Qualification recognition
What it takes to have your qualification recognised and work in another country.
Teaching in 9 countries Tap a country to see how to qualify there
3 United Kingdom Exams or bridging Some demand
SA is only conditionally eligible for QTS: maths, science or languages, or already teaching in England.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- DfE assesses 90% of applications within 12 months; complex cases longer
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- None for the QTS application itself; Assessment Only route requires GCSE grade 4 equivalents in English and maths (and science for primary).
- Language test
- English at CEFR B2, or evidence of undergraduate study taught in English
- Rough cost
- No fee reported for the QTS application; Assessment Only route costs about GBP 1,500-4,000
Worth knowing: The international relocation payment pilot (1 September 2023 - 31 May 2025) has ended and will not be extended, so new SA teachers cannot claim it.
Step by step 6 steps
- Check the conditional eligibility rules: SA sits with Jamaica and Singapore, unlike Australia, Canada, NZ and the USA which have unrestricted access.
- If not already working in England, you need a level 6 teaching qualification with at least 25% of modules in maths, science or languages (ages 11-16).
- Or a level 6 teaching qualification plus a bachelor's degree that is at least 50% mathematics, science or a language taught in English state schools.
- Alternatively, work in England for any length of time in the past 12 months as a teacher, supply teacher, cover supervisor or teaching assistant, then apply.
- Prove English at CEFR B2 or show you were taught in English at undergraduate level or higher.
- If not eligible, use the Assessment Only QTS route (2 years teaching experience, about GBP 1,500-4,000) or international QTS (iQTS) delivered online.
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: Secondary education teachers (2313) are visa-eligible but are on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List. (source)
3 Ireland Exams or bridging Some demand
The Teaching Council assesses every application individually and often attaches shortfall conditions.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- Processing can take up to 12 weeks once all documents are received; longer to clear conditions
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- None; shortfalls are met by an aptitude test (a specified module or course) or an adaptation period teaching in the shortfall area.
- Language test
- English: a teacher education or undergraduate qualification taught and examined in English counts as evidence (where English is not the vernacular, with a letter from the institution confirming this); otherwise three of the past five years living and working, or studying, through English in a country where English is an official language, or IELTS Academic 7.0, or Cambridge C1 Advanced grade C. Every primary teacher qualified outside Ireland has the Irish Language Requirement applied as a registration condition, normally to be met within three years
- Rough cost
- EUR 200 qualification recognition application plus EUR 90 initial registration, then EUR 65 a year to renew
- Regulator
- The Teaching Council (Ireland)
Worth knowing: Primary teaching in Irish-medium and most state primary schools requires the Irish language, which is a hard barrier for SA teachers.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Apply to the Teaching Council under the route for teachers qualified outside the Republic of Ireland, choosing primary or post-primary.
- Provide a letter from SACE confirming you are a fully qualified teacher, plus transcripts for every year with module breakdowns.
- The Council compares your qualification with Irish accredited programmes and applies conditions where there are shortfalls.
- Meet the conditions, normally within three years, through a specified module or course or an adaptation period, while teaching on conditional registration.
- Post-primary teachers must also have their subjects assessed against the Council's subject criteria.
Evidence and sources (5)
Demand evidence: School teachers are not on the Critical Skills List (only academics, 2311) but are not on the Ineligible Occupations List, so a General Permit is possible. (source)
3 Netherlands Major requalification Some demand
Dutch-medium schools need DUO recognition and Dutch (B2 for primary); international schools teaching in English are the other route for SA teachers.
- Recognition
- 2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
- Time to practise
- 3-12 months for an international school; 2-4 years for Dutch-medium teaching
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- No exam is listed by DUO; recognition is a document assessment (secondary teaching follows the Wet voortgezet onderwijs 2020 and its policy rule). Whether a deficiency programme can be imposed was not confirmed.
- Language test
- Dutch at B2 or higher for regular primary schools and Dutch for other Dutch-medium schools; English at B2 for English-medium primary schools (igbo); English for international schools
- Rough cost
- DUO recognition is free; Dutch courses and exams cost extra
Worth knowing: DUO publishes the secondary-school conditions only in Dutch-language policy rules, so treat the secondary detail as indicative and confirm with DUO.
Confidence: low. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Decide between Dutch-medium schools, English-medium igbo primary schools and international schools. Dutch-medium and igbo schools need DUO recognition of your teaching qualification; DUO says recognition with English at B2 also permits teaching in English in international education in the Netherlands.
- For Dutch schools, apply to DUO for recognition of your foreign professional teaching qualification: the training must be at least at Dutch hbo level and authorise you to teach, in South Africa, the same level you apply for.
- Reach Dutch fluency: regular primary teaching needs a Dutch certificate at CEFR B2 or higher (for example the NT2 State exam, programme II); English-medium primary schools (igbo) need English at B2 instead, but that recognition does not cover regular primary schools.
