Visa and Migration Updates for Early Childhood Educators

Are you interested in a career in early childhood teaching in Australia? Here’s some great news for you!

Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher is now one of the occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and as of 2024, it has also been added to the Skilled Occupation Shortages List. This highlights the huge demand for early childhood educators in Australia, making it an exciting opportunity for international students who want to build a career in Early Childhood Education (ECE).

With recent updates to visa skills assessments and English language requirements, it’s now easier than ever for overseas students to pursue a teaching career in Australia. These changes not only help fill the growing need for qualified teachers, but they also support the goal of enhancing early childhood education across the country,

Here’s a look at the key changes as of November 2024:

Key changes for Early Childhood Teachers in Australia

• The skill assessment authority from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is going to be replaced by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), effective 7 December 2024.

• The English requirement for ECT skills assessment will be reduced (as minimum scores of 7.0 in reading and writing, 8.0 in speaking and listening, and level 4 in all four skill areas in ISLPR teacher-focused assessment are required now)

• The updated learning frameworks will be introduced (the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and My Time, Our Place (MTOP) have been updated to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective).

What does this mean for you?

Australia is facing a significant shortage of early childhood teachers, driven by a growing number of children attending early education programs and more parents returning to the workforce. This creates a wealth of career opportunities for international students like you.

Here are just a few of the exciting job options available for early childhood teachers in Australia:

• Early childhood educators

• Childcare centre directors

• Family daycare educators

• And more!

These updates are part of the Australian Government’s efforts to support the early childhood education sector. With new opportunities for teachers, now is the perfect time to take the next step in your career.

Breakdown of key updates for early childhood teachers

New Visa Skills Assessment process

As of December 7, 2024, ACECQA will handle all skills assessments for early childhood teachers. This shift aligns the assessment process more closely with the needs of early childhood education and should simplify the process for international applicants.

Reduced English language requirements

The new English language requirements are more accessible than ever:

• You only need to complete one year of tertiary English study in a recognised country (previously, a four-year program was required).

• The English proficiency test scores have been lowered:

  • IELTS: Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 in reading and writing and a score of 8.0 in speaking and listening

  • ISLPR: Level 4 in all areas of the teacher-focused assessment

This change helps you save time and money, while ensuring you still meet the high standards needed to teach young children in Australia.

Updated qualification requirements

ACECQA has updated the ECT skill assessment requirements under the National Quality Framework. Here is an overview of the recent requirements.

As of new updates, applicants are required to:

• Lodge your application with the new authority, ACECQA

• Submit your application for ECT skill assessment before December 7, 2024

• Complete one year of full-time tertiary English study in a recognised country

• Applicants with undergraduate qualifications must include 80 days of supervised professional experience

• Applicants with postgraduate qualifications must have 60 days of supervised professional experience

Note: For more in-depth information, read the assessment guideline on the official ACECQA website

Benefits of the new requirements

• More accessible visa pathways for international students

• Faster qualifications with one year of English study

• Better job prospects as Australia works to fill the shortage of qualified early childhood educators

• Lower costs since you won’t have to spend as long as meeting English requirements

How these changes impact you

With these changes, international students have a clear and faster path to becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia. Here’s how it works to your advantage:

• Save time and money: You only need one year of tertiary English study to meet the language requirements

• Qualify sooner for skills assessment: With updated skills assessments and simplified English requirements, you’ll be able to apply for teaching jobs in Australia more quickly

• More job opportunities: As Australia is urgently hiring, you’ll have an excellent chance to land a role in the early childhood education sector.

Next steps for international students

If you want to take advantage of these changes and start your journey toward becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia, here’s what you need to do:

• Review ACECQA’s Assessment Criteria to make sure you meet all the new requirements

• Download necessary documents from AITSL if you already have an assessment and need to transition to ACECQA

• Stay updated with an Agent: Visa and eligibility requirements can change, so it’s important to consult with a registered migration agent to keep up-to-date

• Contact us for help: If you need help with your next steps, we’re here to guide you through the process and answer any questions.

Ready to start your career in Early Childhood Education?

The recent updates create exciting opportunities for international students to become Early Childhood Teachers in Australia. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding and impactful career, reach out today. We’re here to help you navigate the changes and ensure your success in the Australian Early Childhood Education sector!

Your future as an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia starts now — let us help you make it happen!