Teaching in Australia can be an incredibly rewarding experience for South African teachers looking to expand their horizons. Not only does Australia offer competitive salaries and excellent working conditions, but it also provides teachers with a chance to explore new landscapes, cultures, teaching methodologies and a life changing move to the country.
There are many many considerations to be taken into account when starting this process and it does take research and organisation.
In this blog we aim to unpack and address some of the key aspects:
The type of Visa
There are several different visa routes available to secure work in Australia. This blog will address the 2 main types namely, sponsored visa and independent visas.
There are significant differences between these 2 visa routes; considerations around financial requirements and affordability, timeframes and long term goals should be kept in mind.
1. Sponsored Visa
Sponsored visas allow Australian employers, states, or family members to sponsor a visa applicant. These visas are common for skilled workers who have a job offer in Australia or meet specific regional needs or shortages. The main options are the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) and the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)* the vacancies that SA-Recruitment are recruiting for come with the TSS 482 visas
Key Features and Costs
Application Fees: The cost of this visa is carried by the employer and not the teacher. In most cases, the school will also cover the cost of the visa for a spouse and dependant, but this will be confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
Pathway to Permanent Residency and Australian passport: These sponsored visas can lead to permanent residency after two years if criteria are met and then Australian citizenship and passport.
Pros of a Sponsored Visa
Employer Support: Since the employer is involved, they assist with visa processes and there is support from a dedicated immigration lawyer, making it easier to secure entry into Australia.
Skill Shortages and Demand: Sponsored visas generally target high-demand roles, so processing times may be faster.
Fast tracking for Permanent Residency: Many sponsored visas provide a pathway to permanent residency in a shorter period of time, depending on the visa stream and occupation.
Cons of a Sponsored Visa
Tied to Employer or Region: Sponsored visas often commit the teacher to a specific employer or region for a set period. Changing employers or regions may require a new visa or additional permissions and costs.
High Cost for Employers: Employers face costs like the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which can discourage some from sponsoring.
2. Standalone (Independent) Visa
Independent or standalone visas do not require an employer or state sponsor. The most popular options are the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491). These visas are based on a points system, assessing the applicant’s age, qualifications, English proficiency, work experience, and other factors.
Key Features and Costs
Application Fees: The primary applicant fee for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is about AUD $5 000, with additional costs for dependents.
Independent Selection: Points are awarded based on personal qualifications, and applicants must meet the minimum score threshold. Subclass 189 offers flexibility to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Regional Option (Subclass 491): For applicants with lower points, a regional visa offers a pathway if they’re willing to work in a designated area for at least three years.
Pros of an Independent Visa
Freedom to Choose Location and Job: With no ties to a specific employer or region, Subclass 189 visa holders can live and work anywhere in Australia.
Clear Path to Permanent Residency: Subclass 189 provides direct access to permanent residency upon approval, making it ideal for long-term relocation.
Cons of an Independent Visa
High Point Requirements: The points threshold is high, so many applicants may need to boost their qualifications, language scores, or work experience to qualify and age is a factor to consider as well.
Long Processing Times: Due to high demand, processing times for the Skilled Independent Visa can be much longer than employer-sponsored visas.
Higher Cost: The base cost for the Skilled Independent Visa is much higher than some sponsored visas, making it pricier for those without employer support.
Documents and Costs:
The documents required for a South African teacher are listed below with additional notes and approximate costs.
Degree/qualification certificates:
Your degree must be in it’s original English form or, if issued in another language, must be an officially recognised English translation. The degree must be on official letterhead.
Cost: these documents should be available at no cost from the relevant university but if official translation is required there may be a nominal cost involved
Transcripts for your qualifications (exam results):
Your transcripts must be in the original English or, if issued in another language, must be an officially recognised English translation and be on official letterhead.
Cost: these documents should be available at no cost from the relevant university but if official translation is required there may be a nominal cost involved
Valid passport:
A valid passport is essential, there needs to be at least 4 blank pages in your passport as well as (ideally) 1 full year’s validity or 6 month's at the time of application.
Cost: the approximate cost is R600 per passport
Personal documents:
Depending on your personal circumstances, you may also need personal documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, identity documents etc.
Cost: use think link through to the Department of Home Affairs to see the relevant costs
Professional references:
Up to 3 professional, teacher-based, references will be needed as part of the vetting process confirming your dates of employment. These may not be necessary initially, until a teaching position is secured, but will be necessary towards the latter end of the employment process.
Cost: a school should not charge a South African teacher for these references
Proof of your student teaching experience as part of your qualification:
This letter is an additional stand-alone formal document that is needed as part of your application and is a crucial document. Your transcripts are not enough to fulfil this requirement, so a South African teacher has to request this document from their University. This document will confirm the number of days spent doing practical teaching as part of your degree, as well as the age groups (and sometimes) subjects taught. On the basis of this letter your ‘teaching title/phase’ will be confirmed in Australia; not necessarily where your professional teaching experience lies – it is crucial that your practical teaching experience mirrors your practical teaching experience.
Cost: there may be a nominal charge to be made to the relevant University to provide you with this document, this would need to be confirmed by the University and the must be on official University letterhead.