- For international schools (IB, British or American curriculum), a BEd or PGCE plus experience is normally enough and is hired on directly.
- Arrange a highly skilled migrant permit via the employer.
Evidence and sources (1)
Demand evidence: No Dutch shortage list. UWV's 2020 page named docenten talen of exacte vakken as in demand but says it is out of date; Dutch is normally required. (limited evidence for this country) (source)
4 Germany Major requalification High demand
German state schools need state recognition and fluent German; international schools are the practical option.
- Recognition
- 2/5 Substantial re-study, long supervised practice, scarce posts or a hard language barrier.
- Time to practise
- 3-12 months for an international school; 2-5 years for a state school
What it takes: exams, language test, regulator
- Exams
- Adaptation measures or an aptitude test may be imposed by the Bundesland; no single national exam.
- Language test
- German required for state schools: the Laender's common guidelines (KMK) set at least C1 for an adaptation period spent teaching, with C2 to aim for; international schools operate in English
Worth knowing: Germany's two-subject requirement is a real structural mismatch; a single-subject SA teacher may not be recognisable at all.
Confidence: low. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Apply to the education ministry of the Bundesland for recognition of your teaching qualification (Anerkennung als Lehrkraft).
- German teacher training is two-subject and includes a Referendariat, so SA qualifications usually show substantial differences.
- Where substantial differences are found, the Land offers an adaptation period (up to three years, which can include university study) or an aptitude test, and you normally choose which; German at C1 or above is needed for an adaptation period spent teaching.
- For international and bilingual schools, a BEd or PGCE plus experience is generally enough and no state recognition is needed.
- Arrange an EU Blue Card or skilled worker visa through the employer.
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: Make it in Germany lists Teacher (selected subjects and school types) and Educator as professions in demand; German fluency and state recognition are required. The Federal Employment Agency's 2025 shortage analysis is more cautious: graduate-level primary (1.0) and secondary (1.2) school teachers are not shortage occupations. (source)
2 United States Exams or bridging Low demand
Certification is state by state; the J-1 exchange teacher programme is the common entry route.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 6-18 months, faster via a J-1 sponsor (estimate)
What it takes: exams, language test, regulator
- Exams
- State-set certification exams, commonly subject content and pedagogy tests; varies widely by state.
- Language test
- English (no test for SA graduates)
Worth knowing: J-1 teaching is temporary. Staying longer needs a different visa, such as an employer-sponsored H-1B.
Confidence: low. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Choose the state: each sets its own teacher certification requirements and there is no national licence.
- Have your BEd or degree plus PGCE evaluated by a recognised foreign credential evaluation service for that state board.
- Expect state-specific tests of basic skills, subject content and sometimes pedagogy, plus a background check.
- Many SA teachers instead enter on a J-1 exchange visitor teacher programme via a designated sponsor and a US school placement; it needs at least two years (24 months) of teaching or related experience and, normally, current work as a teacher.
- Note the J-1 teacher programme runs for a base period of three years (host schools can ask for one- or two-year extensions) and is not a settlement route; the two-year home-country residence requirement applies if the exchange is government-funded or the field is on the State Department's skills list for South Africa.
Evidence and sources (2)
Demand evidence: BLS OOH: secondary, middle and elementary school teachers all projected to show little or no change; no US shortage list covers teaching. (source)
4 Canada Exams or bridging High demand
Each province certifies separately; Ontario (OCT) and BC (TRB) both assess SA teacher training directly.
- Recognition
- 3/5 Licensing exams, an adaptation period or a conversion course. Typically 6 to 24 months.
- Time to practise
- 6-12 months
What it takes: exams, language test, regulator
- Exams
- Ontario: internationally educated teachers must pass the Mathematics Proficiency Test (70% or higher in each of its two sections) within two years of initial certification or the certificate expires. Other provinces set their own requirements.
- Language test
- English; French proficiency needed for French-language school boards and Quebec
Worth knowing: Ontario's Mathematics Proficiency Test has again been a certification requirement since 1 February 2025; internationally educated teachers certified before that date do not need it.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Choose the province and apply to its regulator; there is no national teaching certificate.
- For Ontario, apply to the Ontario College of Teachers with transcripts, teacher education detail and proof of SACE good standing.
- For British Columbia, apply to the Teacher Regulation Branch; if you trained outside Canada and apply on or after 1 November 2024, you may first need a credential assessment by Pathways to Teach Canada.
- Expect conditions if your teacher education is shorter or narrower than the provincial standard; additional coursework may be required.
- Arrange permanent residence or a work permit; school boards rarely sponsor short-term work permits.
