Book a Consultation

How to Become a Teacher in Australia: Qualifications, Registration & Visa Pathways

Learn More
Published: 13 January 2026 | By Mariah Stonehewer
Book a Consultation

Australia continues to face a nationwide shortage of qualified teachers, creating strong opportunities for overseas‑trained educators seeking skilled migration and permanent residency. Teaching occupations are listed on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and appear across multiple state and territory occupation shortage lists, reflecting consistent demand in early childhood, primary and secondary education.

For internationally qualified teachers, however, the pathway to working in Australia involves more than securing a job. You must meet Australian education standards, obtain a positive skills assessment, register with a state or territory authority, and choose the right visa strategy. This guide explains each step clearly, covering qualifications, AITSL assessments, registration requirements, visa options and permanent residency pathways, so you can plan your move with confidence.

teacher

Step 1: Understand the Teaching Profession in Australia

Teaching in Australia is divided into Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary education, each with distinct qualifications and registration requirements. Early Childhood Teachers typically work with children from birth to age five, while Primary Teachers teach students from Foundation to Year 6. Secondary Teachers specialise in specific subject areas for students in Years 7–12.

Because education in Australia is regulated at a state and territory level, registration requirements vary depending on where you intend to work. However, all teachers must meet nationally recognised standards for training, supervised teaching practice, and English proficiency.

Australia experiences ongoing teacher shortages across multiple states and regions, particularly in STEM subjects, special education, and languages, as well as in regional and remote areas. These shortages underpin skilled migration opportunities for qualified overseas teachers.

Why become a teacher in Australia?

Teaching in Australia offers competitive salaries, strong employment protections, excellent work‑life balance, and long‑term job security. Combined with high demand and clear permanent residency pathways, Australia is an attractive destination for internationally qualified educators.

Step 2: Check Your Qualifications and Eligibility

Before starting any migration or registration process, overseas teachers must confirm that their qualifications align with Australian education standards. Australia requires teachers to hold qualifications equivalent to an Australian teaching degree, including sufficient supervised teaching practice.

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is the authority responsible for assessing overseas teaching qualifications for skilled migration purposes. A positive AITSL skills assessment is mandatory for most skilled visas.

To be eligible, you generally need:

  • A Bachelor’s degree or higher in education (or a degree plus a recognised teaching qualification)
  • A minimum number of supervised teaching practice days completed as part of your qualification
  • Qualifications assessed as equivalent to an Australian degree at the same academic level

You must also meet English language requirements, typically demonstrated through IELTS, PTE Academic or OET.

You can find relevant information for your occupation here:

Official and up‑to‑date requirements are published on the AITSL website, and careful document preparation at this stage is critical to avoid delays or refusals.

Step 3: Apply for an AITSL Skills Assessment

The AITSL skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and training meet Australian standards and that you are suitable for skilled migration as a teacher. Without a positive assessment, you cannot proceed with most skilled visa applications.

You can apply directly through AITSL’s online portal. The process involves:

  • Preparing supporting documents, including your degree certificate, academic transcripts, evidence of supervised teaching practice, identification documents, and English test results.
  • Submitting your application online and paying the assessment fee.
  • Waiting for AITSL to assess your application, which typically takes 6-10 weeks.

A positive AITSL outcome allows you to move forward with skilled visa applications and state-based teacher registration.

Step 4: Register with a State or Territory Teaching Authority

AITSL approval alone does not permit you to teach in Australia. To work legally as a teacher, you must register with the state or territory teacher registration authority where you intend to be employed.

Each authority has its own processes and documentation requirements, but all assess your qualifications, English proficiency, and suitability to work with children.

Major registration bodies include:

Registration usually requires:

  • Verified qualifications and transcripts
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
  • Criminal history checks
  • Working With Children Check (or equivalent)

Australia also operates under mutual recognition arrangements, meaning teachers registered in one state or territory may apply for recognition in another, subject to local requirements.

Step 5: Choose a Skilled Visa Pathway

Teaching occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making qualified teachers eligible for several skilled migration pathways.

Common visa options include:

Points-tested visas assess factors such as age, English ability, qualifications, and skilled work experience. Strategic visa planning is essential, as state nomination criteria and occupation lists change regularly.

Step 6: Secure Employment and Gain Teaching Experience in Australia

Once registered and visa eligible, securing employment strengthens your long-term migration prospects. Australian teaching experience — gained under approved registration — can significantly improve your points score and eligibility for employer-sponsored and state-nominated visas.

Many overseas teachers begin in regional or high-demand areas, which often provide additional migration incentives and faster pathways to permanent residency.

Step 7: Apply for Permanent Residency

Teachers can transition to permanent residency through several established pathways:

  • Subclass 189 or 190: Direct permanent residency through skilled migration.
  • Subclass 491 to 191: Permanent residency after at least three years of regional work.
  • Subclass 482 to 186: Employer-sponsored permanent residency pathway.

Choosing the right PR strategy depends on your age, qualifications, experience, location, and employment status.

How AVIE Helps Teachers Migrate to Australia

AVIE specialises in helping overseas qualified teachers navigate Australia’s complex migration system. Our team supports teachers with AITSL skills assessments, visa strategy and applications, and long-term permanent residency planning aligned with registration and employment goals.

We take a personalised approach, ensuring your qualifications, registration pathway, and visa options are strategically aligned from the outset.

Ready to start your teaching career in Australia? Speak to AVIE’s migration experts today to check your eligibility.

About the Author

Mariah Stonehewer

Mariah began in digital marketing after discovering a passion for creative writing and an excitement for connection through social media and copywriting. When she isn’t working away in her home office, you can find her outside bird watching or relaxing with her husband and two cats.

Learn more about Mariah →