Overseas teachers

How to apply to Teach in the Territory as an overseas teacher

Before applying, use this as a guide to ensure your teaching qualifications are recognised and that you understand the visa options available to you.

1. Check your eligibility

Before applying to a school or submitting a formal application, you must ensure:

You are a qualified classroom teacher (Bachelor’s or Master’s in education).
Your teaching qualifications are recognised in Australia.
- Contact AITSL for assessment.
You have or can obtain the right to work in Australia. This could be:
- Permanent residency
- Australian citizenship
- A valid working visa (visit the Department of Home Affairs for more information)

If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may require visa sponsorship (see Section 5).

2. Prepare your application

A standard teaching application should include:

A current CV (résumé)
Contact details for at least two recent referees at principal/assistant principal level
- If you are a graduate teacher, upload your final practicum report instead of referee reports

Upon being offered a role, you'll need:

NT Teacher Registration (via TRB NT; mutual recognition applies for NZ teachers)
A valid Ochre Card (NT Working with Children Clearance)
Proof of teaching experience to determine salary (statements of service)

3. Apply to Teach in the NT

There are three ways to apply:

Option A: Join the Classroom Teacher Recruitment Pool

Submit one application to be considered for multiple roles across the NT. The Talent, Attraction & Recruitment team will:

Review your documents and referee details
Match you with suitable schools
Contact you if sponsorship or support is available

👉 Apply to the Teacher Recruitment Pool

Option B: Apply for advertised vacancies

View current job listings on the NT Government Careers page.
Include:

CV
One-page cover letter
Note in your application if you require visa sponsorship

Option C: Contact a school directly

If you’re interested in a specific school or location:

Reach out via phone or email
Attach your CV and note you are seeking sponsorship (if applicable)
Find school contacts in the NT Education Directory

4. Teacher Registration, English Proficiency & Clearances

Before starting work, you must have:

NT Teacher Registration
- Apply through TRB NT
Ochre Card (Working with Children Clearance)
- Apply through SafeNT
English proficiency
- Required if you're from a non-exempt country (Ireland, NZ, UK, USA, Canada)
- Must complete IELTS or ISLPR tests
LANTITE
- Only required if you studied an Australian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) degree after 2016

5. Visa Options and Sponsorship

You must hold a valid working visa to teach in the NT. There are no age restrictions for employment in NT schools, but some visas have age limits.

Sponsorship

Some NT schools may offer sponsorship. Please note:

Sponsorship is at the school’s discretion
Contact schools directly to discuss their ability to sponsor
If sponsorship is offered, the Department of Education and Training will assist with relocation from your Australian arrival point (you are responsible for international travel and shipping costs)

Visit the Migrate to Work NT page

Visit the Department of Home Affairs

We recommend speaking to a Registered Migration Agent to explore options.