TOP TIPS
for working as a teacher in Australia
Qualifications and visa requirements
Each state and territory in Australia governs its own education system, so you need to check the specific requirements of the state/territory where you want to work. Generally, you will need a university or college teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE) and an Australian education visa or working visa.
We will will help you to work out if you’re qualified for a teaching job in Australia and the Migration Bureau has a free assessment to see which visa category you’re eligible under.
The good news is teaching is on the Skilled Occupation list and this should allow you to apply for a skilled migration visa.
You may also have to undergo a criminal record check and an assessment of your English language skills.
Teaching in Australia:
pay and conditions
Again, the rates of pay vary across the Australian states/territories.
For example, for the year starting 1 January 2022, the average salary for an ECT in Queensland was around $77,000, while their counterparts in Western Australia was around $71,000.
The curriculum
Early childhood education in Australia works with the National Quality Framework which includes the Early Years Learning Framework which guides those who work with children birth to 5 years.
The Australian Curriculum guides teachers who work in the formal school system for children over the age of 5.
Job applications
Make sure that the application you forward to us does the following:
- Clearly outlines your qualifications including name of awarding institution, title of qualification and year awarded.
- Explains your teaching experience including dates, name of school/s or settings.
- Name and contact details of three referees.
- Details of any extra-curricular responsibilities or interests.
Interviews (with us first) will probably be held via Zoom, and you should be prepared to answer questions such as:
- Why are you emigrating to Australia?
- Have you lived overseas before?
- Have you been to Australia before?
- What job/career aspirations do you have in Australia?
Other things to think about:
- The best time to apply for jobs is from early September for the start of the next teaching year.
- Find out general living information by visiting the government website Australia's Lifestyle.
- Take time to decide where you will live; For example, Queensland is a huge state, so explore different regions from the back to the outback.
- Teaching positions in Australia are available across metropolitan, rural and coastal areas, but teachers are particularly in demand in remote locations.
The education system
Make sure you understand the education system in Australia before you apply for any jobs.
Early Years teaching with children under 5 years can be found in private, government and not for profit settings
Early Years teaching with children in prep to year 2/3 can be found in government schools, Catholic education and in independent schools.
Formal school begins with the preparatory year, usually when children turn 5 years old.
Early Childhood settings are generally open 52 weeks of the year. You would of course negotiate your terms and conditions with your employer.
Skilled occupation list
Visas are available to individuals who are qualified to work or train in an eligible skilled occupation in Australia and can meet all other requirements.
Skilled migration program
The skilled stream of the migration program is designed to attract migrants who make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, and fill positions where no Australian workers are available. Skilled migrants have very high participation rates in the workforce, helping to stimulate economic growth, which results in more jobs.
The skilled stream also plays an important role in regional development through providing skills and labour which can't be sourced locally, as well as encouraging investment and promoting local spending in regional areas.
Qualifications assessment by AITSL
All prospective teachers who wish to work in an elementary or primary school environment will also have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and Schools Leadership (AITSL)