For many teachers considering an international move, the British, American and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula are often the first that come to mind. They remain the most widely represented across international schools and continue to dominate much of the global recruitment market.
However, international education is becoming increasingly diverse.
Across Asia and the Middle East, Australian curriculum schools have established a strong presence, creating new opportunities for teachers interested in working within a different educational framework. Countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are all home to Australian curriculum schools, with many continuing to expand as demand for international education grows.
At Teach East, we’ve noticed Australian curriculum vacancies becoming a more prominent part of the international recruitment market, particularly across Asia and the Middle East. As more teachers begin exploring these opportunities, one question comes up time and again: what is it actually like to teach in an Australian curriculum school?
What is the Australian Curriculum?
Like other internationally recognised curricula, it sets clear expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each stage of their education.
What distinguishes it is not necessarily the subjects themselves, but the way learning is approached.
Alongside English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and the Arts, the curriculum places significant emphasis on developing broader capabilities such as critical and creative thinking, ethical understanding, digital literacy, intercultural understanding and personal and social capability.
Rather than treating these as separate subjects, they are integrated across classroom teaching, encouraging students to apply knowledge in practical and meaningful ways.
For teachers, this often means lessons that promote discussion, investigation, collaboration and real-world problem solving alongside strong academic foundations.
One aspect of the Australian education system many teachers don’t realise
While the Australian Curriculum provides the national framework, each state and territory is responsible for implementing it through its own curriculum authority. Teachers moving between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland or Western Australia may therefore notice differences in assessment, curriculum sequencing and syllabus structure while still working within the same overall framework.
This flexibility has also influenced many international schools delivering the Australian Curriculum. Schools maintain recognised Australian educational standards while adapting learning to suit their own students, communities and local regulations.
For teachers, this means adaptability is already embedded within the Australian education system itself.
Where can you teach in an Australian curriculum school?
In reality, Australian education has developed a significant international footprint.
Today, Australian curriculum schools operate across Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and several other countries.
This reflects the continued growth of international education worldwide. According to ISC Research, there are now more than 15,000 international schools educating around 7.7 million students, with Asia remaining the largest international school market.
As more schools diversify their curriculum offering, Australian programmes have become another recognised option alongside British, American and IB schools.
For teachers, this means Australian curriculum experience can open opportunities well beyond Australia.
Do you need Australian curriculum experience?
Having previous Australian curriculum experience is certainly beneficial and some schools may specifically request it, particularly for leadership positions or specialist roles.
However, it is by no means the only route into an Australian curriculum school.
International schools understand that excellent teaching is highly transferable. Teachers from British, American and IB backgrounds regularly move between curricula throughout their careers, particularly when they demonstrate strong classroom practice, subject knowledge and a willingness to understand a new educational framework.
Taking time to familiarise yourself with the Australian Curriculum before applying can also strengthen your application. Understanding its structure, terminology and teaching philosophy demonstrates genuine interest and helps build confidence during interviews.
What can teachers expect?
Professional learning plays an important role, with schools encouraging teachers to reflect on their practice and continue developing throughout their careers.
Many schools also place considerable value on inquiry-based learning, formative assessment and helping students develop skills that extend beyond subject knowledge alone.
For teachers already working in international education, many of these approaches will feel familiar, making the transition smoother than they may initially expect.
Why Australian curriculum schools are worth considering
Choosing an international school isn’t simply about the curriculum. It is also about finding the right school, leadership team, location and career opportunity.
Australian curriculum schools now offer teachers another well-established pathway into international education.
Whether you’re looking to experience a new country, broaden your curriculum experience or continue your career within an internationally recognised education system, they represent an increasingly attractive option.
As international schools continue to diversify, teachers with experience across different curricula are also becoming increasingly versatile within the global recruitment market.
Final thoughts
Australian curriculum schools are now firmly part of that landscape, offering opportunities across some of the world’s fastest-growing education markets while providing teachers with another recognised pathway into international education.
At Teach East, we’re delighted to be supporting this growth through our newest partnership with Australian curriculum schools in Malaysia.
We’re currently recruiting for January 2027 teaching positions and would love to hear from educators who are interested in exploring opportunities within the Australian Curriculum.
You can browse our latest vacancies and register your interest at www.teacheast.com.
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