Teaching in Australia: Your complete FAQ guide for South African Teachers

Thinking about teaching in Australia

Thinking about teaching in Australia?

With its world-class education system, relaxed lifestyle, and growing demand for qualified teachers, it’s no wonder many South African educators are making the move.

SA Recruitment works with schools across the country to connect teachers with rewarding career opportunities and help them navigate every step of the process.

This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about teaching in Australia — from application requirements and visa pathways to registration, relocation, and long-term living.

How do I apply and what is the process?

Before applying, make sure you meet the requirements listed in the job advert.

You can apply through several channels:

• Complete the Contact Us form or visit the Jobs page on our website.

• Check our Facebook page (email: fb@sa-recruitment.com) and Instagram (email: insta@sa-recruitment.com) for current vacancies.

• For Australian roles, send your CV directly to cv@sa-recruitment.com.

Your CV should be in English, highlight the phase of your qualification, and clearly list the grades and subjects you currently teach or have taught.

Once we receive your application, we screen your CV, acknowledge receipt, and if you meet the basic criteria, request supporting documents. Suitable candidates are then added to our database for upcoming roles.

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 match the phase and subject of your qualification and take place in a classroom setting.

Is a degree and PGCE required?

Yes. To qualify for teaching roles abroad, you must hold:

• A four-year Bachelor of Education degree, or

• A bachelor’s degree plus a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Short courses or teaching diplomas are not accepted unless the PGCE serves as a formal teaching qualification on top of a degree.

Do you sponsor visas?

SA Recruitment does not sponsor visas directly, but many schools in Australia do. Some offer sponsorship through the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), which can later lead to permanent residency.

Australia offers several visa pathways, and we can advise on your options while encouraging you to research a long-term plan suited to your personal circumstances.

What are the requirements and documents needed to teach in Australia?

To teach in Australia, you’ll need to meet qualification, experience, and registration requirements. These typically include:

• A recognised four-year teaching qualification (BEd or degree + PGCE)

• At least two years of full-time teaching experience in the correct phase and subject after graduation

• Academic IELTS results that meet AITSL and state registration requirements

• AITSL skills assessment (for some roles, this can be completed after arrival)

• Teacher registration with a relevant state authority (for example, TRB or NESA)

• University transcripts in English

• A letter from your university confirming your practical teaching experience

• Recent police clearance

• A medical check completed in South Africa for visa purposes

• Recent professional references

Your teaching phase and subject must align with your qualification, as this influences your AITSL classification and eligibility for sponsorship.

Why do I need a letter from my university confirming my practical teaching?

This letter is essential for your AITSL assessment. It verifies the duration, setting, and grade levels of your teaching practice completed during your qualification.

AITSL uses this information to determine whether you are classified as a primary, middle, or high school teacher, which affects both teacher registration and your eligibility for sponsorship. Without this document, AITSL cannot finalise your assessment.

I have an Intermediate/Senior Phase qualification — how does that affect my AITSL assessment and eligibility?

For South African teachers with an Intermediate/Senior Phase qualification, the AITSL assessment is especially important because this qualification overlaps between the Australian primary (Years 1–6) and secondary (Years 7–12) phases.

Your AITSL classification will determine the level at which you can teach:

• If classified as a primary school teacher, your experience should ideally be in Grades 4–6.

• If classified as a middle school teacher, experience in Grades 7–9 should be clearly shown on your CV.

AITSL bases this classification largely on your university practical teaching experience. For this reason, SA Recruitment requires teachers with Intermediate/Senior Phase qualifications to obtain their AITSL Skills Assessment certificate before we can advise on next steps or match you to suitable positions.

Are there age limits?

Yes. To qualify for sponsorship under the 482 visa, it’s best to be under 43 years old. This allows enough time to work for two years before applying for permanent residency, which has an upper age limit of 45.

Can I apply with a family?

Yes. Many teachers relocate to Australia with their families.

