What is Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership?
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is a statutory authority established under the Australian Learning and Teaching Council Act 2011. AITSL holds a critical role in Australia's skilled migration system by assessing teaching qualifications from around the world against Australian standards.
AITSL conducts skills assessments to determine whether overseas-trained teachers meet the qualifications and English language proficiency requirements necessary for skilled migration. This assessment is mandatory for teachers applying for most skilled visa subclasses, including the points-tested visas (189, 190, 491) and employer-sponsored pathways (186, 482 in limited cases).
AITSL assesses primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, middle school teachers, special education teachers, and teachers of students with hearing and sight impairments. The assessment evaluates your bachelor-level or higher teaching qualification against Australian teacher standards and confirms your English language proficiency is adequate for the Australian teaching profession.
As of 7 December 2024, early childhood (pre-primary) teacher assessments were transferred to the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). AITSL continues to assess all other teaching occupations listed on Australia's skilled occupation lists.
Which visas require a AITSL skills assessment?
An AITSL skills assessment is essential for teachers applying for most skilled visa pathways to Australia. The assessment confirms your teaching qualifications meet Australian standards and is required to progress your visa application.
Teachers seeking permanent residency through the points-tested independent (189), state-sponsored (190), or regional (491) visa programs must obtain a positive AITSL assessment. Those applying for employer-sponsored positions under subclass 186 (Direct Entry stream) also require an AITSL assessment. The assessment outcome is a prerequisite for meeting the skills requirement in your visa application.
How AITSL assessment works
The AITSL assessment process involves submitting your teaching qualifications, evidence of supervised teaching practice, and English language proficiency documentation for evaluation against Australian teacher standards. AITSL typically completes assessments within 10-12 weeks from the date all required documents are received.
- Check your eligibility: you must have completed at least four years of full-time tertiary study (or equivalent) including an initial teacher education qualification at bachelor degree level or higher, plus a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice in a school setting
- Create an online account on the AITSL portal (www.aitsl.edu.au) and log in to access the skills assessment application form
- Complete the application form accurately with details of your qualifications, teaching practice, employment, and English language proficiency
- Gather and upload all required supporting documents: official transcripts, degree certificates, teaching practice evidence, and English language test results (if applicable)
- Pay the application fee (AUD 1,154) via the online portal
- Submit your complete application and wait for AITSL to conduct the assessment of your qualifications and English language proficiency
- Receive your assessment outcome (positive, negative, or conditional) via email and download your assessment certificate from your account
Assessment pathways
AITSL offers a single unified assessment pathway for all teaching occupations on the skilled migration list. However, your eligibility may vary depending on your teaching qualification type and experience level, which the assessment will evaluate.
For applicants with a complete initial teacher education (ITE) qualification from a university. You must have a bachelor degree or higher that includes a teacher education program and evidence of at least 45 days of supervised teaching practice. AITSL will assess your qualification against the Australian Bachelor Degree Teacher Education Standards.
For applicants with extensive teaching experience (typically five or more years) but incomplete or non-formal qualifications. AITSL may consider relevant teaching experience as partial substitution for formal qualifications in some circumstances. This pathway requires detailed employment documentation and professional references.
Applicants must meet English language requirements either through demonstrating English was the medium of instruction in their initial teacher education, or by providing an approved English language test result (IELTS Academic or equivalent). A minimum IELTS score of 7.5 overall is typical for teaching qualifications.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Original or certified copy of your bachelor degree certificate and any relevant postgraduate teaching qualifications (masters or graduate diplomas in education)
- Official academic transcript(s) from your university showing all subjects completed in your initial teacher education program and final grades
- Official document from your university confirming the dates and duration of your supervised teaching practice placement (minimum 45 days required) — must be signed and dated
- Evidence of English language proficiency: either an IELTS Academic Test Report Form (TRF) showing a minimum score of 7.5 overall, or official documentation that English was the medium of instruction in your teaching qualification
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume listing all teaching positions held, with dates and school names
- For employment points claims: employment statements on official school letterhead confirming your role, dates of employment, hours worked per week, and duties performed
- Copy of your passport or national identity document to verify your identity
- If applying for a Skilled Employment Statement (optional): detailed employment documentation for positions to claim experience points in skilled migration
Documents do not need to be certified as true copies — AITSL reserves the right to request original documents if required. All documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by official English translations.
AITSL assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Skills Assessment Application (Primary, Secondary, Middle School, or Special Education Teacher) | AUD 1,154 |
| Skilled Employment Statement (after positive assessment) | AUD 300 |
| Review or Reassessment Application | AUD 650 |
| Duplicate Assessment Certificate | AUD 100 |
Assessment outcomes
AITSL issues one of three outcomes:
A positive assessment outcome confirms that your teaching qualifications, experience, and English language proficiency meet Australian standards for your nominated ANZSCO teaching occupation. This assessment certificate is valid indefinitely and permits you to include your assessment with visa applications for skilled migration programs (subclasses 189, 190, 491, 186, or 482 depending on eligibility). You are then eligible to claim points in the points test (if applying for 189, 190, or 491) and proceed to lodging your visa application.
A negative assessment outcome means your current qualifications do not meet Australian teacher standards for your nominated occupation. You may be able to undertake further study in Australia or gain additional teaching experience and apply for reassessment. You have the right to request a review of the decision within 12 months of the initial assessment outcome, or apply for reassessment once your circumstances have changed.
If you disagree with a negative assessment outcome, you may request a formal review within 12 months. The review involves a different assessor re-examining your application. Alternatively, you may apply for reassessment if you have completed further study or obtained additional teaching qualifications or experience.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 241213 | Primary School Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 241311 | Middle School Teacher | STSOL |
| 241411 | Secondary School Teacher | MLTSSL |
| 241511 | Special Needs Teacher | STSOL |
| 241512 | Teacher of the Hearing Impaired | STSOL |
| 241513 | Teacher of the Sight Impaired | STSOL |
| 241599 | Special Education Teachers (nec) | STSOL |