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A comprehensive guide for South African teachers wanting to teach in Australia: IELTS and AITSL explained.


Australia continues to be a highly attractive destination for South African teachers who are looking to build a rewarding career abroad. With its high standard of education, excellent quality of life, and clear migration pathways, Australia offers fantastic opportunities. However, before you can pack your bags and start teaching, you must meet two crucial requirements: achieving the required IELTS Academic results and completing a professional skills assessment with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).


This guide outlines everything you need to know about meeting these requirements—whether you’re just beginning to explore this option or are already preparing your documents.

We will be exploring the following topics:

map of australia


IELTS for South African teachers


If you hold a South African passport, you are required to sit for the IELTS Academic test—even if you are a first-language English speaker or an English teacher. This applies to all applicants and is a non-negotiable requirement for both migration and teacher registration purposes. It is also worth noting that this certificate is valid for 2 years.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised exam that assesses your proficiency in English across four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Only the IELTS Academic version is accepted for teacher migration purposes. Other tests such as PTE, TOEFL, ISLPR, or Cambridge are not recognised by AITSL or the Department of Home Affairs for teacher applications.


Minimum IELTS score requirements for AITSL:

You must achieve the following scores in a single sitting:

  • Listening: 8.0

  • Reading: 7.0

  • Writing: 7.0

  • Speaking: 8.0

While the scores must be obtained together, AITSL does allow a One Skill Retake if you fall short in only one section. This allows you to re-sit that component and submit your revised result. Ensure you sit the test at a recognised testing centre and do the online (laptop-based) version of the test NOT the paper-based test as no One Skill Retake is allowed for these paper-based tests.


IELTS costs and booking

The test fee in South Africa is approximately ZAR 5,200, though this may vary slightly based on location. You can book your IELTS test through either:

Test centres are available in major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.


Free IELTS preparation resources

To improve your chances of success, take advantage of these free online tools:

laptop test centre
The IELTS test must be done at a recognised centre

Understanding the AITSL Skills Assessment


The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is responsible for assessing the qualifications and experience of overseas-trained teachers. The AITSL will confirm that an internationally qualified teacher's qualification is equivalent to an Australian qualification, and also the 'type' of teacher you are ie. primary/middle or high school. This assessment is essential when applying for a skilled migration visa or for employer-sponsored positions in Australian schools. Obtaining an AITSL assessment does not include sitting any test, it is a process of uploading the relevant documents which are then reviewed and, if the requirements are met, the certificate is then issued. This Skills Assessment certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of issue.


Eligibility criteria for AITSL Assessment

You must hold a teaching qualification equivalent to at least four years of full-time tertiary education, which includes formal teacher training and supervised classroom practice. Teachers must also have (at least) 12 months full-time teaching experience in the last 5 years (post qualifying), although a minimum of 2 years is highly recommended for visa sponsorship.


Typically, this is met by either:

  • A Bachelor of Education, or

  • An undergraduate degree followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

You also need to demonstrate a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice, completed as part of your degree.

Important: AITSL requires a formal letter from your university confirming your supervised teaching practicum. This must detail the age groups/grades and the duration of placement. Academic transcripts are not sufficient for this purpose.

Documents you’ll need

To apply for your AITSL assessment, you must submit:

  • Certified copies of your degree certificate(s)

  • Certified academic transcripts

  • IELTS Academic test results

  • Certified passport ID pages

  • Formal practicum letter from your education institution

All documents should be certified by a recognised professional in South Africa, such as a Commissioner of Oaths, school principal, pharmacist, or police officer.

*please check the AITSL website for the complete list of documents as these are subject to change


Application Process and Fees

To apply:

  1. Create an account on the AITSL Online Portal

  2. Upload all required documents

  3. Pay the assessment fee of AUD 1,065 (approximately ZAR 13,000)

  4. Wait for your outcome (usually takes 8–10 weeks)


You can access the full application guide and portal here:


Final Thoughts

Although the process of migrating as a teacher from South Africa to Australia involves detailed documentation and strict requirements, it is a well-trodden and very achievable path. By focusing on success in the IELTS Academic test and gathering the right documents for your AITSL assessment, you are laying a strong foundation for a long-term teaching career in Australia.

At SA-Recruitment, we specialise in supporting teachers through every step of this life-changing journey. Whether you need guidance on test prep, document collection, or choosing the right visa pathway, our team is here to help.

Get in touch with SA-Recruitment today—let's make your Australian teaching dream a reality.



 
 
 

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