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
(Pre-Primary or students aged 5 and under)
They focus on early learning development that spans from educational to social aspects to emotional well-being that’s more play-based.
Primary School Teacher
(Year 1–6 or students aged 6–12)
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
(Year 7–12 or students aged 13–18)
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
The current trend of demand for teachers shows a range of variation depending on the state/territory and field of study.
- Very High: Mathematics, Science, Special Education
- High: Early Childhood, Languages, Technology & Design, Casual/Relief
- Medium-High: Primary (Generalist)
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).
Teaching Qualification
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:
- Teacher training programs
- Registration requirements
- Professional learning
- School leadership practices
Example Pathways:
Either a 4-year Bachelor of Education or a 3-year Bachelor's Degree in any discipline and the equivalent of a qualification relevant (Grad Diploma or Master of Teaching) to the specific teacher occupation of at least one year full-time study at the university level.
* 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
An Academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) that shows a score of at least 7.0 for both Reading and Writing; and a score of at least 8.0 for both Speaking and Listening; or
English Medium University Study Pathway
An applicant has completed at least four full years of study in higher education (university) in Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America. This study must have resulted in award of qualification(s) comparable to the educational level of an Australian bachelor degree or higher and must include a recognised initial teacher education qualification.
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
Applicants may meet the English language requirement by achieving approved equivalent scores in TOEFL or PTE instead of IELTS.
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.
On MLTSSL List
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).
Not on MLTSSL
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.
Visa Options and
Migration Pathways
Book a session with a registered migration agent to get specific advice on your situation.
Skilled Migration Visas
These are permanent visas in Australia that do not require an employer to sponsor.
Subclass 189
Points-based, doesn’t require sponsorship.
Can lead to permanent residency
Subclass 190
Requires state nomination
Can lead to potential PR
Subclass 491
Requires regional nomination
Can lead to a pathway to PR
Employer-Sponsored Visas
This visa allows the visa holder to work for a school for the company in Australia. It may lead to PR after 3 years.
Subclass 482
Sponsored by a school/employer
Generally, valid up to 4 years with potential PR pathway
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.
Queensland
Public Schools Requirements
Meet the required English requirements
Sit a 10 hour Refresher course in your first year of teaching
Register to be accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and be approved to teach by the NSW Department of Education
New South Wales
Example Requirements
Have a relevant teaching qualification
Meet the mandatory requirements for teacher eligibility
Hold teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)
Pay, Benefits & Working Conditions
Teacher salaries vary by state and experience, but approximate annual ranges include:
Salaries
Teacher salaries vary by state and experience, but approximate annual ranges include:
Primary Teachers
AUD 70,000 – 100,000+
Secondary Teachers
AUD 80,000 – 110,000+
Experienced / Senior Roles
AUD 120,000+ in some regions
These are competitive compared with some countries, though cost of living, especially in big cities like Sydney and Melbourne, can be high.
What potential challenges do Migrant Teachers face?
- Qualification acknowledgement
- Registration challenges
- Struggles in the job market
What can Migrant Teachers do about this?
- Qualification assessment
- Choose a specific location
- Upskill your English proficiency
- Focus on high demand areas and subject matter
- Plan your migration or visa pathway
Are there any incentives?
Australian government is proactively encouraging teachers to work in regional and rural areas due to teacher shortages:
Locations may offer better relocation packages and additional financial incentives
Teacher positions in major cities can be competitive, especially without local experience.
Regional and remote teaching positions often include:
- Relocation support
- Bonus payments
- Higher allowances for roles that are difficult to staff
Public schools also offer paid leave, including generous school holidays of around 10 to 12 weeks per year.
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.