University students

Are you a university student currently studying or considering commencing a teaching degree? Find out how teaching can open doors for you.

Receive updates

I'm studying teaching

I'm studying something else

Become a teacher in a NSW public school

Are you currently completing an initial teacher education degree and considering a career in a NSW public school? Or completing another degree, but thinking about making the switch to education?

Teaching is a career like no other. As a teacher, you will be able to work anywhere in the state, country or world. While completing your practicum placements, you will discover that no two days are the same, and working for the largest employer of teachers in Australia, you’ll find a countless number of career development opportunities available to you.

The department offers an inclusive workplace where all employees are welcome and valued. Our schools reflect Australian communities with students and staff representing a diverse range of cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds.

The department also offers flexibility of employment, generous leave provisions and the opportunity to work in a range of diverse school contexts, including schools in rural and remote NSW which attract additional benefits and incentives.

As a beginning teacher, you will benefit from a competitive graduate salary while receiving mentoring and support from experienced teachers in your school.

Read on to find out more about subject requirements, university admission guidelines and scholarship programs available for future teachers.

Your how to guide: current initial teacher education students

Are you currently studying an accredited teaching degree? Find out how to kick-start your teaching career in a NSW public school.

Step 1: Apply for a future teacher scholarship

NSW Department of Education scholarships offer a range of benefits and incentives, and are a great way to kick-start your teaching career in a NSW public school with a guaranteed permanent teaching position upon graduation.

If you are in the first, second or third year of an undergraduate degree or about to commence a postgraduate degree, you may be eligible for the below scholarships:

Step 2: Gain your NESA Accreditation and a paid Working with Children Check

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) are responsible for accrediting all teachers in NSW. You will be required to gain accreditation with NESA before you can apply for approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education.

You can apply for a paid Working with Children Check through the Office of the Children's Guardian. As part of this process, you will be required to provide proof of identity at a Service NSW centre.

Step 3: Apply for approval to teach

All teachers who want to work in a NSW public school are required to gain approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education. You can commence your application in the final year of your degree and gain interim approval to teach, allowing you to teach casually in NSW public schools prior to graduation.

View the step-by-step guide on the approval to teach webpage.

Step 4: Start teaching

Once you have gained full approval to teach, you can begin applying for temporary and permanent positions in NSW public schools, or be appointed to a permanent teaching position if you are a scholarship recipient.

JobFeed is a weekly publication of all available permanent and temporary positions in primary and secondary NSW public schools. You can subscribe to JobFeed to receive weekly updates directly to your inbox, or view our tips for developing a great application.

Your how to guide: degree changers

Are you currently studying a non-teaching related degree? If you're thinking about switching to teaching, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Get ready to study

Decide what type of teacher you would like to become.

Tip: Becoming a qualified teacher in a high-demand subject area can increase your chances of gaining employment in NSW public schools.

Step 2: Apply for an accredited teaching course

Becoming a teacher requires a minimum of four years study, including an accredited teaching degree, such as a Bachelor of Education/Teaching or Master of Teaching.

If you have already completed undergraduate studies in a subject area that you are interested in teaching, we recommend talking to your preferred tertiary education provider to determine how this can contribute to entry requirements for a postgraduate teaching degree.

Step 3: Apply for a future teacher scholarship

If you are commencing an initial teacher education degree, you may be eligible for the below scholarships:

Step 4: Start teaching

In the final year of your studies, you will be required to apply for approval to teach in NSW public schools and gain accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Once you have gained interim approval to teach, you will be able to teach casually in NSW public schools before graduation.

Following this, you can apply for advertised teaching positions in NSW public schools, or be appointed to a permanent teaching position if you are a scholarship recipient.

Apply for a future teacher scholarship

NSW Department of Education future teacher scholarships offer a range of benefits including financial incentives and a guaranteed permanent teaching job upon graduation.

Scholarship programs for university students studying teaching include: