A troubling trend has emerged in South Africa’s education landscape as a new study reveals that experienced primary and high school teachers are increasingly opting to relocate to Australia. This shift raises concerns over the potential ramifications for a local education system already facing challenges due to a shortage of skilled educators.
The study, conducted by New World Immigration, highlights that since April 2026, over 1,000 South African teachers have inquired about moving to Australia. Many of these educators are qualified and boast considerable experience in critical subject areas where demand is high—especially in Mathematics and Science.
Among those considering migration, nearly half have more than eight years of teaching experience, while others possess between three to eight years in the classroom. This represents a concerning departure not just of new teachers but of seasoned professionals who contribute significantly to educational stability.
Robbie Ragless, director of New World Immigration, noted the growing momentum of this trend, particularly amid Australia’s pressing need for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educators, which has resulted in more accessible visa sponsorship for qualified foreign teachers.
The data reveals that 54% of the teachers considering emigration hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with 10% holding an Honours Degree and an additional 2.3% possessing Doctoral degrees. Importantly, many educators are not merely contemplating future opportunities; they are actively searching for positions outside the country. In fact, 29% of teacher applicants indicated they were ready to relocate immediately, with another 50% planning to leave within the next year.
One 35-year-old foundation phase teacher, with over eight years of experience, described her decision to consider teaching opportunities abroad. Driven by struggles with student behaviour and what she termed bullying from some parents, she expressed the need to “pack up her suitcase” and seek a better environment to continue her passion for teaching.
“The passion never leaves a teacher,” she reflected, noting that her love for the profession is what keeps her in it despite the adversity. She lamented the lack of respect afforded to teachers in some educational environments, which pushed her towards exploration of opportunities overseas.
In response to these concerning reports, Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), acknowledged the trend of international recruitment of South African teachers, including interest from countries like Australia. Hammond pointed out that while the movement of employees to other countries is not a new phenomenon, the department is actively monitoring its potential impact on local schools.
From April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, the WCED recorded 1,221 exits from a workforce of 45,626 personnel, translating to about 2.6% of the total workforce. Hammond described this level of movement as a normal trend for an organisation. Interestingly, the WCED reported a decrease in resignations compared to the previous financial year, indicating some stability within the workforce.
With 4.5% of exits attributed to emigration, the department continues to engage in exit surveys to understand the root causes behind these departures. However, gauging the exact motivations remains challenging, as many exits are attributed to broader labour market dynamics rather than specific issues within the education sector.
Hammond acknowledged that South Africa, like the rest of the country, continues to face difficulties in filling teaching posts in scarce-skills areas such as Mathematics and Physical Sciences. She expressed concern that the loss of experienced educators could exacerbate existing pressures on schools and hinder continuity in teaching.
In light of these challenges, the WCED is committed to enhancing the working conditions for teachers through support programmes, ongoing professional development opportunities, and mentorship initiatives, with a focus on retaining quality educators to bolster South Africa’s education system.
IOL
