Entry requirements for teaching

Applying through VTAC

You must complete either the CASPer test or the ACU Teacher Selector Statement as part of your application through VTAC.

Both tools are designed to assess your personal and professional attributes for teaching.

CASPer test

CASPer is a non-cognitive online test. You only need to complete the CASPer test once, even if:

• you are applying for more than one initial teacher education course at ACU
• you are also applying at another university that supports the CASPer test.

ACU Teacher Selector Statement

The ACU Teacher Selector Statement is a written statement relevant to all ACU initial teacher education courses in Victoria.

You only need to submit one statement with your application, even if you are applying for more than one initial teacher education course. 

If you are facing financial hardship, we encourage you to complete the ACU Teacher Selector Statement.

VTAC submissions

Within your VTAC application, you will be given instructions on how to complete your preferred option. 

To ensure you meet the VTAC deadlines for each offer round, visit how to apply for courses on the VTAC website.

How to apply for courses (VTAC)

Applying direct to ACU

If you wish to study a postgraduate initial teacher course in Victoria, you can apply directly to ACU and not through VTAC. As part of your application, you will need to include your ACU Teacher Selector Statement.

You only need to submit one statement with your application, even if you are applying for more than one initial teacher education course. 

Transferring to a teacher course

If you are already studying at ACU and have applied to transfer to an initial teacher education course, you will be advised by email if you need to submit a Teacher Selector Statement. 

Instructions on how to complete and submit the statement will also be provided.

Applying through UAC

You will need to submit a personal statement alongside your initial teacher course application through UAC.

You will be required to write approximately 1,000 words addressing two separate categories to demonstrate your interest in teaching and your personal learning and leadership qualities.

You only need to submit one statement in your application, even if you are applying for more than one initial teacher education course.

For more information about what to do, visit admission criteria for teaching courses on the UAC website.

Admission criteria for teaching courses (UAC)

Applying direct to ACU

If you wish to study a postgraduate initial teacher course in NSW or ACT, you can apply directly to ACU and not through UAC. As part of your application, you will need to include your ACU Teacher Selector Statement.

You only need to submit one statement with your application, even if you are applying for more than one initial teacher education course.  

Applying through QTAC

You will need to submit a personal statement alongside your initial teacher course application through QTAC.

You will be required to write approximately 1,000 words addressing two separate categories to demonstrate your interest in teaching and your personal learning and leadership qualities.

You only need to submit one statement in your application, even if you are applying for more than one initial teacher education course.

For more information about what to do, visit initial teacher education on the QTAC website.

Initial teacher education (QTAC)

Applying direct to ACU

If you wish to study a postgraduate initial teacher course in QLD, you can apply directly to ACU and not through QTAC. As part of your application, you will need to include your ACU Teacher Selector Statement.

You only need to submit one statement with your application if you are applying for more than one initial teacher education course. 

Write approximately 500 words about your motivation and suitability for teaching.

Consider the following in your response:

• who or what has inspired you to become a teacher?
• why is teaching a good career choice?
• why are you interested in teaching young children/young people?
• what subjects are you interested in teaching and why?
• what does being a good teacher mean?
• what skills and abilities do you have that will make you a good teacher?

Write approximately 500 words about your involvement in learning and/or leadership activities that demonstrate qualities such as:

• commitment to learning
• conscientiousness
• resilience
• interpersonal and communication skills
• organisation and planning skills.

It’s a good idea to use specific examples wherever possible. You could talk about experiences drawn from your schooling, work, or any volunteering or community work you may have done.

School experience:

• co-curricular participation (e.g. arts, sports, debating, social justice)
• projects (e.g. curriculum projects, science fairs)
• leadership experiences (e.g. student leadership  positions, arts, sports)
• support of other learners (e.g. peer mentoring, coaching, buddy programs).

Work experience:

• employment history and roles
• employment involving children or young people
• work-based training undertaken
• work-based training provided.

Volunteer and community experience:

• volunteer or community experience (e.g. community groups, parish/church groups, cadets, life saving, fundraising, clubs)
• community learning and training experiences (e.g. guides, scouts, Duke of Edinburgh, St Johns).

Other life experience:

• personal talents and abilities
• any special interests 
• elite performance (e.g. athletic, creative arts, other areas).

Disadvantages you have overcome:

• social, cultural or economic
• geographical – remote and rural
• personal and health.

You should also consider the following to help frame your response:

• what learning activities have you been engaged in?
• what leadership activities have you undertaken?
• what activities of personal interest are you involved in, how long have you participated, and how are you involved?
• what tasks or events have I planned and/or organised?
• how have I shown that I can work with others?
• what do I do to overcome obstacles, challenges or problems?