Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (VET)
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (VET) is designed for educators in the tertiary education sector. The course brings together authentic learning experiences and VET pedagogy to provide a pathway for educators to excel in competency-based teaching and assessment. This AQF Level 8 qualification will support you in taking your teaching career to new heights, preparing you for advanced roles in the VET sector.
The course embeds real world experience, focussing on:
- designing and delivering inclusive, competency-based learning experiences
- developing curriculum for a diverse range of delivery modes
- using evidence-informed approaches to improve teaching and assessment.
Note: Course availability
This course is available to local students and off-shore international students who are studying in a country other than Australia.
This course is not available to on-shore international students on a student visa.
Want to check if this course is right for you?
Chat with academics at our Study Expo and get clear guidance tailored to your goals – Tuesday 20 January 2026.
Upgrade your skills
- Digital literacy
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Communication
Stretch your career further
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (VET) can use this qualification to:
- Progress beyond the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- Enable experienced higher education educators to transition into VET teaching roles
- Support eligibility for professional registration and career advancement in VET
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional recognition
The Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (VET) is a recognised award under the Australian Qualifications Framework (Level 8). Graduates will be equipped to teach and assess in line with national standards, including Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2025, and will be prepared for leadership roles across TAFE and RTOs
Why Swinburne?
Rated top 20% of Australian universities for PG Overall Experience
92.9% of PG graduates found full-time employment after graduating
Rated top 20% of Australian universities for PG Teaching Quality
Awarded 5-stars for PG teaching quality (overall)
Qualifications
Standard Entry
A recognised bachelor degree in any discipline equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree and be working in an academic or academic support role in a tertiary environment or in VET environment.
Standard Entry
A recognised bachelor degree in any discipline equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree AND be working in an academic or academic support role in a tertiary environment.
Work experience
Non-standard Entry
Applicants without a formal qualification, but with at least 5 years of relevant work experience in an academic or academic support role or in a tertiary environment or in the VET sector, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Practicum requirement
The Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (VET) includes 200 hours of practicum, integrated across units and culminating in a dedicated practicum unit. In line with the Victorian TAFE Teaching Staff Agreement, 50 of these hours must be teaching practice directly observed and evaluated by a suitably qualified and experienced TAFE teacher.
This course is designed for current educators in the VET or higher education sectors who can meet the above practicum requirements as part of their employment, or otherwise.
If you are not currently employed in the VET/TAFE sector, or in higher education with access to VET/TAFE teaching duties, it is unlikely you will be able to meet this requirement. In such cases, this course may not be suitable for you, and we recommend considering the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment as an alternative pathway.
Please contact us before applying if you are unsure about your eligibility or ability to complete the practicum requirements.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Graduate Certificate of Educational Studies (Non teaching Swinburne Online)
How credit points work
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (VET) students must complete 50 credit points consisting of 4 units of study.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Foundations of Learning and Teaching
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU60056 |
|
Assessing Learning and Competency in Vocational Education
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU60046 |
|
Learning Through Professional Practicum
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU60045 |
|
Learning and Teaching Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
EDU60059 |
2026 fees
2026 fees
Fees are estimates only
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for FEE-HELP
You’re eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or UniLink or OUA course at Swinburne, and you:
- are an Australian citizen doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens
- are undertaking bridging study for overseas trained professionals and will be living in Australia for the duration of this study
- have not exceeded the new combined Help Loan limit.
The HELP limit is the maximum amount you can borrow from the government in your lifetime towards your education costs. It is fixed and cannot be topped up.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Note: Course availability
If you are an on-shore international students on a student visa you cannot apply for this course.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online!
Important note: Semester 1 2026 intake will not be able to complete the course in one year, due to unit availability. The earliest completion date for Semester 1 2026 intake will be Winter Term 2027.