What is Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership?
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is a Commonwealth statutory authority established to develop and implement national teacher education and standards frameworks. Under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act and in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, AITSL assesses the qualifications and professional credentials of overseas-trained teachers seeking to work and migrate to Australia.
AITSL's assessment focuses on whether applicants meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and have equivalent qualifications to Australian-trained teachers in primary, secondary, or early childhood education. The authority reviews academic credentials, teaching experience, professional development, and English language proficiency against these national standards.
Unlike state-based teacher registration (which is regulated by state teacher regulatory bodies after migration), AITSL assessment is specifically for skilled migration eligibility and applies consistently across all Australian jurisdictions. It is a critical component of the skilled migration pathway for education professionals.
Which visas require an AITSL skills assessment?
AITSL assessments are required for teachers applying through skilled migration pathways. The assessment supports applications across multiple visa subclasses.
A positive AITSL assessment confirms your teaching qualifications and experience meet Australian standards, which is mandatory for points-tested visas (189, 190, 491) and can support employer-sponsored pathways. The assessment certificate is valid for three years from issue date and can be used across multiple visa applications within that period.
How AITSL assessment works
The AITSL assessment process involves document review and evaluation against Australian teacher standards. The process typically takes up to 12 weeks from submission to decision.
- Complete the AITSL online application form with personal, educational, and professional details
- Obtain certified copies of tertiary qualifications (degree certificates and official transcripts) from your educational institution
- Provide documentation of teaching experience including references from previous employers or school principals
- Submit evidence of professional development, training, or continuing education relevant to teaching
- Ensure English language requirements are met (typically IELTS 7.0 overall or equivalent) and provide test results
- AITSL reviews all submitted documentation against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
- Receive formal assessment decision with either a positive or negative outcome and formal certificate if approved
Assessment pathways
AITSL offers assessment pathways tailored to different teaching levels and specialisations. Assessment outcomes vary based on qualification equivalency and experience.
For applicants with a primary teaching degree or equivalent and teaching experience in primary education. Assessment confirms qualifications and experience meet standards for primary teaching positions in Australia.
For applicants with secondary-level teaching qualifications and experience teaching curriculum subjects. Assessment evaluates subject knowledge, pedagogical training, and alignment with Australian secondary school standards.
For applicants with early childhood or preschool teaching qualifications. Assessment focuses on compliance with Australian early years learning frameworks and child development knowledge.
For applicants specialising in special education or inclusive education. Assessment verifies qualifications in special education or learning support and experience working with students with diverse learning needs.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Certified copy of university degree or teaching qualification (colour photocopy certified by JP or notary public)
- Official transcript from each tertiary institution attended, sealed and in English or official translation
- Teaching registration or licence from your country of origin (certified copy)
- Employment references from previous schools or education providers on official letterhead
- Curriculum vitae detailing teaching experience, positions held, and dates of employment
- Proof of professional development or continuing education relevant to teaching
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or equivalent) showing required proficiency
- Identity documents (passport, national ID) for verification
- Statutory declaration confirming information provided is true and correct
- Any additional evidence of teaching qualifications or specialised training not covered above
All documents must be certified true copies if originals are not in English. Certifications must be by an authorised person such as a Justice of the Peace, notary public, or official from your education institution. Official translations to English must be provided for any documents not in English.
AITSL assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard Assessment Application | AUD 350 |
| Assessment with Priority Processing (if available) | AUD 550 |
| Document Resubmission Fee (if additional documents required) | AUD 100 |
| Assessment Appeal or Reassessment | AUD 250 |
| Duplicate Certificate Issue | AUD 50 |
Assessment outcomes
AITSL issues one of three outcomes:
A positive AITSL assessment confirms your teaching qualifications and professional standing are equivalent to Australian standards. The assessment certificate is valid for three years and can be used to support skilled migration applications across all eligible visa subclasses. You can proceed with visa applications citing this assessment as evidence of occupational qualification.
If your assessment is not approved, AITSL will provide feedback on which areas do not meet standards. You may request a reassessment if you obtain additional qualifications or teaching experience, or you can appeal the decision within a specified timeframe. AITSL provides guidance on next steps in the formal outcome letter.
If you disagree with the assessment outcome, you can request a formal review or reassessment. AITSL has a structured review process, and applicants may reapply after obtaining additional teaching qualifications, professional development, or documented experience that addresses identified gaps.
Occupations assessed by AITSL
AITSL is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 241111 | Primary School Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 241213 | Secondary School Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 241211 | Special Education Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 241411 | Early Childhood (Preschool) Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 241215 | English as a Second Language Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 242114 | Vocational Education Teacher | STSOL |
| 242111 | University Lecturer | STSOL |
| 241214 | Mathematics Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 241216 | Science Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 241217 | Information and Communications Technology Teacher | STSOL |