From 2016, school leavers will need to meet increased academic standards to be offered a place in a NSW teaching degree.

Why are university entry requirements being increased?

Teaching is an academically rigorous profession and you will now need to show that you are a high academic achiever to start an education degree. This requirement will help to improve student outcomes in NSW schools and job opportunities for graduate teachers. Raising entry standards will also help to improve awareness and understanding about the importance of teachers and the value of the teaching profession to the community. Strengthening course prerequisites for teaching degrees is an initiative of the NSW Government’s Great Teaching, Inspired Learning (GTIL) Blueprint for Action.

What are the prerequisites for a 4 year undergraduate teaching degree?

From 2016, to start an accredited undergraduate teaching degree you will need:

•  a minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, including one in English, or
•  to complete bridging units equivalent to a minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, including English, as approved by BOSTES before entry, or
•  to complete an alternative pathway as advised by your university and approved by BOSTES

What about an undergraduate combined or double degree?

A number of combined or double degrees may not require the above prerequisites. This is because their course structures focus on studying the subject/s you want to teach in Year 1, with studies in how to teach completed in subsequent years.

For further information read the Raising university entry standards for future teachers flyer.