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Graduate Diploma in TESOL

Advance your career. Expand your knowledge. Teach and shape minds.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

Applicants can apply directly to UOW. You may be required to have scans or electronic copies of the following documents ready to attach to your application:

  • Academic qualifications relevant to your application
  • English proficiency evidence (if required)
  • Evidence of your citizenship, passport, or permanent residency status

Before you apply, please check the UOW course entry requirements, intake dates, and closing dates for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

Before starting your application, review the entry requirements, intake dates, and deadlines for your chosen degree at UOW. International students should also be aware of both UOW's general English language requirements and the English proficiency standards required for a student visa.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Year ?
Campus ?
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration
1 year full-time, or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2026
  • Spring 2026
Code
UOW: 669

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is designed for TAFE or Vocational Education teachers whose employers require them to have an in-depth qualification. This program is also for experienced educators looking for a higher specialist qualification in ESL teaching.

The Graduate Diploma in TESOL offers sound theoretical and empirical foundations and extensive practical skills that address the broader aspects of education and training.

This degree will provide you with the skills to teach the English language to students, with a focus on international and local contexts and catering for diversity in the classroom. In addition to exploring second language learning theories and research, teaching methods, and pedagogical grammar, you will also undertake a supervised professional experience placement in an ESL classroom.

See the course handbook for more information.

Fee subsidised places available

This course has four core subjects, four elective subjects and a professional experience placement. These subjects are a combination of online and on campus delivery, with the option of completing your study entirely by distance.

See more

Careers

TESOL programs are suitable for qualified classroom teachers in public or private schools, as well as those who want to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) through private colleges, refugee support groups, and other support agencies.

See more

Accreditation & professional recognition

The University of Wollongong is recognised by the Department of Education (DE) as a provider of EAL/D qualifications for primary/secondary trained teachers. DE accreditation will be dependent upon subject choice.

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

A three-year undergraduate degree, preferably including subjects related to the teaching of English (e.g., TESOL, English Literature, Applied Linguistics). No teaching experience is required.


Compulsory Work Based Placement
This course includes a total of 30 hours of compulsory work-based placements, completed over 13 weeks.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    If you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution, you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You'll need to provide academic records, and your course must be at least one-sixth complete. Non-English documents must include an official English translation. For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • Workload

    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
WollongongOn Campus$12940 (2026)$25879 (2026)

The above tuition fee is the indicative amount payable for a full-fee paying place. In 2026, domestic students may be eligible for either a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a UOW-subsidised fee reduction of up to 75% off the fee(s) listed above.

See postgraduate fees for more information.

*Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change. If you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be confirmed at the time of your offer.

  • Autumn Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    International9 December, 2025
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2025

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    Orientation Check your campus details
    Session start2 March, 2026
    Census date31 March, 2026
    Mid-session recess20-24 April, 2026
    Session end25 June, 2026



  • Spring Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    International5 May, 2026
    Domestic (direct)31 May, 2026

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start27 July, 2026
    Census date31 August, 2026
    Mid-session recess28 September - 2 October, 2026
    Session end19 November, 2026

     

     

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