10 Nov 2026

How to Land a Term 1 Teaching Job in Australia

Why now is the time to plan for Term 1

If you want to be teaching in Australia when the new school year starts, the time to act is now. Term 1 begins in late January or early February, and schools fill most of their vacancies in the weeks before the summer break.

The teachers who start on day one are the ones who sorted their registration, documents and location early. Here's how to do it in three steps.

Step 1: Get registered in the state you want to teach in

Every teacher in Australia needs registration with the teaching authority in the state or territory they work in. Registration is state-based, so your first job is to pick where you want to teach and apply there.

State or territory Registration body
New South Wales NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
Victoria Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
Queensland Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)
Western Australia Teacher Registration Board of WA
South Australia Teachers Registration Board of SA
Tasmania Teachers Registration Board of Tasmania
Northern Territory Teacher Registration Board of the NT
ACT ACT Teacher Quality Institute

Applications can take several weeks, especially in the busy period before Term 1. Apply as soon as you've decided on a state, and you can be interviewing while it's processed.

Step 2: Choose where and how you want to teach

The more open you are on location and contract type, the faster you'll find the right Term 1 role.

  • Regional and rural schools: Regional areas across Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania often have the most vacancies. Many states offer extra incentives for teachers who take rural or remote roles, so check what's available where you're looking.
  • City schools: Roles in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are more competitive, so apply early and keep your options open.
  • Relief teaching: Casual relief teaching (CRT) lets you start working quickly, get to know local schools and often leads to longer contracts.
  • Fixed-term and permanent contracts: Most are advertised before the end of Term 4, so have your registration under way before you apply.

Step 3: Get your documents ready

Have these ready before you apply, so nothing holds up your start date:

  1. Your teaching qualification and academic transcripts
  2. Proof of identity
  3. Current teacher registration, or proof you've applied
  4. A Working with Children Check, if your state requires one on top of registration
  5. An up-to-date CV and two professional referees
  6. Your right to work in Australia (a visa, if you need one)

Teaching in Australia as a New Zealand teacher

Yes, New Zealand teachers can teach in Australia. If you hold current registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, you can apply to an Australian state's teaching authority under mutual recognition (the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement).

This is usually much simpler than a full new application, because your NZ registration is recognised as equivalent. Apply to the state you want to teach in, and keep your NZ registration current while it's processed.

As a NZ citizen you can also live and work in Australia without a separate work visa, which makes a Term 1 start very achievable.

FAQs

When does Term 1 start in Australia?

Term 1 starts in late January or early February, depending on the state or territory. Check your state education department for exact dates.

When should I start applying for Term 1 teaching jobs?

Start applying in Term 4, ideally from October onwards. Most Term 1 vacancies are filled before schools close for the summer holidays.

How do I get a teaching job in Australia?

Get registered with the teaching authority in your chosen state, prepare your documents, and apply to schools or through a teaching agency like Prospero Teaching.

Can New Zealand teachers teach in Australia?

Yes. NZ-registered teachers can apply for Australian registration under mutual recognition, and NZ citizens can work in Australia without a separate visa.

Where are the most teaching jobs in Australia?

Regional and rural areas, particularly in Western Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania, often have the most vacancies.

What is relief teaching?

Relief teaching, or casual relief teaching (CRT), means covering classes when a regular teacher is away. It's a flexible way to start teaching in a new state quickly.

Ready to start teaching in Term 1?

Prospero Teaching places teachers in schools across Australia, including regional and rural roles with great support. Register with us today and our team will help you find the right role, ready for day one of Term 1.