Overseas Relocation Grant

A relocation grant is available to teachers relocating to New Zealand to work in a state or state-integrated school, or a licensed early learning centre

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Last updated 21 August 2024

As an overseas-trained teacher coming to New Zealand, you may be eligible for the grant which covers relocation costs of up to NZD$10,000.

The grant can cover or contribute towards a range of relocation costs including registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, temporary accommodation in New Zealand, airfares and relocation costs for immediate family members.

Funding of grants is capped each year. Grants are offered across the primary, secondary and early learning sectors each year and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

We monitor allocations closely and this page will be updated if allocations have been exhausted.

Overseas Relocation Grant eligibility

As an overseas-trained teacher, to be eligible for the grant you must:

be registered with and certified by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
be starting your role between 1 July to 30 June of each calendar year that the grants are available
have a full-time employment agreement of at least 12 months
have made the move here and have a valid work or residence visa allowing you to live in New Zealand
apply for the grant within 90 days of starting full-time employment in your school or early learning centre
have not held a teaching role in a New Zealand state or state-integrated school or licensed early learning service for the 12 months prior to your start date.

Eligible expenses and payment

If your application is approved the amount paid will be the total of all eligible items for which proof of expenditure has been provided.

The grant is paid in a single instalment, normally within 6 to 8 working weeks after receiving a complete application.

How to apply

An application form with instructions is included in the popular resources section on this page. We recommend reading through the requirements, noting the declaration, privacy statements, and working through the evidence checklist before completing the application.

Please make sure to download the application form and save it to your device before completing the form.

All fields must be completed so that your application can be processed. A list of eligible relocation costs can be found on the New Zealand Inland Revenue site.

Eligible relocation expenses – Inland Revenue

Email your application

Email your completed application form with a copy of your signed and dated employment agreement, all relevant tax invoices and/or receipts and evidence of your bank account to teacher.supply@education.govt.nz

You will be notified of your application outcome within 4 to 6 working weeks of us receiving a complete application. If approved, payment will be made within 2 to 4 working weeks of the approval date into your nominated bank account.