Private Tutors and Teachers nec Visa Pathway to Australia: Complete 2026 Guide
Updated: 13 May 2026
Australia classifies Private Tutors and Teachers nec under ANZSCO 249299. VETASSESS conducts the skills assessment as a Group B occupation. The role is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) but not the MLTSSL, unlocking subclasses 190, 491, 482, and 186. Typical 2026 salaries range AUD $65,000-$110,000, with private rates higher. The "nec" code captures specialist tutors whose subject does not fit dedicated ANZSCO codes for music, drama, dance, or art.
Quick Facts: Private Tutors and Teachers nec Migration Pathway
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ANZSCO Code | 249299 (Private Tutors and Teachers nec — not elsewhere classified) |
| Skill Level | 1 (Bachelor degree or higher in subject field plus tuition experience) |
| Skills Assessment | VETASSESS (Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services) — Group B |
| Occupation List | CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List) |
| Visa Options | 190, 491, 482, 186 |
| Demand Level | Moderate — niche, dependent on tutoring sector growth and subject specialism |
| Salary Range | AUD $65,000-$110,000 (SEEK 2026; private rates AUD $50-$150/hr) |
| Typical 190 Score | 70-80 points |
| Key Challenge | Demonstrating the tutoring work is genuinely outside the school curriculum and not assessable under a dedicated code |
What Private Tutors and Teachers nec Do in Australia
ANZSCO 249299 is a residual "not elsewhere classified" code in Unit Group 2492 (Private Tutors and Teachers). It captures private tutors and teachers whose subject area falls outside the specific codes for art (249211), drama (249212), dance (249213), and music (249214). Examples include specialist tutors in chess, debating, public speaking, academic enrichment programs, language tutoring outside the registered curriculum (Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, French, etc.), study skills coaches, and specialist coaches for selective-school entrance exams, NAPLAN preparation, and pre-tertiary academic preparation.
The work is delivered through tutoring institutes, after-school enrichment companies, language schools that are not part of a registered curriculum, and a substantial self-employed sector. Major employers include Kumon, NumberWorks'nWords, Begin Bright, Cluey Learning, North Shore Coaching College, James An College, Pre-Uni College, and a long tail of suburb-level tutoring centres. Many practitioners also operate as sole traders or through small partnerships.
Geographic concentration is heaviest in Sydney's North Shore and Inner West, Melbourne's eastern and southern suburbs, and Brisbane's western suburbs, driven by parental investment in selective-school and HSC/VCE/ATAR preparation. Demand grows year-on-year through specialist exam coaching — selective school exams in NSW, Victorian selective entry, and pre-tertiary preparation in WA and SA all support a steady market.
ANZSCO 249299 Code Mapping
The "nec" suffix matters. VETASSESS will only accept 249299 if your tuition genuinely falls outside the dedicated codes. If you primarily teach art, drama, dance, or music, use those dedicated codes — applying under 249299 is a refusal trigger.
Sample tasks under the ANZSCO description include preparing and delivering individualised tuition outside the school curriculum, assessing student progress, preparing students for examinations and competitions, and recommending learning resources and study strategies.
Common scenarios where 249299 is the correct code:
- A specialist language tutor teaching adults or children Mandarin, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, or other languages outside a registered school curriculum
- A chess tutor or debating coach working with after-school enrichment programs
- A study skills and exam-prep coach focused on selective school, scholarship, or HSC/VCE preparation
- An academic enrichment tutor working at a centre like Cluey Learning, North Shore Coaching College, or James An College
- A specialist coach for academic competitions (mathematics olympiad, science extension, AMC)
If you teach English as a Second Language in a registered ELICOS provider, use 249311 (ESL Teacher) instead. If you tutor a single school subject (e.g. mathematics) primarily one-on-one outside the school curriculum, 249299 typically applies — but VETASSESS will probe whether the work is genuinely outside the school timetable.
Skills Assessment — VETASSESS
VETASSESS is the designated assessing authority. Private Tutors and Teachers nec is a Group B occupation.
Requirements (Group B):
- Qualification assessed as comparable to AQF Bachelor degree or higher in a field highly relevant to the subject taught (e.g. degree in the language taught, the academic subject area, or in education with that specialism)
- Plus at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant employment in the last five years, working 20+ hours per week
- Alternative: Bachelor in a less relevant field plus three years of post-qualification highly relevant employment
VETASSESS specifically requires that applicants be "employed within a private tuition institution and/or be teaching a course of study that is not primarily taught within a prescribed curriculum in schools." If the duties described in your references look like registered school teaching, the assessment will fail.
Assessment cost (2025-26):
- Outside Australia: AUD $1,096
- Within Australia (incl. GST): AUD $1,205.60
- Priority processing: additional AUD $825-$907.50
Processing time: 12-20 weeks standard; 4-6 weeks with priority processing.
