Moving to Australia as an educator is a highly structured process, but for those who navigate it correctly, it offers one of the most reliable pathways to permanent residency (PR). As of 2026, the Australian government continues to prioritize teachers to address significant domestic shortages.
1. Choosing Your Occupation (ANZSCO)
Before applying, you must identify your specific occupation code. This determines which skilled lists you qualify for and which visas are open to you.
- Early Childhood Teacher (241111): High demand; qualifies for all major skilled visas.
- Secondary School Teacher (241411): Priority status, especially for STEM and Special Education specialties.
- Primary School Teacher (241213): Primarily eligible for State Nominated (190) and Regional (491) pathways.
- Special Education Teacher (241599): Considered “Tier 2” priority in 2026, often receiving invitations with lower points.
2. The AITSL Skills Assessment
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is the gatekeeper for this pathway. To pass, you must meet two rigorous pillars:
Education Requirement
- Duration: Minimum of four years of full-time (or equivalent) tertiary study.
- Specifics: You must hold a recognized Initial Teacher Education (ITE) qualification (e.g., Bachelor of Education or a Master of Teaching).
- Practicum: You must prove at least 45 days of supervised teaching practice within your qualification.
English Language Proficiency
Teachers face some of the highest English requirements of any profession. Unless you have completed four years of higher education in a recognized English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, Ireland, NZ, UK, USA), you must provide IELTS Academic results:
- Reading & Writing: 7.0
- Speaking & Listening: 8.0
