Lexi Webster
Australia is a popular destination for teachers from the UK, US, and Canada, offering a similar lifestyle in a warmer climate. The country is currently facing a teacher shortage, creating many job opportunities for overseas-trained educators at all levels and across various locations, from rural towns to major cities. The curriculum in Australia is similar to that of other native English-speaking countries, making it an attractive option for foreign teachers. However, it's important to note that the cost of living in Australia is higher, and a visa is required for relocation. Australia offers a range of teaching jobs, from primary and secondary schools to private and public institutions, providing a pathway to residency for qualified teachers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Demand for teachers | High |
| Demand for teachers in regional areas | Very high |
| Demand for teachers in major cities | Lower |
| Demand for female primary school teachers in major cities | Lowest |
| Demand for math and science teachers | High |
| Demand for English teachers | High |
| Salary range | $55,000–$100,000 AUD |
| Minimum salary for full-time teachers | $80,000 AUD |
| Cost of living | High |
| Visa requirements | TSS visa, employer-sponsored visa, or permanent visa |
| English language proficiency requirements | Academic IELTS with a score of at least 7.0 for reading and writing and 8.0 for speaking and listening; or completion of at least four years of full-time higher education in an English-speaking country |
| Education requirements | Bachelor of Education degree or a related undergraduate degree with a graduate diploma or master's in education |
| Teaching experience required | 1–2 years |
| Job searching websites | Hays Recruitment, Teacher on Net, TES |
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What You'll Learn
Qualifications and experience
To work as a teacher in Australia, you must meet certain requirements. The qualifications you need to teach in Australia will depend on where you obtained your original teaching qualifications. If you obtained your teaching qualifications in Australia, you will need to have completed a four-year teaching degree such as a Bachelor of Education or a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. If your undergraduate degree is unrelated to teaching, you will need to complete a graduate-entry teaching degree such as a Master of Teaching.
If you obtained your teaching qualifications outside of Australia, you will need to have your qualifications assessed against Australian standards by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Limited (AITSL) or under the Skilled Migration Program. If you have completed at least four full years of study at a university in Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America, and have received a qualification comparable to an Australian bachelor's degree or higher, you will not need to undertake further study.
English requirements to become a teacher in Australia are high. If you are a non-native English speaker, you will need to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and achieve a score of at least 7.0 for reading and writing and at least 8.0 for speaking and listening.
In addition to qualifications, you will need to register with the relevant state authority and obtain approval to teach. For example, in New South Wales, you will need to register to be accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and be approved to teach by the NSW Department of Education. You will also need to sit a 10-hour Refresher course in your first year of teaching.
Finally, while not a qualification or experience requirement, it is worth noting that there is more demand for qualified teachers in regional Australia. Many young Australian teacher graduates go to regional Australia to find their first employer.
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Job searching websites and recruitment agencies
Australia is currently facing a teacher shortage, with many jobs available for overseas-trained teachers. This presents a great opportunity for those looking to immigrate to Australia as teachers.
Job Searching Websites
- Teacher On Net: A job board with employment opportunities in numerous schools across Australia.
- SEEK: A job searching website with a range of teaching positions in primary and secondary schools.
- JobFeed: A website that advertises permanent and temporary teaching positions with the NSW Department of Education.
Recruitment Agencies
- Hays Recruitment: A well-established recruiting agency that is market-leading in the Asia Pacific, UK, and Europe.
- ANZUK Education: The world's largest specialist education recruitment company, connecting educators with classrooms and centres Australia-wide and globally. They offer casual relief teaching, contract, and permanent opportunities.
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Teaching licenses and visas
To teach in Australia, you will need a teaching license and a visa. The requirements for these vary depending on the state and territory in which you intend to teach.
Teaching Licenses
To be considered suitably qualified to teach in Australia, you must have a university degree and a teaching license. You must also have four years (full-time equivalent) of tertiary education, including at least 45 days of supervised teaching practice within the age range of students relevant to your teaching occupation.
If you are an international student, you will 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. If you are a native English speaker, you will need to demonstrate that you have completed at least four full years of study at a higher-education level in a majority-English-speaking country.
In addition to academic qualifications, Australian teaching roles often require registration with a professional body, such as the AITSL, which conducts skills assessments for migration purposes.
Visas
There are several visa options for teachers seeking to relocate to Australia. The most common type is the employer-sponsored visa, which requires you to have a job offer from an Australian school before applying. This visa allows you to work for the sponsoring school and may lead to permanent residency after three years.
Another option is the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), which allows teachers to work in specific states or territories that nominate them. This visa often accompanies the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), which offers flexibility, no age limit, and a direct route to permanent residency.
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) prioritizes educators in rural and underserved areas, providing a clear pathway to permanent residency after three years.
To lodge an Expression of Interest for a Subclass 190 or 491 visa, you must attain at least 65 PR points for teachers in Australia. All applicants must also secure a positive Skills Assessment from the AITSL and meet local Australian State Licensing requirements.
It is important to note that visa requirements may change, so it is recommended to consult official government sources or seek specialized visa services for the most up-to-date information.
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Cost of living
The cost of living in Australia is high compared to other countries, and educators can expect to pay more for most aspects of life, including groceries and housing. The average monthly rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in a city centre is $1300 USD, and $930 outside of the city. Teachers in high-demand rural and remote areas may receive additional financial benefits, such as relocation subsidies and rental subsidies.
Salaries for teachers in Australia vary depending on the state or territory, the type of school (public or private), and the level of education being taught. The minimum salary for a full-time teacher in Australia is approximately $80,000, with more senior teachers earning up to $100,000. However, it is important to note that the pay scale for teachers in Australia does not increase significantly with age or expertise, which may be a factor to consider when comparing the cost of living to income.
In the ACT, graduate relief teachers earn a starting rate of $310 per day, which increases with experience, up to $532 per day. In South Australia, classroom teachers in public schools earn between $80,093 and $116,162 per year, while in Western Australia, graduate teachers start at $85,610 per year, with the potential to increase up to $124,016 with experience.
Overall, while the cost of living in Australia may be high, teacher salaries are relatively competitive with other graduate degrees, and there are additional benefits and opportunities for those willing to teach in regional or rural areas.
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Curriculum and subjects
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is responsible for the Australian curriculum, which is designed to provide a clear understanding of what students should learn, regardless of their location or school system. The curriculum is currently in its early stages and is being piloted by various schools. It covers English, history, mathematics, and science, with the aim of equipping students with essential skills, knowledge, and capabilities to thrive in a globalised world.
The curriculum includes eight key learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Languages, Technologies, and the Arts. It also includes seven general capabilities: literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, and intercultural understanding.
The curriculum in Australia is similar to that of other native English-speaking countries, including the UK, Ireland, Canada, South Africa, and the United States. This means that teachers with experience in these countries may find it easy to transition to teaching in Australia.
In primary schools, teachers are responsible for covering a broad range of subjects, including Math, English, Science, and Physical Education. In secondary schools, teachers generally specialise in one or a few subjects, including Math, Science, English, and Social Studies. Senior Secondary School teachers often have multiple classes throughout the day, teaching different year levels and abilities across Years 11 and 12.
There is also a demand for teachers in regional Australia, where many young Australian teacher graduates find their first employer.
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Frequently asked questions
To teach in Australia, you need to have 3-4 years of tertiary training and a recognised teaching qualification. You will also need to pass a criminal record check and an English literacy test.
There is currently a teacher shortage in Australia, so there are many jobs for overseas-trained teachers. However, the application process can take 1-2 years, so finding a job may not be immediate.
Pay is dependent on experience and location, but salaries are generally between $55,000 and $100,000 AUD, which is slightly higher than in the UK.
The curriculum in Australia is similar to other native English-speaking countries. There is a larger focus on sports and outdoor activities, with class trips to nature reserves being quite common. Teachers usually focus on a particular year level for their entire class.
