Migration Through Education: Teaching as Your Pathway to Permanent Residency

Teaching in Australia | Key Things You Need to Know

Migration through education isn’t just a probability, it’s a possibility. Here are the things to keep in mind as you navigate your way through your teaching pathway.

Secondary School Teacher 

You will be teaching students between the ages of 13-18 years old. You’ll be focusing on specialist subjects (English, Maths, Science, History, Languages, etc.) and will be preparing the students for exams, university, or vocational pathways. The Secondary School Teacher’s average annual salary ranges from AU$75,000–AU$110,000 but that varies depending on the subject, the teacher’s experience and the state/territory they’re teaching in. 

Visa application

As a Secondary School Teacher, you can apply for any of the General Skilled Migration and Employer Sponsored Visas. 

Primary School Teacher 

You will be teaching students between the ages of 6 or 7 to 12 years old. You’ll put more emphasis on foundational literacy, numeracy, and general subjects, and will encourage social skills and overall personal development. The average salary of a Primary School Teacher ranges from AU$70,000–AU$95,000 annually. 

Visa application

For visa application, the State Nominated Visas (190 & 491) are all available for prospective teachers to apply for. 

Early Childhood Teacher 

You will be teaching students below 6 years old. The main focus would be the students’ holistic development through social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. This will be done through play-based learning. The annual Early Childhood Teacher gets a salary that averages within the AU$65,000–AU$85,000 range.

Visa application

Early Childhood Teachers can apply for State Nominated Visas, just like Secondary School Teachers can.

🟠 Learn more: Becoming a Teacher in Australia

Job Demand of Teachers in Australia

Secondary School Teacher

There’s a high demand for STEM, Maths, Science, and languages; shortages in rural/remote areas.

Primary School Teacher 

There’s a moderate to high demand; especially for STEM, literacy, and remote areas.

Early Childhood Teacher 

There’s a growing demand in early childhood education due to increased focus on early learning.

Skills Assessment

For educational standards purposes, there are skills assessments that applicants need to pass so that they can be certified to teach in Australia. 

AITSL Skills Assessment for Primary and Secondary School Teachers 

• Provide qualification certificates and academic transcripts
• Minimum of 4 years of study in higher education is required
• The qualification must be specialised in Primary or Secondary Education
• English Requirements to become a primary or secondary school teacher 
• IELTS Academic

  Speaking: Band 8
  Listening: Band 8
  Reading: Band 7
  Writing: Band 7

• No work experience needed 

Note: AITSL considers your qualifications, teaching placement, and English skills.

ACECQA Skill Assessment for Early Childhood Education Teachers  

• Provide qualification certificates and academic transcripts
• Minimum of 4 years of study in higher education is required
• Qualification must be specialised in teaching
• At least 45 days teaching placement is required
• English proficiency is required

If you pass the assessment, then we can talk about the different permanent visa options you can choose from. 

The Visa Application Process

For visa application and eventual migration process, there are a few visas we recommend that you can apply for.

General Skilled Migration Visas

Secondary School Teacher & Early Childhood Teacher 

General Skilled Migration

Skilled Independent Visa (189)

• Points-based, no sponsorship needed
• Allows skilled workers with in-demand skills to apply directly

Skilled Nominated Visa (190) 

• Requires state/territory nomination; 
• Aligns skills with regional needs

Skilled Work Regional (491) 

• Provisional visa; 
• State nomination or family sponsorship in regional area

Primary School Teacher 

Skilled Nominated Visa (190) 

• Requires state/territory nomination; 
• Aligns skills with regional needs

Skilled Work Regional (491) 

• Provisional visa; 
• State nomination or family sponsorship in regional area

Employer Sponsored Visas

Employer-sponsored visa (186)

• Employer nominates worker for permanent role; 
• Can apply from within or outside Australia

Pro tip: Apply in regional areas where there’s shortage on teachers

From Local Lessons to International Teaching

There are pathways possible for teaching in Australia — whether that’s in Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary School. What’s important is getting the credentials, gathering and submitting requirements, and applying for the visa that best works with your career goals. We’re here to help you do just that. 

If you’re interested in teaching in Australia or know someone who does, please feel free to contact us and book a consultation with one of our expert migration agents.