South Africa experiencing an exodus of Mathematics and Science teachers
New data from New World Immigration (NWI) shows that numerous primary and high school teachers are leaving South Africa for Australia.
New World Immigration is a licensed immigration and global recruitment consultancy founded in 2012.
It assists skilled professionals, families, students, and investors to migrate to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ireland.
As one of Africa’s leading international immigration firms, it has valuable data on professionals leaving South Africa. One of these groups is teachers.
Robbie Ragless, a director at New World Immigration, said that there has been a significant increase in South African teachers moving to Australia.
This trend is accelerating. He said that since April 2026, more than 1,000 South African teachers have enquired about moving to Australia.
What is particularly concerning for South Africa is that the teachers leaving the country are experienced and highly qualified.
49% of teachers applying to leave South Africa have more than 8 years’ experience, with another 24% having 3-8 years’ experience.
54% of these teachers have a Bachelor’s Degree, and another 10% have an Honours Degree. 2.3% have Doctoral degrees.
Ragless explained that Mathematics and Science teachers are in the highest demand due to shortages in these fields.
The shortage of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics teachers in Australia makes visa sponsorship more attainable.
Another concerning statistic is that the majority of teachers applying to work in other countries are looking to leave within the next year.
29% of applicants said that they are ready to leave immediately, while another 50% want to leave within the next year.
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Another article says 85% of South African schools are dysfunctional I presume the teachers leaving must be from the 15% of functioning schools otherwise why would Australia consider them for a job in education.