AITSL – Skills Assessment for Teachers
Migration Skills Assessment for Early Childhood, Primary & Secondary Teachers in Australia
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is the official assessing authority for teachers applying for skilled migration to Australia. A positive AITSL skills assessment is mandatory for teaching occupations under visas such as 189, 190, 491, and can help applicants secure state nomination or employer sponsorship.
AITSL evaluates whether your teaching qualification and supervised teaching practice meet Australian teacher education standards.
ABEE’S Consultancy (MARN 2217775) provides structured guidance to help applicants understand AITSL requirements and prepare a compliant skills assessment submission.
Who Needs an AITSL Skills Assessment?
AITSL assesses applicants seeking to migrate as:
Early Childhood (Pre-Primary) Teacher
Teachers working with children before primary school age
Primary School Teacher
Teachers educating students in primary/elementary school levels
Secondary School Teacher
Teachers specializing in secondary/high school education
Special Education Teacher
Teachers working with students with special educational needs
Middle School Teacher (Where Applicable)
Teachers working in middle school education levels
If your occupation is related to teaching or education, AITSL is the required assessing body for skilled migration.
AITSL Assessment Criteria
To receive a positive skills assessment, applicants must meet three core requirements:
1. Qualification Requirement (Initial Teacher Education – ITE)
Your qualification must:
- Be completed at university level
- Be comparable to at least an Australian Bachelor’s degree
- Be specifically in initial teacher education (not general education studies)
- Include teacher training methodology and curriculum studies
This may include:
- Bachelor of Education
- Graduate Diploma in Education
- Master of Teaching
Degrees in arts, science, maths, languages, or other fields without teacher education components do not satisfy AITSL requirements.
2. Supervised Teaching Practice Requirement
AITSL requires a minimum of:
- 45 days (6+ weeks) of supervised teaching practice, AND
- Placement completed during the teacher education program
Supervised practice must include:
- Teaching real students (not simulations)
- Classroom management duties
- Lesson planning and delivery
- Assessment and reporting
- Observation and feedback from a qualified supervisor
Evidence of placement is essential for a successful outcome.
3. English Language Requirement
Unless exempt, applicants must meet AITSL’s English standard through:
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- OET (for early childhood roles in some cases)
Exemptions may apply if the qualification was completed in certain English-speaking countries.
Documents Required for AITSL Skills Assessment
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Photograph
- Name change documents (if applicable)
Qualification Documents
- Degree certificate (Bachelor/Master of Teaching/Education)
- Academic transcripts
- Detailed course descriptions
- Proof the degree is an ITE program
Placement Documents
AITSL requires:
- Supervised teaching practice statement
- Confirmation of placement duration (minimum 45 days)
- Signed supervisor reports
- Host school letters
- Placement logbooks (if available)
English Language Evidence
- Valid test result (unless exempt)
Employment Evidence (If Submitted)
While optional for skills assessment, applicants may include:
- School reference letters
- Teaching experience statements
- Payslips or salary records
AITSL Skills Assessment Process – Step by Step
Confirm Eligibility & Qualification Type
AITSL checks whether your qualification is a recognised initial teacher education degree. We explain how to interpret AITSL’s ITE requirements based on your qualification background.
Prepare Academic & Teaching Practice Documents
Applicants must collect transcripts, degree certificates, placement letters and supervisor reports. We explain how to present these documents clearly and correctly.
Prepare English Evidence (If Required)
Applicants gather English test results that meet AITSL standards. We explain exemptions and acceptable test formats.
Submit Online Application
Applicants complete the AITSL online portal and upload all required documents.
AITSL Verification & Assessment
AITSL reviews:
- Qualification equivalency
- Whether the degree is an ITE program
- Supervised teaching practice requirements
- English proficiency
Receive Outcome Letter
A positive AITSL outcome confirms:
- Your qualification meets Australian teaching standards
- You have completed adequate supervised practicum
- You satisfy English language requirements for migration
Common Reasons AITSL Applications Are Refused
Qualification is not an initial teacher education program
Your degree must be specifically in initial teacher education (ITE), not just a general education or subject-specific degree. Degrees in arts, science, or other fields without teacher training components do not meet AITSL requirements.
No supervised teaching practice included in the degree
Your teacher education program must include supervised teaching practice as part of the qualification. Theoretical coursework alone is insufficient.
Placement hours less than 45 days
AITSL requires a minimum of 45 days (approximately 6+ weeks) of supervised teaching practice. Shorter placements do not meet the requirement.
Placement not supervised or not classroom-based
Teaching practice must be supervised by qualified teachers and must involve real classroom teaching with students, not simulations or observations only.
Missing academic transcripts or incomplete documents
Complete academic transcripts and detailed course descriptions are essential to demonstrate that your qualification meets ITE standards.
English test results not meeting criteria
Unless exempt, you must provide valid English language test results that meet AITSL’s specified standards for teaching professionals.
Undergraduate degree + separate certificate NOT recognised as ITE
A subject degree (e.g., BA in English) followed by a short teaching certificate may not be recognised as an integrated ITE program. The qualification must be a comprehensive teacher education degree.
AITSL has strict education and practicum requirements, making accurate documentation critical.
How ABEE’S Consultancy Supports AITSL Applicants
Guidance on Qualification Requirements
Explaining whether your teaching degree meets AITSL’s ITE criteria.
Document Preparation Guidance
Clarifying how to prepare transcripts, course outlines, placement letters and supervisor documentation.
Support in Preparing Teaching References (If Provided)
Explaining how to structure reference letters that reflect genuine teaching responsibilities.
Application Lodgement Guidance
Providing support for submitting the AITSL online application.
RFI Guidance
Explaining how to respond if AITSL requests additional information.
Post-Assessment Visa Strategy
Explaining skilled visa options for teachers, including 189, 190, and 491.
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