On this page
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 program – positions for graduates
Secure a country teaching position early and get extra benefits offered by the Teach First in Country program.
Applications for 2027 are closed.
Eligibility
You must be:
- a teacher who graduated the previous year and hasn’t yet secured a teaching contract
- in your final year of study, graduating and eligible for teacher registration beginning in the following year.
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 the year after your graduate
- a 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 your role.
You’ll also receive the ongoing country incentives that apply to all eligible positions.
Take a country tour
Registrations of interest are now open for Country Tours in 2026. Pre-service teachers can experience what it’s like to live and teach in regional South Australia.
Join us for a fully funded 2-day tour where you’ll visit local schools and preschools, observe classrooms, explore communities and connect with educators. All costs are covered including travel from Adelaide CBD (Flinders Street or airport), accommodation, meals and experiences.
What’s included
The tours include:
- visits to local schools and preschools
- information sessions from site leaders and early career or mentor teachers
- exploring the local sights
- flights or bus travel to and from the region
- shared accommodation and food.
Who can apply
Pre-service teachers with a current working with children check (WWCC).
How to apply
Complete the Expression of Interest.
Questions? Contact education.Pre-serviceTeachers.@sa.gov.au.
Scholarships for professional experience placements in country SA
Our 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
- formal department welcome and induction events
- wrap around support while on placement including professional learning.
Eligibility
Each university has different requirements impacting when you can participate in the scholarship.
Applications are submitted for placements to be undertaken in the following year.
Applications are accepted from students studying at the following universities:
- Adelaide University (including both University of South Australia and University of Adelaide students)
- Charles Darwin University
- Flinders University
- Tabor College.
What’s included
The scholarship includes:
- accommodation during your placement
- financial support towards placement living expenses
- networking opportunities with other participants
- weekly check-ins from our country teaching team while on placement
- the opportunity to build a strong connection with the department.
Country professional experience scholarship requirements (PDF 200 KB) .
How to apply
Applications for 2026 scholarships are now closed.
Sign up to the pre-service teacher mailing list
Be the first to know about events, webinars, placement and employment information from the department.
Join our mailing list and stay up to date on opportunities that will support your teaching studies:
