The top online master's degrees for future education leaders in Australia.

Best Educational Leadership Masters in Australia
Discover Australia's best educational leadership master programs, available online and accessible nationwide. These specialised courses offer an accelerated path, designed for career advancement by working professionals.
Master of Education (Leading Education)
The Master of Education (Leading Education) from ECU Online will strengthen your skills, improve your performance, and create positive results for students, organisations, and communities. The 8-subject online program covers leadership from all angles, including how to lead in challenging circumstances, motivate staff, create improvements, engage with your community, and conduct assessments. The accelerated degree requires just 16 months of part-time study.
Master of Education (Educational Leadership)
Southern Cross University offers an affordable online education degree. Choose between a graduate certificate with 4 subjects or a master's with 8. With SCU Online, each subject spans 7 weeks, followed by a short break. Finish in 16 months of part-time study. Delivered on an advanced platform, you'll build leadership skills for educational settings. Explore subjects such as accounting for managers, HR management, strategic approaches, and how to enhance teaching and learning.
Master of Education (Leadership)
Master of Education (Leadership) at UC in Canberra. Study online over 16 months, exploring leadership, inclusion, and modern curriculums.… Read More
Master of Educational Leadership
Master of Educational Leadership at ACU in Melbourne or online. Develop leadership skills with core units, electives and a capstone project.… Read More
Definition
The Master of Educational Leadership is a postgraduate program for educators aiming for senior roles in schools or other learning settings. As a graduate, you'll be prepared for positions such as principal, executive, deputy principal, head of department, and director of studies.
Building on your previous studies and teaching experience, you will gain instructional confidence and career opportunities. You can study part-time online and get this degree with minimal work disruption.
Related: Best Masters in Education Online in Australia
Why This Degree Is Worth It
In Australia, a Master of Educational Leadership is worth it because of the personal growth and career development opportunities it provides. This advanced qualification allows educators to expand their knowledge base and access a greater range of teaching and non-teaching roles.
Educational Leadership (or similar) is the most relevant specialisation for teachers seeking high-paying Masters in Education jobs. Positions like school principal, education administrator, curriculum developer, and learning and development manager become more accessible, making senior and advanced jobs more attainable.
The best universities in Australia for a Master of Education (Leadership) – including Edith Cowan University and Southern Cross University – offer the flexibility to study on your terms. They provide online, part-time options, allowing you to balance work and study. You can also start with a shorter Graduate Certificate in Education, so you can test the longer master's program with the option to leave early with a valuable qualification.
Related: Is a Masters in Leadership Worth It?
What Graduates Have to Say

Ben Waddell, a Secondary English Teacher, appreciates the flexibility of his Master of Educational Leadership online. He shared, "One of the major reasons I chose to study...was because of its flexibility and the fact that it's completely online." The online format allows him to balance work and study, with course materials and assessments easily accessible. Ben also notes, "It causes you to think beyond your current position and what those in leadership roles are trying to achieve."

Sarah Louise Gandolfo, an early childhood education consultant, credits her Master of Educational Leadership for expanding her career horizons. She shared, “My course really helped me accelerate my career because I’m now working for a peak body…having that broad educational lens really helped me to have the skills needed to step into that role.” Sarah further commented, “It’s put me in a really great place to further my research career as well.”