Common rejection reasons:
- Duties described in references match a dedicated code (e.g. music tutoring should go to 249214)
- Tuition is delivered inside a registered school curriculum (assessment redirected to 241411 or 241213)
- Insufficient post-qualification experience — many tutors work while studying, but only post-qualification hours count
- Self-employed applicants without BAS, ATO statements, or accountant declarations to evidence weekly hours
Visa Pathways for Private Tutors and Teachers nec
The 189 (Skilled Independent) is unavailable because 249299 is not on the MLTSSL. Realistic pathways are state nomination, regional nomination, and employer sponsorship.
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa
State nomination delivers permanent residency with a 2-year residence obligation in the nominating state.
- Visa fee: AUD $4,640 (primary applicant, July 2025 indexation)
- Points boost: +5
- Processing: 6-15 months variable
- Reality: Only a handful of states include 249299 on their 2025-26 nomination list. Always verify before lodging.
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Five-year provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residency via the 191 after meeting income and residency thresholds.
- Visa fee: AUD $4,640
- Points boost: +15
- Quirk: Online tuition delivery from a regional base lets you serve students nationally while satisfying the regional residency requirement
Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand Visa (Core Skills stream)
Employer-sponsored temporary visa, replaced legacy 482 branding in late 2024.
- Visa fee (Core Skills stream): AUD $3,210
- Salary threshold (Core Skills stream, 2025-26): AUD $73,150 (CSIT)
- Duration: Up to 4 years
- Reality: Larger tutoring chains (Cluey Learning, North Shore Coaching College, Kumon corporate, James An College) occasionally sponsor specialist tutors, particularly in Mandarin, mathematics, and science extension
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Permanent residency via Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition (after 2+ years on 482).
- Visa fee: AUD $4,640
- Processing: 12-19 months for Direct Entry under Ministerial Direction 105
Points Test Strategy
The 189 is unavailable. Most successful 249299 applicants land in the 70-85 range.
| Points Factor | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age (25-32) | 30 | Maximum bracket |
| Age (33-39) | 25 | Common for established tutors |
| English (Superior 8.0+) | 20 | Critical for language tutors targeting Superior |
| English (Proficient 7.0) | 10 | Realistic minimum |
| Bachelor degree (relevant) | 15 | Standard |
| Doctorate | 20 | Useful for academic-enrichment specialists |
| Overseas experience (8+ years) | 15 | Maximum |
| State nomination (190) | 5 | |
| Regional (491) | 15 | |
| Australian study | 5 | If completed an AQF qualification in Australia |
| Partner skills | 5-10 | If partner has skilled occupation |
Realistic Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Mandarin language tutor, 32, Proficient English, 7 years experience
Age 30 + Bachelor 15 + English 10 + Experience 10 = 65 points. Add 491 regional (+15) = 80 points. Workable for a regional state nomination.
Scenario 2 — Mathematics enrichment coach with Master's, 30, Superior English, 5 years
Age 30 + Master's 15 + English 20 + Experience 10 = 75 points. Add 190 (+5) = 80 points. Solid position, contingent on a state actually nominating 249299.
State Nomination
249299 appears intermittently on state lists. Always verify the state's current 2025-26 occupation list before lodging an EOI.
South Australia
South Australia's 2025-26 program includes 2,250 nomination places (1,350 for 190, 900 for 491). Private Tutors and Teachers nec sits within the broad CSOL-aligned list, accessible to onshore applicants meeting the 6-month residence and full-time employment thresholds. Adelaide's selective-school and pre-tertiary preparation sector supports demand for specialist tutors in maths, science, and English extension.
Tasmania
Tasmania nominates selectively from CSOL occupations. 249299 is realistic via the Tasmanian Graduate stream for applicants who have completed Tasmanian study, or the Skilled Employment Register for those with current Tasmanian employment.
Northern Territory
The NT runs the broadest CSOL-aligned list among the states. Private Tutors and Teachers nec is achievable with a strong regional commitment statement. Demand is modest, focused on Darwin and Alice Springs.
NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, and the ACT do not consistently include 249299 on their published 2025-26 lists. Confirm against the state's portal at EOI submission.
Salary and Employment Outlook
What Private Tutors Earn in 2026
| Role | Typical Salary or Rate |
|---|---|
| Beginner tutor (employed by a centre) | AUD $50,000-$65,000 |
| Experienced tutor (employed) | AUD $65,000-$90,000 |
| Senior specialist tutor (HSC/VCE/selective) | AUD $90,000-$110,000 |
| Self-employed private tutor (hourly) | AUD $50-$150 per hour |
| Specialist exam prep (selective school, scholarship) | AUD $100-$200 per hour |
| Language tutor (one-on-one, Mandarin/Japanese) | AUD $60-$120 per hour |
SEEK 2026 lists the broad average for "tutor" in Australia at AUD $80,000-$90,000 for advertised salaried positions. Regional variation is significant: Adelaide AUD $112,281, Melbourne AUD $85,000, Brisbane AUD $83,048 (SEEK 2026).
