Graduate Certificate in Education (Indigenous Education)
Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct
6 months full-time or part-time equivalent
AUD $ 2,400
Domestic Student
*Limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for domestic students only. Annual fees are subject to change and are dependent on selected units. For more information on CSPs, see below.
Course overview
Rethinking what is possible in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education
Designed for current teachers and educators working across diverse educational settings, this course deepens your understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives. You will explore how to draw on your existing pedagogical knowledge to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that support Indigenous Australian students and enrich the educational experience for all learners.
Through a global lens, you will examine the ongoing impacts of colonisation and globalisation on Indigenous peoples. Locally, you’ll strengthen your understanding of the vital connections between Indigenous Australian students, families, communities, knowledge holders, and school-community liaison roles.
Grounded in a strengths-based approach, this course will help you gain valuable insights into Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
This course is not an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course and does not qualify graduates for teacher registration in Australia.
Learn more with Professor Sue Irvine
Why this course
Upon graduation, you will find yourself well-prepared for a role that strengthens and contextualises the foundation of education for reconciliation while rethinking what is possible in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.
Study on your terms
Study full-time or part-time to suit your needs
Available to all
Suited for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike
Rankings
QUT is in the Top 10 in Australia for graduate employability according to the Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking 2025
Course units
Students need to complete a total of four units.
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
Entry requirements
You can gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Education (Indigenous Education) with:
6-month program
- A completed recognised bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in teaching or education or related discipline*
or
- A completed recognised bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline with at least two years (full-time or equivalent) professional work experience in teaching or education or related fields**
or
- A completed recognised diploma in teaching or education or related discipline*, with at least four years (full-time or equivalent) professional work experience in teaching or education or related fields**
or
- Seven years (full-time or equivalent) professional work experience in teaching or education or related fields**
Recognised bachelor degrees (or higher qualification) in teaching or education or related disciplines*
The following disciplines (i.e. qualifications) are considered to be an eligible basis for entry.
-
- Teaching or education (including, education qualifications related to early childhood, primary to secondary schooling, higher education, training and development, applied learning, adult learning, community learning).
- Learning management / learning design (i.e. learning design similar qualifications)
- Career development and/or counselling
- Languages / linguistics
- Psychology / educational psychology / organisational psychology
- Sociology
- Allied health professionals (speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists)
- School based nursing (i.e. Nursing qualification)
- School based policing (i.e. Policing qualification)
- Business / commerce
- Arts (e.g. social sciences, humanities, animation/interactive media)
- Media / communication
- Human resources, management, and IT
- Teacher / educator / academic working in any formal education setting (i.e., early childhood, schools, special education, adult education, VET, and higher-education) or any education focussed role in other organisations or groups.
- People working in education-support roles in any formal or informal education setting (e.g., teacher aide, counselling, community education counsellors, youth/social worker, educational psychologist, chaplain, academic advisors, school nurse, school police officer).
- People working education-focussed roles in other organisations, services or groups (e.g., learning design, curriculum design and development, language and numeracy education, workplace and organisational learning/training, community and public education/training, education project management, educational research, private tutors).
- People working in education administration, leadership and management, policy or governance, and educational consulting (e.g., education departments, related statutory authorities, related professional associations, international agents, international education professionals).
Relevant work experience**
Course outcomes
You will engage in self-reflection and analyse your conception of the world relative to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Your ability to critically unpack the cultural contexts influencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be sharpened, and you will gain a deeper appreciation of their experiences, strengths and knowledge. Finally, you will examine how policy impacts the way of life and sharing knowledge for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and gain a deeper appreciation for the profound wisdom and its application of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Skills and tools in this course
- Advanced discipline-specific knowledge related to professional educational practice
- Reflect on and analyse your own practice to improve knowledge and skill
- Reflection on self and how your experiences shape your worldview
- Increased knowledge of Indigenous Australian culture and history
- Greater understanding of Indigenous Australian perspectives
- Knowledge of relevant policy, legislation and work practices and their impacts
Potential career opportunities
Teacher
If you are a qualified teacher, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and to do so with a strong cultural and historical awareness.
-
Average Salary
$103,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4/5
-
Industry Growth
+9.4%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025
Community facilitator
Work within Indigenous communities to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families to remain engaged with education, leading to positive student outcomes.
-
Average Salary
$98,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4.5/5
, 2025
Click to learn more about the student hub! | Duration 3:53
How online study works
Learn in your own way
Experience the unwavering support of our university as you embark on your online learning journey.
- Flexible and supportive options for your lifestyle
- The easy application and enrolment process
- Alignment with career aspirations
What our students say
I have been pleasantly surprised by how easy it has been to adapt to online learning. The use of tools such as Miro has made the course easy to engage in and to collaborate with my peers. Functionality of the online systems has been very good and easy to navigate and I can find any information I require easily.Nicky, Graduate Certificate in Education (Indigenous Education)
Ready to apply?
Apply for your dream qualification by filling out our application form, or speak with one of our Course Consultants on 1300 104 196 to discover the right study option for you.
Education
QUT Online’s innovative learning design
QUT Online courses are purpose-built for flexibility, real-world relevance, and engaging, self-paced learning. Designed by experts in their field, our courses fit seamlessly into busy postgraduate lives.
Industry outlook: career development and counselling in education
There is a pressing need for students – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – to receive comprehensive career support from a young age. A core element of this national strategy will be providing high-quality career advice to children from primary school age onwards.
Integrating Indigenous content into the classroom
Nicky takes on a Graduate Certificate in Education (Indigenous Education) to broaden the scope of early education
Transform your career with QUT Online’s Master of Education
Educators are lifelong learners, often seeking new ways to grow professionally and make a greater impact in their communities. QUT Online’s Master of Education offers a flexible path to deepen your expertise, explore specialisations, and expand your career opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
This course is relevant Australia-wide, regardless if you are living in an area with a large Indigenous population or not.
This course alone will not enable you to become a teacher.
This course is available and suitable for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
Got a question?
Contact us on our enquiry form
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If you’re not ready to apply or want to know more before you submit your application, you can request more information by calling us on 1300 104 196 or by completing our enquiry form.
Ready to apply?
Apply online by filling out our application form or speak to a Course Consultant on 1300 104 196.
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