
WHAT DO I NEED TO QUALIFY FOR AN AUSTRALIA VISA AS A TEACHER?
Are you a South African teacher ready to take your skills to the next level? With its high demand for educators, diverse landscapes, and world-class living standards, Australia is the perfect destination to advance your teaching career.
IS THERE AN AUSTRALIA TEACHERS’ VISA?
While there isn’t a visa specifically called a Teachers Visa Australia, teachers can qualify for several skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas designed to address Australia’s critical need for educators. These visa pathways allow qualified South African teachers to live and work in Australia , filling vital teaching roles across the country.
1. Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
This employer-sponsored visa allows Australian schools to recruit international teachers for temporary positions. This often applies to teaching roles in high-demand areas, such as STEM and early childhood education. Teachers must secure a job offer from a sponsoring school to qualify for this visa. While this is a temporary visa, a pathway to a permanent residency employer-sponsored visa may be possible if certain criteria is met.
2. Skilled Migration Visas
For teachers without employer sponsorship, skilled migration visas like the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) provide direct pathways to living and working in Australia. These visas are points-based, assessing factors such as qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency.
3. Regional Opportunities
Teachers willing to work in regional or remote areas can apply for the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa), which offers temporary residency and a pathway to permanent residency after three years of living and working in a designated regional area.
These visa options reflect the high demand for skilled teachers in Australia and provide flexibility based on your employment status and preferred location.
Hitchcock & Associates can help you determine which visa pathway best aligns with your qualifications and career goals, ensuring a smooth relocation process.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO QUALIFY FOR A MIGRATION VISA AS A TEACHER?
1. Recognised Teaching Qualifications
Your teaching qualifications must be equivalent to Australian standards. This typically involves having either a Bachelor’s degree in education or a Bachelor’s degree in another field accompanied by a postgraduate qualification in education. Additionally, you must undergo an assessment by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) to verify your credentials.
2. English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate functional English proficiency, usually by taking tests like IELTS. Achieving the required score is essential to prove your ability to communicate effectively in an English-speaking classroom.
3. Relevant Work Experience
While skilled migration visas don’t mandate teaching experience, it can be beneficial in booking your points score. However, for employer sponsored visas, such as the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, you must have at least one year of teaching experience in your field. Experience in high-demand specialisations, such as STEM, special education, or early childhood education, may enhance your employability in Australia but does not directly impact visa eligibility.
4. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Your teaching occupation must appear on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), under the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation (STSOL) list. For state nominated visas, such as the subclass 190, your occupation must be on the relevant state list. Common occupations such as primary school teacher, secondary school teacher, and early childhood teacher are frequently listed, reflecting the strong demand for educators.
5. Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment from AITSL is mandatory for skilled migration visas.
6. Additional Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Visas
If applying for a visa like the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), you’ll also need:
- A job offer from an Australian school.
- Evidence of employer sponsorship.
7. Health and Character Checks
All applicants must pass mandatory health examinations and provide police clearance certificates to meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
Meeting these requirements ensures you are well-prepared for the visa application process. Hitchcock & Associates specialise in guiding South African teachers through these steps, from skills assessments to visa submissions, ensuring your application is comprehensive and successful.
DO TEACHERS NEED TO UNDERGO SKILLS ASSESSMENT?
Yes, teachers applying for migration visas to Australia are required to obtain a positive skills assessment to demonstrate that their qualifications meet Australian teaching standards. This assessment is a critical step in the visa application process, particularly for skilled migration visas.
1. Who Conducts the Skills Assessment?
The skills assessment for teachers is conducted by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). This organisation evaluates your teaching qualifications, and English language proficiency to ensure they align with the requirements for teaching roles in Australia.
2. What Does the Assessment Involve?
The AITSL assessment typically requires:
- Teaching Qualifications: You must have a Bachelor’s degree in education or a Bachelor’s degree in another field accompanied by a postgraduate qualification in education, equivalent to Australian standards.
- English Proficiency: AITSL requires proof of functional English, through standardised tests like IELTS.
3. Why Is the Skills Assessment Important?
Passing the skills assessment is mandatory for skilled migration visas, including the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa). It ensures that your qualifications meet Australian standards, a key requirement for your visa application and eligibility to work in the country’s education system.
4. Tips for a Successful Assessment
- Ensure your qualifications are accredited by recognised institutions.
- Provide detailed and accurate documentation, including academic transcripts.
- Achieve the required English proficiency score before applying.
Hitchcock & Associates can assist South African teachers in preparing for the AITSL skills assessment, ensuring your qualifications and documentation are aligned with Australian standards. With the right guidance, passing this crucial step can open the door to your teaching career in Australia.
APPLYING FOR A MIGRATION VISA AS A SOUTH AFRICAN TEACHER
1. Choose the Right Visa
Australia offers various visa pathways for teachers, depending on your qualifications, experience, and career goals:
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189 or 190)
- Regional Work Visa (Subclass 491)
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- Employer Nominated Scheme Visa (subclass 186)

CONCLUSION
If you’re considering teaching in Australia, Hitchcock & Associates can guide you through the immigration process and help you navigate the requirements and visa options. Consult with us to understand the visa pathways and opportunities for qualified teachers.