Study Teaching in Australia: A Guide For International Students

If you want a career that can change lives, teaching may be for you.

Now comes the harder part—choosing the right course.

Should you study early childhood, primary or secondary teaching?

Will your qualification match your long-term career goals? 

And what should you know if you're hoping to stay and work in Australia after graduation?

Use this guide as your complete, in-depth guide to studying teaching in Australia. And if you need personalised guidance, our education counsellors are here to help you.

If you're short on time, here's a quick overview of what you need to know before choosing a teaching course in Australia. We'll explain each topic in more detail throughout this guide.

Choosing a course is a big investment. You want to know it can lead to real opportunities after you graduate.

Here are some reasons why studying teaching in Australia can be worth it.

Learn from some of the world's best universities

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, five Australian universities ranked among the world's top 50 for Education and Training. This means you'll learn from globally recognised institutions that combine academic knowledge with practical classroom experience.

Strong job demand and employment outlook

According to Study Australia, the education sector employs more than 1.12 million people. It is one of Australia's fastest-growing industries.

Jobs and Skills Australia also projects continued employment growth across several teaching occupations by 2035:

• 12.1% for Early Childhood Teachers

• 11.9% for Middle School Teachers

• 11.7% for Primary School Teachers

Teaching roles are in national shortages

Jobs and Skills Australia also identifies Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary and Special Education Teachers as occupations experiencing national shortages.

Multiple teaching pathways to match your career goals 

Teaching isn't a one-size-fits-all career. Depending on your interests, you can specialise in early childhood, primary, secondary or special education.

Strong skilled migration opportunities

Several teaching occupations, including Early Childhood, Primary, Middle School and Secondary Teachers, appear on Australia's Skilled Occupation Lists. As of 2026, these roles are in shortage across all states in Australia, according to Job and Skills Australia.

The right teaching course depends on two things: your current qualifications and the type of teacher you want to become.

If you're starting your first degree, you might study a Bachelor of Education. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can study a Master of Education or Master of Teaching after.  

You'll also need to choose a teaching specialisation based on the students or learning needs you'd like to support. This may include early childhood education, primary, secondary, special education or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

The exact pathway depends on the teaching career you choose and where you plan to work. However, most teachers follow these five steps.

Step 1: Choose your teaching specialisation

Start by deciding who you'd like to teach. You can specialise in early childhood, primary, secondary or special education. This will help you choose the right teaching course.

Step 2: Complete an accredited teaching qualification

Study an accredited teaching course, such as a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching. The right qualification depends on your current study level and career goals.

Step 3: Complete your professional placement

Most teaching courses include supervised professional placements. You'll gain practical classroom experience while working alongside qualified teachers.

Step 4: Meet the English and registration requirements

Before you can teach, you'll need to meet the English language requirements and teacher registration requirements that apply in your state or territory. Some students may also need to complete a skills assessment, depending on their career or migration plans.

Step 5: Apply for teacher registration

Once you've completed your qualification and met the requirements, you can apply for teacher registration in the Australian state or territory where you plan to teach.

Many international students choose teaching because it may support their long-term migration goals.

Several teaching occupations appear on Australia's Skilled Occupation Lists. This means they may be eligible for skilled visa pathways, depending on their occupation, qualification and individual circumstances.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are invited to apply through the General Skilled Migration program. You do not need employer sponsorship or state nomination.

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.

Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa that lets eligible skilled workers live, work and study in regional Australia. It may lead to PR through the subclass 191 visa.

Employer-sponsored visas

You may also have employer-sponsored options if an Australian school or education provider offers you a teaching role.

This may include pathways such as the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186), Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494).

Permanent Residence Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191)

If you hold an eligible regional provisional visa and meet the requirements, you may be able to apply for the subclass 191 visa.

Studying teaching in Australia can open the door to a rewarding career and, for some graduates, potential long-term migration opportunities. Whether you're just starting your first degree or already have a qualification and want to become a teacher, choosing the right course is an important first step.

Our experienced IDP counsellors can help you compare teaching courses, understand entry requirements, explore specialisations, and find study options that align with your career and plans in Australia.

How many years is a teaching degree in Australia?

A Bachelor of Education typically takes four years to complete, while a Master of Teaching usually takes two years if you already have a bachelor's degree.

How much does it cost to study teaching in Australia?

Tuition fees vary depending on the university and course you choose. An IDP counsellor can help you compare study costs, scholarships and your available options.

Is teaching in demand in Australia?

Yes. Teachers are in demand across Australia, particularly in early childhood, primary, secondary and special education, with strong employment growth projected over the coming years.

Is there a teacher shortage in Australia in 2026?

Yes. As of 2026, several teaching occupations are identified as being in national shortage across Australia, creating strong employment opportunities for qualified teachers.

Is it easy to get PR as a teacher in Australia?

Teaching can provide pathways to permanent residence, but eligibility depends on your occupation, qualifications, skills assessment and visa requirements. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee a PR outcome.

Can I immigrate to Australia as a teacher?

Yes. Qualified teachers may be eligible for skilled or employer-sponsored visa pathways if they meet the relevant migration requirements and their occupation is eligible.