What Teachers Need to Secure Sponsorship for Teaching in Australia
Australia’s vibrant education sector presents fantastic opportunities for teachers from around the world. If you’re considering relocating to Australia to work as a teacher, there are specific requirements you need to meet to secure sponsorship. This guide outlines the key steps and documents necessary to help you achieve your dream of teaching in Australia.
1. Skills Assessment
For teachers who completed their qualifications outside of Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, or the USA, a skills assessment is a mandatory first step. This process evaluates whether your qualifications meet Australian teaching standards.
Skills Assessing Authorities: Teachers generally need to have their qualifications assessed by either:
Requirements for Skills Assessment:
A 4-year tertiary qualification that includes teacher training.
Evidence of at least 45 days of supervised teaching placement in a classroom setting.
Official academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Proficiency in English (see below).
2. English Language Proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. This is crucial, as teaching is language-intensive.
Accepted tests include:
IELTS (Academic): Minimum scores of 7.0 in Reading and Writing and 8.0 in Speaking and Listening. This requirement is compulsory if you decide to choose the skills assessment with the AITSL.
PTE Academic: Equivalent scores.
TOEFL iBT: Equivalent scores.
Exceptions: Teachers from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, and the USA may be exempt from this requirement.
3. Qualifications
Your teaching degree must meet Australian standards:
A minimum of 4 years of tertiary study post-secondary school.
At least one of these years must involve specific teacher education training (Minimum Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, PGCE, and PGDE are also accepted).
Examples:
A Bachelor of Education (4 years).
A Bachelor’s degree (3 years) followed by a Graduate Diploma in Education or Master of Teaching (1 year).
4. Registration with an Australian Teaching Authority
Once your skills assessment is complete, you’ll need to register with the teaching authority in the state or territory where you intend to work. For example:
Victoria: Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
New South Wales: NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
Queensland: Queensland College of Teachers (QCT).
5. Sponsorship Opportunities
Once compliant, Inspired Recruitment assists teachers in finding sponsorships. Hundreds of families have already secured a job through our unique service.
6. Additional Documents
To strengthen your application and meet visa requirements, ensure you have:
A valid police clearance from all countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
Evidence of your teaching experience (if applicable).
Up-to-date first aid certification (recommended).
7. Cost
The cost of completing a Skills Assessment and English test is usually around $AUD 1,500 in total. It is important to note that schools typically pay for the teacher’s visa but not for their dependents. For dependents over 18 years old, the cost is approximately $AUD 3,200, and for children, it is around $AUD 800. Additionally, the cost of flights is generally not covered.
Final Thoughts
Sponsorship in Australia is a great opportunity, but preparation is key. By ensuring you meet the requirements outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to securing a teaching role in Australia. For more support and to explore available opportunities, teachers who meet the full requirements can send their CV to Schools@inspiredrec.com.au.