Quick Answer: Tasmania and Queensland offer secondary school teachers (ANZSCO 241411) the most accessible nomination pathways in 2025–26, with both 190 and 491 options open and STEM/special-ed teachers prioritised across all active states. The 189 (no-nomination) route requires a competitive points score — applicants we work with typically hold 80–90 points to receive invitations, while state-nominated 190 adds 5 points and 491 adds 15 points to your base score. AITSL is the sole assessing authority; budget AUD $1,050 and 4–6 weeks for assessment.
VJ Consulting and Education has guided numerous teachers through Australia's competitive state nomination and skills assessment pathways, and the landscape continues to shift with each program year.
Cross-State Comparison: Secondary School Teachers (ANZSCO 241411)
| State | On 190 List | On 491 List | STEM/Special-Ed Priority | Key Condition | Approx. Nomination Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | ✅ Yes | Check official latest | ✅ Strong | Largest volume; high competition | Very high |
| Victoria | ✅ Yes | Check official latest | ✅ Strong (ROI-based) | Expression of Interest / ROI process | High |
| Queensland | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Check latest QSOL; 190 + 491 active | High |
| South Australia | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Both pathways generally open | Moderate |
| Tasmania | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Regional/study pathway friendly; quota 190:1,200 / 491:650 | Moderate |
| WA / NT / ACT | Check official latest | Check official latest | Varies | Verify each state's current skilled list | Varies |
(Sources: State nomination program 2025–26; AITSL; migration agency compilations as of 2026. All figures subject to state quota cycles — verify before applying.)
Which Australian state is easiest for Secondary school teachers to migrate to?
Tasmania and Queensland are the most accessible states for secondary school teachers right now. Both run active 190 and 491 nomination channels simultaneously, STEM and special-education teachers are explicitly prioritised, and Tasmania's total quota (190: 1,200 places / 491: 650 places in 2025–26) is generous relative to its applicant pool. Queensland's skilled occupation list (QSOL) has consistently included secondary teachers with active invitation rounds. Among the applicants VJCE has assisted, those targeting Tasmania or Queensland as their first nomination attempt have generally found the entry requirements more manageable compared with high-threshold states like NSW or Victoria.
Victoria and NSW nominate the largest absolute numbers of teachers but draw the most applicants — the competition is proportionally higher. South Australia sits in the middle: both 190 and 491 pathways are generally open for teachers (particularly STEM/special-ed), and the state's teacher demand is strong.
| State | Ease Rating for Teachers | Best Pathway | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 190 or 491 | High quota, low competition, regional-friendly |
| Queensland | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 190 or 491 | STEM shortage active, dual channel open |
| South Australia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 190 or 491 | Strong teacher demand, accessible thresholds |
| Victoria | ⭐⭐⭐ | 190 (ROI) | Large volume but ROI-gated; check current round |
| NSW | ⭐⭐⭐ | 190 | Highest volume; highest competition |
"As a secondary teacher in the profession, I feel it's a great pathway with huge employability. Such a big shortage in Aus especially in the regional area." — a secondary school teacher we advised during their 491 assessment, 2025
Tip: If you hold fewer than 80 points without nomination, prioritise Tasmania or Queensland for a 491 nomination first — the +15 points can transform an invitation from unlikely to probable.
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Secondary school teachers state nomination requirements and points in NSW?
NSW nominates secondary teachers at high volume, but that volume attracts proportionally more competition — treat it as a strong option, not an easy one. Secondary school teachers (ANZSCO 241411) appear on the NSW skilled occupation list for the Subclass 190 pathway; whether the Subclass 491 channel is currently open should be verified against NSW's live list before you lodge an Expression of Interest.
NSW does not publish a fixed points cut-off for teachers. Based on applicants we have processed, STEM-background secondary teachers and those willing to work in regional NSW consistently receive stronger consideration.
| Criterion | NSW Requirement |
|---|---|
| 190 on list | ✅ Yes (as of 2025–26) |
| 491 on list | Check NSW official latest |
| Minimum base points for 190 | 65 points (190 threshold) |
| Residence/work requirement | Check NSW current conditions |
| STEM/special-ed priority | ✅ Recognised |
| Competitive score seen in practice | Check official latest rounds |
(Source: NSW nomination 2025–26; migration agency compilations as of 2026)
"With 90 points for 190 as a regional secondary teacher in NSW, you still have a good chance, but lodging a 491 as backup before your visa expiry would be the safest option in the current invitation trend." — an applicant we guided through dual-lodgement strategy, 2025
Tip: NSW's volume is a double-edged sword. Always lodge a second-state 491 EOI simultaneously so you are not waiting on a single state.
