Teachers are opting to relocate and take their skills out of the country
A new study has shown that experienced South African primary and high school teachers are increasingly opting to leave the country for Australia, raising concerns over the loss of skilled educators in already pressured classrooms.
The study, by New World Immigration, found that more than 1 000 South African teachers have enquired about moving to Australia since April 2026, with many of them qualified, experienced and working in scarce-skills subjects.
What has raised further concern is that almost half of the teachers looking to leave have more than eight years’ experience, while many others have between three and eight years in the classroom.
New World Immigration director Robbie Ragless said the trend appeared to be gaining momentum, particularly among Mathematics and Science teachers, who are in high demand due to shortages in Australia.
