Teaching is not only one of the most respected professions in Australia—it’s also one of the most in-demand. With the country experiencing a shortage of educators, especially in Early Childhood Education and STEM Secondary Subjects, now is the perfect time for international students to consider a teaching career. Better yet, pursuing this pathway can significantly enhance your chances of securing Permanent Residency (PR).
Popular Teaching Courses for International Students
Whether you’re transitioning from another career or starting fresh, these teaching programs offer both career opportunities and migration benefits:
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
- Duration: 2 years
- Outcome: Early Childhood Teacher
Master of Teaching (Primary)
- Duration: 2 years
- Outcome: Primary School Teacher
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
- Duration: 2 years
- Outcome: Secondary School Teacher (Maths, Science, IT, etc.)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary)
- Duration: 4 years
- Pathway: Direct entry from high school or equivalent
- Benefits: Strong long-term employment prospects and teaching practice built into the course
Why Choose Teaching in Australia?
- High demand in regional and remote areas
- Eligible for state and territory nomination
- Strong employment outcomes post-graduation
- Teaching roles are on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
This means teaching is not only a rewarding career but also a strategic pathway to PR.
PR Pathway for Teaching Graduates
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how teaching graduates typically pursue permanent residency in Australia:
Step 1: Complete an Approved Course
- Must be accredited by AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership)
- Includes supervised teaching practice
- Meets English language proficiency standards
Step 2: Apply for Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Post-Study Work Stream
- Stay in Australia for 2 to 3 years
- Gain teaching experience and meet PR eligibility criteria
Step 3: Apply for Skills Assessment
- Submit your qualifications to AITSL
- Required: IELTS Academic only. The minimum scores required are 7.0 in Reading, 7.0 in Writing, 8.0 in Speaking, and 8.0 in Listening.
Step 4: Choose a PR Visa Pathway
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
All options require a positive skills assessment, EOI submission, and possibly state nomination.
In-Demand Locations for Teaching Jobs
Teachers are needed across regional areas in several Australian states, including:
- New South Wales (NSW)
- Victoria
- Queensland
- South Australia (SA)
- Western Australia (WA)
Early Childhood and STEM Secondary Teachers are especially sought after making you more competitive for state nomination and visa sponsorships.
Tips for Success in Your Teaching + PR Journey
- Specialise in Early Childhood or STEM subjects
- Choose regional campuses for better access to state nominations
- Achieve strong English test scores
- Engage in practical experience during your studies
Ready to Start Your Teaching Career in Australia?
Teaching in Australia offers job security, employer respect, and a clear PR pathway. If you’re ready to make a difference in education and build a life in Australia, this is the perfect time to enrol in a teaching course.