Occupation guide
Migrate as a Teacher
Teachers, especially in STEM, special education, and English language instruction, are in demand globally. Countries facing teacher shortages offer dedicated visa pathways and often provide relocation packages.
Demand for teachers
UNESCO estimates a global shortage of 69 million teachers by 2030. Australia, Canada, the UK, and the UAE are actively recruiting qualified teachers from abroad.
Best countries for teachers
Real visa routes, real demand, local pay.
Australia
- Visa route
- Skilled Nominated (190) / Employer Sponsored
- Salary range
- AUD $70,000 to $100,000
- Why go
- Teacher shortages in regional and remote areas. State nomination programs actively target teachers. Competitive salaries with good benefits.
United Kingdom
- Visa route
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Salary range
- £28,000 to £45,000
- Why go
- Significant teacher shortages in STEM subjects. The Department for Education runs international teacher recruitment programs.
UAE
- Visa route
- Employment Visa
- Salary range
- AED $100,000 to $200,000
- Why go
- International schools pay well and offer housing allowances. Tax-free salary. Growing education sector.
Canada
- Visa route
- Express Entry / Provincial Nominee
- Salary range
- CAD $50,000 to $80,000
- Why go
- Teacher shortages in French immersion and STEM. Provincial nominee programs in Atlantic provinces and prairies actively seek teachers.
What you need
- Bachelor's degree in Education or subject + teaching qualification
- Teaching license/registration in home country
- 2+ years teaching experience
- English proficiency (IELTS 7.0+)
- Background check (working with children)
Exams and assessments
- AITSL assessment (Australia)
- QTS or equivalent (UK)
- Provincial teaching certificate (Canada)
- IELTS Academic 7.0+
- Subject-specific qualifications for secondary
FAQs
Which teaching subjects are most in demand?
Mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and special education are universally in shortage. English language teaching is in demand in non-English-speaking countries. French-language teachers are highly sought after in Canada.
Will my teaching qualification be recognized?
Most countries have a credential assessment process. Australia uses AITSL, the UK grants QTS after assessment, and Canadian provinces have their own certification bodies. The process typically takes 2-6 months.
Can I teach in an international school?
Yes. International schools (IB, British curriculum, American curriculum) actively hire internationally and often handle visa sponsorship. The UAE, Singapore, and other countries have large international school sectors.
What about teaching English as a foreign language?
TEFL/TESOL teaching is a separate pathway. It's easier to enter but typically pays less and may not qualify for skilled migration visas. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and the UAE hire TEFL teachers, but the visa is usually tied to the employer.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and rules change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website for your destination. How we research & source our guides.
Ready to move as a Teacher?
See which countries your age, education and English point to.
