Teaching Jobs in Australia for Foreigners in 2025

Teaching jobs in Australia are in high demand, offering great opportunities for foreign professionals. With a shortage of skilled educators, Australian schools and universities are actively seeking qualified teachers from overseas.

Discover the eligibility criteria for teaching jobs in Australia, explore top schools and universities offering visa sponsorship, and find step-by-step application links to get started.

Eligibility and Requirements for Teaching Jobs in Australia for foreigners

Foreign applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible for teaching jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship:

• Recognized Teaching Qualifications: To qualify for teaching jobs in Australia, foreign applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education or a relevant subject such as English, Mathematics, or Science. Some positions may require a Master’s degree or a higher qualification.
• Teaching Experience: Many teaching roles require applicants to have at least 2-3 years of teaching experience, especially in areas with skill shortages such as mathematics, science, and special education. However, some entry-level positions may be available for those with less experience.
• Australian Teacher Registration: Teachers must be registered with the Australian Education Board or the appropriate state or territory regulatory body, such as the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia or the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
• English Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is a critical requirement for foreign teachers. Applicants must prove their proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, with a minimum required score, typically around 7.0 or higher in each band for IELTS.
• Visa Requirements: Most foreign teachers apply for a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (482) or a Skilled Independent Visa (189). The TSS visa is employer-sponsored, while the Skilled Independent Visa allows independent applicants.
• Criminal and Background Checks: A National Police Check is required to ensure the safety and suitability of applicants. Teachers will need a Working with Children Check, which varies by state or territory, to work in educational institutions.
• Health and Character Requirements: Applicants for teaching jobs in Australia must meet health and character requirements, which may include medical exams and police background checks to ensure eligibility for immigration.
• Age Limits: While there is no official age limit, teachers applying for work visas typically fall between 18 to 45. However, applicants above 45 may still be eligible for some visa types if they meet other criteria.
• Visa Sponsorship: Schools and educational institutions offering visa sponsorship will generally cover the costs and assist with the application process. Many educational agencies provide visa sponsorship options for foreign teachers, especially in regions facing teacher shortages.

How to Find and Apply for Teaching Jobs in Australia as a Foreigners

Step 1: Research Eligible Teaching Roles

Start by researching available teaching positions in Australia. Look for job opportunities on major Australian job boards, educational institution websites, and recruitment agencies specializing in teaching jobs.

Websites like Seek, Indeed, and Teach Away list teaching vacancies with visa sponsorship. Focus on regions and subjects where teachers are in high demand.

Step 2: Check Visa Sponsorship Availability

Ensure the job you’re applying for offers visa sponsorship for foreign workers. Many Australian schools, universities, and educational agencies offer sponsorship for skilled teachers.

Look for job listings that specifically mention “visa sponsorship” or “international applicants”. Also, confirm if the employer is willing to sponsor a visa through the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (482) or Skilled Independent Visa (189).

Step 3: Verify Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, check the eligibility requirements for teaching jobs in Australia. Ensure you meet the necessary criteria, such as having a recognized teaching qualification, teaching experience, and proficiency in English.

You’ll need to be registered with the relevant state or territory education authority. If you haven’t completed these steps, it’s best to address them first.

Step 4: Prepare Your Resume and Documents

Update your resume to reflect your teaching qualifications, experience, and skills relevant to the role. Include certifications, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education and any specific teaching certifications or specialties.

Prepare necessary documents, including your academic transcripts, teaching registration, English proficiency test scores, National Police Check, and Working with Children Check.

Step 5: Apply for Jobs

Once you’ve found suitable positions, tailor your resume and cover letter to match the job descriptions.

Emphasize your teaching experience, qualifications, and willingness to relocate. Submit your application through the job portal or the employer’s website. Be sure to include all required documents to avoid delays in the application process.

Step 6: Attend Interviews

If your application is shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview. Interviews for teaching jobs in Australia can be conducted remotely via video calls.

Be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy, classroom management strategies, and how you meet the needs of diverse students. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the Australian education system and cultural diversity will enhance your chances.

Step 7: Receive Job Offer and Visa Sponsorship

If you’re successful, you’ll receive a job offer along with the details of the visa sponsorship. The employer will initiate the visa process, helping you apply for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (482) or another suitable visa.

You will need to provide the necessary documentation and undergo health checks and background screenings as part of the visa application process.

Step 8: Relocate to Australia

Once your visa is approved, plan your move to Australia. The employer may assist with relocation or guide settling in.

Upon arrival, complete any final registration with the local education authority, ensuring you are legally cleared to start working as a teacher in Australia.

Step 9: Start Teaching

After completing all formalities, you can begin your teaching role in Australia! Make sure to stay updated on any changes in Australian teaching regulations or immigration policies, and continue your professional development to enhance your career prospects in the country.

Top Schools and Agencies Offering Teaching Jobs In Australia With Visa Sponsorship

Several schools and educational agencies in Australia offer teaching jobs with visa sponsorship for foreign educators.

