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11212NAT
Get a head start on your teaching career with this entry-level qualification designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE.
Get a head start on your teaching career with this entry-level qualification. This course is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is offered to both high school students and adult learners.
This course will teach you essential skills in education support including contributing to the planning of educational programs, respectfully engaging with young people and guiding responsible behaviour in a safe and supportive environment. You'll also learn how to use educational strategies to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education such as developing resources to support First Nations students, producing work that expresses Indigenous identity, and supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children with reading development.
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 apply to progress into a Bachelor of Education at James Cook University.
11212NAT Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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 assistants. Students may study at one of several RATEP sites throughout the state or via an offsite delivery model. Learn more>
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.
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.
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
View comparison chart
| CAMPUS | STUDY MODE | START DATE | DURATION | WORKLOAD | WHAT YOU'LL PAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Cairns
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Online with on campus practical training
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02 Feb 2026
|
8 terms
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Part time online with teacher coordinator support statewide
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CairnsOnline with on campus practical training
START DATE
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
02 Feb 2026
DURATION
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
8 terms
Workload
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
Part time online with teacher coordinator support statewide
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
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
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
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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.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Learn moreThis may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Learn moreYou 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 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.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.
Student applicants entering or currently in year 11 are acceptable as Certificate III students.
Adult applicants with no previous classroom work experience are acceptable as Certificate III students.
Whilst this course has no specific entry requirements, the unit CUAATS111 - Develop understanding of own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Identity requires interpretation of one's own Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island cultural identity in order to complete the unit of competency. Due to this unit being a core unit, enrolment into this course is limited to those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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.
During your course you will be required to complete 100 hours of vocational placement at an approved Primary School in one of the RATEP locations listed below 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.
Off-site students must do 100 hours of vocational placement at a Queensland Education Department school.
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:
RATEP is also available to students who do not have access to a RATEP site via the off-site model.
Offsite 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
