Handy how-to guide: Move to Aotearoa New Zealand to teach

01 February 2026

Thinking about bringing your teaching skills to Aotearoa New Zealand? Great choice - but there are a few important steps you'll need to follow before you can step into a Kiwi classroom.

Here’s a simple, step‑by‑step guide to help you navigate the process confidently. 

Get your teaching qualification recognised 

Before anything else, your overseas teaching qualification needs to be evaluated by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

What to do: 

Tips: 

  • NZQA provides detailed information about the recognition process and a checklist of documents you’ll need. 
  • All documents will need to be certified copies.

Get Registered and Certificated 

To teach in New Zealand, you must register as a teacher and apply for a practising certificate with the Teaching Council. 

What to do: 

  • Follow the Teaching Council’s process for overseas‑trained teachers. 
  • Provide all necessary evidence of your qualifications ensuring all documentation is certified copies of the original documents and identity. 

Tips: 

  • If you already have an employment offer from a school, kura, or early childhood centre, let both NZQA and the Teaching Council know - your application can be fast‑tracked. 
  • Teachers with confirmed job offers are treated as a priority for registration and certification.

Start looking for a teaching job 

Most teaching vacancies in New Zealand are advertised through the Education Gazette. Early childhood jobs can be listed in the Education Gazette but can also be listed on independent job sites such as Seek. 

What to do: 

  • Visit the Education Gazette website and browse current vacancies. 
  • Use filters to search for roles that align with your experience and strengths. 

Tip: If you’re required to complete a refresh programme, you might need to show confirmation of a job offer before you can be registered and certificated. A Registration Officer will guide you if this applies to your situation. 

 

Apply for a Visa 

Once you have a completed Teaching IQA and registration with the Teaching Council, you can apply for a work visa. 

What to do: 

  • Submit your application directly through Immigration New Zealand. 

Tip: Immigration New Zealand’s website has detailed information on visa options for teachers moving to New Zealand. 

When you arrive: Set yourself up for success 

Once you land in Aotearoa, there are a few ways you can make sure you’re set up to begin teaching. 

What to do: 

  • Request a salary assessment through Education Payroll (using your IQA from step one). 
  • Check whether you’re eligible for an Overseas Relocation Grant - this grant can cover certain relocation costs up to NZD $10,000. 
  • Explore support from Tātai Aho Rau Core Education, which offers introductory webinars, programmes to support your professional learning and a Mentor Support Programme to help you settle into teaching in New Zealand. 

Watch this Overseas Teacher Journey video, made in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), or explore the accompanying MoE PDF guide and webpage for more information. 

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