New Zealand Teachers coming to Australia: What you need to know!

If you're a Kiwi teacher eager for new opportunities and experiences, teaching in Australia could be the perfect adventure for you!

The best part? As a New Zealand teacher, the transition to teaching in Australia is a breeze. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from qualifications and registration to visas and what to expect when you arrive!

Before you leave

Before you pack your bags, here are the key things to know about teaching in Australia as a New Zealand teacher:

Teaching Qualifications: The great news is that your New Zealand qualifications are recognized in Australia! However, you’ll still need to get them assessed by the relevant Australian state or territory education authority to make it official.

Teacher Registration: While your NZ registration is mutually recognized, you must register with the teaching authority in the state or territory where you plan to teach. Each area has its own registration board, so make sure you check which one applies to you.

Visa Requirements: If you’re a New Zealand citizen, you're in luck—no visa is required to live and work in Australia. For NZ permanent residents, you'll need to apply for a visa based on your citizenship. Check out your options on the Australian Government website.

What You Need to Do

Now that you’ve got the basics down, here’s what you need to do to kickstart your teaching career in Australia:

Check Your Qualifications: Contact the relevant teacher registration board in Australia to see if you need an assessment of your qualifications.

Register with the Teaching Board: You’ll need to complete the registration process and provide proof of qualifications, work experience, and a positive standing as a teacher. Here are links to the key registration boards in Australia:

• NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
• Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
• Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)
• Northern Territory Teacher Registration Board

Find a Job: Once your visa and registration are sorted, it’s time to find a teaching job! At Prospero Teaching, we make this easy for you. Our team will help match you with top schools that align with your qualifications and career goals. Ready to take the leap? Contact us today to discover the exciting opportunities waiting for you in Australia!

What to Expect

Teaching in Australia offers a vibrant, supportive teaching community, and you’ll have access to plenty of professional development opportunities. Plus, the lifestyle and standard of living are excellent.

Salaries: Australian teacher salaries are among the highest in the world. With just 4 years of experience, teachers in Australia can earn an average of AUD $95,000 per year—much higher than what you might be used to in New Zealand.

Every state offers competitive salaries, and regional areas often provide extra incentives. If you want to learn more, check out our previous blog post comparing teacher salaries across Australian states here.

Why Use Prospero Teaching?

If you're thinking of making the move, why go it alone? With Prospero Teaching, we’ll make your transition to Australia as simple and stress-free as possible. Our expert team will guide you through every step, from sorting out registration to finding a job that’s the perfect fit for you.

We'll work with you to ensure all your paperwork is in order and that you're connected with schools that match your qualifications, preferences, and career aspirations. We’ve helped countless New Zealand teachers find their dream roles in Australia—and we’re here to help you too!