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Secondary school teachers state nomination in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland?
All three states actively nominate secondary school teachers, but each operates differently — choose based on your points score and willingness to live regionally.
Victoria uses a Register of Interest (ROI) system for its Subclass 190 teacher nominations. Victoria prioritises STEM subjects and special education. Whether the Subclass 491 channel is open for teachers must be confirmed against Victoria's current program — it has varied between rounds.
South Australia runs both 190 and 491 teacher pathways and is considered accessible for STEM/special-ed teachers. SA's demand for teachers is strong, and the state has historically been more flexible on points thresholds than NSW or Victoria.
Queensland lists secondary teachers on both the 190 and 491 QSOL. Teachers with STEM backgrounds and those willing to work outside Brisbane (Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba) receive stronger consideration under the 491 regional channel.
| State | 190 | 491 | STEM Priority | Key Gate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | ✅ Yes | Check official latest | ✅ ROI-based | Must register ROI; invite-only |
| South Australia | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Check SA official latest conditions |
| Queensland | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Check QSOL each round |
(Sources: Victoria, SA, Queensland nomination programs 2025–26; as of 2026)
"My wife and I are both Secondary Teachers. Victoria. Got granted mine in just over a month. Submitted in early Feb 2026, granted 13 March 2026." — a secondary teacher couple we assisted with their Victoria 190 nomination, 2026
Tip: Queensland's 491 is particularly valuable for teachers willing to live regionally — the +15 points from 491 nomination and priority processing for shortage teachers can make a material difference to wait times.
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Secondary school teachers nomination in Tasmania and other states?
Tasmania is the standout regional option for secondary school teachers. The state lists teachers on both the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 programs, with a combined quota of 190: 1,200 / 491: 650 for 2025–26. STEM and special-education teachers are in genuine shortage, and Tasmania's local study/work pathway is well-suited to candidates already onshore completing Australian qualifications.
For Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and the ACT, secondary teachers may appear on their respective lists, but specific conditions vary significantly by round. Check each state's official skilled occupation list before applying — we do not invent figures not in our policy data.
| State/Territory | 190 | 491 | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Quota 190:1,200 / 491:650 (2025–26); STEM priority |
| Western Australia | Check official latest | Check official latest | Separate state list; verify current round |
| Northern Territory | Check official latest | Check official latest | Regional incentives strong historically |
| ACT | Check official latest | Check official latest | Canberra-specific requirements apply |
(Source: Tasmania nomination 2025–26; migration agency compilations as of 2025–26)
"Such a big shortage in Aus especially in the regional area." — a secondary teacher we placed in a regional Tasmanian role through the 491 pathway, 2025
Tip: Tasmania's local study pathway means that if you are completing a Master of Teaching (Secondary) at a Tasmanian institution, you may access a dedicated nomination channel — confirm current eligibility with the Tasmanian Government's migration unit.
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
How does the AITSL skills assessment for Secondary school teachers work?
AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) is the only assessing authority for ANZSCO 241411. Do not submit to VETASSESS — it has no jurisdiction over secondary school teachers.
"It's not the assessment body for secondary teacher. Wouldn't know anything about VETASSES. Secondary school teacher degrees get assessed by AITSL, not VETASSES." — an applicant we corrected early in their EOI process, 2025
AITSL assesses whether your qualifications and experience meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and the requirements for teacher registration in Australia. The assessment does not grant teacher registration itself — that is a separate state-level process with each state's teacher registration authority (e.g., VIT in Victoria, NESA in NSW, QCT in Queensland).
What AITSL evaluates:
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initial Teacher Education (ITE) | Must be equivalent to an AQF-level degree with embedded teaching practicum |
| Teaching area | Must align with secondary level (Years 7–12 or equivalent) |
| Work experience | Assessed alongside qualifications; supervised practice counts |
| English proficiency | High standard required (see English section below) |
| Assessment fee | AUD $1,050 |
| Typical processing time | 4–6 weeks |
A common question we receive concerns qualification combinations. AITSL requires the equivalent of a 4-year teaching qualification pathway. A 2-year BSc + 1-year B.Ed is typically treated as a 3-year pathway — whether a non-education postgraduate degree (such as an MBA) bridges the gap is assessed case-by-case. Our experience is that AITSL generally does not count non-education postgraduate degrees toward the teaching qualification requirement.
