International teachers moving to South Australia

Are you an international teacher ready to make a real impact in a welcoming regional community?

The Department for Education offers visa sponsorship to eligible candidates for teaching opportunities in South Australian government schools.

Why teach with us?

When you teach in a South Australian government school, you're joining more than just a workforce — you’ll be part of a values-led, supportive and innovative education system.

You will:

make a real difference through evidence-based teaching that changes lives
work with collaborative leaders and collegial staff who value kindness and belonging
be part of a statewide network that champions excellence, wellbeing, and innovation
build meaningful connections and contribute to a culture of inclusion and care
access tailored professional learning, mentoring, and career opportunities.

You’ll also receive:

relocation assistance, aligned to existing teacher entitlements
end-to-end support through the visa process from our recruitment team.

Video transcript: Teach in South Australia

Hello, I'm Martin Westwell and I am proud to be the Chief Executive for the Department for Education here in South Australia.

We believe strongly that every child and young person deserves the foundation to thrive and that starts with brilliant people like you. With over 30,000 dedicated professionals across the state, we lead the way in education through innovation, inclusivity, and a shared sense of purpose.

For educators, this means greater freedom to shape how you teach with less regulation and more opportunity to make a real impact for the students in your class.

We're currently looking for qualified teachers in the UK who are ready to make a real impact in a welcoming regional community. The department can offer visa sponsorship for eligible teachers and their dependents for teaching opportunities in South Australian public schools.

If you're eligible, our team will work with you to find you the right role in the right community. South Australia has got so much to offer, including stunning regional locations that provide a laid-back lifestyle, perfect for families or for those wanting a change of pace.

As you can probably tell from the way I talk, I'm originally from the UK. I've been here for 18 years. We we we came for three years and then decided we wanted to stay forever. What I love most about South Australia, actually, there's so many things that I love about South Australia, but the lifestyle is one of the things that really draws people here and was one of the things that influenced us as a family.

This was a place that we very quickly knew that we wanted to live, we wanted to work, and we wanted to bring up our children. I think the with the salaries that teachers get you can squeeze more out of life here in South Australia than almost anywhere else in the world.

We've got the hustle and bustle of the city and all that that brings, all the positive things that that brings, but we've also got fantastic regional locations with access to the city, but places where there is a perhaps a slower pace and certainly those kind of stresses of life are feel less than perhaps in somewhere like the UK.

Our roles and locations, they're as diverse as they are abundant, providing you with generous opportunities for growth and development across a range of pathways. Whether you're teaching in classrooms or supporting behind the scenes, you'll be valued, you'll be challenged, and you'll be fulfilled, all while shaping a brighter f future for generations to come.

Bring your brilliance to public education in South Australia.

Teach in South Australia – A life-changing opportunity for UK teachers video

(3 minutes)

Hear from our Chief Executive Martin Westwell as he shares how qualified UK teachers can make a real impact in South Australian public schools while enjoying an incredible lifestyle and sense of community.

Visa sponsorship pathways for teachers

The Department for Education is an approved sponsor for eligible teachers.

Currently there are two visa pathways available:

Pathway 1: Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – for qualified and experienced international teachers

If you're an experienced teacher looking to build your career in South Australia, we may be able to sponsor you for a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). This pathway is designed for skilled professionals filling roles in areas of high demand, including regional and remote schools. We’ll support you through the visa process (including approved dependents), and help you transition into your new role and community.

South Australia is one of the few states with a dedicated DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) pathway for teachers. This pathway provides an additional option for skilled educators who may not meet the age requirements of standard visa programs. Under the South Australian DAMA, eligible teachers can access an age concession allowing employer sponsorship up to age 55.

DAMA is intended to support workforce needs in designated regional areas and may be considered by international educators looking to build their career, enjoy a regional lifestyle and make a meaningful impact in South Australian schools.

This pathway is ideal for:

qualified teachers with recent teaching experience (at least 1 year of full-time teaching experience within the last 5 years)
overseas trained teachers eligible for South Australian teacher registration
those interested in relocating to regional South Australia.

What’s included:

minimum 2-year contract in a regional South Australian school
visa sponsorship costs, including approved family members (partner and children) covered by the department
comprehensive support for your visa application, delivered by the department in partnership with a registered migration agent
guidance on obtaining teacher registration (you must apply directly with the Teachers Registration Board)
we’ll work with you to find the right school and region based on your preferences.

Pathway 2: Training visa (subclass 407) – for international graduates who have completed their education degree at an Australian university

If you’ve recently completed your teaching degree in Australia and are not eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), the Training visa (subclass 407) could support your next steps.

This pathway is ideal for:

international students and recent graduates who have completed a relevant teaching degree
graduates impacted by changes to post-study visa eligibility
early career teachers wishing to work in regional South Australia.

What’s included:

visa sponsorship costs including approved family members (partner and children) covered by the department
comprehensive support for your visa application, delivered by the department in partnership with a registered migration agent
guidance on obtaining teacher registration (you must apply directly with the Teachers Registration Board)
structured workplace learning and practical experience in a regional school
mentoring and professional support.

Employment requirements

To be eligible to teach in South Australian government schools, you must meet all mandatory teacher employment requirements.

English language proficiency

As part of the Teachers Registration Board process, you will need to demonstrate English Language Proficiency, further information can be found on their website - English proficiency test.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia directly.

Already in Australia or don’t need visa sponsorship?

If you’re an international teacher already living in Australia, or you already hold valid work rights, we’d love to connect with you!

Regional South Australia has a strong demand for skilled teachers, and we can help you find a role that matches your expertise and career goals. You’ll receive full guidance through recruitment, relocation and registration — even if you don’t require visa sponsorship.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re an international teacher or graduate interested in teaching in South Australia, we’d love to hear from you!

Express your interest by emailing your CV or resume to education.InternationalRecruitment@sa.gov.au and we'll be in touch to discuss your eligibility and next steps.

Have questions?

Email: education.InternationalRecruitment@sa.gov.au.

Join an upcoming webinar to learn about the visa process and ask questions. Register now.