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Becoming a Teacher in Ireland: A Guide for Applicants from Africa

Are you a qualified teacher in Africa dreaming of teaching in the lush green landscapes of Ireland? With a growing demand for educators, especially in subjects like math, science, and languages, Ireland offers exciting opportunities for international teachers. However, the process starts with registration through the Teaching Council, Ireland’s regulatory body for the profession. In this blog, we’ll break down what the Teaching Council does, how to apply for registration even if you’re based in Africa, and tips on landing a teaching job in Ireland. Whether you’re in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, or elsewhere on the continent, the steps are accessible and straightforward—though they require careful preparation.

What is the Teaching Council?

The Teaching Council is the official regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. Its primary role is to protect the public by promoting and upholding high standards in teaching. This includes registering qualified teachers, ensuring they meet professional competence and conduct requirements, and maintaining a highly skilled workforce. For international applicants, the Council assesses qualifications earned outside Ireland to ensure they align with Irish standards. Registration is mandatory for anyone wanting to teach in publicly funded schools or certain private settings in Ireland.

Registration Routes for Teachers Qualified Outside Ireland

If you’ve qualified as a teacher in Africa or any country outside the Republic of Ireland, you can apply under specific routes tailored to your level of education:

Primary (Qualified Outside Ireland): For those with primary school teaching qualifications.
Post-Primary (Qualified Outside Ireland): Aimed at secondary school teachers with subject-specific expertise.
Further Education: For educators in adult or vocational training.
Qualified in Ukraine: A streamlined process for Ukrainian teachers with EU Temporary Protection (not applicable for African applicants).
Route 4 – Other (Qualified Outside Ireland): This is for teachers with special education qualifications obtained abroad. If registered under this route, you can work in restricted settings, such as special schools or classes in mainstream schools where Irish language isn’t required.

These routes are open to applicants from anywhere outside Ireland, including Africa. The process evaluates your qualifications against Irish standards, and there’s no distinction based on continent—it’s the same for non-EU countries.

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Step-by-Step Application Process from Africa

Applying from Africa is entirely online and doesn’t require you to be in Ireland. Here’s how to get started:

Create an Account on My Registration Portal: Visit the Teaching Council’s registration portal and select “New User” > “Create your account – Outside Ireland.” You’ll need to provide:
- Email address (used for login).
- Title, first name, last name, previous name (if applicable).
- Date of birth, gender, mobile phone.
- Password.
- Correspondence address (this can be your African residential address; it must be verifiable).
- Nationality (select your African country).
- Communication preferences (opt in for emails to stay updated).
Once created, you can log in and start your application. You have three months to complete and submit it, or it will be deleted.
Choose Your Route and Submit the Application: Log into “My Registration” and select the appropriate route based on your qualification. Fill out the online form with details about your education, employment history, and contact information.
Upload Documents: Prepare digital photos or scans of required items (more on this below).
Pay the Fee and Submit: Fees vary by route but are typically around €90–€200 (check the site for current rates). After submission, the Council reviews your application, which can take several weeks to months.
Complete Vetting: Vetting (background check) is mandatory and handled by the Teaching Council via the National Vetting Bureau. If you’re outside Ireland, you may need to provide equivalent police clearance from your home country in Africa. Read the vetting page for details on international applicants.

The entire process can be done remotely from Africa, but you’ll need reliable internet for uploads and communications.

Required Documents and Vetting

To register, you must meet two main requirements: qualifications and evidence of character.

Qualifications: Your teaching degree or diploma from an African institution must be equivalent to Irish standards. Provide academic transcripts for each year, including the final result.
Evidence of Character: This includes vetting. As a non-EU applicant from Africa, submit police clearance certificates from countries where you’ve lived for over six months in the past five years.

Finding a Teaching Job in Ireland

Once registered, you’re eligible to apply for jobs. Ireland has a teacher shortage in areas like STEM subjects, Irish language, and special education, making it easier for qualified internationals to find roles. Here’s how to proceed:

Search Job Portals: Use these dedicated sites to browse vacancies:
- EducationPosts.ie: The go-to platform for teaching jobs in Ireland, including primary, post-primary, and special education roles.
- Staffroom.ie: Lists substitute and permanent positions.
- Tes.com (Ireland section): International-friendly with filters for subject and location.
- IrishJobs.ie: Broader site with education sections.
- Indeed.ie: Search for “teaching jobs Ireland” and filter by international eligibility.
Apply and Secure a Job Offer: Tailor your CV to Irish standards (focus on qualifications and experience). Many schools welcome international applicants, especially for shortage subjects. No IELTS is typically required for teaching roles, as English proficiency is assessed through your qualifications and interview.
Visa and Work Permit: As a non-EU citizen from Africa, you’ll need an employment permit after getting a job offer. Most teaching roles qualify for a General Employment Permit (employer applies on your behalf). If your role is in higher education or ICT-related teaching, it might fall under the Critical Skills Employment Permit for faster processing. Check the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment site for details.
Additional Tips: For post-primary, Irish language knowledge isn’t always needed unless teaching primary or Irish itself. Network on platforms like LinkedIn or Reddit’s r/Internationalteachers for advice from expats. Relocation support might be offered by schools in Dublin, Cork, or rural areas.