Teaching is on Australia's MLTSSL — meaning teachers can access the Subclass 189 permanent residency visa. But the skills assessment process for teachers is specific and worth understanding.
Can Teachers Apply for the 189 Visa in Australia?
Yes — teaching is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means qualified teachers can apply for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa and other Australian permanent residency pathways.
The demand for teachers in Australia is real and growing. Australia faces significant shortages in primary, secondary, and special education across most states — and South African teachers in particular have a strong track record of successful immigration and employment in Australian schools.
Which Teaching Occupations Are on the MLTSSL?
Primary School Teacher (241311)
Middle School Teacher (241411) — typically includes Years 7–10
Secondary School Teacher (241411)
Special Needs Teacher (241511)
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (241111)
Various vocational education teaching roles
Skills Assessment for Teachers
Teachers are assessed differently from other professions. The assessing authority for teachers is the relevant state or territory teacher regulatory authority — not a single national body. This means the assessment depends on where in Australia you intend to work:
New South Wales: NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority)
Victoria: VIT (Victorian Institute of Teaching)
Queensland: QCT (Queensland College of Teachers)
Western Australia: TRBWA
South Australia: TRB SA
Other states/territories: Their respective teacher regulatory bodies
For immigration purposes, most teachers use the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) — which provides an assessment recognised across all states.
English Requirements for Teachers
Teaching has strict English requirements. For AITSL assessment:
IELTS Academic: Minimum 7.5 in each band (Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing)
PTE Academic: Minimum 65 in each communicative skill
Cambridge C2 Proficiency or C1 Advanced: Minimum 185 in each component
This is one of the highest English requirements in Australian immigration. If your English is strong — as it typically is for South African teachers — scoring at this level with preparation is very achievable.
What Registration Do South African Teachers Need?
South African teachers registered with SACE (South African Council for Educators) have a recognised professional registration. This, combined with a qualified degree and AITSL assessment, positions teachers well for Australian immigration.
However, teaching in Australia also requires registration with the state regulatory body where you intend to work. This is a separate process from immigration and from the AITSL skills assessment — it is the occupational registration that allows you to teach in Australian classrooms.
Points Profile for Teachers
Age 25–32: 30 points
IELTS 7.5 (superior): 20 points
5–7 years teaching experience: 10 points
Bachelor's degree: 15 points
Total: 75 points base
Teachers who achieve this points profile are competitive in most education occupation rounds. State nomination through a 190 can add 5 points; partner skills can add 10.
Australian School Employment
Australian state school systems — particularly in Queensland, WA, and SA — actively recruit internationally trained teachers. A direct employer recruitment pathway (which may involve a 482 or a direct 190 nomination through state employment) is common for teachers and can run in parallel with an independent EOI.