Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (TESOL)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
MCET
Fees
AUD$ 14,300 per annum (per 0.5 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa
-
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants will normally hold an approved Bachelor degree in any discipline, or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
From 2024 this program is available to domestic students at a reduced fee as a Commonwealth supported program.
Degree overview
- Expand your career prospects and gain the skills and knowledge to teach English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).
- Designed for education professionals, classes are run outside of traditional working hours and during holiday periods to allow you to accelerate your studies.
- This graduate certificate is offered part time with the option to study on-campus or online.
- Gain full credit for your studies (four courses) towards the Master of Education.
- UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia1 and World top 100 in Education2.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities3, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
12022 QS Subject Rankings
22023 THE Subject Rankings
3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings, Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50.
Snapshot
This graduate certificate is specifically designed for professional educators wanting to teach English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). You’ll explore and apply contemporary educational theory and the TESOL methodologies needed to teach English across a range of educational settings, including primary and secondary education, through to adult learning at the tertiary level.
Classes are held outside of traditional working hours and during holiday periods to allow you to continue to work while you study. Courses can be studied online or face to face on campus.
Upon completion of this graduate certificate, you can gain full credit for all your studies towards the Master of Education. Other graduate certificates in this suite include:
- Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Education Leadership)
- Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (Inclusive Education)
You can stack one or two Graduate Certificates for full credit towards the Master of Education. You’ll then only have two courses left to complete your Masters (applicable to students eligible for Advanced Standing).
Please note, this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.
What you'll learn
Study this graduate certificate to develop the skills and knowledge to teach English to speakers of other languages.
You’ll apply the educational theory and TESOL methodologies needed to teach English across a range of educational settings, including primary and secondary education, through to adult learning at the tertiary level.
Study core courses covering areas such as language learning, curriculum development and contemporary TESOL approaches and strategies.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- literature reviews
- discussion papers
- reports
- proposals
- research project
There may also be essays or assignments.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Certificate in Education Studies (TESOL)
As South Australia's largest tertiary provider of education degrees and World top 100 in Education1, we are well placed to help you realise your career goals in Education. Our courses are practical and real-world focused so you can apply your new knowledge and skills to your education setting immediately. Continue to work while you study - this graduate certificate is offered part time with the option to study on-campus or online.
Upon completion of this graduate certificate, you can gain full credit for all your studies towards the Master of Education (credit limits apply).
Your career
Upon graduating, you will be qualified to teach English to speakers of other languages in a variety of education contexts (subject to the educational context and previous qualifications).
In addition, graduates of this program can also consider:
- leadership roles in TESOL curriculum and policy development
- TESOL training and development roles in educational contexts
- professional roles in industries that engage with non-English speaking staff and clients.
Please note, this qualification does not meet the requirements for teacher registration in South Australia.
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
Ask UniSA
-
How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
-
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
-
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