IELTS test (academic):
The IELTS is an essential document that is required by all South African passport holders irrespective of their home language or degree major or language of instruction at University. It is important to make sure of the type of test you need to write and the requirements. A South African teacher must pass the ACADEMIC version of this test, written at a recognised centre and must obtain the following marks across the 4 bands (min) 7.0 Reading and Writing & 8.0 Speaking & Listening). The individual band marks are of more importance than the overall band/test score.
Cost: approximately R5,500
Link through to the official IELTS website for South Africa https://www.britishcouncil.org.za/exam/ielts/dates-fees-locations
Link through to a blog on the SA-Recruitment’s website going into this test in more detail with free resources to help in preparation
AITSL assessment:
The AITSL is The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership and is the organization responsible for assessing the qualifications and teaching experience of overseas-trained teachers who wish to work in Australia. This assessment is crucial for applying for Australian work visa's. South African teachers will need to upload their successful IELTS certificate as part of their application to the AITSL and this process can take up to 8 weeks.
(Please get our advice on when/if you need to get this done initially as for some roles these only need to be done after you have arrived in Australia)
Cost: approximately R13,000
Link through to the AITSL website
Link through to a blog on the SA-Recruitment’s website detailing this specific process
Medical tests:
These medical tests are only needed once a South African teacher has secured a teaching position, and cannot be done beforehand. The formal document and list of the required medicals will be sent directly to the teacher by the school's immigration lawyer to be taken to the required testing site for completion and processing.
The tests will include a chest x-ray testing for TB and blood tests looking for (amongst others) Hepatitis and/or HIV.
Please talk to SA-Recruitment if you are concerned about your medical history
Cost: approximately R3,000 per adult
Police clearance certificates: (PCCC)
A PCC will be required for both you (as the teacher) and for a spouse (if relevant). If the South African teacher is married, or any name change has been legalised the PCC must include maiden names and/or any legal name change. It is highly likely that this PCC will need to be expedited (for you as the teacher) so please check with SA-Recruitment before applying for this document.
Cost: normal service in-country at the local police station a cost of approximately R170, an expedited PCC at a cost of approximately R1,800
Teacher registration in Australia:
Once a South African teacher has been offered a teaching contract by a sponsoring school in Australia, the teacher then needs to register with the relevant state’s teaching registration board. There is no test for this registration, it involves creating a profile and uploading relevant documents.
Cost: approximately R2,000
Key State Teaching Authorities:
New South Wales: NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/home
Victoria: Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) https://www.vit.vic.edu.au/
Queensland: Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) https://qct.edu.au/
Further considerations
Alongside the documents needed and the costs involved, South African teachers looking to make this long term move to Australia should also be mindful of the following:
Timing
Timing is crucial in the journey to teach in Australia. School terms in Australia begin in late January or early February, and it’s often best to start your planning at least 6 months in advance. This gives you enough time to gather the necessary documentation, undergo skills assessments, and secure the appropriate visa. Recruitment typically happens months before the start of the school year, so being proactive can place you in a stronger position to secure a role that aligns with your professional goals. Ideally a school would look to employ a South African teacher for a late January start (the beginning of the academic year), but High School teachers are also recruited for rolling start dates from January through to July/August of an academic year. If prospective Primary teachers can not make the January start date, a June/July start date would then be the next best time.
Working with a Reputable Recruiter for a Sponsored Visa
If you're considering a sponsored visa, working with a reputable recruiter is highly recommended. The Australian education system values qualified teachers from abroad, but navigating visa requirements and sponsorship details can be complex. An experienced recruiter can guide you through this process, ensuring that all your paperwork is in order and connecting you with schools that are actively seeking international teachers. Make sure the recruiter is well-established and has experience with South African applicants, as they can offer valuable insights specific to your situation. SA-Recruitment fulfils these requirements to contact us for more information on how we could look to assist you.
Budgeting and Research
As much as a recruitment agency and a sponsoring school in Australia can assist a South African teacher in securing a teaching position and support the sponsored visa process, it is essential that South African teachers looking to move to Australia do the necessary research into cost of living, housing, schools etc. Time spent doing this research is time well spent and will underpin an easier transition into your new life.
No Flights or Accommodation Included
One important consideration for South African teachers moving to Australia is that, typically, neither flights nor accommodation are covered as part of the employment package. This means you will need to factor in the cost of flights, temporary accommodation, and the expenses associated with securing a rental property upon arrival. It’s a good idea to arrange for short-term accommodation for the first few weeks while you look for more permanent housing, and to budget accordingly. Some of the schools that SA-Recruitment works with will offer the services of a relocation agent to assist South African teachers in securing appropriate accommodation.
Final Thoughts
Teaching in Australia is a life-changing experience that offers South African teachers a chance to advance their careers and afford their families Australian citizenship while embracing a new lifestyle. The process, although detailed and sometimes costly, is definitely achievable. Careful planning and preparation is essential, but working with reputable schools as well as a reputable agency, will offer you ongoing support and a concrete teaching position with sponsored visa which will eliminate uncertainty and risk. With qualifications, a bit of patience, and the right documentation, your dream of teaching in Australia can become a reality.
*the costs listed are an approximate; it is recommended that teachers get these costs confirmed.
*this may not be all of the documents teachers need to provide; it is recommended that teachers get this confirmed by an immigration lawyer
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