Step-By-Step Game Plan Every Kiwi ECE Teacher Needs for Moving to Victoria

Thinking of teaching early childhood in Victoria?

If you’re an early childhood teacher in New Zealand considering a move to Victoria, you’re not alone. Many Kiwis are making the jump across the ditch, attracted by higher salaries, career opportunities, regional incentives, and the chance to explore life in a new part of the world.

But before you can start your new role in an early learning service in Victoria, there’s paperwork and planning involved. This guide breaks it down, step by step written by Kiwis, for Kiwis - so you know exactly what to expect.

Let’s get started.

What paperwork do I need to teach ECE in Victoria?

Here’s what you’ll need before stepping into a classroom:

-Recognition of your qualification by ACECQA (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority)

-Teacher registration (in some cases)

-A valid visa with working rights

-A Working with Children Check

Let’s break it down.

Is my New Zealand ECE qualification recognised?

Most New Zealand early childhood qualifications are recognised by ACECQA. If your qualification is on their approved list, you can apply directly for ECE roles.

How to check:

-Visit the ACECQA website and search their “Approved Qualifications” list

-Look for your exact qualification title and provider (e.g. Bachelor of Teaching – Early Childhood Education, Te Rito Maioha or University of Auckland)

If your qualification isn’t listed:

-You can still apply for individual assessment by ACECQA

-This involves submitting transcripts, course outlines, and other paperwork

-Processing can take several weeks and may cost a fee

Tip: If you’re not sure whether your qualification is approved, it’s worth emailing ACECQA directly with your degree details.

Do I need to register with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)?

A common question Kiwi ECE teachers ask is: “Do I need VIT registration to work in early childhood in Victoria?”

It depends on the role.

You can apply under mutual recognition from New Zealand. Here’s how:

Step-by-step VIT application:

-Set up an online account at the VIT website

-Choose “mutual recognition” when applying

-Upload certified copies of your NZ teaching certificate and ID

-Provide a police check or consent to VIT's own national criminal history check

-Pay the application fee (currently around AUD $100–$150)

-Wait for assessment, which usually takes 4–8 weeks

What visa do I need?

You’ll need a valid visa that allows you to work in Australia. This depends on your personal situation, but common options include:

-Trans-Tasman travel arrangement (if you’re a NZ citizen)

-Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa — sometimes used if a service sponsors your role

-Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent visa) or 190 (State Nomination)

Do I need a Working with Children Check?

Yes. All educators in Victoria - regardless of their role  must hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC).

What you need to know:

-Apply online through the Department of Justice Victoria website

-Choose the “Employee” WWCC (not volunteer)

-Fee is around AUD $130

-Processing typically takes 1–3 weeks

-Your WWCC must be linked to your employer or service

What about police checks?

For VIT registration, a national criminal history check will be run as part of your application.

For non-teacher roles:

-Your employer may ask for a separate police check

-Some services accept your NZ police vetting if completed in the past 6–12 months

-If in doubt, it’s best to get a current check from New Zealand Police and bring it with you

What else should I prepare?

Here’s a short list of other things to sort out:

-Certified copies of your qualifications

-A full and updated CV - Australian services prefer a clear, plain format

-Contact details for referees, ideally one from your most recent ECE role in NZ

-Evidence of your COVID-19 vaccinations, if required by the service

Be upfront about what paperwork you already have and what’s in progress. Many employers are happy to support you through the process - especially in regional areas where qualified staff are in high demand.

How long does it all take?

Here’s a rough idea of the timelines:

-ACECQA recognition (if required): 4-8 weeks

-VIT registration (if needed): 4-8 weeks

-Working with Children Check: 1-3 weeks

-Visa (if not NZ citizen): varies, check current processing times

-Job applications and interviews: varies, but allow 4-6 weeks

Give yourself at least two to three months from when you start the process to when you’re ready to work.

What roles are available in Victoria for NZ ECE teachers?

You’ll find a range of opportunities across:

-Long day care centres

-Standalone kindergarten services

-Early learning centres attached to schools

-Regional and rural services (often with relocation support or bonuses)

In regional areas, there’s a real shortage of qualified ECTs and educators. Some services offer up to $50,000 in relocation incentives for teachers willing to move out of major cities.

If you’re unsure what kind of role you want, it’s worth applying broadly at first and then narrowing down once you get a feel for the sector.

What’s different about ECE in Victoria?

A few things to keep in mind:

-Early learning services may be called “kindergartens”, “preschools”, “long day care”, or “early learning centres”

-Kindergarten funding starts for children at age 3

-Centres follow the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), not Te Whāriki

-School terms and holidays differ from NZ - check the Victorian school calendar

-You’ll likely be paid under the Victorian Early Childhood Teachers and Educators Agreement (VECTEA) or a private award

The biggest shift for many Kiwis is working within a different framework and adjusting to a slightly more regulated sector. But the core of early childhood education, relationships, play, and learning stays the same.

Moving to Victoria as an early childhood teacher from New Zealand isn’t overly complicated, but it does take time, patience, and a bit of paperwork. Start early, stay organised, and ask questions along the way.

If you’re planning to teach in Victoria or simply want to understand what’s involved, we’d love to help you figure it out.