South Australian pre-service teachers can experience what it’s like to teach and live in country South Australia, with access to a range of exciting opportunities.

Learn more about tours in country areas, country placement scholarships and the Teach First in Country program below.

Sign up to our pre-service teacher mailing list to stay informed about current and future opportunities.

Benefits of teaching in the country

When you teach in regional South Australia you’ll:

• grow your employment prospects
• make an impact on the lives of country students and communities
• get the chance to explore the state and learn more about the region you're teaching in
• have access to a range of incentives and support for country teachers and leaders.

Visit teaching opportunities in country South Australia to hear from our country teachers and explore SA’s regions.

Teach First in Country positions for graduates

Pre-service teachers and recent graduates can secure a country teaching position early and receive extra benefits offered by the Teach First in Country program. Applications now open until 15 May 2025.

Eligibility for the program

You must be:

• a teacher who graduated in 2024 and hasn’t yet secured a teaching contract
• in your final year of study, graduating and eligible for teacher registration beginning 2026.

Benefits of the program

If you’re successful in winning a Teach First in Country position you’ll receive:

• a country teaching position commencing in January 2026
• a $10,000 bonus country payment
• formal induction and networking events
• professional learning before you start your role
• in-class support when you begin teaching
• connections with the school or preschool prior to commencing in 2026.

You’ll also receive the ongoing country incentives that apply to all eligible positions.

Which schools and preschools are involved

Positions in Teach First in Country will be available at selected sites across the below regions:

• Port Augusta
• Whyalla
• Port Pirie
• Mount Gambier
• Port Lincoln
• Riverland
• Far North
• Limestone Coast
• Yorke Peninsula.

You’ll be able to preference the regions you want to be considered for. More information on the selected sites can be found on the application form.

How to apply

Join us for an information session to find out more about the program benefits and to get some tips on writing an employable resume.

Book into a Teach First in Country information session.

Apply now by completing the Teach First in Country application form. You will then be contacted by our recruitment team to have a chat.

Take a country tour

Are you a final year pre-service teacher interested in a country teaching position for 2026?

Experience what it’s like to live and teach in the country by exploring regional South Australia and spending valuable time at sites.

Tours will take place starting in week 1, term 2.

Eligibility for country tours

To attend a country tour, you must be a final year pre-service teacher studying at either:

• Charles Darwin University
• Flinders University
• Tabor College
• The University of Adelaide
• University of South Australia.

You must also hold a current working with children check.

Tours are currently open to residents of South Australia only. If you currently live interstate and are interested in working in country South Australia, please get in touch with the team at teachincountry@sa.gov.au.

What’s included in a country tour

The tours include:

• visits to local schools and preschools who are currently recruiting for 2026
• information sessions from site leaders and early career teachers or mentor teachers
• exploring the local sights
• flights or bus travel to and from the region
• shared accommodation and food.

Tours will be in the following regions

• Riverland
• Mount Gambier
• Yorke Peninsula
• Port Augusta
• Roxby Downs
• Port Lincoln
• Whyalla
• Port Pirie.

Complete a country tours expression of interest to attend a country tour in term 2, 2025.

Email the team at teachincountry@sa.gov.au if you have any questions.

Country professional experience scholarships

Country professional experience scholarships are for pre-service teachers seeking a professional experience placement in country schools and preschools during the final years of their teaching qualification.

All requirements of the placement will be taken care of by our team including:

• liaising with your university regarding your requirements
• sourcing the placement site
• booking and paying for accommodation
• supporting you with financial assistance whilst away from home
• formal department welcome and induction events
• wrap around support while on placement including professional learning.

Applications for 2026 scholarships will open on 1 July.

Sign up to the pre-service teacher mailing list

Stay updated on opportunities that will support your teaching studies.

Sign up to our pre-service teacher mailing list and be the first to know about events, webinars, placement and employment information from the department.