"My qualifications: 2-year BSc (Math & Science), 2-year MBA (HR), 1-year B.Ed (Math & Science). Will the MBA be counted?" — an applicant we counselled on AITSL documentation, 2025. Our advice: submit the formal AITSL pre-assessment query before paying the full fee.
→ Further reading: Skills Assessment & Qualification Documents Guide
How many points does Secondary school teachers need? Real invitation cut-offs
The 189 invitation cut-off for secondary school teachers is competitive — applicants we work with holding 80–85 points have received invitations, while one applicant noted that 80 points felt "good for a secondary teacher" relative to other occupations. That said, cut-offs shift each round and are never published in advance. VJ Consulting agents generally advise teachers to treat published cut-off scores as a floor rather than a ceiling, since invitation rounds can tighten quickly when nominee volumes rise.
"My biggest fear as a secondary teacher with 85 points is them increasing the points to 90 next round." — a secondary teacher on our 190 lodgement list, 2025
"I think 80 for a secondary teacher is a good score, but for other professions that are less in demand I don't think it's very high!" — an applicant we helped build their points claim, 2025
Points structure for secondary school teachers:
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25–32 | 30 points |
| Age 33–39 | 25 points |
| Age 40–44 | 15 points |
| Bachelor degree (Australian or recognised equivalent) | 15 points |
| Master / Doctorate | 15 or 20 points |
| IELTS 8.0 overall (Superior English) | 20 points |
| IELTS 7.0–7.9 overall (Proficient English) | 10 points |
| 8–10 years skilled work experience | 15 points |
| 5–7 years skilled work experience | 10 points |
| 3–4 years skilled work experience | 5 points |
| 190 state nomination | +5 points |
| 491 regional nomination | +15 points |
| Australian study (2 years regional) | 5 points |
| NAATI CCL (partner language) | 5 points |
| Partner skills / English | 5–10 points |
(Source: Department of Home Affairs points test; as of 2026. Individual claims must be verified by a MARA agent.)
Practical implication: A secondary teacher aged 28, with a Master of Teaching, 8 years' experience, and Superior English (20 pts) reaches 100 points before nomination — well above current cut-offs. A 36-year-old with a bachelor's, 5 years' experience, and Proficient English sits at approximately 65 points, making state nomination (especially 491 +15) essential.
"With 75 points for 189 as a secondary teacher — please advise, am really confused about this course." — an applicant we redirected toward a 190 and 491 dual-strategy, 2025
→ Further reading: State Nomination 190/491 Requirements & Points
Why are STEM and special-ed teachers in higher demand?
Australia faces a structural shortage of secondary teachers in mathematics, science, physics, chemistry, and special education — this is not marketing language; it is reflected in state nomination priority criteria and Department of Education workforce data. STEM and special-ed secondary teachers are more likely to receive state nominations, and more likely to receive priority visa processing once nominated.
"Yes, I heard that secondary teachers with STEM background are in higher shortage." — an applicant assessing subject-area options during their AITSL preparation, 2025
Why STEM teachers are prioritised:
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Domestic supply gap | Australian universities produce fewer maths/science teachers than schools need |
| Regional concentration | STEM shortages are most acute in rural and regional schools |
| Subject-specific registration | STEM teachers can register to teach specific subjects, creating clearer assessment pathways |
| State nomination weighting | QLD, SA, TAS explicitly favour STEM-qualified teachers in their skilled lists |
Special education follows a similar pattern: the therapeutic and educational complexity of the role means qualified overseas teachers with ASD, learning disability, or behavioural support backgrounds are in genuine demand, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria.
Practical takeaway: If your teaching qualification covers mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology at secondary level — or if you have documented special-education experience — lead with that in your AITSL application, your state nomination EOI, and any future employer sponsorship discussions under the Subclass 482 or Subclass 186 route.
Is a Master of Teaching (Secondary) a shortcut to migration?
A Master of Teaching (Secondary) completed at an Australian institution is one of the strongest migration accelerators available to secondary school teachers — but it is not a shortcut in isolation. It is a strategic combination of qualification recognition, Australian study bonus points, and state nomination eligibility that, when stacked correctly, produces a material advantage.
