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FAQ's about teaching in the Middle East and Australia

Thinking about teaching in Australia or the Middle East
Thinking about teaching in Australia or the Middle East?

Thinking about teaching in Australia or the Middle East? You’re not alone — it’s a path more and more South African teachers are exploring. But with it comes plenty of questions about how the process works, what’s required, and whether it’s right for you.


At SA-Recruitment, we help qualified South African teachers find placements in top international schools. This blog answers the most frequently asked questions we receive from teachers like you, covering everything from who can apply to what happens after you submit your CV.


Work through these FAQ's to get the answers you are looking for....you may also find links through from these answers to more detailed blogs that will offer a more in-depth answer or additional links and information and we would encourage you to do that research.


How do I apply, and what is the process?


Before applying, make sure you meet the requirements listed in the job ad. Our partner schools have clear criteria and requirements and we can only consider candidates who meet those standards.


There are several ways to apply to our agency, should you meet the requirements for a particular vacancy.

  • our website has a Contact Us form you are welcome to complete as well as a JOB page where you are able to apply for particular vacancies

  • we advertise all of our vacancies on our Facebook page and the email used here to submit your CV is fb@sa-recruitment.com

  • On Instagram we will also advertise our vacancies, blogs, information posts and updates and the email address to use here to submit your CV is insta@sa-recruitment.com

  • If you are interested in our Australian vacancies, check our social media platforms as well but the email address to use here for CV submission is cv@sa-recruitment.com

  • Our general email address for sending your CV for any Middle East vacancies is info@sa-recruitment.com


Your CV should be in English, highlight the phase of your qualification and detail the subjects and grades you are currently teaching and have taught. You can use our suggested CV template here 



  1. We screen your CV

  2. If it meets basic criteria, you'll get an acknowledgement email

  3. If you're potentially suitable, we’ll email you about next steps and ask for supporting documents

  4. Once received, you’ll be added to our database for upcoming roles

  5. Please note: Being on our database does not guarantee an interview or job offer. Final decisions depend on school needs and visa eligibility.


Can I apply without experience or with a non-teaching degree?


No — both Australia and the Middle East require a minimum of two years of full-time, post-qualification teaching experience.


This experience must:

  • Be in the phase and subject of your qualification

  • Be gained after completing your teaching qualification

  • Take place in a classroom setting


These are visa and registration requirements, not just school preferences.


Is a degree and PGCE required? Are diplomas accepted?


Yes — to qualify for teaching roles abroad, you must have:


  • A bachelor’s degree (B Ed)

  • A teaching qualification of degree and PGCE (BA + PGCE/B Sc + PGCE)


Diplomas or short teaching certificates are not accepted unless it is the PGCE which serves as a 'top-up' to a teacher-based undergraduate degree.


Is phase and subject important?


It is crucially important for visa requirements. Teachers must be teaching in the phase and subject major of their qualification. For example if the teaching degree is in the Foundation Phase but teaching experience is Grades 5 - 7 then a school will not be able to obtain a visa and this teacher will not meet the requirements.


Do you sponsor visas?


No — we don’t sponsor visas ourselves, but the schools do. We work closely with schools in both regions and support you through the visa process.


  • In the Middle East, visa sponsorship is part of the job offer

  • In Australia, some schools offer sponsorship through the subclass 482 visa, which may lead to permanent residency. Australia has several visa options; we can offer advice but we do encourage teachers to research a clear visa path.


Keep in mind that the Middle East does not offer any route to permanent residency through teaching.


What are the requirements to teach in Australia and the Middle East?


  • Bachelor’s degree (B Ed) or degree and PGCE (BA + PGCE)

  • At least 2 years of full-time teaching experience in the correct phase/subject AFTER the date of graduation

  • Valid passport

  • Recent police clearance

  • Scanned and attested documents


  • Bachelor’s degree (B Ed) or degree and PGCE (BA + PGCE)

  • At least 2 years of current, full-time teaching experience in the correct phase/subject AFTER the date of graduation.

  • Valid IELTS Academic score

  • AITSL assessment (for some roles this can be obtained upon arrival in Australia)

  • Teacher registration in a specific state (e.g. TRB or NESA) (this is needed once a position has been secured)

  • Recent police clearance (needed closer to date of arrival in Australia for teacher registration purposes)

  • Medical check done in SA before departure for visa purposes


Are there age limits?


Yes — and they differ depending on where you’re going.


Middle East: Schools in the region, especially in the UAE, prefer teachers under 50. This is mainly due to visa rules and employment regulations.


Australia: To apply for sponsorship under the 482 visa, it’s best to be under 43 years old. This allows you to work in the country for 2 years before applying for permanent residency, which has a cut-off age of 45.


Can I apply with a family?


Middle East: No. Our school partners do not accommodate teachers with dependants. Reasons include:

  • No family flights or housing

  • High living costs

  • Employment of spouses not guaranteed

  • School policies that prioritise single-status teachers


Even if you're willing to cover the cost, schools generally prefer to hire teachers without dependants.


Australia: Yes — many teachers move with their families.

  • Some schools sponsor families; others only sponsor the teacher

  • You can add family members to your visa at your own cost

  • Spouses can work on dependent visas

  • You’ll need to cover relocation costs yourself


After I submit my CV to you, when will I hear back?


We send a confirmation email for every CV we receive.


Due to the number of applications, we’re not able to give individual feedback unless your profile matches a current vacancy. If it does, you’ll hear from us within 5 working days, and we’ll ask for additional documents.


We genuinely wish we could assist everyone, but we must follow the strict guidelines set by our schools and the countries we recruit for.


What’s next?


We hope this FAQ has helped clarify the international teaching application process — especially for those interested in the Middle East or Australia.


If your question wasn’t covered here, don’t worry. We’ll be publishing a follow-up blog soon answering even more common questions, including:

  • IELTS requirements

  • SEN teaching roles

  • Document checklists

  • Financial and relocation planning


In the meantime, if you're ready to apply, make sure you’ve read the requirements carefully and send your CV to the right address listed above. We're looking forward to hearing from you.


 
 
 

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