Some schools include family sponsorship, while others sponsor only the teacher. You can also add dependants to your visa at your own cost. Spouses can work on dependent visas, and you will need to budget for relocation expenses.

When should I apply and when does recruitment start?

Recruitment for Australian schools runs throughout the year, but applying early gives you the best chance of success.

The school year begins in late January, so the main hiring period runs from August to December for roles beginning the following January. Some schools also have a smaller mid-year intake in July.

Because the application, registration, and visa processes can take several months, we recommend beginning as early as possible. It’s important to be prepared — but remember, no one expects you to pack and fly overnight.

What are the costs involved?

Teachers are responsible for their own relocation and visa costs. You should budget for:

• IELTS and AITSL assessment fees (around R5 500 and R12 000 respectively; AITSL can sometimes be deferred until you arrive)

• Medical tests (approximately R3 000)

• Flights and temporary accommodation

• Daily living expenses until your first salary payment

If you plan to apply for permanent residency (PR), this must be done through a MARA-registered migration agent, who will charge a professional fee. SA Recruitment can recommend reputable agents to assist with this process.

Can I apply for sponsorship if I have already started my application for permanent residence?

Yes. Many teachers apply for school sponsorship while their PR application is still in progress. Sponsorship allows you to begin working in Australia sooner while your PR continues in the background.

If you receive a sponsored offer, your visa status will simply be updated. It’s best to discuss your specific situation with a MARA-registered migration agent to ensure a smooth transition.

What type of IELTS do I need, and what scores must I achieve?

Teachers applying to work in Australia must complete the Academic IELTS test.These results are required for both AITSL assessment and state teacher registration.

Minimum scores:

• Listening 8.0

• Reading 7.0

• Writing 7.0

• Speaking 8.0

• Overall average 7.5

All components must be completed in one sitting, although Australia allows a one-skill retake if needed. Results remain valid for two years.

If I completed my degree in English or teach English, do I still need the IELTS?

Yes. All South African citizens must complete the Academic IELTS for both AITSL assessment and teacher registration, regardless of whether your degree was taught in English or you teach English as a subject.

The requirement is based on citizenship, not on language background or study history. Only citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Canada, or the USA may be exempt.

What are the most common visa pathways for teachers in Australia?

Australia offers several routes for qualified teachers. The best option depends on your experience, points score, and where you wish to live and work.

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa – subclass 482

Employer-sponsored (not points-based). Valid for up to four years and allows you to work anywhere in Australia for the school that sponsors you.

Skilled Independent visa – subclass 189

Points-based. Permanent visa with no regional restrictions; you can live and work anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship.

Skilled Nominated visa – subclass 190

Points-based. Requires nomination by a state or territory government and commitment to live and work in that state for at least two years. Grants permanent residency.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – subclass 491

Points-based. Requires you to live and work in a designated regional area for three years before applying for permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa – subclass 186

Employer-sponsored (not points-based). Permanent visa for teachers who have worked in Australia on a temporary visa such as the 482.

Each visa type has unique eligibility rules. SA Recruitment can refer you to trusted MARA-registered migration agents who specialise in helping teachers find the most suitable pathway.

What are the benefits of a long-term move to Australia?

A permanent relocation offers professional stability and lifestyle advantages for teachers and their families, including:

• Long-term employment and career development opportunities

• Access to Medicare (public healthcare)

• The right for family members to live, work, and study freely

• Access to state education for children

• Eligibility for citizenship after meeting residency requirements

• A high standard of living in a safe, well-regulated environment

Making Australia your long-term home provides a secure foundation for both your career and personal life.

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

We send a confirmation email for every CV we receive. If your profile matches a current vacancy, you’ll hear from us within five working days, and we’ll request additional documents.

Moving abroad to teach in Australia is a life-changing opportunity to advance your career, experience a new lifestyle, and make a lasting impact. SA Recruitment is here to guide you through every stage of the process — from your first inquiry to your first day in the classroom.

If you are interested in teaching in the Middle East and have questions, check out our FAQ Middle East blog.

Apply now!