Introduction
Australia is a top destination for skilled migrants, especially those in the education sector. With a growing population and an increased focus on quality early childhood education, early childhood teachers are in high demand across the country. If you’re an educator looking to migrate, this guide will walk you through the entire process—from qualification assessments to visa options and settling in.
Understand the Role and Demand
Who is an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia?
An early childhood (EC) teacher in Australia typically works with children aged 0–5 years (sometimes they can work with the lower primary students aged from 5-8 years old, depending on their qualification).
Their main responsibility is planning and implementing educational programs that foster social, cognitive, emotional, and physical development for small kids.
Why Australia Needs EC Teachers
Australia’s government is prioritising to boost early childhood education as part of its national development strategy. This demand creates multiple pathways for overseas-qualified EC teachers to work and settle in Australia permanently.
Check Occupation Lists
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher (ANZSCO Code 241111) is currently listed on the:
This means you may be eligible for various visa options to migrate to Australia.
Qualifications Requirements
To work and migrate to Australia as an early childhood teacher, you must have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree or a post-graduate qualification that is recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. You can study one of the following courses:
If you are unsure which course best suits you, contact SOL Edu on 07 3003 1899 or hello@soledu.net. Our team will provide you with free consultation and free application process.
Skills assessment for an early childhood teacher
Assessing Authority for your skills assessment is AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership)
You must undergo a Skills Assessment through AITSL to prove your qualifications align with Australian standards. Here’s what you need:
- Basic qualification requirement: Your study must include an initial teacher education qualification comparable to the educational level of an Australian Bachelor degree (Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7) or higher, which includes at least one year full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education (university) level study of Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher initial teacher education.
- Teaching practice requirement: You must complete minimum of 45 days supervised teaching practice in early childhood settings.
- English language proficiency requirement:
- You must have IELTS Academic score of at least 7.0 for both Reading and Writing; and a score of at least 8.0 for both Speaking and Listening.
- Alternatively, you must complete at least four full years of study (or part-time equivalent) in higher education in Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America resulting in qualification/s comparable to the educational level of an Australian Bachelor degree (Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7) or higher. This study must include a recognised initial teacher education qualification.
Choose the Right Visa Pathway
There are various options for early childhood teachers to stay in Australia after completing their studies.
Skilled visas
- Visa 189 – skill independent visa is a points-tested visa, allowing you to live and work permanently in any state or territory in Australia. The minimum score that you are required to be considered for a visa invitation is 65, but you may need a higher score to increase your chance of getting an invite.
- Visa 190 – skilled nominated visa is similar to visa 189 but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.
- Visa 491 – skilled work regional (provisional) visa is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.
Employer Sponsored visas
- Visa 186 – employer nomination scheme visa allows you to work and stay indefinitely in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must be nominated by an approved employer and have at least 3 years of work experience as an early childhood teacher.
- Visa 191 – permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa is designed for 491 or 494 visa holders who have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least 3 years.
- Visa 494 – skilled employer sponsored regional (provisional) visa is applicable for you if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. You must accumulate at least 3 years working as a early childhood teacher and obtain a relevant skills assessment.
Conclusion
Migrating to Australia as an early childhood teacher is a structured but rewarding journey. With high demand, good salary package, multiple visa options, and a welcoming professional environment, it’s an excellent career for those who love working with children and wish to migrate to Australia. Whether you’re fresh out of university or an experienced professional, now is a great time to begin your migration journey.
For more information, contact SOL Edu and Migration today at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com