When Is the Best Time to Apply for International School Jobs?
If you’re an international teaching family, knowing when to best time to apply for an international school job is an important consideration.
Unlike teaching at home, overseas jobs aren’t just about you — they’re about your partner’s career, your children’s school places, housing, flights, and sometimes even your pets!
You may have already seen our International School Hiring Calendar, which gives an overview of hiring seasons. Here, we’ll look at how to plan your applications as a family: what the timing means for dependents, how to manage school calendars, and more.
Why Timing Matters for Families
- School places for your children: Some schools have limited capacity, especially if your kids are in secondary years. If you apply too late, tuition benefits might be offered but there may be no availability for your children in their year level.
- Partner employment: If your spouse plans to work, earlier applications give you more time to check visa rules and local opportunities.
- Relocation planning: Housing, moving logistics, and even selling/renting your home back home take longer when kids are in the mix.
- Cost of last-minute moves: Flights and shipping costs skyrocket if you accept a job close to the school start date. If the school covers flights and doesn’t mind paying a premium then there may be no issues, but if you’re responsible for your flights it can add significant costs to your relocation.
Best Time to Apply by Region & School Cycle
| Region / Cycle | Ideal Application Window | Why Families Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Hemisphere Schools (Europe, Middle East, most of Asia and Africa) | Oct–Feb for jobs starting the following August/September. | More time to secure school places for kids and arrange visas. |
| Southern Hemisphere Schools (Parts of Latin America, some in SE Asia) | May–July for January/February start dates. | Aligns better with the end of the calendar year for family moves. |
| Schools with rolling enrolments or term calendars | 6–9 months ahead of any new term. | Lets you sync your children’s school start with minimal disruption. |
| Last-minute openings | 3–8 weeks before term starts(resignations, visas falling through). | Possible, but stressful for families — fast relocation with kids can be tough (and stressful!). |
Common Delays Families Face
Even if you apply early, here’s what can slow you down:
- Dependent visas: Some countries take longer to process family visas than single applicants.
- School admissions testing: Children may need to undertake placement assessments to secure their enrolment – often this can be done online but some schools may want to wait until you arrive in country (which adds additional stress).
- Specialist needs: If your child needs learning support, confirming services early is essential. Many international schools, especially in regions like Asia, don’t offer additional learning support as standard.
- Housing: Larger family housing can be harder to secure last-minute.
How Families Can Use Off-Peak Seasons
Applying outside the peak hiring seasons doesn’t always mean a disadvantage. Families can actually benefit by:
- Starting paperwork early: Make sure you sort out birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, and notarisations ahead of time.
- Networking: If you know where you want to go (and even have specific schools in mind), emailing schools directly or reaching out on LinkedIn can be a good way to build your network before jobs are posted (and ask specific questions or demonstrate your value).
- Exploring mid-year moves: Some families prefer January (southern hemisphere) or after Christmas (mid-year intakes) depending on where you’re moving from.
When You Shouldn’t Wait
Over the last year we’ve seen lots of last minute job opportunities pop up, even for mid to senior leadership roles. Sometimes, families can benefit from applying later for these last minute roles:
- If you’re flexible on location: Families open to a range of countries often still find roles late in the cycle.
- If you’re a teaching couple: Schools can sometimes prioritise couples if there are multiple roles going (two teachers, one package) and may make room for three children even at the last minute.
- If you have hard-to-fill subjects: Math, science, SEN, and leadership roles may be open right up until the new term. Although lately we’re seeing a range of last minute roles popping up (as late as June/July for August/September starts).
Practical Tips for Teaching Families
- Consider starting your job hunting at least 9 months before the school year starts.
- Make sure you have children’s transcripts, report cards, and sometimes even reference letters ready — many schools ask for them.
- Check whether the school calendar matches your child’s current year; moving mid-exam year can be tricky (but definitely not impossible).
- Ask schools directly about tuition caps for children — don’t assume anything when it comes to children’s tuition.
- Factor in your spouse’s career path: many countries won’t grant work visas to dependents.
Family Checklist Before You Apply
Do you know the school calendar and how it aligns with your children’s schooling?
Are all family documents ready (birth/marriage certificates, transcripts)?
What’s the tuition benefit policy — and is there a limit on how many children?
How long will visas take for dependents?
Are you financially prepared for moving costs outside of what’s covered?
Final Thoughts on Best Time to Apply at International Schools
For families, the “best time to apply” is usually earlier than you think – but it all comes down to the role and location you’re looking for – and what comes up in the hiring season.
Schools hire in cycles, but the extra steps needed for kids and partners mean giving yourself extra time can be a smart move. Applying early opens more doors, makes relocation smoother, and ensures your kids have places waiting for them when you land.
