As a New Zealand teacher looking to move to Victoria, Australia, one of the first things you'll need to do is get registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).

This guide will walk you through the VIT registration process specifically for Kiwi teachers and help make your transition smooth and straightforward.

Key Steps to VIT Registration

To teach in any Victorian school, you must be registered with the VIT. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. When to Apply

• You can only apply for VIT registration within 3 months of your arrival in Victoria. If you apply too early, your application will be closed.

2. Application Fees

• The application fee for international applicants is approximately $191.83 AUD. Note that if you apply between June and August, a pro-rated fee may be charged to cover your registration until the following year.

3. Processing Time

• Once you submit your application, expect it to take around 4-6 weeks to process, so it’s essential to prepare early!

You can find more information on this process directly from the VIT's official website.

Documentation Checklist

1. Qualification Documents

You’ll need to upload scans or photos of the following:

• University Transcripts from all qualifications, including non-teaching degrees.
• Certificates/Diplomas for all qualifications.
• Proof that you’ve completed a minimum of 45 days of teaching placement during your qualification. If this isn’t listed on your transcripts, a letter from your university confirming your placement days is required.

The VIT grants registration to teachers with any of the following qualifications:

• Four-year Bachelor of Education
• Any undergraduate degree with a PGCE/PGDE or a Master of Education (for most NZ teachers).

2. Identity Documents

You will need:

• Commencement Document: Your Australian work visa (such as a 417 Working Holiday Visa or a Skills Visa).
• Primary Document: Your passport linked to your visa.
• Secondary Documents: A valid NZ driver’s license and a Verification of Applicant Identity Form.

3. Police Check

To meet the VIT's requirements, you will need to provide a police certificate from New Zealand or any country where you’ve lived for 12 or more months in the last 10 years. Once you receive your police certificate, you must submit it to VIT within 7 days, so be sure to gather all your other documentation before applying for the certificate.

For more details about these documents, you can refer to the VIT guidelines here.

VIT Registration: Final Steps

After you submit your VIT application, there may be additional documents requested by VIT, including:

• Proof of your arrival in Victoria, such as flight details.
• Letter of employment, which can be provided by your teaching recruitment agency (like Prospero Teaching).
• In some cases, an additional Statutory Declaration or a second police certificate that was issued no earlier than 7 days before your departure from New Zealand.

How Prospero Teaching Can Help

Here at Prospero Teaching, we understand how complex the process can seem. That’s why we’re here to support you at every stage—from gathering your documents to helping with interviews, to making sure you’re set up with the right school for your career.

We’ll help ensure your VIT registration process is seamless and provide ongoing support as you relocate to Victoria.

If you're ready to start your teaching journey in Victoria, Australia, reach out to our team today!

By following this guide, New Zealand teachers can easily navigate the VIT registration process and kick-start their teaching career in Australia. If you have any questions or need assistance along the way, don't hesitate to get in touch!