Australia is well known for its high quality education system, diverse classrooms, and welcoming atmosphere for international teachers. Beyond its natural beauty and vibrant cities, the country offers teachers the chance to develop professionally while enjoying a good standard of living.
Many schools are eager to bring in qualified educators, especially in high demand subjects such as Science, Mathematics, and Technology, as well as in rural and regional areas where teacher shortages are common. English language teaching also remains a popular option for foreigners with TESOL or related certifications.
In this article, we will look at what makes teaching in Australia unique and rewarding. You’ll discover the types of schools and institutions that hire teachers, the requirements you need to meet, what salaries and benefits look like, and some practical tips on how to apply. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect if you’re considering a teaching career in Australia.
Current Teaching Vacancies in Australia
Australia continues to advertise a wide mix of teaching positions across primary, secondary, and specialist subjects. While some of the listings below may already be closed, they are worth paying attention to because schools often reopen similar roles each year. Others are current vacancies with details of pay and start dates.
- Somerset College in Gold Coast, Queensland, is recruiting secondary teachers in subjects like English, Humanities, and Mathematics for the 2026 academic year. Salaries here range between AUD $92,126 and $131,398 per year, alongside staff benefits.
- Hills International College, located in Jimboomba, is offering full time positions for secondary teachers on both contract and permanent terms. Pay packages fall between AUD $85,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
- At John Paul College in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, a secondary teaching role has been advertised for Years 7–12 students, beginning in 2026.
- SchoolHouse Australia is also hiring teachers across the Northern Territory, with openings in both primary and secondary schools. Salaries here sit within AUD $92,000 to $131,000 per year, and additional incentives are available for teachers willing to relocate.
- St Michael’s Grammar School in St Kilda, Victoria, is advertising full time roles across English, Science, Mathematics, and other secondary subjects for the 2026 intake. The school offers a collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Oxley Christian College in Chirnside Park, Victoria, has advertised for a full time English teacher beginning January 2026, with a focus on VCE English and lower secondary classes.
- In Brisbane, Brisbane South State Secondary College is offering opportunities across a variety of subjects at the secondary level, while Salesian College in Chadstone, Victoria, is seeking both teachers and leadership staff for its 2026 session.
Alongside these current roles, several specialist and international curriculum based openings have also been advertised in recent months. For example;
- Ravenswood School for Girls in Sydney sought a Biology teacher with IB experience, while Radford College in Canberra listed a vacancy for a Food Technology teacher.
- Similarly, Somerset College has previously looked for German language teachers, and the Islamic College of Melbourne advertised for an IB Psychology teacher.
- Other postings included English and Humanities teachers at Haileybury College in Victoria, a Mathematics teacher at St Peter’s College in Adelaide, and a Visual Arts teacher at Carey Baptist Grammar School in Melbourne.
- Methodist Ladies’ College in Perth highlighted the demand for PE and Health teachers, and International Grammar School Sydney advertised for Primary Years Programme (PYP) teachers with IB experience.
- Relief and substitute teaching positions are also frequently available nationwide, especially in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney. While they may not always guarantee long term employment, they often serve as a pathway into permanent contracts.
Note: Some of the jobs listed above may have already expired, while others are still open. However, the key point is that these roles keep reappearing in Australia’s school job market. By regularly checking platforms like SEEK, TES Australia, Indeed, and individual school websites, teachers can stay updated and be among the first to apply when new cycles of recruitment begin.
Steps to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Australia
1. Confirm your eligibility: The first thing to do is check whether your teaching qualifications meet Australian standards. If you trained overseas, you may need to have your certificates assessed before you can apply for jobs. This helps you know exactly what roles you can go for.
2. Register as a teacher: Every state and territory in Australia has its own teacher registration body. For example, if you want to work in Victoria, you’ll need approval from the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). Without this registration, you won’t be able to step into a classroom officially.
3. Get your documents ready: Schools expect a professional résumé and cover letter. In Australia, résumés are usually detailed, they should highlight your classroom experience, extra skills like technology use or special needs support, and the ways you’ve contributed beyond lessons, such as sports or clubs. Your cover letter should be written to match the school and position you are applying for.
4. Look for openings in the right places:
Job listings can be found on platforms like SEEK, Indeed, and TES Australia. Government education websites also advertise vacancies, and many independent schools post jobs directly on their own pages. Checking across these sources gives you more chances.
5. Apply carefully online: Most schools want applications submitted digitally. You’ll normally be asked to upload your résumé, cover letter, and supporting documents. Always follow the instructions step by step, because leaving out one item can mean your application won’t be reviewed.
6. Get ready for the interview: If your application is successful, the next stage is usually an interview. Schools often use panels for interviews, and they ask practical questions about how you teach, handle classroom challenges, and use creative methods. Sometimes they may ask you to give a short sample lesson to demonstrate your approach.