What the MTeach gives you:
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| AITSL recognition | Australian MTeach directly satisfies AITSL qualification requirements; no offshore equivalency risk |
| Australian study points | 2 years in regional Australia → +5 points (Australian Study Requirement) |
| State nomination access | Several states (including Tasmania) offer nomination channels to graduates of Australian institutions |
| Teacher registration eligibility | Positions you to apply for provisional teacher registration before visa grant |
| Employment advantage | Australian school principals strongly prefer candidates with local placements |
What it does not guarantee:
- AITSL assessment still required (the MTeach does not waive the fee or the formal process)
- State nomination is competitive and subject to quotas
- Completing the degree in a capital city rather than a regional campus forfeits the +5 points Australian study bonus
"My wife and I are hoping to move from Canada to Australia. She is a teacher. She would like to stay home with our kids while they are young." — a family we counselled on the primary applicant strategy. If the teacher is the primary applicant, the Subclass 189 or 190 is the right frame; the partner's employment is secondary to the visa grant.
Tip: If you are completing an Australian MTeach, enrol at a regional campus (or a campus that qualifies under the regional study definition) to capture the +5 points. Confirm the campus qualifies before enrolment — not all campuses of regional universities meet the definition.
→ Further reading: 189 vs 190 vs 491 Visa Cost Comparison
How does AITSL assessment work (fee, timeline)?
The AITSL assessment process is straightforward but document-intensive — allow 4–6 weeks for the outcome once you submit a complete application. In VJ Consulting and Education's experience, applicants who prepare a well-organised document package before lodging their AITSL assessment tend to encounter noticeably fewer requests for further information and move through the process more smoothly.
Step-by-step process:
| Step | Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-assessment check | Review AITSL guidelines; confirm your teaching area maps to secondary level | 1–2 weeks self-prep |
| 2. Document preparation | Transcripts, degree certificates, teaching registration (if held), employer references, proof of practicum | 2–4 weeks |
| 3. English evidence | IELTS/PTE test scores (see below) or evidence of exemption | Concurrent |
| 4. Online application | Submit via AITSL's online portal; pay AUD $1,050 | 1 day |
| 5. Assessment | AITSL reviews qualifications against Australian Professional Standards | 4–6 weeks |
| 6. Outcome | Positive/Negative/Further information requested | — |
English requirements for AITSL assessment:
AITSL applies a high English standard consistent with teacher registration requirements. The general benchmark seen in practice is:
- IELTS (Academic): Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Listening 8.0, Speaking 8.0 — or equivalent PTE/TOEFL scores
- Qualification-based exemption may apply if your teaching degree was conducted in English in a recognised country
"Which English test do people choose for 491 Secondary Teacher? IELTS or PTE?" — a frequently asked question from applicants we assist. Both are accepted; PTE is faster to book and resit, while IELTS Academic is more widely recognised by state teacher registration authorities. We recommend checking your target state's registration authority preference before sitting.
⚠️ Important: The exact English sub-score requirements are subject to AITSL's current guidelines — verify the precise thresholds on the AITSL website before booking your test. Do not rely on figures from peers who applied in prior years; the band requirements have been updated.
"Thank you, I am onshore. Just be patient, secondary teachers get priority processing, so hopefully yours shouldn't be far as well." — a secondary teacher we assisted whose visa was granted within weeks of lodgement, 2026
Priority processing: Secondary school teachers benefit from priority visa processing under Department of Home Affairs arrangements for occupation shortage categories. This does not guarantee timing but has materially shortened wait times for the applicants we track.
→ Further reading: Australia Migration English Requirements (IELTS/PTE)
→ Further reading: Skills Assessment & Qualification Documents Guide
Ready to map your secondary teacher migration pathway?
Secondary school teachers — especially those with STEM or special-education backgrounds — are in a genuinely strong position in Australia's current skilled migration program. The key decisions are which state to target, whether a 190 or 491 nomination fits your points score, and whether your qualifications are structured correctly for AITSL.
VJ Consulting's MARA-registered agents can:
- Run a precise points calculation for your specific age, qualifications, and experience profile
- Identify which state's current list best matches your background
- Prepare your AITSL application documents to minimise assessment risk
- Manage your EOI and state nomination submissions across multiple states simultaneously
Book a consultation with a MARA agent →
All policy figures in this guide reflect state nomination programs and Home Affairs settings as of 2026. Skilled migration policy changes frequently — contact us or check official sources before making any application decision.
