Register to teach as an overseas teacher
Get more information on how you can register as an overseas-trained teacher.
On this page
When to register
You can apply for registration if you meet the requirements to teach in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Find more information on the following pages:
What you’ll need for your application
Educator Sector Login (ESL) and My Rawa account.
See our guide on how to set up a My Rawa login and connect it to your ESL.
Your qualifications
- Show you're satisfactorily trained to teach through one of the pathways.
- Copies of qualifications and transcripts.
- Teaching IQA report (if applicable).
Language competency
Demonstrate English language competency.
Third-party checks
- Obtain overseas Police clearance.
- Statements/certificate of professional standing.
- Verify your identity with a proof of identity form.
Evidence of teaching experience
- Testimonial letters from previous employers.
- Assessment of your teaching practice (e.g. observation or annual appraisal).
- Any evidence of induction and mentoring completed.
Supporting documents
- A copy of your CV.
- Gather any further supporting information for your application.
- Certified copies.
Steps to register
Click 'My Login' in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
This will take you to the teacher portal | My Rawa. If you haven’t created a My Rawa account, see our webpage on getting started.
Log in using your My Rawa details.
Scroll down to the section named ‘I want to’.
Click on the card called Maintain my practising certificate.
Click the button titled 'Apply Now'.
Follow the prompts on the page.
Submit your applciation.
How to check your application status
The easiest way to check the status of your application is to ask Miromiro (our chatbot).
You will need your registration or case number on hand. Once you enter your registration or case number, you will receive an update on your application status to the email address associated with your registration number.
You can find:
- your registration number in My Rawa under My profile. You can also download your digital practising certificate to your Apple or Google Wallet.
- your case number in Hapori Matatū under 'My Application Cases' in the 'Registration & Certification' tab. Log in through My Rawa.
All registered teachers and the status of their practising certificate will appear publicly on the online Register of New Zealand Registered Teachers.
Applications usually take 6 –12 weeks to process, depending on complexity. In some cases, it may take longer if a panel review is needed.
FAQs
A certified document is an official copy of an original document that has been verified as a true and accurate reproduction. The document(s) you provide must be certified by an official such as a:
- NZ School Principal
- Teaching Council approved identity referee
- NZ Centre Manager
- Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor, a Notary Public
- Registrar, or the authority who originally issued the document.
The person certifying your document(s) must:
- note on every page the words “certified true copy of the original”; and
- clearly identify and include on the document their:
- full name
- title
- signature
- address and contact number
- official stamp or seal
- certification date.
As the professional body for teachers, the Teaching Council’s purpose is to uplift and empower teachers, maximising both individual potential and collective impact. One element of this is making sure teachers uphold high professional standards so that every child and young person has access to qualified, skilled and caring educators. This is done through registration and certification, a process that keeps teachers accountable to the code and standards.
Once you’ve completed your ITE programme, you can apply to the Teaching Council for registration and a practising certificate. These are essential steps - every teacher in Aotearoa must be registered and hold a current practising certificate to teach.
- Registration confirms you meet the professional and ethical standards to be a teacher. It doesn’t expire unless you choose to de-register or your registration is cancelled. You will not be able to teach with registration alone.
- A practising certificate is what allows you to teach legally in New Zealand. It needs to be kept current. A Tōmua | Provisional Practising Certificate is the first certificate you will hold as a beginning teacher.
To create an ESL, please use the Ministry of Education's self-registration process.
Get started with My Rawa
My Rawa is your go-to space for getting started as a teacher in Aotearoa. With tailored guidance and practical tools, it helps you take confident steps in your teaching career.