They include:

Department of Education (Australia)

The Department of Education manages employment opportunities in both public and private schools across Australia. They actively seek international teachers to fill positions in areas with skill shortages.

The department provides visa sponsorship for qualified foreign teachers and facilitates the visa application process through the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (482).

Applicants must have a recognized teaching qualification and be registered with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

Interested teachers can apply directly through the Department of Education’s careers page: Department of Education Jobs.

Teach For Australia

Teach For Australia is an organization that recruits and trains passionate teachers to work in high-need communities. They partner with schools in regional and remote areas, offering visa sponsorship to international teachers.

Teachers need to have a teaching qualification and meet specific eligibility criteria, including language proficiency and relevant teaching experience.

For more Info, candidates can visit the organization’s official website: Teach for Australia.

Victoria Department of Education and Training

Victoria’s Department of Education and Training (DET) hires international teachers to work in schools across the state. The department offers visa sponsorship and helps foreign teachers with the application process for the Skilled Independent Visa (189) or TSS Visa (482).

Teachers need to be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and hold a relevant teaching degree.

You can visit the Victoria DET website for more details: Victoria Department of Education Jobs.

NSW Department of Education

The NSW Department of Education recruits foreign teachers for positions in public schools across New South Wales. The department offers visa sponsorship through the TSS Visa (482) and Skilled Independent Visa (189).

Teachers must meet the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) registration requirements.

For more info, you can visit the department’s official page: NSW Department of Education Careers.

Teaching Jobs

Teaching Jobs is a recruitment agency specializing in placing international teachers in Australian schools.

They partner with schools across the country, offering visa sponsorship for teachers in high-demand subjects. Teaching Jobs assists with visa applications and support throughout the relocation process.

Teachers can apply directly through the agency’s website: Teaching Jobs.

TES Australia

TES Australia connects foreign teachers with schools across Australia, focusing on the recruitment of international teachers in various disciplines.

The agency offers visa sponsorship to qualified teachers, particularly in regional and rural areas where there is a significant demand for educators. TES Australia provides guidance through the visa application process.

Teachers can apply via: TES Australia.

The Average Salary for Teaching Jobs in Australia with for Foreigners

Below is an overview of the average salaries for teachers in Australia, categorized by various criteria, with details in Australian dollars (AUD).

National Average Salary (Hourly and Annually)

The national average salary for teaching jobs in Australia ranges from $70,000 to $85,000 annually, or $35 to $45 per hour.

Teachers with entry-level experience earn closer to the lower end of this range, while more experienced educators and those in leadership roles can command higher salaries. The exact salary may vary depending on the city, school type, and specific responsibilities.

City and Regional Salary Differences

• Sydney (NSW): $75,000 – $95,000/year ($40 – $50/hour). Sydney tends to offer higher salaries due to the cost of living, but competition can be intense.
• Melbourne (VIC): $70,000 – $90,000/year ($38 – $48/hour). Melbourne has a similar salary range to Sydney, with greater demand in schools in suburban and rural areas.
• Brisbane (QLD): $68,000 – $85,000/year ($35 – $45/hour). Brisbane offers competitive salaries, but the job market may be less saturated compared to Sydney or Melbourne.
• Adelaide (SA): $65,000 – $80,000/year ($34 – $43/hour). Adelaide tends to offer lower salaries compared to other capital cities, but it also has a lower cost of living.
• Perth (WA): $70,000 – $88,000/year ($36 – $47/hour). Perth offers competitive salaries in line with other major cities, particularly for teachers specializing in science, maths, and IT.
• Hobart (TAS): $64,000 – $78,000/year ($33 – $42/hour). Due to the relatively smaller job market in Tasmania, salaries are slightly lower, but there are opportunities in rural areas with additional benefits.

Employment Types

• Full-time Teachers: $70,000 – $90,000/year ($35 – $48/hour). Full-time teachers, whether in primary, secondary, or tertiary institutions, generally earn higher salaries and benefits.
• Part-time Teachers: $35 – $45/hour. Part-time teachers earn less than full-time counterparts due to fewer teaching hours, but they may still receive pro-rated benefits such as sick leave and holidays.
• Casual Teachers: $55,000 – $70,000/year ($40 – $55/hour). Casual teachers earn higher hourly rates but do not receive job security, paid leave, or other full-time benefits.

Experience Levels

• Entry-Level Teachers (0-2 years of experience): $60,000 – $70,000/year ($30 – $40/hour). Teachers starting in Australia earn salaries on the lower end of the scale.
• Mid-Level Teachers (3-5 years of experience): $70,000 – $85,000/year ($35 – $45/hour). Teachers with a few years of experience can expect an increase in salary as they gain more teaching expertise.
• Experienced Teachers (5+ years of experience): $85,000 – $105,000/year ($45 – $55/hour). More experienced teachers or those in leadership roles (e.g., head of department or assistant principal) can earn significantly higher salaries.

Industries and Divisions

• Primary School Teachers: $65,000 – $85,000/year ($33 – $42/hour). Primary teachers are in demand across Australia, particularly in regional areas with opportunities for visa sponsorship available in many states.
• Secondary School Teachers: $75,000 – $95,000/year ($37 – $48/hour). Secondary teachers, particularly in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths), are among the highest-paid in the education sector.
• Special Education Teachers: $70,000 – $95,000/year ($35 – $47/hour). Special education teachers are highly sought after in Australia, with some schools offering higher wages and incentives for those willing to work with students with special needs.
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) Teachers: $75,000 – $95,000/year ($38 – $48/hour). Teachers in vocational education institutions (e.g., TAFEs) are well-compensated, especially for those with industry experience and relevant qualifications.

States and Territories

• New South Wales (NSW): $75,000 – $90,000/year ($40 – $50/hour). High demand for teachers in metropolitan and rural areas leads to competitive salaries.
• Queensland (QLD): $68,000 – $85,000/year ($35 – $45/hour). Queensland’s schools are increasingly hiring teachers in specialist subjects, often with attractive pay packages and visa sponsorship.
• Victoria (VIC): $70,000 – $85,000/year ($36 – $46/hour). Teachers in Victoria enjoy high wages, particularly in cities like Melbourne, and there are frequent opportunities for international teachers.
• Western Australia (WA): $70,000 – $90,000/year ($37 – $48/hour). High demand for teachers in regional areas offers attractive pay and visa sponsorship.

Benefits of Teaching Jobs in Australia for Foreigners

Here are the benefits:

Competitive Salary and Job Security

Teaching jobs in Australia offer competitive salaries, with national averages ranging from $70,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Experienced educators and those in leadership roles often earn more.

In addition, teaching is a secure profession with strong demand for qualified educators across the country, ensuring long-term employment stability.

Work-Life Balance

Australia is renowned for its emphasis on work-life balance. Teachers benefit from reasonable work hours, generous holiday breaks, and flexible working conditions, especially in public schools.

This allows teachers to enjoy ample time for personal pursuits, travel, and family life, making it an attractive option for foreign teachers.

Visa Sponsorship and Pathways to Permanent Residency

Foreign teachers are eligible for visa sponsorship by Australian educational institutions. The employer-sponsored visa programs, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), offer a pathway to permanent residency.

Professional Development Opportunities

Australia’s education system offers a wealth of professional development programs for teachers. Institutions provide opportunities to enhance skills, participate in workshops, attend conferences, and pursue additional qualifications.

This can help teachers progress in their careers, qualify for higher-paying positions, and remain up-to-date with the latest teaching methodologies.

Cultural Diversity

Australia’s schools are incredibly diverse, with students from various cultural backgrounds. This provides teachers with the opportunity to engage in a rich, multicultural environment, enhancing their professional experience and broadening their cultural competence.

Teaching in such an environment can be highly rewarding, offering personal growth and the opportunity to make a significant impact on students from all walks of life.

High Demand for Qualified Teachers

Due to a national shortage of qualified teachers in specific subjects, especially in regional areas, teachers are in high demand.

This provides foreign teachers with a wide range of job opportunities, not only in major cities but in regional areas, where salaries can sometimes be higher as an incentive to attract staff.

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Full-time teaching positions typically come with comprehensive health benefits, including access to public health care through Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance system.

Private health insurance options are also widely available, with many employers offering subsidies for private health plans.

Safe and High Quality of Life

Australia is known for its high quality of life, with clean, safe cities and access to stunning natural landscapes. Teachers relocating to Australia will enjoy a friendly and welcoming environment, excellent public infrastructure, and high standards of living.

With a robust healthcare system, low crime rates, and excellent public transport options, Australia ranks highly as one of the best places to live and work.

Global Recognition of Australian Teaching Qualifications

Australian teaching qualifications are highly regarded worldwide, which can open doors for teachers to work in other countries or pursue further academic opportunities.

Teachers in Australia gain valuable international experience that can enhance their professional credibility and career prospects both locally and globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit for teachers in Australia?

There is no formal age limit for becoming a teacher in Australia. However, applicants need to meet specific work experience, qualifications, and health requirements. Age might be a consideration in certain visa applications, but as long as you meet the necessary criteria, age does not prevent you from applying for teaching jobs in Australia.

Do teachers earn more in Australia than in the UK?

Teachers in Australia generally earn more than their counterparts in the UK. The national average salary for teachers in Australia is around $70,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience and location. In comparison, teachers in the UK earn between £24,000 to £40,000, depending on the region and teaching experience.

What age do teachers retire in Australia?

The standard retirement age in Australia is 65, but teachers may retire earlier depending on their personal circumstances and pension plans. Teachers can access superannuation (retirement savings) from the age of 60, with many choosing to retire around this age, although it’s possible to continue teaching beyond this age if desired.

Which state pays teachers best in Australia?

New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) tend to offer some of the highest salaries for teachers, with NSW offering competitive salaries and bonuses to attract teachers, especially in rural areas. Teachers in these regions may also receive additional allowances depending on their role and location within the state.