AITSL Overseas Qualification Recognition: How to Get Your Teaching Degree Recognised in Australia
The AITSL skills assessment is slower, more document-intensive, and less predictable than most applicants expect. This guide explains exactly what AITSL assesses, what documents you need, how long it takes, what the outcomes mean, and how to handle the state registration step that follows.
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Every overseas-trained teacher planning to work in Australia needs an AITSL skills assessment before they can apply for a skilled visa. The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) assesses whether your academic qualifications are equivalent to an Australian teaching degree — not your teaching ability, your English, or your classroom experience. Requirements, fees, and processing times change regularly. Always verify current information directly with AITSL (aitsl.edu.au) and your intended state's registration body before applying. This guide reflects information available in May 2026.
1. What AITSL actually assesses
Three criteria must all be met for a Suitable outcome:
Degree equivalence
Your overall qualification package must be comparable to an Australian Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher.
Initial Teacher Education (ITE)
You must have completed at least one year of full-time equivalent higher education study specific to the stage of schooling (primary or secondary) for which you are applying.
Supervised Teaching Practice (STP)
You must have completed a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice as part of your formal ITE qualification. Special education specialisations (hearing impaired, sight impaired, special needs) require 60 days. Work experience before or after your degree does not count.
What AITSL does not assess
AITSL does not assess your teaching experience, career history, classroom observations, professional registration credentials from your home country (UK QTS, Philippine LET, US state licences), induction programmes, short courses, or professional development. Post-graduation teaching experience cannot compensate for insufficient supervised practice days documented in your qualification.
Early childhood teachers: From 7 December 2024, early childhood teachers (ANZSCO 241111) are assessed by ACECQA (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority), not AITSL. If you are an early childhood or kindergarten teacher, check the ACECQA website.
2. The application process
Before creating your portal account, have every document ready. Missing a single required document is the most common reason for delays.
Confirm your visa pathway
AITSL assessment is required for points-tested skilled visas: Subclass 189, 190, and 491. Some employer-sponsored visas also require it. Confirm your visa category with the Department of Home Affairs before starting. The AITSL assessment is a migration document, not a registration document.
Choose your occupation and checklist
Download the occupation-specific checklist from AITSL's website. Checklists are available for Primary (241213), Middle (241311), Secondary (241411), and specialist categories.
Gather your documents
All documents must be submitted simultaneously. The supervised teaching practice letter from your university is often the slowest to obtain — request it first.
Arrange certified translations
Any document not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. See Section 4 for the difference between certified translation and certified copy.
Submit through the Applicant Portal
Create an account in the RISR Applicant Portal (active since December 2024). Upload all documents and pay the assessment fee. Once payment is processed, the application is locked.
Wait for your outcome
AITSL targets completion within 4–6 weeks of receiving a complete application. Allow 10–12 weeks total. AITSL does not respond to status enquiries during processing — check your portal dashboard.
ANZSCO codes and supervised practice requirements
3. Documents you need
Every applicant
Required documents — all applicants
Additional documents for some applicants
- Graduate-entry programs: If you completed a one-year postgraduate ITE (PGCE, PGDE, GradDipEd) after an undergraduate degree, you need transcripts and degree certificates for both qualifications.
- Credit or advanced standing: A letter from the awarding institution explaining this.
- Australian teacher registration: If you already hold Australian teacher registration, include this documentation.
Do not submit
Get the supervised teaching practice letter first. University administrative processes take anywhere from 2 days to 8 weeks. In India, Ireland, and South Africa in particular, allow 6–8 weeks. The letter must state the exact number of days — not a range, not "approximately."
4. Certified translation vs certified copy
This distinction causes real document errors that delay applications.
Certified copy
A photocopy of an original document with a statement that it is a true copy, signed by a Justice of the Peace, notary public, or equivalent. This verifies the copy is genuine — it does not translate anything.
Certified translation
A translation into English by a qualified translator who certifies the accuracy. Must include the translator's full name, qualifications, certifying body, and contact details on both the original-language and English documents.
For AITSL, non-English documents need certified translations — not certified copies.
Use NAATI-credentialled translators. NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is the certification body in Australia. NAATI-credentialled translators are required by the Department of Home Affairs for visa applications — if your translated documents will also be used for your visa or state registration, use a NAATI-credentialled translator. They are available online and do not need to be based in the same country as you.
5. English language requirements
Who is exempt (no IELTS needed)
The study-based exemption applies if all qualifications required for the AITSL assessment were completed in English in one of these countries: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America.
This is an all-or-nothing exemption. If your ITE qualification was completed in the UK but your undergraduate degree was from a non-exempt country, the exemption may not apply. Check the AITSL checklist for your specific situation.
