Overseas qualified teachers

Recognised qualifications 

Teachers in Western Australian public schools must hold a completed initial teacher education qualification. As a minimum, this is either:  

• an undergraduate Bachelor of Education or equivalent  
• an undergraduate degree with a postgraduate teaching qualification such as a university-awarded Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or Professional Master of Education.  

We do not recognise the Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) certification as a stand-alone initial teacher education qualification. 

For details of qualifications, refer to teacher qualifications and registration.  

Unique teaching locations 

There are plenty of opportunities to teach across our state. Each location offers a different experience and new adventures. To find out what it’s like to live and teach in one of our 8 education regions, explore WA.

Salary and allowances  

Teacher salaries in WA are among the highest in Australia. They range from $88,178 (AUD) as a starting salary for a qualified teacher to $132,557 for senior teachers. Our outstanding classroom practitioners receive a starting salary of $137,567 as level 3 classroom teachers. 

You will also have access to 12 weeks of paid leave per year (school holidays). As well as your salary, you may receive locality and additional allowances. To find out what you could earn, check out our teacher salaries.

Teacher registration

All teachers in WA must have the required qualifications and be registered with the Teachers Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA). You may be eligible for mutual recognition with the TRBWA, if you hold current teacher registration in New Zealand. Find out more about mutual recognition through the TRBWA website.