La Trobe University is committed to making a meaningful change in education by equipping future teachers with classroom-ready skills. Our goal is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring that participants not only earn their teaching qualifications but also gain hands-on experience in diverse educational settings. By offering extensive support, real-world practice, and professional development opportunities, we aim to prepare our graduates to make a significant impact in schools and provide their students with the quality education they deserve.

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to social justice. We give strong preference to those with undergraduate degrees relevant to areas of the primary or secondary school curriculum such as mathematics, some areas of science, English, teaching English to speakers of other languages and languages.

Here is a list of subjects as reference:

Primary teaching: these may include: Science, Mathematics, Arts (Visual Arts/Drama/Music/Dance/Media Studies), Humanities (Geography, History), Languages, Physical Education/Health, English, IT.

Secondary teaching: students must qualify in either one double (Commerce, Drama, Mathematics, Physical Education and Visual Arts) or two single method- teaching areas from Business Management, Commerce and Business Studies, Drama, English, Health, Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Media, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Psychology, Science, SOSE, TESOL, Visual Arts.

Preference is also given to candidates from regional Victoria or New South Wales and opportunities exist for those willing to relocate to rural or regional areas where schools are located. Indigenous candidates and those from diverse cultural backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.

Interested schools can complete this EOI form. We aim to place students in ICSEA <1000 or rural, regional and remote schools.

You will need a weighted average mark (WAM) or grade point average (GPA) of >65% in your undergraduate degree to be eligible for consideration.

You will need to be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia to apply for Nexus program.

The course is conducted online. The only component with face-to-face learning is two days of intensives we run on campus. There is one intensive in the first year and one intensive in the second year. The intensives are a mandatory component of Nexus, so all students are required to travel to the required campus.

Nexus students can enrol in either the 18 month (1.5 year accelerated) or two- year Master of Teaching (Primary) or Master of Teaching (Secondary).

The course involves a combination of face-to-face and online learning. Nexus students commit to attending two Nexus student intensives in their first year and one in the second year of the program. This will require travel to Melbourne or Sydney.

Nexus will reimburse eligible participants for travel and accommodation costs incurred by participating in the student intensives.

Application opens in August this year to February (next year). You must be successful in receiving an offer into a Master of Teaching course before your Nexus application can be assessed by the Nexus team.

Before you apply for Nexus:

You will need to apply for the Master of Teaching program first.

Make sure you have your La Trobe applicant ID (which is emailed to you after you have applied for the Master of Teaching), referee details, and your 500-word written statement ready.

The statement should include information about your background, experience, your passion for social justice and why you want to become a teacher. There is no option to save and exit the application form.

Please note you will need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to apply for Nexus.

There are no up-front fees if you are an Australian citizen. All Nexus places are Commonwealth supported (CSP).

Deferral is not possible. Nexus does not allow for part-time study.

All Nexus students are offered part-time employment while they study. In the first year of study, Nexus students are employed as teacher aides in schools, working one day per week in term two and two days per week in terms three and four.

In the second year of study, Nexus students are offered full-time employment as a paraprofessional / on conditional accreditation, paid at the full rate with a 0.8 teaching load and 0.2 set aside for studies/professional development.

In addition to the paid employment, Nexus students receive a Nexus equity scholarship in the form of financial support. Payment will be made fortnightly into the student’s nominated bank account. Payments are subject to personal income tax and will cease if a candidate discontinues the Nexus program for any reason. No separate applications are necessary as the financial support is part of the Nexus program.

Each Nexus student will receive their equity scholarship in their first year (paid in fortnightly payments) while working in schools. The first payment for your first year of candidature will be made in the first term of your work in schools and the last payment at the end of the final term of your ES work.

Graduates are more likely to stay in the teaching profession and often work in Nexus partner schools, ensuring a positive impact on their career and the communities they serve. 94% of graduates from the 2020-2022 cohorts are working as teachers one year after completing the Nexus program. For more information on Nexus impact, see here.

In some rare cases, candidates’ discipline specialisations cannot be matched with school needs in the immediate surroundings. This is less likely in regional and rural areas, as good teachers in many subject areas are highly sought after.

If you are happy to relocate, please inform us in your written statement as part of the application process.

The Nexus team will assess your application and determine if you match the needs of Nexus schools. If you are eligible, you will be invited to a face-to-face or online interview with the Nexus team from La Trobe and an attending Principal.

Please note that the matching process can take time. Only successful candidates will be notified. Even if you are not accepted for the Nexus program, your application for the mainstream Master of Teaching (Secondary) or Master of Teaching (Primary) will still remain active.

Nexus application has a non-standard closing date, applications close 2 weeks before the course commencement date (unless listed otherwise).

Nexus applications will be assessed in two rounds:

• Round 1: Applications close on 24 November 2024 (5pm AEST)
• Round 2: Applications close on 22 February 2025 (5pm AEST)

Please note:

• There are limited places in the Nexus program. It is a highly competitive program
• Subsequent offer rounds will likely not be available this year
• To be considered for a timely offer, please submit your application and all required documentation as soon as possible
• Applicants will be ranked and selected based on published entry requirements and their entire academic record
• Incomplete applications will not be ranked
• Meeting the minimum entry requirements and course specific prerequisites does not guarantee selection
• Please refer to course webpages for further course information

Victoria

New South Wales

Students are allowed to undertake other part-time work, with an awareness that course demand and Nexus employment-based components should be prioritised.

If your application is successful, we will aim to match you to a school within a one-hour commute from your home address.

In addition to the usual feedback and complaints procedure, both successful and unsuccessful students can voice their concerns about Nexus directly with the Department of Education.

Department of Education
GPO Box 9880
Canberra, ACT, 2601
Phone: 1300 566 046
Website: https://www.education.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/online-contact-form