UC STEP

Step into the classroom with a Master of Teaching under UC's School-based Teacher Education Program (UC STEP).

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UC STEP

About UC STEP

UC’s School-based Teacher Education Program (UC STEP) is Canberra’s newest employment-based pathway into teaching, created in partnership with the ACT Education Directorate. This program allows students to start working as a paid Learning Support Assistant (LSA) from day one, gaining invaluable classroom experience while studying for a Master of Primary or Master of Secondary Teaching.

From the second year in the program, participants step into a teaching role with a Permit to Teach, providing the opportunity to put theory into practice while still completing their studies. UC STEP offers a unique chance to combine hands-on learning, financial support, and a career-defining experience that prepares graduates to become confident, capable teachers.

With UC STEP, participants earn a salary and receive a $20,000 scholarship to help ease the financial burden of returning to study. Throughout the journey, experienced mentors and instructional coaches provide guidance and support, ensuring graduates develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in the classroom.

For those seeking a career change that is both challenging and rewarding, UC STEP provides the perfect pathway to becoming a fully qualified teacher while working in a school-based environment.

Employed from day one

Start working as a part-time LSA in your first year, progressing to a teacher (Permit to Teach) in your second year.

$20,000 Scholarship

Financial support to help you focus on your studies.

Mentorship and coaching

Benefit from experienced mentors and instructional coaches supporting you throughout your studies.

Employed from day one

Start working as a part-time LSA in your first year, progressing to a teacher (Permit to Teach) in your second year.

$20,000 Scholarship

Financial support to help you focus on your studies.

Mentorship and coaching

Benefit from experienced mentors and instructional coaches supporting you throughout your studies.

Program details

Upon graduation you will have a Master of Primary Teaching or a Master of Secondary Teaching, depending on your selected specialisation.

The Master of Teaching under UC STEP will be delivered using a combination of flexible on campus and online study designed to enable employment alongside study; you will complete 30 credit points in the first year and the remaining 18 credit points in the second year, allowing you to work while you learn.

Learn more about UC’s Master of Teaching.

To be eligible to study a Master of Teaching under UC STEP, applicants must:

  • Hold an undergraduate degree that aligns with one or more of the in the Australian Curriculum. We particularly encourage applicants with backgrounds in hard-to-staff subject areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or foreign languages.
  • Complete the one-way interview in the application process.
  • Be eligible to gain a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Obtain a Working with Vulnerable People Check (WWVPC) prior to commencing the program.
  • Have the capacity to balance part-time employment as a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) or a teacher with your academic commitments during the program.
  • Demonstrate a passion for education and a desire to make a positive impact on students' lives. A personal statement outlining your motivation for entering the teaching profession will be required as part of the application.
  • Meet the ACT Education Directorate's requirements to teach under a Permit to Teach (PTT) in your second year, which includes a satisfactory background check and appropriate professional readiness for the classroom.
  • Additional English Language Proficiency and Teacher Registration requirements for this course: Please refer to the Admission requirements for Master of Secondary Teaching and Master of Primary Teaching. Some applicants may be required to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment and attain an overall test score of 7.5 with scores of at least band 8 in Speaking and Listening and at least band 7 in Reading and Writing.

UC STEP is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching workforce. We strongly encourage applications from:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) individuals.
  • Individuals with personal and professional backgrounds relevant to working with neurodiverse students, students with disability, or students with English as a second language.

UC STEP is no longer accepting new enrolments. If you are interested in the Master of Teaching (Primary) or Master of Teaching (Secondary), please contact the Future Students team.

The UC STEP Program is delivered as part of the High Achieving Teachers (HAT) Program: Phase 2 Expansion Pilots with the support of the Australian Government Department of Education.

Hear from current fellows

Learn more about UC STEP from three current UC STEP fellows, Barney Dalgarno (Executive Dean, Faculty of Education) and Joanne Keens (Director of UC STEP) as they explain the UC STEP program and how you might benefit.

UC’s Master of Teaching

UC’s Master of Primary Teaching and Master of Secondary Teaching are unlike any other in Australia. Our unique hands-on approach to learning gives you the perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and extensive classroom experience. You’ll graduate with a fully accredited qualification by the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI), equipped with everything you need to be a pivotal mentor in a child’s learning journey.

Learn more

View the UC STEP webinar recording

Interested in the UC STEP program? Watch our recent webinar to see how this program can support your journey into a teaching career. In this session, we provide an in-depth look at UC STEP’s structure and benefits, along with expert insights from our academics to highlight the unique advantages of the Master of Teaching pathway.

Why study with UC

Flexible study modes

Choose to study on-campus, online, or both, while gaining hands-on classroom experience.

#1 in Canberra

We're #1 in Canberra for postgraduate full-time employment in Education.
(GUG, 2026)

The UC Difference

Discover the UC Difference for enhanced practical learning.

Flexible study modes

Choose to study on-campus, online, or both, while gaining hands-on classroom experience.

#1 in Canberra

We're #1 in Canberra for postgraduate full-time employment in Education.
(GUG, 2026)

The UC Difference

Discover the UC Difference for enhanced practical learning.

Let's get learning

Ready to make a difference in education? Download a brochure or speak to our staff via email or over the phone.

Have your questions answered, including:

  • Is this course right for you?
  • Are you eligible for UC STEP?
  • How to apply?
  • Costs and fees
  • Commencement date
Enquire