Schools' finder's fee for recruiting teachers from overseas
Schools, kura and early learning centres may be eligible for a finder's fee if recruiting an overseas teacher
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Last updated 16 May 2024
A finder's fee may be payable to schools, kura and licensed early learning centres who have recruited a teacher from overseas. The finder's fee can be claimed for recruiting New Zealand-trained teachers returning from overseas and overseas trained teachers coming to New Zealand to teach in your school or centre.
Eligible schools, kura and early learning centres will receive NZD$3,450 (including GST) to offset recruitment costs. Funding of the finder's fee is capped each year. The fee is offered across the primary, secondary and early learning sectors each year and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Licensed early learning centres can only receive one finder's fee per centre, per year.
We monitor allocations closely and this page will be updated if allocations have been exhausted.
Who's eligible for the fee
Only state or state-integrated schools or kura, and licensed early learning centres can apply for the finder's fee.
To be eligible for the finder's fee, you must apply within 90 days of the teacher starting employment in your school, kura or early learning centre, and your overseas teacher must:
be registered with and certified by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
be starting their role between 1 July to 30 June of each calendar year that the fee is available.
have an employment agreement of at least 12 months.
have made the move here.
have not held a teaching role in a New Zealand state or state-integrated school/kura or licensed early learning centre for the 12 months prior to their start date.
If your school, kura or early learning centre is bringing in an overseas teacher under the Border Exception programme, you will not be eligible for the overseas finder's fee, as the scheme is now closed.
How to apply
Use the online application form to apply. You will be required to upload evidence of the teacher arriving in New Zealand and starting their role (for example, a boarding pass or tenancy agreement).
You will be notified of your application outcome within 6 weeks of us receiving a complete application.
Email your completed application with a copy of required documents.