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: Express Entry Education category: Secondary school teachers (41220), elementary and kindergarten teachers (41221), early childhood educators (42202). (source)
5 Australia Recognised, paperwork only High demand
AITSL assesses your teaching qualification, then a state or territory authority registers you.
- Recognition
- 4/5 Mutual recognition or an assessment plus registration. No major exams.
- Time to practise
- 6-12 months
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- No licensing exam; AITSL and the state regulators assess documents and teaching practice.
- Language test
- English: AITSL's study exemption only counts four full years of study in Australia, Canada, Ireland, NZ, the UK or the USA, so SA-trained teachers normally need an Academic IELTS Test Report Form (AITSL accepts no other test)
- Rough cost
- AUD 1,198 for the AITSL skills assessment (effective 7 September 2026, no GST), plus state or territory registration fees
Worth knowing: A 3-year degree plus 1-year PGCE can fail the four-year requirement in some cases. Check AITSL's qualification rules before committing.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Apply to AITSL for a migration skills assessment of your teaching qualification; it checks qualifications, supervised teaching practice and English.
- Australia expects four years of higher education including initial teacher education, so a 4-year BEd fits better than a 3-year degree plus PGCE.
- Apply separately to the regulator in the state or territory where you will teach (NESA in NSW, VIT in Victoria, QCT in Queensland) for registration.
- Complete working with children checks and any provisional-to-full registration process, usually involving supervised practice in an Australian school.
- AITSL's skills assessment fee is AUD 1,198 (fees effective 7 September 2026, no GST).
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: JSA Occupation Shortage List 2025: Secondary School Teacher (251331) and Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher (251131) in national shortage. (source)
5 New Zealand Recognised, paperwork only High demand
Primary, middle and secondary school teachers are on Green List Tier 1; SA teachers register through an NZQA assessment and the Teaching Council.
- Recognition
- 4/5 Mutual recognition or an assessment plus registration. No major exams.
- Time to practise
- IQA takes about 6-12 weeks, then registration and visa
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- None; assessment is documentary plus in-service mentoring.
- Language test
- English; exemption usually available for SA-schooled and SA-trained teachers
- Rough cost
- NZQA Teaching IQA NZD 746, plus Teaching Council registration and certificate fees
Worth knowing: Green List Tier 1 status (INZ Operational Manual Appendix 13, effective 23 March 2026) needs Teaching Council registration with a provisional or full practising certificate.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Apply to NZQA for a Teaching International Qualifications Assessment (IQA), then submit the IQA report to the Teaching Council with your registration application.
- Register with the Teaching Council and apply for a practising certificate; most overseas teachers start on a Tomua provisional certificate.
- Complete a period of teaching in New Zealand with mentoring before moving to a full practising certificate.
- SA applicants who completed schooling and teacher training in English are usually exempt from English testing.
- Apply for the visa; teachers on the Green List can access a residence pathway with a qualifying job offer.
Evidence and sources (5)
Demand evidence: Green List Tier 1: Secondary (241411), Primary (241213) and Middle School Teacher (241311). Special-needs and ESOL teachers are Tier 2. (source)
3 United Arab Emirates Recognised, paperwork only Some demand
Schools hire SA teachers directly; you then pass the national teacher licence tests while working.
- Recognition
- 4/5 Mutual recognition or an assessment plus registration. No major exams.
- Time to practise
- 1-6 months from job offer; licence tests within the two-year transitional period
What it takes: exams, language test, cost, regulator
- Exams
- Ministry of Education licence tests: a pedagogy test plus tests for your teaching category.
- Language test
- English for English-medium private schools; Arabic needed only for Arabic-medium posts
- Rough cost
- Licence tests about AED 300 in total, per the Ministry's 2020 fee announcement; visa costs are usually paid by the school
Worth knowing: Appointment rules differ between KHDA, ADEK and SPEA, so check with the school. Visas are employer-tied and do not lead to citizenship.
Confidence: medium. We could not fully confirm every detail here from official sources. Check before relying on it.
Step by step 5 steps
- Hold at least a four-year degree (a BEd, or a degree plus PGCE) and SACE registration; get the certificates attested for the UAE.
- Apply to schools directly; in Dubai the school submits your appointment to KHDA, in Abu Dhabi to ADEK, and in Sharjah to SPEA.
- The school sponsors your work permit and visa and supplies a criminal record check and UAE medical fitness report.
- Obtain the Education Professional Licence: a transitional licence (valid two years) lets you teach while you book the pedagogy and subject tests.
- Pass the tests within three attempts; after a third failure you wait six months before retesting.
Evidence and sources (3)
Demand evidence: Golden Visas go only to outstanding educators meeting KHDA/ADEK criteria; most teachers are on an ordinary employer visa. (source)
General information, not immigration or legal advice. Confirm the rules with the regulator before you rely on them. Teaching overview