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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, and 491. 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 prepare a compliant submission.

Who Needs an AITSL Skills Assessment?

Early Childhood (Pre-Primary) Teacher

Teachers working with children before primary school age in early learning and kindergarten settings.

Primary School Teacher

Teachers educating students across primary and elementary school year levels.

Secondary School Teacher

Teachers specialising in secondary and high school education, typically with a curriculum subject focus.

Special Education Teacher

Teachers working with students with special educational needs across primary, secondary, or specialist settings.

AITSL Assessment Criteria

IQF Review — Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Qualification

Your qualification must be university-level, comparable to at least an Australian Bachelor's degree, and specifically in initial teacher education (not general education studies). Accepted qualifications include Bachelor of Education, Graduate Diploma in Education, and Master of Teaching. Subject-only degrees without teacher training components do not qualify.

Subject Specialisation

For secondary teachers, AITSL reviews whether your qualification includes adequate subject specialisation relevant to your teaching area (e.g., mathematics, science, English, humanities).

Teaching Practicum (45 Days Minimum)

A minimum of 45 days (6+ weeks) of supervised teaching practice, completed during the teacher education program. Must involve teaching real students, classroom management, lesson planning and delivery, assessment, and feedback from a qualified supervising teacher.

Curriculum & English Proficiency

AITSL reviews whether your curriculum studies align with Australian teacher education frameworks. Unless exempt, applicants must also meet English standards via IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET.

Documents Required

Passport, photograph, and name change documents (if applicable)
Degree certificate (Bachelor / Master of Teaching or Education) and academic transcripts
Detailed course descriptions and proof the degree is an ITE program
Supervised teaching practice statement and confirmation of placement duration (minimum 45 days)
Signed supervisor reports, host school letters, and placement logbooks (if available)
Valid English language test result (unless exempt)
School reference letters, teaching experience statements, and payslips (optional employment evidence)

AITSL Skills Assessment Process

Confirm Eligibility & Qualification Type

Verify that your qualification is a recognised initial teacher education (ITE) degree that meets AITSL's education framework requirements.

Prepare Academic & Practicum Documents

Collect transcripts, degree certificates, placement statements, supervisor reports, and host school letters, presented clearly for AITSL review.

Prepare English Evidence

Gather English test results meeting AITSL standards, or confirm if an exemption applies based on your country and language of study.

Submit Online Application

Complete the AITSL online portal and upload all qualification, practicum, and English documents as required.

AITSL Verification & Assessment

AITSL reviews qualification equivalency, whether the degree is an ITE program, supervised teaching practice requirements, and English proficiency.

Receive Outcome Letter

A positive outcome confirms your qualification meets Australian teaching standards, adequate practicum is completed, and English requirements are satisfied.

Common Reasons AITSL Applications Are Refused

Qualification Is Not an ITE Program

Your degree must be specifically in initial teacher education. Degrees in arts, science, maths, or other fields without teacher training components do not meet AITSL requirements.

No Supervised Teaching Practice in the Degree

Your teacher education program must include supervised classroom-based teaching practice. Theoretical coursework alone is insufficient for a positive outcome.

Practicum 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.

Practicum Not Supervised or Not Classroom-Based

Teaching practice must be supervised by qualified teachers and involve real classroom teaching with students, not simulations or observations only.

Missing Transcripts or Incomplete Documents

Complete academic transcripts and detailed course descriptions are essential to demonstrate that your qualification meets ITE standards.

English Not Met or Short Certificate Not Recognised

Valid English results are required unless exempt. A subject degree followed by a short teaching certificate may not be recognised as an integrated ITE program.

How ABEE'S Consultancy Supports AITSL Applicants

ITE Qualification Guidance

Explaining whether your teaching degree meets AITSL's initial teacher education criteria based on your specific qualifications.

Document Preparation Guidance

Clarifying how to prepare and organise transcripts, course outlines, placement letters, and supervisor documentation for AITSL review.

Teaching Reference Support

Explaining how to structure reference letters that clearly reflect genuine teaching responsibilities and classroom experience.

Application Lodgement Guidance

Providing step-by-step support for submitting the AITSL online application and uploading documents correctly.

RFI Response Guidance

Explaining how to respond efficiently if AITSL requests additional information or clarification on your application.

Post-Assessment Visa Strategy

Explaining skilled visa pathways — 189, 190, and 491 — available to teachers following a positive AITSL outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

AITSL requires a minimum of 45 days (approximately 6+ weeks) of supervised teaching practice, completed as part of your teacher education program. The practice must involve teaching real students in a classroom setting, with observation and feedback from a qualified supervising teacher.

Not always. A subject-specific degree (e.g., a BA in English or a BSc in Mathematics) followed by a short teaching certificate may not be recognised as an integrated initial teacher education (ITE) program. AITSL requires a comprehensive teacher education degree that includes both curriculum studies and supervised practicum as an integrated qualification.

Exemptions from the English language requirement may apply if your qualification was completed in certain recognised English-speaking countries and the medium of instruction was English. However, exemption eligibility depends on the specific country and qualification. We can advise on whether an exemption applies to your situation.

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AITSL – Skills Assessment for Teachers