Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation
Overview
This course supports candidates who do not yet meet entry requirements for the Bachelor of Education by helping them develop essential academic skills, particularly in language, literacy, and numeracy. It prepares students for LANTITE assessments required in the Bachelor program while also introducing key teaching attributes and ways to support diverse learners. Designed to widen access to teaching, the diploma benefits mature-age learners, returning parents, and students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Although it does not provide teacher registration, graduates who achieve a credit average may qualify for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching as an Initial Teacher Education course graduate, enabling their pathway into a Bachelor of Education.
Intake at capacity
We've reached capacity in this course for the February 2026 intake. The next available intake is July 2026. If you'd like to know more get in touch with us today.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Explore your options with expert advice
Not sure if this course is right for you? Visit us during drop-in application week, Monday 2 – Friday 6 February, for personalised support with applying for Semester 1.
Your industry experience
Students enrolled in the Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation complete a three-week (12-day) placement in a primary or secondary school setting. This practical experience allows students to engage directly in the classroom environment under the guidance of teachers and education support staff. During the placement, they focus on supporting language, literacy, numeracy, and cultural inclusion, gaining valuable insights into the teaching profession. This experience helps students confirm whether the Bachelor of Education pathway is the right next step for their career.
Topics you'll cover
- Academic preparation
- Language, literacy and numeracy
- Education foundations
- Practical education skills
- Practical placement
Skills you’ll learn
- Academic and study skills
- Language, literacy and numeracy
- Educational knowledge and pedagogy
- Digital and technology skills
- Practical classroom skills
- Professional and interpersonal skills
Your career opportunities
Upon further study, students will be able to progress into careers such as:
- Primary school teacher
- Secondary school teacher
Further education
To progress to the Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary), students must demonstrate readiness by:
- Successfully completing 12 units of competency in the Diploma program.
- Achieving a credit-grade average in seven of the nine core units.
Key codes
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 accreditations
Graduates with a credit-grade average om completion of the Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation may qualify for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching as an Initial Teacher Education course graduate, enabling their pathway into a Bachelor of Education.
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Why Swinburne?
91.5% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study
87.1% of students are satisfied with their training
80.9% of students are likely to recommend Swinburne
Admissions
Applicants require a completion of Australian Year 12 equivalent or other equivalent study and be at least 18 years of age.
All applicants must obtain a current Victorian Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee).
Social/behavioural capability
Students must have the social and language skills be able to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions.
Physical capability of lifting/handling children safely
Students must be able to move quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency, Eg:
- Able to get up and down off the floor easily
- Able to lift / carry young children safely
- Able to perform the physical activities for care and safety of children ie: able to administer CPR for two minutes to a mannequin that is on the floor.
Immunisation
Immunisation may be a requirement of the organisation students attend for placement. It is recommended that students follow the immunisation guidelines for working with children in early childhood and school settings.
Digital Technologies
Students will need a P/C or laptop with internet access to engage successfully with the learning resources.
Capability to:
- use email effectively
- create files and folders
- upload and download files
- log in using a username and password
- engage with on-line readings, audio and video materials, quizzes and tasks.
This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.
Course pre-requisites
Swinburne University requires learners hold a satisfactory completion of VCE Maths units 1 & 2 and English units 3 & 4. Applicants without these results will need to complete a Literacy and Numeracy assessment (Basic Key Skills Builder test).
Mandatory documentation
National Police Check (if an applicant believes there would be a disclosable issue on their National Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required prior to enrolment to determine suitability for this course and work within the healthcare environment).
* Hold a Working with Children Check (Volunteer or Employee) for the duration of the program
Other requirements
Students will need to supply their own device to access the learning management system.
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.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential tasks that define a job and must be performed for successful execution. This course involves practical and physical demands, as well as behavioural abilities, required for assessments and placements in teacher education preparation.
These skills are crucial for career progression in the field. The Inherent Requirements information helps applicants assess their ability to successfully participate in and complete the course.
Students must be physically capable to respond effectively to an emergency situation such as being able to administer CPR for two minutes to a child/adult on the floor continuously .
Students are required to meet minimum LLN levels, these are assessed via BKSB; students must achieve a minimum ACSF working level of 2 for English and Maths, alternatively, VCE results for units 1& 2 for both literacy and numeracy will validate appropriate levels. Students complete a Pre-Training review on application to identify course suitability and learning support requirements.
Students are required to participate in on-campus classes, off-campus excursions and practical placements.
Students must demonstrate social/behavioural capability to communicate effectively with adults and children in both individual and group interactions
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
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.
-
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
-
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
-
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Course structure
To be eligible for the award of Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation, learners must successfully complete a total of 12 units comprising:
For eligibility to enter a Bachelor of Education program, students must complete the following 7 units:
- VU23208: Develop academic skills for the tertiary learning environment.
- VU23209: Investigate the education system.
- VU23211: Investigate contemporary issues in teaching.
- VU22074: Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems.
- VU23210: Examine approaches to learning.
- VU22414: Engage with a range of complex texts for learning purposes.
- VU22419: Create a range of complex texts for learning purposes.
Phased delivery
This program is delivered in 2 stages each around six months in duration. Placement in a block of 12 days is embedded the first stage. Delivery is via a blended learning model with resources provided primarily in a face-to-face classroom delivery supplimented with online resources in the learning management system.
Phase 1
Developing an understanding of the education sector, focusing on supporting literacy and numeracy learning in the classroom alongside cultural inclusion in preparation for first placement. Strengthening academic skills in preparation for study as a Bachelor student.
Phase 2
Expanding on knowledge of the education sector including theoretical underpinnings and upskilling student own literacy and numeracy skills in preparation for LANTITE testing in the Bachelor program.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Core unit |
CHCDIV002 |
|
Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems
Core unit |
VU22074 |
|
Engage with a range of complex texts for learning purposes
Core unit |
VU22414 |
|
Create a range of complex texts for learning purposes
Core unit |
VU22419 |
|
Develop academic skills for the tertiary learning environment
Core unit |
VU23208 |
|
Investigate the education system
Core unit |
VU23209 |
|
Examine approaches to learning
Core unit |
VU23210 |
|
Investigate contemporary issues in teaching
Core unit |
VU23211 |
|
Investigate the digital education environment
Core unit |
VU23212 |
| Elective units | |
|
Work with diverse people
Elective unit |
CHCDIV001 |
|
Support student mathematics learning
Elective unit |
CHCEDS045 |
|
Support student literacy learning
Elective unit |
CHCEDS046 |
Study requirements
Timetable
- Classes are timetables across 2 days per week, with approximately 6 hours of on-campus attendance required, getween 9.30am - 3.00pm.
- Scheduled days depend on the group allocation.
- Semester and term breaks are identified within the timetable.
- Placement block is embedded within the scheduled delivery of stage 1, where practical skills will be consolidated and assessed.
- Students are expected to engage in approximately 20-40 hours of self-managed study outside of scheduled classes over the duration of the course.
Assessment
- Assessments occur throughout the course and include various methods such as quizzes, case studies, practical observations and tests.
- Students must demonstrate required skills and knowledge by satisfactorily completing assessments at different points in the course.
2026 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$11,360
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$5,710
2026 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
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.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
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 Financials
- 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 VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)
$18,838
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365.00
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 30 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.
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! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.