So, you’ve made the move.
New country, new school, new routines - and probably a slightly different accent to get used to as well.
Relocating to New Zealand as an overseas-trained teacher is a big decision, and if you’re reading this having recently arrived, the first thing to say is: well done. Moving countries to continue your teaching career takes courage, planning, and no small amount of resilience.
At Prospero Teaching, we work closely with teachers at every stage of their relocation journey - from the first exploratory conversation, right through to settling into life in New Zealand. One question that often comes up once teachers arrive and start their role is the Overseas Relocation Grant, and how to access it.
The Overseas Relocation Grant is a Ministry of Education funded initiative designed to support qualified overseas-trained teachers who have relocated to New Zealand to take up a full-time teaching position in a state or state-integrated school, or a licensed early learning centre.
It is a reimbursement grant of up to $10,000, intended to offset some of the real costs involved in relocating internationally.
You can read the official Ministry guidance here: https://workforce.education.govt.nz/becoming-teacher-new-zealand/overseas-trained-teachers/overseas-relocation-grant
Eligible costs can include flights, freight, visa costs, Teaching Council registration, and temporary accommodation on arrival.
If you’ve already arrived in New Zealand and started your role, this is often the perfect time to apply.
If you’ve relocated from overseas, are registered and certificated with the Teaching Council, and have started a full-time role of at least 12 months, you may be eligible. Applications are typically made within 90 days of your start date, so it’s worth getting onto it early while everything is still fresh and receipts are easy to locate.
More information on Teaching Council registration can be found here: https://teachingcouncil.nz/en/become-a-teacher/overseas-trained-teacher-coming-to-Aotearoa
The process itself is relatively straightforward, but like most things when you’ve just moved countries, it can feel like one more admin task on a very long list.
In simple terms, you will need:
Applications are submitted by email to: teacher.supply@education.govt.nz
Once submitted, applications are generally processed within several weeks, with payment made directly to your nominated NZ bank account if approved.
At Prospero Teaching, our role doesn’t stop once a contract is signed, or a teacher starts in their school. We see relocation as a transition, not a transaction.
That means:
While we proudly support the teachers we place, this information is also here for the wider community of overseas-trained teachers who have chosen New Zealand as their next home.
If you’re considering making the move - whether from the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia or elsewhere - working with a reliable, experienced education recruitment agency can make all the difference.
From visa pathways and registration guidance to school matching, relocation advice and post-arrival support, the right partner helps remove uncertainty and replaces it with clarity and confidence.
You can explore teaching opportunities in New Zealand here: https://www.prosperoteaching.co.nz/find-a-job/browse-jobs/
New Zealand schools continue to value the skills, experience and perspective that overseas-trained teachers bring. With the right support, relocating here can be both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
Welcome to New Zealand and welcome to the next chapter of your teaching journey.