7. Pass the safety checks: Working with children in Australia requires clearance. Depending on the state, this might be called a Working with Children Check or something similar. It’s a legal requirement that proves you’re safe to work with students.
8. Accept your offer and begin: Once you’ve passed the interviews and background checks, the school will issue a contract or offer letter. From there, you complete any remaining formalities, finalise your registration, and you’re ready to begin teaching.
See also: Healthcare and Nursing Jobs in Australia
Requirements for Teaching in Australia
1. Anyone hoping to teach in Australia needs to start with the right qualifications. This usually means holding a university degree in education or a degree in another subject followed by a recognised teaching certificate. Without this, it is almost impossible to be accepted into the classroom.
2. Another important step is teacher registration. Every state or territory in Australia has its own body in charge of this. For instance, if you are moving to New South Wales, you register through the NSW Education Standards Authority. In Victoria, it is the Victorian Institute of Teaching. The process is slightly different in each state, but the aim is the same: to make sure teachers meet professional standards before they can work.
3. Because English is the language used in classrooms across Australia, teachers are expected to use it with confidence. It’s not only about having good grammar, but also being able to explain ideas in a simple way, guide discussions in class, and communicate effectively with parents and other staff.
4. Experience also plays a big role. While new graduates can still apply, most schools look out for teachers with at least two years of practice, especially in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English. Teachers who have handled international curricula such as Cambridge or IB programmes are often at an advantage in private and international schools.
5. Apart from qualifications and experience, schools also want teachers who can manage classrooms effectively, adapt to different student needs, and work well with other staff members.
Note: Each state may have slightly different requirements, so it is wise to check directly with the local registration board or the school before applying.
Visa and Work Eligibility for Teachers
Teaching in Australia requires the right visa, because schools can only hire teachers who are legally allowed to work in the country. Here’s an easy to follow guide to the main visa options for educators:
1. Skills in Demand (SID) Visa: This is the main pathway for skilled teachers to work in Australia temporarily. You need sponsorship from an approved employer, and your teaching role must be listed as in demand. The visa can allow you to work for up to four years and may be a step towards permanent residency.
2. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This pathway allows teachers to settle in Australia permanently without needing sponsorship from a state or employer. To qualify, you must have your teaching area listed on the skilled occupation list and also reach the required score on the points system. However, not every subject area is included, so it is important to confirm whether your specialty is eligible before applying.
3. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Under this option, teachers can gain permanent residency through nomination by a state or territory government. Some regions may ask for prior work experience in teaching before they nominate you. It is a strong choice for educators who already know the state where they want to live and build a career.
4. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462): This visa is popular with younger applicants who want to combine travel with short term teaching or casual jobs in Australia. It is generally open to people aged 18 to 30 from eligible countries. While it is not meant for long-term classroom roles, it can help teachers gain practical experience and enjoy life in Australia at the same time.
Note: Apart from securing the right visa, teachers are also expected to meet Australia’s work eligibility checks. This often includes a Working with Children Check and a National Police Check. These steps are designed to protect students and make sure that teachers meet the country’s safety and professional standards.
Benefits and Salaries Teachers Get in Australia
Working as a teacher in Australia comes with more than just a steady paycheck. The profession is considered highly valued, and salaries are structured in a way that rewards both experience and specialization. A new graduate teacher usually begins on a salary in the range of AUD 70,000 per year, while teachers with several years of classroom practice, or those who take up extra responsibilities such as year level coordination, can see their earnings rise to AUD 100,000 or more annually. Those who progress into leadership positions like deputy principals or principals often earn well above that figure.
Aside from the pay, schools provide a number of other incentives that make the teaching experience attractive. Many teachers enjoy paid annual leave that coincides with school holidays, along with entitlements such as sick leave and parental leave. Some independent and international schools go further by offering housing assistance, relocation allowances, and ongoing training opportunities, particularly for teachers moving from overseas. Superannuation contributions, which are part of Australia’s retirement system, also add long-term value to a teacher’s overall package.
Another benefit is the professional support available. Teacher associations and unions ensure that staff have access to resources, fair working conditions, and pathways for career progression. Combined with the generally high standard of living in Australia, these benefits make teaching not only a sustainable career choice but also one that offers room for growth and stability.
Conclusion
Australia remains one of the countries where teachers are often in demand. From primary schools to secondary classrooms and even specialist subjects, vacancies appear every year and sometimes return in new hiring rounds. This shows that there is always room for teachers who are prepared and willing to apply.
To stand a better chance, teachers need to focus on meeting the core requirements: a recognised qualification, state registration, good command of English, and the ability to work well with students and colleagues. Other factors like visa approval and background checks also play a role in making sure you are fully eligible to teach. The details in this guide are for general information and may change over time. For the latest updates, it is best to confirm directly through official school sites, state registration boards, or government visa portals.
In the end, what matters most is staying ready. Keep your documents organised, follow up on new vacancies, and be quick to apply when the right opportunity comes. With patience and preparation, teaching in Australia can move from a goal to a reality.
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