Overseas Teachers

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to work, live and raise a family. To find out how you can enjoy the world-class lifestyle New Zealand has to offer, download a copy of our free, comprehensive guide to teaching in New Zealand.

We have been bringing teachers to New Zealand from overseas for over 15 years. If you are considering making the move, reach out to our friendly, informative team.

2021 Excellence in Candidate Care winner LI

Excellence in Candidate Care WINNER NZ(1)

Teach in NZ Webinar

You'll find out about the current teaching market, what the New Zealand school system looks like, what you need to do to teach here, plus more.

Four Agency Process

In order to teach in New Zealand, there are four external agencies that you will need to engage with. By working with ep.education, we can help you navigate these processes and answer any questions you may have.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority

NZQA now have a list of 'Pre-Approved Overseas Teaching Qualifications'. If your initial teacher education qualification is on this list, and you fulfil the other exempt requirements, you don't have to have your qualifications assessed. You can skip this step, saving you valuable time and money.

Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

At ep.education, we work closely with the Teaching Council, who grant teacher registration and practising certificates (which are required for all classroom teachers in New Zealand).

Immigration New Zealand

The Immigration New Zealand website has a wealth of information about the various visas. Click here to read about the best visa option for you.

Only a licensed immigration advisor can give immigration advice. Several of our previous overseas teachers have used Migration Associates to assist them with the move to New Zealand. If you'd like to speak to someone who can assist you with your visa application, then please click here.

Education Payroll

Teachers in New Zealand state schools are paid by Education Payroll (sometimes called EdPay, formerly called Novopay). In order to be paid at the correct amount, you will need to submit a Salary Assessment to see where you fall on the pay scale.

What overseas teachers say about working with us

Ahh what can one possibly say about the good folk at EP education? It's like trying to evaluate the Greek Gods of old. Would 5 stars be enough for Hercules? Could you describe Apollo as professional? Dionysus as responsive? These words and the star rating system feel inadequate when in juxtaposition with the service given by supreme beings! Which leads me back succinctly to the good folk at EP education. Their dedication was complete, their humour limitless, their humanity unwavering and my satisfaction overflowing. I can't thank them enough for helping me find my dream job. Bravo EP, bravo.

Overseas trained secondary teacher, Auckland

I would recommend this company to any teacher. They have always been friendly, willing to video call and give me time to decide on taking a job or not. They have also been very responsive on my mails which sped up the process considerably.

Overseas trained secondary teacher, Auckland

Very friendly, supportive and responsive staff. They were great at helping me secure a permanent teaching role as an overseas teacher. Even during the pandemic and times of uncertainty they were very informative and always sent updates on the situation. I would highly recommend their services.

Overseas trained secondary teacher, Auckland

I was really impressed with both securing a permanent contract and the service I received. Both job and visa documentation were dealt with quickly & efficiently, despite the ever changing immigration rules. Receiving follow up calls too after I have started in my job also offered me piece of mind.

Overseas trained primary teacher, Gisborne

Fantastic support during my visa application process. Annalise had great communication with my school and provided all the information we needed. She checked in regularly to see how the process was going and was quick to follow up on any question I had. A wonderful help 🙂

Overseas trained primary teacher, Auckland

Really supportive staff, helped me get a job, get settled and renew my work visa in NZ. Very positive experience!

Overseas trained secondary teacher, West Coast (South Island)

I had previously had many problems with immigration New Zealand due to the changes in requirements. Annalise was fantastic throughout the process and supported myself and my school by in filling in documents, giving advice and making the process a little easier.

Overseas trained primary teacher, Auckland

I have found the team at EP to be very supportive and understanding. EP has been able to find me weekly relief work in the ECE, Primary and Intermediate sectors. My relief experience I feel has continued to develop my own practice as an educator, which has given me more focus and drive on the next steps to getting back into the classroom full time.

Overseas-trained primary teacher, Auckland

I would like to acknowledge the fantastic support afforded to me by the ep.education team. I am a teacher from Ireland who emailed several institutions detailing my situation and desire to continue being a teacher in New Zealand. ep.education stood out from the start as they were the only group to personally call me about my situation. From that point on, the team worked tirelessly to find me a position that suited me. They acted as a liaison between myself and the school, immigration officials and ministry officials. Now I am in my dream teaching job and I certainly owe that to ep.education and the gold standard in care they had for me and my complex situation.

Overseas-trained secondary teacher, Tasman (South Island)

I worked through EP as a relief primary teacher for a short time while living in NZ. I found them excellent - super helpful from the get-go in guiding me through registration processes etc., making it easy for someone holding an international degree to work in the same sector overseas.

Overseas trained primary teacher, Auckland