Teaching in Australia: State spotlight series – South African qualifications and teacher registration demystified

As South African teachers continue to look for new adventures and professional opportunities abroad, Australia remains a top destination. With strong demand for qualified educators across various states, understanding how to navigate the qualification recognition and registration process is key to a smooth transition.

This post unpacks the essentials: how your South African qualifications are viewed, the critical link between practical teaching experience and your immigration pathway, and what you need to know about teacher registration in each state.

Teaching in Australia: how South African qualifications are assessed

If you’ve completed a Bachelor of Education or a PGCE in South Africa, you're off to a solid start. However, one of the most critical documents you’ll need is a practicum (teaching practice) letter from your university. This must clearly state:

• The number of supervised practicum teaching hours

• The school level (phase) where you taught

• Confirmation that the practical component was assessed and passed

This letter is essential because it evidences the supervised teaching component of your qualification, something Australian authorities use to determine your suitability for teaching roles.

Why it matters for immigration: Immigration authorities (and AITSL – more on that below) will assess whether your practical teaching and post-qualification teaching experience match the same age or grade phase. For example, if you completed your prac in the Foundation Phase, your post-qualification experience should also be in Foundation Phase to ensure your skills assessment and visa process aren't delayed or rejected.

Teaching in Australia: AITSL vs state registration explained

Many teachers are surprised to learn that being allowed to live and work in Australia and being legally allowed to teach in a classroom are two different processes.

AITSL skills assessment

• Who needs it: Anyone applying for permanent residency (PR) or certain skilled visas (e.g. subclass 189, 190)

• Purpose: AITSL assesses your teaching qualifications and experience to ensure they align with Australian standards

• Includes: Qualification review, practicum verification, and employment references

• Does not give you the legal right to teach – it’s purely for immigration purposes

• More info: AITSL Internationally Qualified Teachers

State teacher registration

• Who needs it: Every teacher, regardless of visa type, to be legally employed by a school in Australia

• Purpose: Registration ensures you meet professional teaching standards within that state

You will need to go through both processes if you're pursuing permanent settlement in Australia.

Teacher registration boards in each state

Here’s a breakdown of each state’s teacher registration authority, including requirements, costs, and whether you can apply before you arrive in Australia.

New South Wales (NSW) – NESA

• Website: educationstandards.nsw.edu.au

• Requirements: A relevant teaching qualification, identification documents, certified transcripts, proof of supervised teaching, and a Working With Children Check (WWCC)

• Cost: Approx. AUD $100 for initial application; WWCC is an additional AUD $80

• Can you apply offshore? Yes, but you must be in NSW to finalise some components like the WWCC

Victoria – VIT

• Website: vit.vic.edu.au

• Requirements: Teaching degree, practicum letter, certified documents, criminal history check (including from South Africa)

• Cost: Around AUD $170 to $190 for provisional registration

• Can you apply offshore? Yes, and many international teachers begin this process before landing

Queensland – QCT

• Website: qct.edu.au

• Requirements: Teaching qualification, academic transcripts, evidence of supervised teaching, overseas criminal record checks

• Cost: Approx. AUD $150 to $200

• Can you apply offshore? Yes, full online application process available

Western Australia – TRBWA

• Website: trb.wa.gov.au

• Requirements: As above, plus English language proficiency (IELTS if required)

• Cost: AUD $115 to $300 depending on category

• Can you apply offshore? Yes

South Australia – TRBSA

• Website: trb.sa.edu.au

• Requirements: Similar to other states; includes criminal history check, references, and qualifications

• Cost: Around AUD $300

• Can you apply offshore? Yes

ACT – Teacher Quality Institute (TQI)

• Website: tqi.act.edu.au

• Requirements: Accredited qualifications, criminal record check, proof of ID, etc.

• Cost: AUD $100 to $300

• Can you apply offshore? Yes

Tasmania – TRB Tas

• Website: trb.tas.gov.au

• Requirements: Recognised qualification, supervised teaching, references, police clearances

• Cost: AUD $180 to $300

• Can you apply offshore? Yes

Final thoughts

Understanding the difference between qualification recognition for immigration and registration for employment is a key first step.

By ensuring your university prac letter is in order and aligning your post-qualification experience with your intended phase of teaching, you’ll smooth the path for both visa approval and employment.

Each Australian state has slightly different expectations, costs, and timelines, but the good news is that you can start many of these applications from South Africa. Planning early gives you a head start and positions you for success when the school year ramps up.

Note: Teachers are encouraged to do their own research, as requirements and documentation validity periods can vary. For example, Victoria (VIT) currently requires a South African Police Clearance no older than 7 days, while NSW (NESA) accepts one up to 3 months old.

Tip: While it is possible to transfer your registration from one state to another, we recommend waiting until you know where you’ll be placed before registering, especially if you’re entering on a 482 or 189 visa. Some state boards may request proof of employment, visa grant, or even flight details before approving registration.

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