Secondary School Teacher in NSW: NESA accreditation, state nomination, and the visa

NESA accreditation for internationally qualified teachers

NESA's eligibility page for teachers with overseas qualifications sets a specific bar: at least 4 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) university-level study including a teaching degree comparable to AQF Level 7 (Bachelor degree) or higher, of which at least 1 year is initial teacher education, plus at least 45 days of supervised teaching practice that was formally assessed as part of the qualification. A common accepted combination is a graduate-entry or postgraduate teaching degree (such as a Master of Teaching) alongside a separate non-teaching undergraduate degree.

NESA assesses the underlying qualification for comparability using the Australian Government's Country Education Profiles, cross-referenced against the Australian Qualifications Framework — but NESA states plainly that it cannot consider previous teaching experience, professional development or induction programs when assessing the qualification itself; only the academic qualification is assessed at this stage. Required evidence includes a final transcript and degree certificate (testamur) from the awarding university, a NAATI-accredited translation for any document not in English, a NSW Working with Children Check clearance, evidence of English language proficiency, and an international police check for any country lived in for 12 months or more within the last 5 years.

NESA fees

NESA's published annual fee page (dated April 2026) states the annual accreditation fee is $100, tax deductible and GST-free. Teachers who already hold registration or accreditation in another Australian state or territory may be exempt from the NSW fee on proof of that interstate status. A newly accredited teacher applying between 15 September and 31 December in a given year skips that calendar year's fee.

Where Secondary School Teacher sits on NSW's skills list

NSW publishes its list at the ANZSCO unit-group level; both 2412 Primary School Teachers and 2414 Secondary School Teachers appear on NSW's Skills List for both the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visa, as at NSW's own list published March 2026 — meaning code 241411, Secondary School Teacher, is covered for both pathways.

Which visas actually reach this occupation

Secondary School Teacher sits on the national MLTSSL and CSOL, reaching 189, 190, 491, 186, 482, 485 and 494 — see /occupations/241411-secondary-school-teacher and Migratio's AITSL pathway guide for how the migration skills assessment for teachers works.

What Migratio does not do here

Migratio has no employer relationships with NSW schools and does not place candidates in teaching roles. NESA accreditation is a decision made entirely by NESA on the evidence an applicant submits — a positive AITSL migration assessment, NSW state nomination, or a Migratio brief has no bearing on whether NESA will accredit a specific person.

What qualification standard does NESA require from overseas teachers?

A minimum of 4 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) university-level study including a teaching degree comparable to AQF Level 7 (Bachelor degree) or higher, with at least 1 year of initial teacher education content and at least 45 days of assessed supervised teaching practice.

How much is the NSW teacher accreditation fee?

NESA's published fee page states an annual accreditation fee of $100, tax deductible and GST-free, current as at NESA's April 2026 page.

Does NESA consider my teaching experience when assessing my qualification?

No — NESA states it cannot consider previous teaching experience, professional development or induction programs at the qualification-assessment stage; only your academic qualification is assessed against the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Is Secondary School Teacher on the NSW Skills List?

Yes — the 2414 Secondary School Teachers unit group, covering code 241411, is on NSW's list for both the subclass 190 and 491 visa, per NSW's March 2026 published list.

What documents does NESA need from an overseas-trained teacher?

A final transcript and degree certificate (testamur), NAATI-accredited translations of any non-English documents, a NSW Working with Children Check, English proficiency evidence, and an international police check if you lived outside Australia for 12+ months in the last 5 years.

Which visas can a secondary teacher use for NSW?

Nationally, 189, 190, 491, 186, 482, 485 and 494, by sitting on both the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (189, 190, 491) and the Core Skills Occupation List (482 Core Skills stream, 186 Direct Entry). NSW's own state nomination covers the 190 and 491 pathways, and is separate from NESA accreditation.