Why interest in teaching careers in Australia is growing

It’s well known that Australia is experiencing a severe shortage of teachers. However, there’s good news, with a rising number of students deciding to pursue teaching careers in Australia.

Universities are reporting rising interest in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching courses. In 2025, five hundred more students applied for an education course compared to 2024. This represents a year-on-year increase of 23 per cent.

In some cases, enrolments have tripled compared to recent years.

At Melbourne’s RMIT university, teaching enrolments have increased by 135 per cent since 2020.

In NSW, teaching enrolments are up 23 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024.

It’s good news for the teaching profession, which has recently struggled to fill vacancies.

So, what is behind this trend?

What’s behind this trend?

The rise in interest in teaching courses can be attributed to several factors. These include:

Increased pay

The government says increased pay in recent years has contributed to this trend. In October last year, NSW teacher salaries increased. Teachers in the state received a 3 per cent pay rise per year over the next three years. In Western Australia, teachers agreed to a 12 per cent pay rise over three years.

Increased incentives

University leaders say the trend has been driven by government incentives and scholarships designed to give students more hands-on experience in schools.

In late 2022, the Federal Government introduced the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan. Under the program, university students studying teaching are provided with scholarships of up to $40,000.

In February, the New South Wales government launched an Early Career Academy for teachers. The academy offers department-led professional learning focused on curriculum and teaching practices, supports professional experience placements, and provides a digital hub with personalised content. The academy would also include strategic partnerships with universities.

This includes “Department of Education University Partnership Leads”. These would provide tailored support to those seeking employment in NSW public schools.

Meaningful career

Increasingly, people are looking for roles that provide meaning to their lives. Prospective teachers are often attracted by the industry’s ability to make a difference in the lives of students.

Secure, stable employment

In an era when many roles are being superseded by technology, the industry also offers secure, stable employment. Despite increased interest in teaching courses, demand for teachers is not expected to slow in the near future. Teaching vacancies in New South Wales are at a four year low. Despite this, there are still more than 1,300 teaching positions that need to be filled in the state. Studies reveal that up to 90 per cent of Australian principals have reported staff shortages at their schools.

Lower course costs

In many cases, teaching courses also offer lower HECS fees than some other courses. For Education students a year of full-time study is estimated to cost $4,627. In comparison, a year of full-time study in Law, accounting or communications is expected to cost $16,992. Engineering or science is expected to cost $9,314 per year. Medicine, veterinary or dentistry courses cost on average $13,241 a year.

Do you want a stable and rewarding career that makes a difference in the lives of others? If so, a career in teaching could be for you. With endless opportunities available, there’s never been a better time to consider a career in teaching.

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