What Is AITSL?
The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is the national body responsible for setting professional standards for teachers and school leaders across Australia. It is the authorised assessing authority approved by the Department of Home Affairs to conduct migration skills assessments for teaching occupations.
Who Needs This Assessment?
Any overseas-trained teacher applying for a points-tested skilled visa, including Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional), must hold a valid positive AITSL skills assessment before submitting an Expression of Interest. It is also required for employer-sponsored visas including Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) and Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional).
A positive AITSL skills assessment is valid for three years from the date of issue.
Occupations Assessed by AITSL
Assessment Requirements
To achieve a Suitable (positive) outcome, you must meet both criteria below. Failing either results in an unsuccessful outcome — there is no partial pass.
1. Qualification Criteria
- Duration: Minimum of four years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study.
- Level: Comparable to at least an Australian Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7).
- ITE component: Must include a relevant Initial Teacher Education (ITE) qualification.
- Supervised teaching practice: Minimum of 45 days completed as part of your ITE program, within the age range relevant to your nominated occupation.
2. English Language Proficiency
AITSL accepts IELTS Academic for this assessment at the following minimum scores:
| Test component | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| Reading | 7 |
| Writing | 7 |
| Speaking | 8 |
| Listening | 8 |
Test results are valid for three years from the test date. One-skill retake is acceptable. Home-based and online tests are not accepted.
Study-based exemption: If all qualifications required for your AITSL assessment were completed entirely in English in Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America, you may be exempt from providing an English test.
Assessment Fees
| Service | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Application for Skills Assessment | $1,154 |
| Skilled Employment Statement (SES) | $255 |
| Appeal of Assessment Outcome | $904 |
| Partial Refund (if assessment not commenced) | $946 |
No GST is charged on any AITSL Assessment for Migration fee, regardless of whether you apply onshore or offshore. Fees shown are final.
Disclaimer: This information reflects AITSL's published fees and requirements as at the time of writing. Fees are set and collected by AITSL and may be updated at any time.