Moving to teach in Aotearoa New Zealand

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Before you apply 

What you need to apply 

Before you apply

In Aotearoa New Zealand teachers hold a trusted position in society. Together as a profession they have high standards of integrity, conduct, competence and effective teaching practice. There are several steps involved with joining the 105,000 strong profession. 

Overseas-trained teachers coming to New Zealand to fill a teaching vacancy may be eligible for an Overseas Relocation Grant from the Ministry of Education. This grant can be up to $10,000 (GST inclusive). For more information go to the Education Workforce website.

For information about moving to New Zealand, including immigration and visa information, please see the Education Workforce website.

If you are registered in Australia, you may be eligible for a New Zealand practising certificate under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act (TTMRA). 

Please read Our Code, Our Standards | Ngā Tikanga Matatika, Ngā Paerewa - these documents set out the expectations for teacher behaviour and effective teacher practice. 

What you need to apply

To practice as a teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand you need to be registered and hold a current practising certificate.  

Important! If you've received an employment offer to teach at a New Zealand school, kura or early childhood centre, please let us know. Our priority is to have teachers able to teach when they have a definite job offer. 

To gain registration and certification as an overseas-trained teacher, you can apply online through Hapori Matatū. You must:  

1. Show you're satisfactorily trained to teach 
2. Demonstrate English language competency  
3. Obtain overseas Police clearance  
4. Verify your identity: Proof of Identity form (there are two forms one for if you're currently residing overseas and one if you're living in New Zealand) 
5. Gather further supporting information for your application: 
   • Copies of qualifications, transcripts, Teaching IQA report
   • Testimonial letters (from previous employers regarding your teaching)
   • Assessment of your teaching practice (including observation or annual appraisal) 
   • Any evidence of induction and mentoring you have completed during your teaching career 
   • Statements/certificate of professional standing
   • A copy of your CV 
6. Apply for teacher registration and a practising certificate, submitting the above information and more. You can apply for these at the same time.

• UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) 
• Teacher Licensure from American States, or 
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) certificates.  

for being satisfactorily trained to teach.  

In New Zealand teacher registration and certification aren't sector specific. The Teaching Council doesn't specifically register teachers as early childhood teachers, primary teachers, or secondary teachers. It's up to an employer to determine whether a certificated teacher has the qualifications, skills, and experience to employ them in a teaching position at their centre/school, and to determine if the person meets additional requirements for funding/licensing, specifically in the ECE sector.

Read more information about ECE or primary endorsement.

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