Moving from the UK to Australia as a Teacher: Qualifications, Visas & Registration
Australia is experiencing an ongoing shortage of qualified teachers, and UK-trained educators are particularly well regarded across the country. From early childhood to secondary education, Australian schools are actively seeking skilled professionals who can step into classrooms and make an impact.
If you’re a qualified teacher in the UK considering a move to Australia, the process can feel complex at first. Qualifications must be recognised, skills assessed, visas selected, and registration completed before you can teach. The good news? Thousands of UK teachers have successfully done it, and you can too.
This in-depth guide walks you through everything you need to know, including qualification recognition, the AITSL skills assessment, visa options, teacher registration, and pathways to permanent residency.
Why UK Teachers Are in Demand in Australia
Teacher shortages are being felt nationwide in Australia, particularly in STEM subjects, special education, early childhood education, and regional and remote areas. Population growth, increased student enrolments, and workforce attrition have created sustained demand across both public and private education sectors.
UK-trained teachers are highly valued due to the strong alignment between the UK and Australian education systems. Curriculum structures, classroom expectations, and teacher training standards are comparable, which allows UK educators to transition smoothly into Australian schools.
Beyond employment opportunities, Australia offers a compelling lifestyle. Competitive salaries, strong workplace protections, generous leave entitlements, and a focus on work-life balance make teaching in Australia appealing. For many UK teachers, the move also offers outdoor living and family-friendly migration options, including pathways to permanent residency.
Are UK Teaching Qualifications Recognised in Australia?
In most cases, yes, UK teaching qualifications are recognised in Australia for migration purposes, provided they meet Australian standards.
The key assessing authority is the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). AITSL is responsible for assessing overseas teaching qualifications for skilled migration visas.
Generally, UK-trained teachers with the following are well positioned for a positive assessment:
- A Bachelor of Education, or
- A Bachelor degree plus PGCE
- At least 45 days of supervised teaching practice
- Qualifications equivalent to four years of higher education
AITSL also requires proof of English language proficiency, usually through IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 7.0 (with no band below 7.0), or an accepted equivalent test.
A positive AITSL skills assessment is mandatory before you can lodge most skilled visa applications. Without it, migration pathways such as the 189, 190, or 491 visas are not available.
Step-by-Step: How UK Teachers Can Migrate to Australia
Migrating to Australia as a teacher involves several stages, and the order matters. Here’s a simplified step-by-step overview:
Check your qualifications
Confirm that your UK teaching degree and training meet AITSL standards.
Complete an English language test
Even native English speakers are usually required to sit an approved test for migration and assessment purposes.
Apply for an AITSL skills assessment
This confirms that your qualifications and teaching experience meet Australian requirements.
Register with a state or territory teaching authority
Each state has its own regulator (e.g. NESA in NSW, VIT in Victoria, QCT in Queensland).
Select and apply for the right visa
Options include skilled independent, state-nominated, regional, or employer-sponsored visas.
Relocate and commence employment
Once your visa and registration are approved, you can legally teach in Australia.
For a deeper breakdown, see our full guide: How to Become a Teacher in Australia.
Visa Pathways for UK Teachers
Teaching occupations feature on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and relevant Occupation Shortage Lists, making teachers eligible for several skilled visa pathways.
Common visa options include:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
A points-tested permanent visa that does not require employer or state nomination. Highly competitive.
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Permanent residency with state or territory nomination. Many states actively prioritise teachers.
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
A provisional visa leading to permanent residency after meeting work and residence requirements.
- Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand Visa
Employer-sponsored option that can lead to permanent residency via the 186 visa.
Points are awarded based on age, English level, qualifications, years of teaching experience, and state nomination. States such as NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia frequently prioritise teachers, especially those willing to work in regional areas.
Choosing the right visa strategy is critical and depends on your profile, points score, and long-term goals.
Lifestyle and Salary Comparison: UK vs Australia
| Aspect | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | £30,000–£45,000 | AUD $75,000–$110,000 |
| Work Hours | ~37.5 per week | ~38 per week |
| Class Sizes | 25–30 students | 20–25 students |
Teaching in Australia is not only professionally rewarding, but it’s financially attractive. Salaries are generally higher, particularly when adjusted for lifestyle benefits, superannuation (retirement contributions), and leave entitlements.
Education roles in Australia have seen strong growth, with education jobs increasing by over 4% in the past year, and wages rising steadily. Early childhood education, in particular, is projected to see significant long-term growth, offering stability and career progression.
Combined with Australia’s outdoor lifestyle, safer climate, and strong community focus, it’s easy to see why many UK teachers choose to make the move.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) for UK Teachers
Permanent residency is a realistic goal for UK teachers in Australia. Many achieve PR either directly or through a transitional pathway.
Common PR routes include:
Each pathway has specific requirements relating to work experience, income thresholds, and length of stay. Strategic planning early on can significantly improve your chances of success.
AVIE works with UK teachers to calculate migration points, assess eligibility, and identify the most efficient pathway to permanent residency based on individual circumstances.
How AVIE Supports UK Teachers
Migrating to Australia as a teacher involves more than just paperwork; it requires the right strategy. At AVIE (Australian Visa and Immigration Experts), we specialise in helping UK-trained teachers navigate every step of the process.
Our registered migration team provides:
- Expert guidance with skills assessments
- Strategic advice on skilled and employer-sponsored visas
- Support with state nomination and registration requirements
- Clear pathways toward permanent residency
Whether you’re at the early research stage or ready to lodge an application, we help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Start your Australian teaching journey with confidence. Contact AVIE’s registered migration team today to assess your eligibility and take the next step toward teaching in Australia.