Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I apply for a teaching position in the Northern Territory?
To become a teacher in the Northern Territory you must register with two bodies. You do not need to be registered by Teacher Registration Board (TRB) to apply for a teaching opportunity, but you will need to register with TRB if you take up employment.
You can apply for a specific vacancy or make a general application to be part of a pool of applicants that principals can view.
2. What kinds of people are the Territory looking for?
We are looking for people with a sense of adventure to teach in the Northern Territory and our regional outback schools. You must have teaching qualifications for teaching positions.
The Territory’s remote communities offer the rare experience of teaching within an entirely different culture where English is usually the second language.
If you are offered a position you will need to provide:
- Copies of completed qualifications (Degree Award and transcripts). In Australia, a four-year tertiary qualification with an education major is required. Current students should forward academic record to date, and final semester transcript indicating course completion, as soon as available.
- Evidence of Australian residency or visa status indicating entitlement to residency and ability to take up paid employment, e.g. copy of birth certificate or current passport.
- Copies of official statements of previous service (where applicable).
- Copies of most recent practicum reports (new graduates only).
3. What’s the registration process?
- Register with Department of Education and Training for a username and password
- Login to complete the online application with your new login details
- If you are offered employment, register with NT Teacher Registration Board
4. What should I do if I’m a teacher from outside Australia?
If you are interested in migrating to Australia you should initially approach the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. They will be able to give you information on migration criteria, qualification assessments and procedural requirements. You may wish to ask for information about the General Skilled Migration program.
We only consider applicants who can give us satisfactory evidence of Australian citizenship, residency status or an Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs work permit.
Teacher applicants must also hold a teaching qualification assessed as comparable to a minimum of four years recognised teacher training.
The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations can assess your qualifications.
5. What if I don’t want to migrate?
Other options for teaching work within Australia may be available through an International Teacher Exchange. These generally last one year. To participate in an international teacher exchange program you will need to have completed five years of teaching experience and must also provide appropriate accommodation for your exchange partner.
We have agreements with education authorities in the following areas:
- United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland
- Canada – provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario
- United States of America – Colorado and Minnesota
- New Zealand
If you are interested in a working holiday, you may apply for a 12-month visa, with approval to work for 3 months at a time with any one employer. The department may consider offering relief teaching or a short-term contract.
6. Can I be sponsored to migrate to Australia?
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) is designed to help employers in regional or low population growth areas of Australia who are unable to fill skilled vacancies from the Australian labour market. Employers may nominate people from overseas, or temporary residents already in Australia, to fill vacancies that are full-time, skilled and available for a minimum of two years.
