Overseas Trained

The majority of overseas teachers working in New Zealand schools have come from countries with strong language, cultural and educational similarities with New Zealand such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada and South Africa. As an overseas trained teacher, you will need to be extremely competent in written and spoken English.

We’ve summarised the main teaching opportunities that exist currently in New Zealand schools and early childhood (ECE) services to help you with your decision making. While we’ve emphasised the main opportunities which exist now, demand does fluctuate from year to year, so do your research before you decide to relocate.

Early childhood teachers (ECE)

• Demand for teachers who are speakers of te reo Māori and Pasifika languages is high.
• All overseas early childhood education teaching qualification need to be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to be equivalent to a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) or Bachelor of Teaching (ECE).
• Overseas trained ECE teachers must be qualified to teach 0-5 years to obtain NZ equivalency and teacher registration. Many overseas applicants are qualified to teach in the 4-5 age range only. It is also important to note that vocational programs in early childhood education (eg NNEB and Cache Certificate/Diploma programmes in the UK) are not comparable to the three-year academic degree level programs that are required to be recognised early childhood educators in New Zealand.
• As there are new courses developed from time to time, it is critical that ECE teachers considering coming to New Zealand, have their qualifications assessed by NZQA.

Primary teachers

• Demand for primary teachers fluctuates relative to a range of demographic factors. However, as Auckland has the largest population, teacher vacancies are typically concentrated there.

Secondary teachers

• There is more demand for teachers of English, maths, te reo Māori, physical education, physics and chemistry, but this does not guarantee you will find a job in New Zealand.
• For the most up to date information on the recognition of overseas teaching qualifications, refer to NZQA.

Special education teachers

• Qualified, experienced teachers of children with learning or behavioural issues and those working with children with physical disabilities are sought after.