Overseas Relocation Grant

As a teacher coming or returning to New Zealand, you may be eligible for a grant which covers relocation costs of up to NZD$10,000.

The Overseas Relocation Grant (ORG) 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.

There are no changes to the Navigator service – early childhood education teachers can still contact us to receive support from the service which offers advice and resources about the steps to find and prepare for a teaching role in New Zealand. 

Overseas Relocation Grant eligibility

You are eligible if you: 

• were a fully qualified teacher before relocating to New Zealand
• are registered with and certificated by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
• have a full-time employment agreement of at least 12 months in a state or state-integrated school
• are starting your role between 1 July to 30 June of each financial year that the grants are available
• relocated within the last 6 months prior to starting employment
• have a valid New Zealand Work or Resident Visa (or be a citizen)
• apply for the grant within 3 months of starting employment in your school.

Note for early childhood education teachers: If you have a full-time employment agreement in a licensed early childhood centre and meet the other eligibility criteria you can apply for the overseas relocation grant until 5pm 30 September 2026. You must apply for the grant within 3 months of starting employment in your early learning centre. 

You will not be eligible if you:

• have received an overseas relocation grant in the past
• arrived in New Zealand with the intention of obtaining a teaching qualification
• are relocating to an independent or charter school
• have held a teaching role in a New Zealand state or state-integrated school or licensed early learning service in the 12 months prior to your start date.

How to apply

You can find the application form in the Popular Resources section of this page. Download the application form and save it to your device before completing it. We recommend reading through the requirements and preparing your evidence before completing your application. 

Email your completed application form, 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 can find a list of eligible expenses on the Inland Revenue website.

Eligible relocation expenses – Inland Revenue

Payment

We will notify you of your application outcome within 4-6 working weeks of receiving your completed application. If approved, we will pay a single instalment into your nominated bank account within 2-4 working weeks of approval. The amount paid will be the total of all eligible items for which proof of expenditure has been provided, up to NZD$10,000.

Contact us

If you have any questions, we're here to help.

teacher.supply@education.govt.nz