From the 1st July, you may be invited to complete a Skills Check as an important step in your application or enrolment process. Read more.

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11214NAT

Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Accelerate your teaching career with this advanced qualification for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. This course will put you on the path to becoming a fully qualified classroom teacher.

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WAYS TO STUDY Online
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 14 Jul 2025 Duration: up to 2 years View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$6,040
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$6,340
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$11,160
Eligibility calculator
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Course overview

Accelerate your teaching career with this advanced qualification designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. This course is most suitable for people who would like to become fully qualified general primary school teachers.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as education aides is currently experiencing very strong growth. This very large occupation is expected to create around 85,000 job openings over the next five years. 

In this course you'll gain an effective skill set to develop the main learning areas within the Australian Curriculum. You'll also cover cultural identity and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in education, such as facilitating learning and development in First Nations children, while incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories into the classroom.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to seek work as a qualified teaching assistant. You will also be able to take advantage of our pathway options and receive up to one year's credit towards a Bachelor of Education at James Cook University.

What can I do?

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker
  • Teacher Assistant
  • Teacher Aide

Course outcome:

11214NAT Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Community-based education

This course is offered through RATEP — a community-based teacher education program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The program provides a direct pathway for people in remote, rural and regional areas to become qualified teachers or teacher aides. Students may study at one of several RATEP sites throughout the state or via an offsite delivery model.

Indigenous student support

Our Indigenous Student Support Officers (ISSOs) provide tailored support designed to meet the unique needs of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. ISSOs can provide assistance with enrolment processes, Centrelink ABSTUDY enquiries, tutor support, referrals to other community service providers, and personal support.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all units listed below. You will also be required to undertake 100 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBCMM411
    Make presentations
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBCMM411
    Unit description :
    This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare, deliver and review presentations for target audiences.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Make presentations

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCEDS059
    Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCEDS059
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement work health and safety policies and procedures to support the health, safety and wellbeing of students in an educational environment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to the health, safety and wellbeing of students

  • UNIT CODE
  • NAT11214001
    Facilitate arts knowledge and skills learning in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
    UNIT CODE :
    NAT11214001
    Unit description :
  • UNIT NAME
  • Facilitate arts knowledge and skills learning in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

  • UNIT CODE
  • NAT11214002
    Facilitate Standard Australian English learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
    UNIT CODE :
    NAT11214002
    Unit description :
  • UNIT NAME
  • Facilitate Standard Australian English learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

  • UNIT CODE
  • NAT11214003
    Facilitate environmental initiatives in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school communities
    UNIT CODE :
    NAT11214003
    Unit description :
  • UNIT NAME
  • Facilitate environmental initiatives in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school communities

  • UNIT CODE
  • NAT11214004
    Apply cultural identity to implement a personal action plan
    UNIT CODE :
    NAT11214004
    Unit description :
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply cultural identity to implement a personal action plan

  • UNIT CODE
  • NAT11214005
    Guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in science inquiry
    UNIT CODE :
    NAT11214005
    Unit description :
  • UNIT NAME
  • Guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in science inquiry

  • UNIT CODE
  • NAT11214006
    Develop mathematics knowledge and skills in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
    UNIT CODE :
    NAT11214006
    Unit description :
  • UNIT NAME
  • Develop mathematics knowledge and skills in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

  • UNIT CODE
  • NAT11214007
    Promote pedagogies to support learning motivation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
    UNIT CODE :
    NAT11214007
    Unit description :
  • UNIT NAME
  • Promote pedagogies to support learning motivation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

  • UNIT CODE
  • NAT11214008
    Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to be active users of digital technologies
    UNIT CODE :
    NAT11214008
    Unit description :
  • UNIT NAME
  • Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to be active users of digital technologies

Ways to study
Choose your study location

  • Your course is primarily online and you may interact with your teachers and other students using Zoom. You will also need to come in to campus to complete some practical learning and assessment. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online with on campus practical training (Cairns)
14 Jul 2025
up to 2 years
Part time 2 x Zoom sessions (recorded) plus work placement
  • Concession: $6,040

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $6,340

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $11,160

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

More Apply
demo

Online with on campus practical training (Cairns)

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    80%
  • On Campus Time
    20%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

14 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

up to 2 years
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Part time 2 x Zoom sessions (recorded) plus work placement
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $6,040

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $6,340

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $11,160

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

Online, On-Campus and vocational placement
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
You will be able to access your learning materials 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the first day of your study period for the relevant units of competency. You must be enrolled to access your learning materials.

Online self-directed study allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Learn more 

 

Online virtual classroom study allows you to enjoy the freedom of choosing where you study, with no on-campus commitments. Virtual classes are delivered online, to a scheduled timetable, allowing you to interact with fellow students and high-quality educators from the comfort of a location that best suits you. You will be expected to undertake additional self-directed study in order to complete the course requirements. Learn more 

 

Online with on campus practical allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study to complete the online component of your course followed up by a scheduled practical component on campus.

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Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education (11214NAT)

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Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

COURSE CODE: 11214NAT
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
VET Student Loan - $18,838 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees.  The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees.  A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology. 

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.

If you are applying for a VET Student Loan the required levels to meet academic eligibility, as outlined by Commonwealth guidelines, is Level 4 English and Maths.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.


Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Off-site students must have access to a computer and internet connection during study hours.

Placement

During your course you will be required to complete vocational placement at a RATEP location so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 100 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

Off-site students must do 100 hours of vocational placement at a Queensland Education Department school.

Important information

This course is offered through RATEP. RATEP is a community-based teacher education program that provides a direct pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote, rural and regional locations to become registered teachers or qualified teacher aides. The RATEP program is a partnership between TAFE Queensland North Region, Queensland Education Department and James Cook University. Currently there are several RATEP sites throughout the state, providing teacher training at the Certificate III and Diploma levels. 

RATEP locations are as follows:

  • Barambah (Cherbourg)
  • Cairns West State School
  • Mackay
  • Bamaga
  • Rockhampton
  • St George and Surrounding Region
  • Toowoomba
  • Townsville
  • Yarrabah
  • Thursday Island

Students completing the Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education receive one year's credit towards a Bachelor of Education through James Cook University.

RATEP is also available to students who do not have access to a RATEP site via the off-site model. Off-site students must ensure that they have access to a computer and internet and that they are willing to complete the vocational placement requirements in a Queensland Education Department school.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

Related courses

Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

Get a head start on your teaching career with this entry-level qualification designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Careers

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker
  • Teacher Assistant
  • Teacher Aide
Next Start : 02 Feb 2026