New Zealand Teachers CAN Teach in Australia: A Guide for Interested Candidates
If you are a teacher from New Zealand looking for new opportunities and experiences, then teaching in Australia might be a great option for you. The good news is that as a New Zealand teacher, you can now move and teach in Australia. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of becoming an Australian teacher, including what you need to know, what you need to do, and what to expect when you get there.
What You Need to Know
Before you start your journey, there are some important things you need to know about teaching in Australia:
- Teaching qualifications: Your New Zealand teaching qualifications are recognized in Australia, however you will still need to get an assessment from the relevant Australian state or territory education authority.
- Teacher registration: To teach in Australia, your New Zealand registration is mutually recognized. However, you will need to be registered with the relevant teacher registration board, depending where you choose to live. Each state and territory have their own teacher registration board, so you will need to check which one applies to you.
- Visa requirements: New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia with no restrictions. If you are a New Zealand permanent resident, you will need to apply for a visa based on your citizenship. Visa options can be found on the Australian Government website.
What You Need to Do
Now that you know what you need to know, here is what you need to do to become an Australian teacher:
- Check your qualifications: Contact the relevant teacher registration board to see if your qualifications are recognized and if you need to undergo an assessment.
- Register with the teacher registration board: You will need to complete the registration process and provide evidence of your qualifications, work experience, and good standing. For more information on the registration process for each State we cover, please click through the following links:
NSW – https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/teacher-accreditation/apply/first-time-accreditation
VIC – https://www.vit.vic.edu.au/register/how-to
QLD – https://www.qct.edu.au/registration/applying-for-registration
NT – https://www.trb.nt.gov.au/registration
- Apply for a work visa: If you are not a New Zealand citizen, you will need to apply for an eligible Visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Depending on which Visa you apply for, you may also need to provide evidence of your registration as a teacher. For more information about applying for a work visa, visit the Australian Home Affairs website here.
- Find a job: Once you understand your eligible for both a Visa and Teacher Registration, you can start your job search with Prospero Teaching. Finding a job in Australia is an easy process with help from our team at Prospero Teaching Australia. Thinking about a future of teaching in Australia? Reach out to one of us today to hear more about our current opportunities and how we can support you!
What to Expect
Teaching in Australia is a great opportunity to gain new experiences and further your career. You can expect a supportive teaching community, access to a range of professional development opportunities, and a good standard of living.
What kind of salary can you expect? In general, Australia has some of the highest teacher salaries in the world. Wherever you decide to teach in Australia, you’ll always find a competitive salary. Each state in Australia pays its teachers differently based on qualifications and experience, but in general a teacher with at least 4 years’ experience can expect to earn around $85,000 AUD per year.
In a previous blog, we compared all the different states in Australia’s teaching salaries and stacked them up against each other. Check out the blog here.
In conclusion
If you are a New Zealand teacher looking for a new challenge, then teaching in Australia is a great option. The process of becoming an Australian teacher is straightforward, and you can expect a supportive teaching community and many opportunities for professional growth. Good luck with your journey!
