Working as a Teacher in Australia
Becoming a Teacher in Australia
To work as a teacher in Australia there are certain requirements that you must meet. This article details the specific requirements that you need to work in Australia.
Teachers in Various Educational Levels
There are 3 major types of school teachers in the Australian educational system. These are categorized based on the students’ year level and age range.
Early Childhood Teacher
Primary School Teacher
They focus on early formal schooling and building students’ skills on literacy, numeracy, and social connection as the foundations for their development.
Secondary School Teacher
They focus on specific subject matter that teaches and guides students to more advanced levels of learning that prepares them for further study or employment.
The High Demand of Teachers in Australia (2026 update)
The current trend of demand for teachers shows a range of variation depending on the state/territory and field of study.
There’s a Very High demand for Mathematics, Science-related subjects, and Special Education fields; meanwhile, a High demand for Early Childhood Education, Language, Technology & Design, and Casual/Relief Teachers. Lastly, the Primary (Generalist) field got a Medium-High demand.
Study To Become A Teacher
International students can become a qualified teacher in as short a time as 1 – 2 years (if they have already completed a bachelor degree).
Education Requirements
English proficiency
Study assessments for teaching qualification include:
- AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Limited) it compares to at least four years full-time higher education (university) level study
- 45 days of supervised teaching practice with students
The AITSL standards and tools impacts:
Please note these are general in nature. For more information on the AITSL skills assessment, please contact the skills assessor.
Above Standard English Requirements
English requirements to become a teacher in Australia are very high.
You will need to show:
IELTS Academic English Requirement
English Medium University Study Pathway
Pathways to Aus is partnered with many English schools in cities across Australia. You can check about the separate program here. To discuss your options in detail, please contact our dedicated education agents by filling out the enrollment form.
Certain exemptions apply if you studied in certain countries (UK, Canada, NZ, etc.) or have particular credentials recognized by local jurisdictions.
TOEFL or PTE Alternative Pathways
Migrating to Australia
If you’re already a qualified teacher, you may be able to apply for independent general skilled migration (permanent work visa).
Getting a work visa in Australia
State/Territory registration is a requirement prior to professionally teaching in Australian schools.
Secondary School Teacher and Early Childhood (Pre-primary school) Teacher
Both on the Immigration and Border Protection Medium to Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
If you’re qualified, you may then be able to apply for an Independent General Skilled Migration Visa (permanent work visa).
Primary School Teacher is not on this MLTSSL.
If you are a qualified primary school teacher you can’t apply for the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), you can choose to apply for a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) instead.
General Skilled Migration
Employer Sponsored
Working as a Teacher in Australia
The minimum salary for a full time teacher in Australia is roughly $80,000. This is what most graduate teachers would earn.
More senior teachers can expect to receive up to $100,000.
*However, do not that the salary figures is an estimate. It vary from each state.
Working Requirements Depending on the State
Firstly, you will need to ensure that you meet all of the requirements for the specific State in Australia that you would like to work.
- Each state in Australia governs its own education system the requirements may change from state to state, however each state usually requires you to register as a teacher in the state.
- It’s recommended that you check with the specific state that you would like to teach in.
Below is an example of the requirements for teaching in NSW:
- Meet the required English requirements:
- Register to be accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and be approved to teach by the NSW Department of Education.
- Sit a 10 hour Refresher course in your first year of teaching
To work in QLD public schools you must:
- have a relevant teaching qualification
- hold teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)
- meet the mandatory requirements for teacher eligibility.
Client Success Stories
Learn more about what the Educate to Migrate experience is like from our clients’ journeys.
Real success stories. Real outcomes.
Every client journey is different, but the goal is the same: a clear and achievable pathway to living and working in Australia.
From choosing the right course to navigating skills assessments and visa options, we work closely with you at every stage. Our client success stories show what is possible when the right strategy, timing, and guidance come together.
If you are planning to build a future in Australia through education, these stories will give you a realistic picture of what the journey looks like and how we can help you get there.
Ready to start your own study to migrate pathway? Let’s build a plan that works for you.
Thanks to Pathway to Aus, we secured our permanent residency in Australia!
From a Student Visa to a Graduate Visa to TSS sponsorship – Pathway to Aus made it all possible.
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In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.
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