Work in Australia as a teacher

Australia is experiencing a high demand for Early Childhood and Secondary School Teachers, particularly in regional areas and STEM subjects. With a growing student population and a need for specialized educators, skilled teachers have strong migration prospects. If you are a qualified Early Childhood or Secondary School Teacher, you may be eligible for a skilled visa, leading to permanent residency and career opportunities in Australia’s education system.

What Do Teachers Do?

Teachers play a critical role in shaping young minds and preparing students for future success. Their responsibilities vary based on their specialisation:

Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teachers

• Educating and caring for young children before they begin primary school.
• Developing and implementing learning programs to support cognitive, emotional, and social development.
• Creating engaging activities that encourage creativity and early literacy skills.

Primary School Teachers

• teaching literacy, numeracy, social science, creative expression and physical education skills to primary school students
• presenting prescribed curriculum using a range of teaching techniques and materials
• developing students' interests, abilities and coordination by way of creative activities

Secondary School Teachers

• Teaching students aged 12 to 18 in a specialised subject area (Mathematics, Science, English, etc.).
• Preparing students for higher education and vocational pathways.
• Designing lesson plans, assessing student progress, and implementing classroom management strategies.

Employment Prospects for Teachers

Australia has an ongoing shortage of teachers, particularly in regional and remote areas. Certain subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Technology are in very high demand, increasing job security and migration opportunities.

Some of the strongest employment opportunities for teachers are in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where schools are expanding. You will also find lots of jobs in regional areas, where there are teacher shortages and state incentives for relocation. Private and government schools seeking specialised educators for STEM subjects also frequently recruit overseas.

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Salary Expectations

Teaching salaries in Australia vary based on experience, location, and employment sector (government or private schools). Below are estimated annual salary ranges:

• Early Childhood Teachers: AUD 70,000 – 90,000
• Primary School Teachers: AUD 70,000 - 100,000
• Secondary School Teachers: AUD 80,000 – 110,000

Teachers working in regional areas may also receive additional financial benefits and relocation incentives.

Skills Assessment Requirement – AITSL

A skills assessment is required for teachers applying for a skilled visa. The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is the assessing authority, and it evaluates applicants based on:

• Educational qualifications (Bachelor’s degree in education or an equivalent teaching qualification).
• Completion of supervised teaching practice.
• Registration or certification from a recognized teaching body.
• English language proficiency (for applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds).

Each teaching category has specific criteria, so we recommend contacting us to determine the exact requirements for your skills assessment and visa application.

Visa Pathways for Teachers

There are several visa options available, particularly for Early Childhood and Secondary School Teachers, including:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Permanent residency without state or employer sponsorship.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Requires state nomination, leading to permanent residency.
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Requires regional sponsorship, leading to permanent residency.
• Employer-Sponsored Visas – If you receive a job offer from an Australian school, you may qualify for a Subclass 482 or Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).