IELTS Academic — required scores
AITSL accepts only the Academic version of IELTS, in a single sitting, taken within 24 months before your application date. AITSL does not accept PTE Academic, TOEFL, OET, Cambridge, or any other English test.
| Skill | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| Reading | 7.0 |
| Writing | 7.0 |
| Speaking | 8.0 |
| Listening | 8.0 |
6. Fees and processing times
Current fees (from 1 July 2025)
| Service | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Skills Assessment | $1,154 |
| Skilled Employment Statement (optional) | $255 |
| Appeal of Assessment Outcome | $904 |
| Partial refund (withdrawn before assessment) | $946 |
No GST applies. Payment is by Visa or MasterCard only through the Applicant Portal. Fees are reviewed annually — check aitsl.edu.au/migrate-to-australia/fees for current figures.
Processing times
What to expect
7. Assessment outcomes
Suitable
Your qualifications meet AITSL's criteria. You receive a Skills Assessment Certificate valid for 2 years. You can then apply for your skilled visa and, after arrival, apply for state teacher registration in the state where you plan to teach.
Not Suitable
AITSL issues a letter specifying the reason(s). Read it carefully — AITSL's outcomes are specific, not generic. Your options from here:
Contact AITSL for clarification
Before deciding your next step, contact AITSL to confirm you understand the reason. Email migration@aitsl.edu.au with your 8-character application ID.
Appeal within 60 days
Request the appeal form from AITSL. Once you receive it, you have 30 days to lodge. An independent reviewer examines your original application. Fee: AUD $904. Outcome within 10 weeks. Appeals can only consider evidence that existed at the time of your original application.
New application with new evidence
If you have completed a new qualification since your application, or have a new IELTS result, submit a new assessment application rather than appealing.
Information Requested (mid-process status)
8. AITSL assessment vs state teacher registration
This is the single most common point of confusion.
AITSL skills assessment
- National — one result applies across all states
- For skilled migration (visa) purposes
- Assesses academic qualifications only
- Conducted by AITSL (Commonwealth statutory authority)
- Result: Skills Assessment Certificate
State teacher registration
- State-specific — must register in each state
- Required to legally work as a teacher
- Assesses qualifications, English, criminal history, WWCC
- Conducted by state/territory bodies (NESA, VIT, QCT, etc.)
- Result: Teacher registration number
The sequence: AITSL assessment → visa application → arrival in Australia → state registration → begin teaching. You cannot teach in an Australian school with only a positive AITSL assessment. State registration is the legal authority to teach.
State-by-state registration bodies
| State/Territory | Body | Key notes for overseas teachers |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | NESA | NAATI translations required; SCK assessment for secondary; Working with Children Check; eTAMS system |
| VIC | VIT | Mandatory pre-assessment for overseas teachers before registration (from July 2025); can complete offshore |
| QLD | QCT | Deemed registration allows starting work while full registration processes; separate Education QLD employer requirements |
| WA | TRBWA | IELTS Academic: average 7.5, min 7.0 in all bands, 8+ in Speaking and Listening — higher than AITSL minimum |
| SA | TRBSA | Standard pathway; IELTS if not from exempt English country |
| ACT | TQI | Standard pathway |
| TAS | TRBT | Standard pathway |
| NT | TRBNT | Standard pathway |
Mutual Recognition: Under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992, teachers registered in one Australian state can apply for registration in another. Some teachers register first in a state with a more straightforward process (e.g., QLD) before transferring. NSW and VIC may still apply additional requirements including SCK assessments and pre-assessments.
9. Country-specific notes
United Kingdom
English language exemption applies — no IELTS needed if all qualifications were from the UK.
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is not assessed by AITSL. It is an employment authorisation, not an academic qualification. UK-trained teachers must still complete the full AITSL assessment regardless of holding QTS.
BEd (4-year)
Straightforward — meets all requirements in most cases.
PGCE + 3-year Bachelor
4 years total, accepted. The PGCE must include at least 1 year of ITE study specific to the school stage.
Key risk: Some PGCE routes document fewer than 45 days of supervised teaching practice. Verify your exact practice days with your university before applying. Do not assume.
VIT's pre-assessment (Victoria, from July 2025) applies to UK teachers as well.
Ireland
English language exemption applies (Republic of Ireland qualifies).
Teaching Council of Ireland registration is not assessed or used by AITSL or Australian state registration bodies.
PME (2-year) + 3-yr BA
5 years total — meets requirements.
PGDE (1-year) + 3-yr BA
4 years — meets requirements.
Key risk: Irish university administrative timelines for issuing official letters and transcripts are often slow. Request your supervised teaching practice letter as early as possible — allow 6–8 weeks minimum.
India
IELTS Academic required (India is not an exempt country).
Many Indian B.Ed programs document fewer than the 45 supervised teaching practice days required by AITSL. This is the most common reason for Not Suitable outcomes for Indian applicants. Post-graduation teaching experience cannot fill this gap — the 45 days must be documented as part of the formal ITE qualification.
If your documented practice days are insufficient, your options are: complete an additional ITE qualification that includes adequate supervised practice, or explore whether a formal upskilling program exists.
B.Ed (1-yr) + 3-yr Bachelor
4 years total — meets duration requirement if supervised practice is sufficient.