Highest-paying sectors and roles
- Selective school exam preparation — North Shore Coaching College, James An College, Pre-Uni College, Cyberschool
- HSC, VCE, and ATAR coaching — Cluey Learning, Matrix Education, Dr Du Education
- Specialist language tutoring — Mandarin and Japanese tutors command the highest hourly rates in the language category
- Academic competition coaching — Australian Maths Trust competitions, ICAS, AMC preparation
- University entrance interview coaching — Oxbridge, US Ivy League, medical school admissions support
Salaried roles include superannuation at 11.5% (rising to 12% from 1 July 2025). Self-employed tutors handle their own super and GST registration once turnover exceeds AUD $75,000.
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Confirm 249299 is the right code before lodging
VETASSESS rejects 249299 applications where the duties match a dedicated code. If you teach music, art, drama, or dance — use the specific code (249214 / 249211 / 249212 / 249213). If you teach English in a registered ELICOS, use 249311. The "nec" suffix is a residual category, not a catch-all.
2. Frame your references around private-tuition language
Your employment references must describe out-of-curriculum tuition, examination preparation, individualised instruction, and student progression outside the school timetable. References that describe classroom teaching in a registered school will trigger a redirect to AITSL.
3. Plan documentation early for self-employed work
VETASSESS will require BAS statements, ATO income statements, a signed declaration of average weekly hours from a tax agent or accountant, and student records. Start tracking student timetables and invoices from day one. Retrospective reconstruction is the most common cause of refusal.
4. Invest in the English test
For 190 / 491 candidates without 189 access, English is the largest discretionary points lever. Superior (IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79) is worth 20 points versus 10 for Proficient. Language tutors targeting Superior is a near-mandatory floor — student confidence depends on it.
5. Target larger tutoring chains for sponsorship
If sponsorship is your route, focus on chains and pre-tertiary specialists that have HR capacity and prior sponsorship history: Cluey Learning, North Shore Coaching College, James An College, Pre-Uni College, Kumon corporate offices, and Matrix Education. Most suburban centres are too small to manage Skills in Demand obligations.
Step-by-Step Migration Roadmap
- Confirm 249299 is the correct code — review the ANZSCO code finder and the dedicated 2492 group codes
- Verify CSOL status — check against the 2026 SOL and CSOL hub
- Gather employment evidence — references, payslips, BAS, ATO statements, student records
- Sit IELTS / PTE — aim for Superior (8.0+) for 20 points
- Lodge VETASSESS assessment — AUD $1,096 offshore / $1,205.60 onshore; 12-20 weeks standard
- Submit EOI in SkillSelect for 190 and 491
- Apply for state nomination — verify 249299 is on the current state list (SA, TAS, NT realistic in 2025-26)
- Alternative: pursue employer sponsorship via 482 Skills in Demand — target larger tutoring chains
- Receive invitation and lodge visa within 60 days
- Complete health and character checks
- Visa grant and relocation
- Register with industry bodies — Australian Tutoring Association (ATA), state-level tutoring associations
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the code end in "nec"?
"nec" means "not elsewhere classified". The ANZSCO Unit Group 2492 has dedicated codes for private tutors in art (249211), drama (249212), dance (249213), and music (249214). Code 249299 catches private tutors and teachers in subjects that don't fit those specific categories — languages outside the school curriculum, chess, debating, study skills, and academic enrichment.
Can I qualify for the 189 Skilled Independent visa under 249299?
No. ANZSCO 249299 is on the CSOL but not the MLTSSL, which means the 189 is unavailable. Realistic pathways are 190 (state nomination), 491 (regional), 482 (Skills in Demand) employer sponsorship, and 186 (ENS).
Does private language tutoring count under 249299?
Yes, provided the tutoring is outside a registered school curriculum and not within an ELICOS provider. If you teach Mandarin, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, or another language in a private tuition setting — at a community language school, in private studios, or one-on-one — 249299 is the correct code. Teaching inside a registered school curriculum points to 241411 (Secondary School Teacher), and teaching English at a registered ELICOS points to 249311.
What documents prove self-employment for VETASSESS?
The strongest evidence package includes Australian Business Number (ABN) registration, BAS statements, ATO income tax statements for relevant years, a signed declaration from a tax agent or accountant confirming average weekly teaching hours over the qualifying period, and a sample of student invoices showing dates and durations. Where possible, student or parent references confirming tuition received help close the loop.
Is tutoring in shortage in Australia in 2026?
Jobs and Skills Australia does not flag 249299 as a national shortage in 2026, but local pockets of strong demand exist around selective-school and pre-tertiary preparation, particularly in NSW and VIC metropolitan areas. The sector is structurally growing year-on-year through parental investment in exam preparation, but it's not on the priority shortage list.
Can my overseas qualification be recognised for this assessment?
VETASSESS assesses overseas qualifications against the Australian Qualifications Framework. A 3- or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised institution in your subject area is generally assessed as AQF Bachelor-equivalent. Vocational diplomas and short certificates are usually assessed below AQF Bachelor and will not satisfy the Group B requirements on their own. Get your qualification mapped through the skills assessment hub before paying for the full assessment.
