Streamlined Pathway for Early Childhood Teachers to Australia: ACECQA Lowers English Requirements
Starting 7 December 2024, a significant change will affect those looking to migrate to Australia as an Early Childhood (Pre-Primary School) Teacher. The skills assessment authority for this specific occupation is shifting from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) to the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). This transition aims to simplify the process for candidates by easing English language requirements and facilitating faster qualification
What are the updates on English Language Proficiency Requirements Under the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)?
With the new guidelines, applicants have more accessible ways to demonstrate their English proficiency, streamlining the visa application process for a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR):
Studied One Year in English-speaking Countries:
Candidates can now qualify by completing one year of full-time tertiary or higher education in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
This replaces the previous requirement of four years under AITSL, making it significantly easier for those with a one-year Graduate Diploma or similar programs to meet language standards.
For Applicants who Did Not Study in English Speaking Country:
For those who haven’t studied in an English-speaking country, the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) accepts English tests from:
IELTS Academic Test: Minimum scores of 7 in reading and writing and 8 in speaking and listening.
ISLPR Teacher-Focused Assessment: Level 4 in all four skill areas.
Professional References:
In some cases, ACECQA will accept professional references as proof of English proficiency, provided they are from specific English-speaking countries. However, the reference is evaluated case-by-case, and applicants must contact ACECQA for further guidance.
Continuously High Demand
Recent data from the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) invitation round indicates that early childhood teachers require a minimum score of 75 points, suggesting the competitiveness and demand for this occupation remain high. The updated skills assessment requirements provide more accessible pathways for qualified educators to contribute to Australia’s early education sector.
What Is the Current ACECQA Skill Assessment Application Fee for Early Childhood Teachers?
As of today, the skills assessment application fee with the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) assessing body has been slightly increased to AUD 1,100.
This update marks a significant change, especially for international students and career changers who can now qualify more easily and without the strict IELTS requirements. This pathway enables aspiring educators to enter the Australian workforce sooner, helping to meet the urgent demand for early childhood professionals in the country.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Individuals can now qualify more easily and without the strict IELTS requirement, enabling them to meet the skills assessment requirement and hopefully achieve their dream of a pathway to PR. Contact us at Agape Henry Crux if you discover your visa application is refused/cancelled. Our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law and our team of immigration lawyers specialise in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
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