How to Teach in NSW with Overseas Qualifications

A Guide for International Teachers

Are you an internationally trained teacher considering a move to New South Wales? If so, you’re likely wondering how to have your overseas teaching qualifications recognised and what steps you need to take to start your teaching journey in Australia. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this process, from qualification recognition to landing your first job.

Gaining Teacher Accreditation with NESA

Before you can teach in NSW, you’ll need accreditation from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). NESA’s website features a dedicated section for internationally trained teachers, detailing the initial accreditation process. This resource serves as a guide to the required documentation and the procedural steps necessary for accreditation application.

Recognition of Overseas Qualifications

One of the most important requirements for teaching in Australia is ensuring your overseas teaching qualifications are considered equivalent to Australian standards. NESA looks for qualifications that:

• Are equivalent in duration to a four-year degree
• Include a substantial teaching practicum
• Come from an institution recognised as comparable to Australian tertiary institutions.

There isn’t a published list of equivalent institutions, but the Australian Government offers a skills assessment service for teachers who want to migrate. This assessment can help determine equivalence for migration purposes and may be required as part of your visa application, depending on the type of visa you’re seeking. Noting that in some circumstances, the skills assessment for migration might not perfectly align with NESA’s requirements for NSW teacher accreditation.

Alternative Pathways

If your qualifications are not recognised as equivalent, it may still possible to teach in an Independent school in NSW. If you have a three-year degree in a discipline relevant to the subject area you wish to teach (e.g. Bachelor of Science) and secure an offer of employment from an NSW Independent school you may be eligible for Conditional accreditation.

Applying for Accreditation

Currently, you need to be onshore in NSW to apply for NESA accreditation and to have your qualifications formally assessed.

Finding a Job in Australia

AISNSW makes the job hunt easier for international applicants. Their Vacancies section on the recruitED service portal allows you to browse available teaching roles. You can tailor your search by keywords, job type, and location. For roles specifically open to overseas applicants, don’t forget to select “International Opportunities Only.”

The path to teaching in NSW as an overseas-trained teacher can be complex, but with careful research and the right support, it’s absolutely achievable. Start by exploring NESA’s resources, consider having your skills assessed, and download the Overseas Teachers gaining NSW Teacher Accreditation resource.