedagogy studies across the primary curriculum. Students complete at least 80 days of practical placement across different primary school levels and settings, finishing with a 30-day teaching placement in the final year. UC also offers specialised versions in creative arts, health and physical education, and STEM.
Placement and industry experience
Students complete a minimum of 80 days of practical placement across a range of primary school levels and settings, culminating in a 30-day teaching placement in the final year.
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
- ACT Teacher Quality Institute (recognised nationally)
Typical first jobs
- Classroom teacher (K-6) in ACT Education Directorate public schools
- Classroom teacher in Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn schools
- Independent school classroom teacher (Canberra Grammar, Radford, Burgmann, Brindabella Christian)
- Casual or temporary teacher building toward permanency
- Out-of-area teacher in regional NSW (Queanbeyan, Cooma, Yass) under cross-border arrangements
- Learning support or special-education teacher in ACT priority schools
Graduate starting salary
$80,000 - $88,000 per year
Source: education.act.gov.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
The degree is accredited by the ACT Teacher Quality Institute and recognised as a teaching qualification throughout Australia. Graduates teach in ACT and NSW government, Catholic and independent primary 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 open to teaching across ACT districts (Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin) and surrounding NSW
- 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 TQI 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
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the University of Canberra website and on UAC before applying.