Teaching is a noble profession because it involves guiding young minds and helping them explore their interests. Teachers have a special connection with their students, helping them understand what matters most and preparing them for their future careers.
To be an inspiring teacher, you need a broad understanding of life. Thus, opting for teaching courses in Australia can help ignite your passion for education and equip you with the skills you need to make a difference in students’ lives.
Whether you just finished school or you’re thinking about trying something new, keep reading to find out why teaching in Australia could be perfect for you!
Benefits of Becoming a Teacher in Australia
- Empowering Young Minds: Teaching offers a remarkable opportunity to inspire young learners, fostering curiosity and expanding their horizons. Many successful individuals attribute their achievements to the guidance and inspiration they received from their teachers.
- Personal Fulfillment in Career: Teaching provides a profound sense of fulfillment as you witness the growth and development of your students. Seeing them excel academically and personally is gratifying and contributes positively to society.
- Highly Valued Skills: Australian teachers are highly regarded globally due to the rigorous education and training they receive. They possess excellent communication, problem-solving, and research skills, making them sought after both domestically and internationally.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: Upon completing accredited teaching programs, a wide range of career paths becomes available. Opportunities exist in primary schools, early childhood education, special education, universities, government agencies, and research firms.
- Enjoy Job Stability: Teaching offers a stable profession, resilient to economic shifts. Even during crises like the global financial downturn, Australian educators maintained consistent schedules. Public school systems prioritize staff retention, providing ample professional growth opportunities.
- Accredited Courses: Aspiring educators should select from accredited courses listed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). These courses, offered by state/territory regulatory authorities, ensure quality training for future teachers.
- Teacher Demand in Australia: Australia experiences a significant need for educators, especially in specialized subjects like mathematics, science, and special education. As a result, there are ample employment prospects for skilled and seasoned teachers.
- Enjoy Breaks & Vacations: Teachers benefit from frequent vacations and summer breaks, a perk few other professions offer. Though marking and preparation may encroach on downtime, the opportunity for multiple breaks throughout the year remains a significant advantage.
- Lifelong Connections: One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is the opportunity to form lasting bonds with students. Whether through inspiration, friendship, or guidance, educators can profoundly impact students’ formative years, fostering connections that often endure beyond the classroom. Moreover, prolonged tenures in individual schools enable teachers to cultivate strong relationships with colleagues, further enhancing their professional experience.
- Industry Perks: Teachers enjoy access to competitive superannuation funds and additional perks like salary packaging and relocation subsidies, particularly within the public school system.
Overview of Visa Options for Teachers Migrating to Australia
Migration to Australia offers various visa options for teachers, albeit with differing availability depending on the teaching level. Primary school teachers, for instance, have fewer choices compared to their secondary school counterparts.
- Visa 190 stands as a permanent visa subject to a points-based assessment and nomination. To apply, one must receive an invitation after submitting an expression of interest through SkillSelect.
- Visa 189 represents another permanent visa, also dependent on points-based assessment, but is not open to primary school teachers. Applicants must await an invitation prompted by their expression of interest on SkillSelect.
- Visa 491, a points-based visa, offers skilled work regional opportunities for a five-year duration. To be eligible, applicants need nomination based on their expression of interest on SkillSelect.
- Visa 494 introduces a five-year skilled employer-sponsored visa, available for applicants under 45, contingent upon sponsorship by an Australian employer.
- Visa 186, an employer-nominated scheme, provides a pathway to permanent residency but is not accessible to primary school teachers. Eligibility hinges on nomination by the prospective employer.
Requirements for Australian Teaching Visas:
- AITSL Assessment: Before applying for a Skilled Visa, aspiring teachers must undergo a skills assessment conducted by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). Additionally, candidates must hold either a 4-year Bachelor of Education or a 3-year degree in any subject combined with a 1-year PGCE/PGDE. Furthermore, a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice during the initial teacher education program is mandatory.
- IELTS Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 7.0 in reading and writing, and 8.0 in speaking and listening on the IELTS Academic test.
Duration & Cost of Teacher Courses in Australia
Students typically pursue full-time higher education for four years at universities, TAFE (Technical And Further Education), or private institutions. Part-time study options are available. Additionally, completion of an accredited teaching course is required.
Annual tuition fees for a Bachelor of Education in Australia range from 20,000 to 35,000 AUD (approximately 10.93 to 19.13 lakhs INR).
Career Opportunities in Education
Upon completing a teaching course in Australia, individuals have various career paths to explore, including:
- Casual teacher
- ESL teacher
- School principal
- Special education teacher
- University lecturer
- University professor
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) instructor
- Music teacher
- Private academic tutor
- Sports coach
Conclusion
Gone are the days when education solely meant chalkboard lectures. Today, education extends beyond traditional classrooms, offering diverse learning experiences. From early childhood education, catering to children aged zero to five, to becoming a professor in a university it has been largely operated outside conventional classroom settings.
Become a teacher to inspire young minds to thrive in the competitive landscape of today’s world. Reach out to GMQ Global to pave the way for your dream of studying in Australia and turn your passion into a sustainable career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you get sponsored to teach in Australia?
Sponsorship opportunities are typically available via a State Government or an Australian employer, whether private or affiliated with a State Government school. State Governments often advertise numerous positions on their official websites or related platforms. For individuals aged below 31, the Working Holiday visa could serve as a viable initial step.
Is teaching a high paying job in Australia?
The typical yearly income for teaching positions in Australia falls between $90,000 and $100,000.
How to become a teacher in Australia for international students?
You can pursue a Bachelor of Education degree or its equivalent at the undergraduate level. Alternatively, you could complete an undergraduate degree followed by a postgraduate teaching qualification like a university-issued Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or a Professional Master of Education.
What is the PTE score for teachers in Australia?
The Board mandates an overall band score of 7.5 across all four components of the Academic test (Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing), with specific requirements: a minimum score of 7 in Reading and Writing, and a minimum score of 8 in both Speaking and Listening.
