High Achieving Teachers program

How the program works

HAT@ECU combines university study with real classroom experience through partnership hubs located across metropolitan, regional and rural Western Australia. This integrated approach helps you develop the skills and confidence to transition into teaching.

Partnership hubs

Study and gain practical teaching experience in a partnership hub that connects you with local schools and educational settings.

In public schools there is high demand for teachers in Secondary (Science, Design and Technology (D&T), English, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)) and Early Childhood (and inclusive) educational settings. By location, there is high demand for teachers in outer metropolitan and regional locations.

Professional experience and paid employment

Complete at least 60 days of professional experience and up to 160 days of paid employment, allowing you to build your skills while gaining valuable classroom experience.

Flexible study

Metro students attend classes at ECU Joondalup two days a week during Term 1, while regional students join scheduled online classes. From Term 2, learning is primarily online with a mix of live sessions, hub activities and occasional on-campus requirements.

Dedicated support

Receive ongoing support from Hub Coordinators, mentor teachers and ECU staff, along with professional learning opportunities designed to prepare you for today's classrooms.

The HAT@ECU program will give a much needed boost to the current teacher shortage in Western Australia.

Who can apply

HAT@ECU is open to graduates and final-year students with a degree in a field other than teaching who want to become teachers.

You may be eligible if you:

• are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen with the right to work in Australia
• have completed, or are in your final year of, a non-teaching undergraduate degree
• have achieved strong undergraduate results
• can show strong communication skills, motivation and suitability for teaching

We welcome applicants from a range of study areas, including Mathematics, English, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences.

As part of your application, you'll need to submit a personal statement that explains why you want to teach and what strengths you would bring to the classroom.

If your application progresses, you'll be invited to an interview with the HAT@ECU team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What happens each year of the program?

  Year 1

  You will begin the program with an orientation at ECU, followed by a school-based induction at your partnership hub school, where you will build connections with staff, students, and the school community.

  In Term 1, if you are based in metro Perth, you will attend in-person classes at the Joondalup campus two days per week, while regional students participate online through scheduled synchronous sessions.

  Across Terms 1 and 2, you will complete an accelerated Initial Teacher Education (ITE) curriculum alongside observation days and early classroom experience, including your first Professional Experience placement.

  From Term 2 onwards, coursework is delivered primarily online, supported by synchronous sessions, intensive study blocks, and occasional in-person requirements.

  In Terms 3 and 4, you will continue your ITE studies while transitioning into paid employment in your partnership hub school under Limited Registration at 0.4 FTE (equivalent of two days per week).

  Year 2

  In your second year, your time in schools increases to 0.6–0.8 FTE (equivalent of three to four days per week), allowing you to take on greater teaching responsibility.

  This is supported by continued ITE coursework, professional learning, and intensive study blocks, delivered primarily online with some synchronous and in-person components, to strengthen your practice and support your growth as an educator.

• Can I study part-time in the HAT@ECU program?

  No, the program is a full-time course. The course structure is designed with set units that align with the program’s employment-based model, ensuring a strong integration of study, professional experience, and paid work in your partnership hub school.

• What undergraduate results do I need to be eligible?

  You must have achieved a minimum course WAM of 70 (or equivalent) in your bachelor degree and/or equivalent industry experience.

• How much will I be paid under the program?

  Upon entering the HAT@ECU program, you’ll receive a $15,000 scholarship in your first year, followed by an additional $3,000 scholarship in your second year.

  In Year 1, you’ll have the opportunity to work up to two days per week (0.4 FTE) in paid employment at your partnership hub school during Terms 3 and 4.

  In Year 2, your paid employment increases to up to four days per week (0.6–0.8 FTE) during Terms 1, 2, and 3 while you continue your studies. After graduating at the end of Term 3, you’ll transition to full-time employment (1.0 FTE) in Term 4.

• Am I eligible to receive a Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship if I'm accepted on the HAT@ECU program?

  Short answer: no, you can't receive both. As a student, we encourage you to apply for both scholarships, but if successful, you can only accept one. You cannot receive a Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship while participating in the HAT@ECU program.

• What kind of undergraduate studies do I need to apply?

  This depends on which Master of Teaching you’re applying for.

  • Early Childhood or Primary Education – You can have an undergraduate qualification in any field.
  • Secondary Education – Your degree should be in Mathematics, English, Science, or Humanities and Social Sciences.

• When do applications open and close?

  Applications for the next HAT@ECU program intake in late January 2027 will open on Monday 4 May and close on Monday 21 September, 2026.

  Please note we're filling places as applications come in, so apply before 21 September 2026 for your best chance.

  Applying for a place in HAT@ECU Program in an area of teaching demand may increase your opportunities to secure a hub school placement, if your application is successful. If needed, applications may reopen later in the year. Please click the 'Enquire' button and complete the form to receive updates about the program.

• Where will I study if I’m accepted into the program?

  If you are based in the Perth metro area, you will attend in-person classes at the Joondalup campus during Term 1 to support your transition into the program and build strong foundations.

  If you are based in a regional area, your Term 1 study will be delivered online through scheduled synchronous sessions, allowing you to participate in real time from your location.

  From Term 2 onwards, coursework for all students is delivered primarily online, with a mix of synchronous sessions and occasional in-person requirements.

  At the same time, you'll gain hands-on experience in a partnership hub school, where you'll be supported by experienced mentors, ensuring a strong connection between theory and practice.

• Being placed in a school at the start of the program sounds a bit scary. What help will I get?

  Short answer: plenty! You’ll be supported every step of the way by a dedicated team, including Hub Coordinators, mentor teachers, and student support officers—all committed to your success. This team provides academic support, pastoral care, and professional guidance, ensuring you have the resources and encouragement needed to thrive.

  In addition to in-school mentoring, you’ll be backed by the HAT@ECU team and ECU academic staff. You will also have access to targeted professional learning opportunities, including ECU short courses designed specifically for teachers.

• Can I choose my partnership hub school?

  No, hub school placements are coordinated by the HAT@ECU program in collaboration with our sector partners.

  HAT@ECU works with a range of public, Catholic, and independent partnership hub schools across Perth and regional Western Australia, including the SW and larger regional centres. While we take your location and personal circumstances into consideration, placements are determined based on school needs, availability, and ensuring a high-quality experience for you.

  Where possible, we aim to place you in a school that is convenient to your home or preferred area.