Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is a popular destination for teachers from the UK, US, and Canada, who are looking for a warmer climate and a similar lifestyle. Australia's curricula are very similar to those in western nations, and the country is home to private and public schools in both rural and urban areas. To teach in Australia, you will need a university degree, a teaching license, and proficiency in English. You will also need to secure a visa, and there are several options to choose from. Positions are available throughout the year, but the peak time for vacancies starts in late September.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Qualifications | A bachelor's degree, PGCE or a full 4-year educational degree |
| English Proficiency | Academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 7.0 for Reading and Writing, and 8.0 for Speaking and Listening |
| Salary | $30,000 to $65,000 USD or $55,000 to $100,000 AUD |
| Visa | Skilled nominated visa (190), skilled independent permanent visa (189), skilled work regional visa (491), skilled employer-sponsored visa (494), or Working Holiday visa |
| School Type | State or private schools |
| Location | Rural or regional schools are in higher demand |
| Time of Year | Peak time for vacancies is in late September |
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What You'll Learn
Qualifications and experience
To teach in Australia, you must have a minimum qualification of a bachelor's degree in education or a bachelor's degree with a postgraduate qualification in education. The specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the state or territory you wish to teach in and the level of education you wish to teach (early childhood, primary, or secondary). It is important to check the exact requirements for your desired teaching location and level.
For early childhood education, which typically covers children from birth to five years old, you will need a minimum qualification in early childhood education. This could be an Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Some states may also require additional accreditation or registration with the relevant early childhood education authority.
For primary and secondary school teaching, a bachelor's degree in education is typically required. This degree should include practical teaching experience, which is usually gained through supervised placements in schools. The duration and number of placements may vary depending on the university and the program. During these placements, you will have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you have gained during your studies and develop your teaching skills under the guidance of experienced teachers.
If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-education field and wish to become a teacher, you can obtain a postgraduate qualification in education. There are various pathways available, such as a Master of Teaching or a Graduate Diploma in Education. These programs are designed to provide you with the necessary pedagogical skills and knowledge to become an effective teacher. They typically include a combination of coursework and practical teaching placements.
In addition to academic qualifications, practical teaching experience is highly valued. Gaining experience through volunteer work, tutoring, or teaching assistant roles can enhance your understanding of classroom dynamics and student engagement. It also demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can provide you with valuable skills that will benefit your future teaching career.
Remember to research the specific requirements for the state or territory you wish to teach in, as there may be slight variations in the qualifications and experience needed. By ensuring you have the right combination of academic qualifications and practical teaching experience, you will be well on your way to a successful teaching career in Australia.
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Visa options
To work as a teacher in Australia, you must first secure a visa. There are several visa options available for teachers, each with its own requirements and specifications.
One option is the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), which is a permanent visa with a points system. To be considered for this visa, you must indicate your interest through SkillSelect and wait for an offer or invitation to apply. Another option is the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), which is also a permanent visa with a points system. However, for this visa, you must submit an expression of interest on SkillSelect before applying.
If you are seeking employment in regional Australia, the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) may be suitable. This visa is valid for five years and requires nomination through SkillSelect after submitting an interest application. Additionally, the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Visa (subclass 494) is another five-year visa option. To be eligible, you must be endorsed by an Australian employer and be under 45 years of age.
For primary school teachers, it is essential to have a school sponsor your work visa. This is a permanent visa that does not require an employer's sponsorship. It allows you to work for any school in Australia and may lead to permanent residency after three years.
It is worth noting that each Australian state governs its education system, so the requirements may vary from state to state. As a teacher, you will likely need to register with the respective state's education department or authority.
To assess your eligibility for these visas, you can refer to the AITSL (Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership) website, which outlines the skills assessment process for securing a teaching position in Australia. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate English proficiency by taking the IELTS test unless you have completed at least four years of undergraduate study in specific countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
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Salary expectations
The salary for teaching jobs in Australia depends on various factors, including qualifications, level of education being taught, and location. Teachers in the country are generally paid quite well, with salaries ranging from $30,000 to $65,000 USD or $55,000 to $100,000 AUD per year. The average teacher salary in Australia is $88,944 per year or $45.61 per hour, with entry-level positions starting at $74,301 per year, while experienced teachers can earn up to $116,689 annually. The minimum salary for a full-time teacher in Australia is around $80,000, which is what most graduate teachers can expect to earn. More senior teachers can earn up to $100,000.
Math and science secondary school teachers are reportedly the most in-demand in Australia, particularly in regional areas. Teachers in these subjects may have better salary prospects. Additionally, teachers working in rural, regional, and remote locations may be eligible for extra benefits and incentives.
It is worth noting that the salary figures provided are estimates and can vary from state to state within Australia, as each state governs its own education system. Therefore, it is essential to research the specific salary expectations for the state and type of school you are interested in teaching in.
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School term times
For instance, in 2025, the school year in New South Wales begins on 5 February and ends on 18 December. The four terms are as follows:
- Term 1: 5 February – 11 April
- Term 2: 28 April – 4 July
- Term 3: 21 July – 26 September
- Term 4: 13 October – 18 December
The Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia have similar term dates. However, the exact dates may vary slightly from year to year and between states.
The summer break, which includes Christmas and New Year, is the busiest time for locals to visit the beach. It is also a popular time for families to take vacations, so travelling in Australia during this period can be busy.
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Job searching
There are several job searching websites and recruitment agencies that can help you find a teaching job in Australia. Hays Recruitment is a well-established agency that is market-leading in the Asia Pacific, UK, and Europe. Teacher on Net has an employment board for numerous schools across Australia. These sites are popular with immigrant teachers. You can apply for a job at any time of the year, as the Australian school year runs from February to December.
You can also check the Teach Away job board for upcoming teaching jobs in Australia. You will need a university degree and a teaching license to teach in Australia. If you are a UK teacher, a PGCE or a full 4-year educational degree will be required. Math and science secondary school teachers are the most in-demand in Australia. There is also a lot more demand for qualified teachers in regional Australia.
You can research schools on the 'Find a school' page and contact principals to discuss possible short or long-term positions. You should be reasonably flexible about where you want to teach and consider rural or regional schools. You can also register your details in a recruitment system talent pool.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to have a university degree and a teaching license. If you are a UK teacher with a PGCE or a full 4-year educational degree, you can migrate to Australia. You will also need to have your previous study assessed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) as comparable to at least four years of full-time higher education. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate English proficiency by sitting the IELTS test if you haven't studied for at least four years of undergraduate education.
There are several visa options for teachers looking to work in Australia. The most common types are Visa 190, a skilled nominated permanent visa with a points system; Visa 189, a skilled independent permanent visa with a points system; Visa 491, a five-year skilled work regional visa; and Visa 494, a skilled employer-sponsored visa that is valid for 5 years.
There are numerous job searching websites and recruitment agencies that can help you find teaching jobs in Australia. Hays Recruitment and Teacher on Net are two well-known examples. Additionally, you can check the websites of state governments and their associated websites, as they often post available teaching roles.
