Australia continues to experience a nationwide shortage of qualified teachers across early childhood, primary, secondary, and special education sectors. With rising student enrolments, expanding regional schools, and workforce gaps left by retiring educators, teaching remains one of the most in-demand occupations for Australia in 2026.

For teachers worldwide, this creates a powerful opportunity to build a stable, well-paid, and rewarding career in Australia. If you’re planning to immigrate as a teacher in 2026, this guide covers everything you need – eligibility, skills assessment, PR pathways, documents, job outlook, and tips to increase your chances of success.

Why Australia Needs Teachers in 2026

Teaching occupations appear on multiple skill shortage lists such as:

  • Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Regional Occupation List (ROL)

High-demand teaching roles include:

  • Early Childhood Teacher
  • Primary School Teacher
  • Secondary School Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Vocational Education Teacher

The Australian government’s 2025–2027 workforce planning indicates thousands of vacancies, especially in regional areas, STEM subjects, special needs, and early childhood.

Must Read: Australia Work Visa 2025: High Demand for Skilled and Semi-Skilled Workers

  1. Minimum Eligibility Requirements to Immigrate as a Teacher

To migrate to Australia as a teacher in 2026, you generally must meet the following:

Recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Your degree must be equivalent to an Australian Bachelor of Education or a postgraduate teaching qualification.

At least 1–2 years of teaching experience (varies by state and pathway)

Positive Skills Assessment from AITSL

AITSL evaluates your academic qualifications, English ability, and teaching competency.

English Language Test Score

Most teachers need:

  • IELTS 7.0 in each band, or
  • PTE 65 in each module

Meet Visa Requirements

Such as age under 45, good health, and character clearance.

  1. Who Assesses Teachers for Australia? – AITSL Requirements (2026)

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) handles all teacher skills assessments.

To get a positive assessment in 2026, you must have:

  1. A four-year (full-time equivalent) tertiary qualification

This can be:

  • 4-year Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor + 1-year PGCE
  • Bachelor + 2-year Master of Teaching

  1. Supervised Teaching Practicum

Minimum 45 days of supervised teaching placement in real classrooms.

  1. English Language Proficiency

Unless your education took place in Australia, UK, US, Ireland, Canada, or NZ.

  1. Evidence of Curriculum Knowledge

You must be trained in the age group you intend to teach.

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  1. Visa Pathways for Teachers to Immigrate to Australia in 2026

Teachers are eligible for multiple permanent and temporary visa pathways.

  1. Skilled Migration Pathways (No Job Offer Required)
  2. Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa (PR)
  • No sponsorship required
  • Points-based
  • Ideal for teachers with strong English and experience
  1. Subclass 190 – State Nominated Visa (PR)
  • Requires state nomination
  • Faster PR processing
  • States like NSW, VIC, SA, and QLD often target teachers
  1. Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
  • 5-year regional visa, with pathway to PR
  • Higher chances of selection
  • Many regional regions have teacher shortages
  1. Employer-Sponsored Visas (Job Offer Required)
  2. Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
  • Requires employer sponsorship
  • Pathway to PR through Subclass 186
  1. Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (PR)
  • Direct entry for experienced teachers
  • Requires skills assessment + employer support
  1. Early Childhood Teachers Have More Options

Early childhood educators are on the MLTSSL, meaning access to:

  • 189 (PR)
  • 190 (PR)
  • 491 (Regional PR pathway)
  • 482 (work visa)

This makes early childhood one of the easiest teaching streams to migrate in 2026.

  1. Step-by-Step Process to Immigrate to Australia as a Teacher in 2026

Follow this structured process:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Evaluate your qualifications, age, English level, and teaching experience.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

You will need:

  • Passport
  • Academic transcripts
  • Teaching practicum evidence
  • Employment reference letters
  • English test results
  • Professional registration (if applicable)

Step 3: Apply for AITSL Skills Assessment

Processing time: 10–16 weeks

Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

You must score points for:

  • Age
  • English
  • Work experience
  • Qualifications
  • State nomination

Competitive score for teachers in 2026: 65–80+

Step 5: Receive Invitation

Depending on your points and visa category, invitations can take weeks or months.

Step 6: Lodge Visa Application

Submit all documents, health checks, police clearance.

Step 7: Get Visa Grant + Move to Australia

Once approved, you can start teaching after securing state teacher registration.

  1. State-by-State Demand for Teachers in 2026

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Highest teacher shortage
  • Priority for STEM, special education, early childhood

Victoria (VIC)

  • Strong demand in regional schools
  • Early childhood reforms creating thousands of jobs

Queensland (QLD)

  • Active recruitment for maths, science, and special needs teachers

South Australia (SA)

  • High demand in regional and remote areas

Western Australia (WA)

  • Strong need in secondary and early childhood roles

Tasmania & NT

  • Best chances for fast nominations under Subclass 491

  1. Salaries for Teachers in Australia (2026)

Approximate annual salaries:

Teaching Role Salary Range (AUD)
Early Childhood Teacher $75,000 – $92,000
Primary School Teacher $82,000 – $105,000
Secondary Teacher $85,000 – $115,000
Special Education Teacher $90,000 – $120,000

Australia offers some of the highest teacher salaries in the world.

  1. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Migrating as a Teacher

Boost English Test Score (Aim for PTE 79 or IELTS 8)

Higher scores = higher points.

Apply to regional areas

Regional visas offer faster pathways.

Get professional experience letters ready

Must meet visa format requirements.

Target in-demand subjects

Such as:

  • Maths
  • Science
  • Special education
  • Early childhood

Stay updated with state nomination criteria

They change often.

Conclusion

Migrating to Australia as a teacher in 2026 is one of the most promising and achievable immigration pathways. With strong demand, multiple PR options, excellent salaries, and high-quality work environments, Australia offers teachers long-term career growth and stability.

Whether you are an early childhood educator, primary teacher, or secondary specialist, the opportunities in 2026 are better than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the minimum qualification required to immigrate to Australia as a teacher?

To migrate as a teacher, you must hold a four-year equivalent teaching qualification such as a Bachelor of Education or a bachelor’s degree plus a postgraduate teaching degree. Your program must include supervised teaching practicum of at least 45 days. AITSL must assess your qualifications positively before applying for migration.

2. Do I need teaching experience to migrate to Australia in 2026?

Teaching experience is not mandatory for AITSL skills assessment, but it significantly boosts your migration points and employability. Most states prefer teachers with at least 1–2 years of experience. Applicants with strong English scores and relevant classroom exposure have better chances of receiving state nominations.

3. Which visa is best for teachers to get PR in Australia?

The most popular PR pathway is the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, as it does not require sponsorship. Many teachers also apply under Subclass 190 (State Nomination) for faster processing or Subclass 491 for regional opportunities. Early childhood and special education teachers usually receive quicker invitations.

4. How long does the AITSL skills assessment take in 2026?

AITSL assessments typically take 10–16 weeks, depending on document accuracy and demand. Providing complete academic transcripts, practicum evidence, and English test results helps avoid delays. Once the positive assessment is issued, you can submit your Expression of Interest for skilled migration.

5. Is teaching a high-demand occupation in Australia for 2026?

Yes, teaching remains on Australia’s priority skilled occupation lists due to ongoing workforce shortages. Early childhood, special needs, STEM, and regional teaching roles are especially in demand. States like NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA actively recruit qualified overseas teachers for permanent and regional migration pathways.

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