Integrated B.Ed (4-yr)
Typically meets both duration and practice requirements.
Key risk: University transcript and letter timelines in India can run 4–8 weeks. Begin document collection well before you intend to apply.
South Africa
IELTS Academic required. Required scores match AITSL minimums: Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 8.0, Listening 8.0, in a single sitting.
South African Commissioners of Oaths can certify document copies. Afrikaans-language transcripts or certificates require NAATI-certified translation.
PGCE (1-yr) + 3-yr Bachelor
4 years — meets requirements.
Older qualifications (10+ yrs)
May require additional evidence of recent teaching practice to establish currency.
Key risk: If your qualification is more than 10 years old, contact AITSL before applying to confirm what supplementary documentation you need.
Philippines
IELTS Academic required. The Philippines is not on AITSL's exempt English-speaking country list, despite English being widely used in Philippine education.
LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers) board registration is not assessed by AITSL — it is a professional licence, not an academic qualification.
Philippine universities sometimes provide practice teaching documentation using informal terminology. Ensure your supervised practice letter uses the specific language required: exact number of days, student age range, school setting, supervised context as part of formal ITE program, signed by the Registrar.
BS Education (4-year)
Meets the duration and ITE requirements in most cases.
Documents in Filipino
Require certified translation.
USA
English language exemption applies — US study qualifies.
US state teaching licenses are not assessed by AITSL — they are employment authorisation, not academic qualifications.
Student teaching in the US (typically 16–18 weeks) usually exceeds the 45-day requirement — generally not an issue.
4-yr BEd or BSEd
Straightforward — meets all requirements in most cases.
MAT/MIT + 4-yr Bachelor
5–6 years total, well above minimum; MAT must include an ITE component.
Key risk: US transcripts use credit hours rather than Australian credit points. Ensure yours are official, complete, and include every semester.
10. Searching for jobs while your assessment is processing
The AITSL assessment and state registration process combined can take 3–6 months. This does not mean you should wait before researching the Australian job market.
What you can do now
- Research which states have teacher shortages and what incentives are available — NSW, NT, WA, and QLD all have regional teacher incentives worth $10,000–$50,000 per year.
- Browse current teaching vacancies to understand what subjects, levels, and locations are in demand.
- Familiarise yourself with the three school sectors: government (state-funded), Catholic, and independent — each recruits differently.
- Research the Australian curriculum and how it compares to what you've taught.
- Create a profile on teacher job platforms and register interest.
- Contact school networks or state Education departments about expressions of interest.
What you cannot do: You cannot begin paid teaching work in Australia without both a valid work visa with work rights and state teacher registration. Do not accept offers of employment before you have both.
? Frequently asked questions
How long does the AITSL overseas assessment take?
AITSL's official target is 4–6 weeks from receipt of a complete application. Allow 10–12 weeks for the total process from when you begin gathering documents, as university administrative processes — especially for the supervised practice letter — can take several weeks. No expedited processing is available.
What documents do I need for AITSL overseas qualification recognition?
All applicants need: a valid passport and two additional identity documents, academic transcripts for every year of study, an award certificate, an official supervised teaching practice letter from your university Registrar (stating exact days, student age range, and school setting), English language evidence (IELTS Academic or study-based exemption), and certified translations for any non-English documents. Graduate-entry applicants also need undergraduate degree documents.
What is the difference between AITSL assessment and state teacher registration?
AITSL assessment is a national, qualification-only assessment for skilled migration visa purposes. State teacher registration is a separate, state-specific process that legally authorises you to teach in schools. A positive AITSL assessment does not mean you are registered to teach — you need both. The sequence is: AITSL assessment → visa → arrival → state registration → begin teaching.
My AITSL application received a Not Suitable outcome. What can I do?
Contact AITSL first to confirm the specific reason. If you disagree, you can appeal within 60 days (request the appeal form; once received, lodge within 30 days; fee $904; independent review, outcome within 10 weeks). Appeals can only use evidence from the time of the original assessment. If you have new evidence — a new qualification or IELTS result — submit a new application rather than appealing.
Do I need IELTS if my degree is from the UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, or New Zealand?
No, if all qualifications required for the AITSL assessment were completed in English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK, or USA, you are exempt from the IELTS requirement. This is an all-or-nothing rule: if any part of your qualifying study was from outside those countries, you may still need IELTS Academic.
Can I teach in Australia while my AITSL assessment is being processed?
No — not as a registered teacher. To legally teach in an Australian school you need state teacher registration, which comes after a positive AITSL assessment and after you have arrived in Australia. If you are already in Australia on a visa with work rights, you may be able to do non-teaching work. Check your specific visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs.
Ready to Work?
Browse Teaching Jobs in Australia
Use the waiting period productively. Browse current teaching vacancies by state, level, and subject area while your AITSL assessment is underway. Regional positions in NSW, NT, WA, and QLD often include significant financial incentives.
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