About the course
How the course aligns with your teaching practice
This course is for teachers based in schools or regional settings who want to build their skills and confidence in supporting the learning needs of all students.
It prepares teachers to:
- Learn to lead evidence-based literacy and numeracy practice across your school
- Understand the building blocks of learning
- Support a systematic synthetic phonics approach for students in Prep to Grade 2 as part of VLTM 2.0
- Use data to measure student progress and plan interventions
- Apply evidence-based strategies to real classroom challenges
- Set achievable goals for Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and improve differentiation
- Gain the confidence and skills to coach and support colleagues in inclusive teaching.
What teachers say about the course
We asked recent graduates how their Graduate Certificate study impacted their teaching – here’s what they had to say.
Watch this video featuring Danielle Henderson, Assistant Principal at Seville Primary School.
Watch this video featuring Jacqueline Damen and Katherine Griffin, classroom teachers at Surf Coast Secondary College.
Watch this video featuring Brooke Slopak, RTI/MTSS Intervention Teacher at Keelonith Primary School.
What is involved in the course
- Study 4 subjects covering: how students learn, cognitive load theory, literacy, numeracy, and implementing inclusive change in schools.
- Attend 4 online teaching days (Saturday or Sunday) per 12-week subject.
- Undertake online self-directed study, including preparation, readings, and assignments.
- Study 1 subject each semester (part-time) to balance study, work, and personal commitments.
- Complete the course over 12 or 24 months, starting in Semester 2 (July) 2026.
For detailed subject descriptions, visit the Faculty of Education course page: Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties).
Note: There is no practicum, so no Casual Relief Teacher (CRT) provision is required.
Pathway to the Master of Learning Intervention (Stream A course, learning difficulties)
To continue to the Master of Learning Intervention (Stream A) at the University of Melbourne:
- Apply for the Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties).
- After completing the Graduate Certificate, apply for the Master of Learning Intervention.
- Apply for 50% Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the four Graduate Certificate subjects.
- Complete 4 additional subjects to earn the Master’s qualification.
Contact the IESU for further information.
Eligibility and scholarship prioritisation
Only 50 scholarships are available — contact the IESU to check your eligibility and get started.
Priority is given to schools that have not previously received a scholarship.
All applicants must have full VIT registration.
Additional eligibility rules:
- Multiple campuses: Each campus may receive an extra scholarship.
- Large schools: Schools with more than 500 students may receive one extra scholarship per 500 students.
Guaranteed scholarships
- Specialist and Supported Inclusion Schools – 2 scholarships each.
- Teachers should discuss their interest with their principal before applying.
- Principal class staff are encouraged to apply to share knowledge with other staff.
Contact the IESU to check if your school is eligible for a Round 5 scholarship.
Regional workforces
All regional workforce applicants interested in applying must contact their Regional Nomination Coordinator (RNC). The RNC will provide regional applicants with the correct documentation and guidance for completing the Regional Nomination Form and nomination approvals.
All prospective applicants must have full VIT registration.
| Region | Regional Nomination Coordinators (RNCs) (Inclusive Education Coordinators) |
| SWVR | Dianne Ryan |
| NEVR | Marco Gallucci |
| SEVR | Judi Milano |
| NWVR | Belinda Smith |
Key scholarship obligations
The Department is investing in building strong inclusive education skills across schools and regions.
If you accept a scholarship, you must meet specific employment and financial obligations outlined in the guidelines and application form.
The course cost is listed in the guidelines.
Important: If you do not meet these obligations, you must repay the course fees.
Read the Debt Recovery Policy in the guidelines for more details.
- Withdrawal from a unit after the census date: pay re-enrolment costs.
- Withdrawal from the course entirely: repay costs for all subjects started.
- Leaving the Department during study or within 2 years post-completion: repay course fees.
- Moving to a role that does not support students with learning difficulties within 2 years post-completion: repay course fees.
Consider carefully whether this course is right for you and your school.
General Recipient Obligations
- The course can be completed sooner, but you have 2 years part-time.
- Changes to roles, schools, or enrolment status (defer, intermission, withdraw) must be approved by IESU.
- First semester deferral (Semester 2, 2026) is not allowed.
How to Apply
Discuss interest with your principal or manager to align with school or region goals.
Download guidelines:
- Graduate Certificate in Education Application Guidelines for Round 5 2026 (PDF, 624 KB)
- Graduate Certificate in Education Application Guidelines for Round 5 2026 (DOCX, 1.14 MB)
Support Available
Recipients receive:
- Full tuition fees
- 2 years to complete the course.
Relevant professional learning
Prepare for the course by exploring:
- Information and resources for supporting students with learning difficulties
- Blended learning courses through the Inclusive Classrooms Professional Learning Program(opens in a new window)
Disability Inclusion and related programs
- Disability Inclusion – Inclusive education in practice
- Media release: Helping teachers become diversity, inclusion champions
- Disability Inclusion: increased support for students with disabilities
Additional postgraduate study opportunities available
Through the Master of Inclusive Education Program, teachers can support their schools to plan and assist students with diverse learning needs using evidence-based approaches.
For more information, visit Master of Inclusive Education program | Schools Vic.
Contact the Inclusive Education Scholarships Unit
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Contact email: inclusive.ed.scholarships@education.vic.gov.au
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