Want to teach in Australia?

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): This is one of the most common visas for teachers from the UK, Canada, and other eligible countries. It allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending for a second or third year by completing specific regional work. However, early childhood teachers can now come to Australia on a full Working Holiday visa without needing to complete the 88 days of farm work or having to meet restrictive tenure conditions. This offers greater flexibility and fewer limitations for eligible teachers. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): For those looking for longer-term options, the 482 visa is often used. Schools or educational institutions can sponsor teachers for up to four years, provided they meet the skill and qualification requirements. This visa allows you to work full-time in Australia, and after three years, you may become eligible for permanent residency. At Prospero Teaching, we work with many schools across Australia and, in some cases, are able to facilitate sponsorship for international teachers through our school partners. While this isn’t available for every role, we will always do our best to explore sponsorship opportunities to help make your teaching journey in Australia a reality. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This is a points-based visa for skilled workers, including teachers, who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently. Applicants must meet certain skill and experience requirements, and it’s a great option for those looking for long-term relocation without the need for sponsorship. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): The 190 visa is similar to the 189, but it requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory. This visa allows you to live and work permanently in Australia, and typically, you need to commit to working in the nominating state or territory for a certain period after arrival. It's a good option if you're interested in living in a specific region of Australia that is actively seeking skilled educators.

The process starts with obtaining the appropriate visa and having your qualifications recognized. Once you’ve done that, we’ll work with you to find the right teaching position that fits your qualifications, experience, and preferences. Most schools in Australia will conduct interviews, either remotely or in-person, and you’ll typically need to provide references and undergo background checks. We’ll assist you throughout this process, from finding the right school to ensuring your transition to Australia is as smooth as possible.

Your qualifications will need to be assessed and recognized by the relevant state or territory's teaching authority. This process generally involves applying for teacher registration with bodies such as the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), or Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). You’ll need to provide documentation of your qualifications, teaching experience, and proof of English language proficiency (if applicable). Once approved, you’ll be eligible to teach in Australia. The process can vary slightly by state, but we can help guide you through the steps.

To teach in Australia, there are several documents you’ll need to organize in advance. Here's a checklist of the essential documents required: 1. Proof of Qualifications Certified copies of your teaching qualifications (degree or diploma). Certified transcripts showing the subjects studied and grades received. Proof of professional teaching qualifications, such as a Graduate Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education. 2. Teacher Registration Evidence of your current or previous teaching registration in your home country. Application for registration with the relevant Australian state or territory teaching authority (e.g., NESA for NSW, VIT for Victoria, QCT for Queensland). Proof of meeting the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (depending on the state/territory). 3. Proof of Identity Passport (a valid passport is typically required). Birth certificate (if needed to prove identity). Driver's license or another form of government-issued ID. 4. Visa Documentation Visa approval letter (depending on the type of visa you apply for, such as a 417, 482, 189, or 190 visa). If applying for sponsorship, you may need additional paperwork related to your sponsoring employer. 5. Work Rights Documentation Proof of right to work in Australia, such as a visa (e.g., Working Holiday Visa or Temporary Skill Shortage Visa). For New Zealand citizens, proof of citizenship or residency under the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement. 6. Criminal Record Check A police clearance certificate from your home country (often within the last 6 months). In Australia, you will also need a National Police Check. Depending on the state, additional background checks may be required (e.g., Working With Children Check). 7. Working With Children Check Required in most states and territories before teaching in schools. Each state has its own version (e.g., NSW Working With Children Check, Victoria’s Working With Children Check). This process involves background checks and the certification to work with minors. 8. English Language Proficiency For teachers from non-English speaking countries, proof of English proficiency might be required (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL scores). This is generally not required for teachers from English-speaking countries like the UK, Ireland, Canada, or South Africa. 9. References Professional references from previous employers or senior educators, preferably from your teaching experience. Letters of recommendation from schools or educational authorities. 10. CV/Resume An up-to-date resume or CV detailing your teaching experience, qualifications, and professional achievements. By organizing these documents, you’ll be well-prepared to apply for teaching positions across Australia and meet the necessary legal and professional requirements.

Our team can help you secure teaching placements in all states and territories across Australia. Whether you're looking to teach in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, or you're interested in opportunities in regional areas such as the Northern Territory, Tasmania, or Western Australia, we have established connections with schools nationwide. We work with both urban and regional institutions, ensuring that we can match you with the right teaching role, no matter where in Australia you’d like to work.

When comparing teacher salaries between Australia and New Zealand, Australian teachers generally earn significantly more. For a New Zealand teacher with the right experience and qualifications, teaching positions in Australia offer, on average, 50% higher salaries. In Australia, the average salary for teachers typically ranges from $95,000 to $105,000 AUD annually, depending on the location and the specific teaching role. For example, primary and secondary teachers in cities like Sydney can earn around $101,500 AUD annually, and in regional areas, salaries can be even higher. Source: https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/teacher/salary

Transferring your teaching qualifications from New Zealand to Australia is a very straightforward and smooth process for NZ teachers. Thanks to the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA), your qualifications are easily recognized in Australia without needing to requalify. However, there are a few simple steps to follow: Registration with the Relevant Teaching Authority In Australia, teaching is regulated at the state or territory level, so you will need to apply for registration with the teaching authority in the state or territory where you intend to teach. Here’s how it works: New South Wales (NSW): Apply through the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Victoria: Apply through the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Queensland: Apply through the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). Each state may have slightly different requirements, but under the TTMRA, your New Zealand teaching registration is typically recognized, and you should be granted registration after completing the relevant checks (such as working with children checks). Documentation Required You will typically need to provide: Proof of your New Zealand teaching registration. Certified copies of your qualifications and transcripts. Identity verification documents (e.g., passport, driver's license). A criminal history check or working with children check specific to the state you are applying in.

At Prospero Teaching Australia, we primarily work with private and religious schools across the country. We have established strong relationships with some of Australia’s top educational institutions, helping to bring talented educators from New Zealand into their classrooms. Our extensive network and pathways allow us to connect New Zealand teachers with prestigious schools that align with their skills and career aspirations. Whether you’re looking for a permanent role or a flexible placement, we’re proud to offer opportunities in schools known for their excellence in education and supportive environments for both staff and students.

Absolutely not! As long as you are a New Zealand citizen and have your New Zealand teaching registration, you can teach in Australia almost as easily as you can in New Zealand. Thanks to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA), New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia without the need for a visa. Once your qualifications are recognized through the appropriate Australian state or territory’s teaching authority, you’re all set to start your teaching journey in Australia!

Relocation benefits ultimately depend on the school you seek placement with. Many of the schools we work with, particularly those in regional areas, are open to providing some form of relocation assistance to teachers. This is especially common with schools in areas like the Northern Territory, where relocation packages can help support teachers making the move. These benefits can vary from school to school, so it’s worth discussing your options with your consultant to see what opportunities are available based on the role and location.