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HAT@ECU

What is HAT@ECU?

On behalf of Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Australian Government Department of Education, welcome to the High Achieving Teachers (HAT@ECU) program. This exciting initiative supports and elevates the teaching profession by offering Pre-Service Teachers an innovative, employment-based pathway to teaching. Through this program, Pre-Service Teachers gain both practical experience and formal qualifications—all while being paid.

The HAT@ECU program allows Pre-Service Teachers to pursue one of ECU’s Master of Teaching courses in Early Childhood, Primary, or Secondary Education. Unlike traditional master’s programs, HAT@ECU aligns with Western Australian school terms, offering a structured schedule that meets school needs and supports the connection between studies and classroom practice. Coursework is scheduled outside of school holidays to accommodate participants with school-aged children. In the first year, Pre-Service Teachers will begin working in a HAT@ECU hub school (public, Catholic, or independent), earning while they learn and building essential teaching skills.

Note: The selection process for 2025 is now complete, visit the High Achieving Teachers Program website for more information regarding 2026.

Frequently asked questions

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 entry into the HAT program, you'll receive a scholarship or lump sum of $15,000 for your first year. In year 2, you'll receive a further $3,000 scholarship.

In your first year of this program, you'll have the opportunity of up to 2 days a week of paid employment at your placement school.

In year 2, this can be up to 4 days a week of paid employment while you study.

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

Short answer is no; you can't receive a Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship as well as be part of the High Achieving Teachers employment-based program.

I don't have a STEM degree. Can I still apply?

Absolutely you should. While there is a known shortage of STEM teachers across Australia and Western Australia, we encourage you to apply for the HAT program whatever your study discipline.

How do I apply for the HAT program?

Simply click the Apply button on the HAT website and it will take you to the Postgraduate application options page.

From there, choose Apply Now under the High Achieving Teachers program option and this will open our application portal.

Follow the instructions in the portal, including choosing your preferred Master of Teaching course in either Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary education.

Note: You'll also need to provide course codes in your application.

  • Early Childhood is I81 (that's capital I)
  • Primary is I83
  • Secondary is I91

To make things as smooth as possible, please have your documents ready to upload before starting your application, e.g. your qualifications.

When do applications open and close?

The selection process for 2025 is now complete, visit the High Achieving Teachers Program website for more information regarding 2026.

Where will I study?

Your formal study of the Master's program will be online while you are mentored and coached in a HAT partnership school.

Starting from year 1 sounds a bit scary. What help will I get?

Short answer is lots! You'll have mentors and coaches in the school you start in and you'll be supported by the HAT Team at ECU.

We've established a specialised university-school partnership HAT support team for successful applicants to help you achieve success as a teacher.

There will also be targeted professional learning through your involvement in a range of ECU short courses for teachers.

Contact Us

Director
Associate Professor Matt Byrne
m.byrne@ecu.edu.au

Associate Director
Dr Sarah Jefferson
sarah.jefferson@ecu.edu.au

Hub Coordinator (Metro)
Dr Carli Sanbrook
c.sanbrook@ecu.edu.au

Hub Coordinator (South West)
Mrs Ashley Hetaraka
a.hetaraka@ecu.edu.au

Project Manager
Dr Andrea MacRae
HAT@ecu.edu.au

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