How to become a teacher in Australia: careers with visa perks

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a teacher in Australia or felt the pull to pursue this career path, it’s time to take the next step. After all, there’s no better time than now to launch a teaching career Down Under.

As the country continues to grapple with a shortage of teachers in the face of a rapidly growing student population, the demand for teachers is at an all-time high.

Besides job stability and the fact that being a teacher is a meaningful career that enables you to inspire and shape the lives of the younger generations, you can also potentially extend your stay in Australia after graduation!

Why pursue a teaching career in Australia!

For anyone planning to study abroad in Australia, there are policies designed to let you work and establish your career in the country after you graduate.

As of July 2023, the government has extended post-study work rights for international graduates with eligible qualifications, to address a shortage of skilled workers in areas such as education, technology and agriculture.

The change includes:

• Selected bachelor’s degrees (extended to 4 years, up from 2 years)
• Selected master’s degrees (extended to 5 years, up from 3 years)
• All doctoral degrees (extended to 6 years, up from 4 years)

If you are an international student looking to work in the land Down Under, this is great news because it translates to more opportunities to accumulate valuable work experience there.

Read on for some of the most in-demand jobs in education that could launch your teaching career in Australia after your studies.

5 teaching careers to capitalise on Australia’s post-study work rights

1. Early childhood teacher

The early years are said to be the most crucial of a child’s life. They learn to socialise, pick up language skills and start to interact with the wider world! As an early childhood teacher in Australia, you will help to form the bedrock of a child’s educational journey.

The responsibilities of an early childhood educator include planning and carrying out a curriculum that enriches learning, ensuring the children are well taken care of, as well as building a secure and good learning environment.

Average annual salary: AU$80,000

Career designation: Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (ANZSCO code 241111)

2. Primary school teacher

Primary school is when children’s learning attitudes and habits are established, in addition to learning core subjects including math and science. As a primary school teacher in Australia, you get to shape the future of their education by laying a strong fundamental foundation in both their academics and holistic development.

Your typical day will involve preparing teaching materials, planning and conducting classes with groups of students, as well as assigning and grading homework.

On top of these in-class duties, you may sometimes have to organise field trips and manage after-school extracurriculars or sports events.

Average annual salary: AU$88,000

Career designation: Primary School Teacher (ANZSCO code 241213)

3. Secondary school teacher

If you’re planning to specialise in teaching a specific subject, being a secondary school teacher could be something you consider. After all, you’ll be required to plan, teach and assess lessons aligned with curriculum objectives in your selected subject.

As a secondary school teacher in Australia, you’ll be responsible for monitoring the learning progress of teenage students, typically aged from 12 to 17. It takes an open mind and a desire to nurture to create lessons that can connect with youths and cater to different levels of learning.

Average annual salary: AU$89,000

Career designation: Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO code 241411)

4. Vocational education (Polytechnic) teacher

Looking to build a teaching career in Australia in a more technical and involved field? Then vocational education might just be your calling!

Vocational education or polytechnic teachers are also known as career or technical teachers. They focus on more technical skills such as automotive repair, cosmetology, electronics and computer technology, among others.

If you’re looking to work as a vocational education or polytechnic teacher, expect to teach one or more subjects within a prescribed course of study at a technical and further education (TAFE) institute, polytechnic or other training institutes to tertiary students.

Average annual salary: AU$83,000

Career Designation: Vocational Education Teacher / Polytechnic Teacher (ANZSCO code 242211)

5. Special needs teacher

Are you patient and compassionate by nature? If so, those traits of yours will be called on in your daily work as a special needs teacher in Australia.

You’ll mainly be facilitating lessons with students who have physical, intellectual, emotional and/or learning disabilities – some can be mild, others moderate. Be prepared to build lesson plans and modify the existing curriculum on basic subjects to meet the individual learning needs of each student.

Average annual salary: AU$80,000

Career designation: Special Needs Teacher (ANZSCO code 241511)

Take the next step towards a rewarding teaching career in Australia

Education is a noble career that helps mould future generations- so it’s wonderful that you’re looking to kick-start your teaching career in Australia!

At IDP, we have a team of qualified education counsellors who can offer tailored guidance and ensure that your application process is more seamless – by assisting you every step of the way.

From course selection to accommodation preparation, we’ve got you covered.

Get started with a free counselling session today. Enquire with us or hit the message button to drop us a question!