Supporting your overseas-trained teachers

To help support overseas teachers when they come to New Zealand, we offer financial and professional learning & development support.

Financial support

Overseas Relocation Grant for teachers

Overseas-trained teachers may be eligible for a grant which can cover relocation costs of up to NZD$10,000. See the Overseas Relocation Grant webpage for more information.  

Overseas Relocation Grant – Education Workforce

Professional learning & development and mentorship

Teaching in a different education system means your overseas teacher will need support in adapting to the New Zealand education system. There will also be cultural differences to understand, such as the Māori practices and language that we use in schools and kura. That’s why we provide support to help these teachers make a smooth transition to teaching in New Zealand.  

Professional learning and development

From 2024, Tātai Aho Rau Core Education is providing professional development support for beginning teachers, including overseas-trained teachers with provisional certification. Go to the Tātai Aho Rau Core Education website for more information on this programme. You can also find useful information on our PLD site.

Mentor support programme – Tātai Aho Rau Core education

Professional Learning & Development – Ministry of Education

Overseas teacher staffing allowance

When your overseas teacher starts teaching, they will be allocated a mentor to support them during their transition to our education system. Depending on your schooling sector, they will get a time allowance of 10 weeks for primary, intermediate and special schools, while composite (years 7-10) and secondary schools will get 20 weeks.

Overseas teacher time allowance – Ministry of Education

Contact us

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

Email: teacher.supply@education.govt.nz

Freephone: 0800 165 225