January 3 - 5, 2027
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
MELBOURNE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Fair Organizer: Nick Kendell
This fair is suitable for teachers who are experienced International educators as well as those looking to move overseas for the first time.
Melbourne International School Fair
Search Associates invites you to the Melbourne Fair, your one-stop shop for connecting with a range of international schools!
The Melbourne Job Fair is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and personalised attention to the needs of both candidates and recruiters. Held at the Melbourne Business School in Carlton, it offers teaching candidates an early opportunity to impress schools and recruiters. Consistently ranking as the most successful Search Associates fairs for placement ratios, it attracts teachers who are passionate about their students and have a proven track record of success.
We estimate around 30 - 35 international schools will be in attendance and approximately 100 - 150 candidates, mainly from Australia and New Zealand, the majority of whom are new to international schools.
WHY CHOOSE THE MELBOURNE FAIR?
- Extremely friendly and collegial atmosphere, making it a welcoming experience for both candidates and recruiters.
- Most candidates bring strong inquiry-based teaching experience from Australia and New Zealand.
- Outstanding placement rates – in past years, nearly 70% of attendees have secured a job, and 80% received at least one offer.
- Meet multiple schools and recruiters all in one place, maximising your chances of finding the right fit.
- Enjoy valuable face-to-face interviews, networking events, and social gatherings, giving you the chance to make connections.
- Gain a first-hand feel for school cultures and the people who work there, helping you find your perfect match.
WHAT SORT OF SCHOOLS RECRUIT AT THE MELBOURNE FAIR?
There’s a wide range of international schools for candidates to explore. All schools attending the Melbourne Fair are registered with Search Associates and meet our registration standards. Each applicant school has undergone a rigorous screening process before being accepted. This is the result of our policy to work with a certain calibre of school.
As a registered candidate at the Melbourne Fair, you can also expect tailored advice from our advisors on the schools that best match your interests and goals. We’re here to guide you through this important decision.
WHY OUR RECRUITERS ATTEND
" We met high quality, well trained, resilient and adaptable teachers. We're looking to hire Australians/New Zealanders as we're trying to diversify our Faculty with different cultural and pedagogical perspectives."
"The consistent quality of candidates, the excellent care provided to candidates and recruiters by the Search team, the overall family nature of the fair."
" It holds a reputation for providing a strong candidate field."
"The quality of applicants is excellent."
"Small size means ‘personal’ feel."
"Lots of flexible, energetic teachers with sound inquiry-based pedagogy. We are consistently reminded at this fair to look past the paper CV. We always find so much depth and breadth to the candidates in Melbourne - they are all worth speaking to."
From late October, click on the tab, 'Schools Attending' on this page, for an up-to-date record of registered schools. This list will grow as schools finalise their hiring needs. Check back frequently to see the school list which will automatically update as schools register to attend, and/or cancel their attendance.
Flexibility and openness to working in professionally and culturally different environments can prove to be advantageous.
Teachers without recognised professional training and formal teaching certification are unlikely to secure placements at this Fair.
PLEASE CONTACT NICK KENDELL FOR MORE INFORMATION.
We would love to see you there!
What Recruiters Say About the Melbourne Fair
“The Melbourne Fair is my favourite fair for teacher recruitment. The atmosphere is calm, and time is taken to speak with the candidates. The Search team know the schools and have the insights to support candidates, and the schools have a bit more time to chat and get to know candidates ensuring a good fit is made for all.”
— Carolyn Mason Parker, KIS International School
“Having the chance to meet people face to face allows a school to get a much better understanding of a candidate and how they will interact/fit in with potential colleagues. It is such a bonus.”
— Jesse Donnelly, Suva International School, Fiji
“I have said it many times before: it is easy for an application to get misplaced during the shuffle of recruitment. It is impossible to misplace someone who is standing in front of you. Candidates will always have a much better chance of standing out if they attend a fair.”
— Tyler Sherwood, Chatsworth International School Singapore
“If you’re looking to teach internationally, the Search Associates Melbourne Fair is a great option. It’s a smaller, in-person fair, which means more chances for genuine conversations and stronger connections.”
“Attending the Melbourne Fair gave me an opportunity to feel proud of the work I do as an educator! The Fair candidates were enthusiastic and showed passion for making a difference in the world and developing as professionals.”
“On paper, some of the candidates might not have been exactly what we were looking for, but having the chance to meet them face-to-face allowed me to understand them better and see their dedication and enthusiasm for teaching and working with students.”
“We appreciate the skill level of candidates, particularly in inquiry pedagogies which is easily transferrable to IB curriculum and personalised service from Nick, Paula & team, who provide constant support to recruiters and informed advice to candidates.”
“As we've said before (from many a rafter to anyone who will listen), the Melbourne Fair is a treat for us each year. We meet great, highly qualified, enthusiastic teachers and we have the best hosts in the business.”
“Great Fair – small, but great candidates and excellent service.”
“Outstanding personalised support and constant communication makes this fair one-of-a-kind. Just a joy to be there. Nick and Paula set the tone of a collaborative, communicative fair and the recruiters respond to this, so that there is a feeling among schools of supporting each other to find the right people, not of competition. Nick Kendell knows every single candidate so there can be real, informed conversations about ‘best fit’ for each candidate and school. The quality of the teachers is top notch, with training and experience which makes them highly attractive to IB schools. The other staff are highly knowledgeable and experienced, particularly in the Asian region and work hard to support candidates and schools. The main drawback is the number of candidates – we always want more – to ensure that schools walk away with sufficient sign-ups, but this can’t be helped. Also, for our school, a large number of the truly excellent candidates had 3–5 years’ experience. To process a visa in Beijing at present, we require more than 5 years’ experience, so we were just unable to interview many of the excellent people. Again, this is our issue, not the fault of the Fair or Search Associates. We look forward to continuing to hire candidates from Nick's books, as he attracts the best. We hope to fill our positions in the coming weeks/month. Thank you so much.”
“We really cannot speak highly enough about Nick and Paula Kendell and their team. This fair is incredibly well organised with carefully selected candidates. For us, coming to the Melbourne Fair each year feels like we're coming home to a family reunion. We get to catch up, meet new people and expand the family to the next year. Hats off to all of you for being able to organise a fair of this calibre, year on year. In a word, exceptional. We feel fortunate to be invited to attend.”
Melbourne Fair Candidate Testimonials
What Candidates Say About the Melbourne Fair
“This was my first fair in Melbourne this year, it was absolutely fantastic. Not only I had many interviews and even a job offer, but also I met a wonderful group of teachers which whom we created a whatsapp group and will stay in touch and maybe visit where ever they will end up teaching. The atmosphere at the fair was so supportive, and friendly, I actually had lots of fun, it was so exciting and it felt like I went on 3 day amazing trip around the world! I was also very positively surprised on how well received were my applications, thanks to the awesome preparation I received from the team at Search Associates. Thanks guys, you are doing a job which is well above what I ever expected!”
— Nathalie
“I would highly recommend attending the Melbourne Job Fair. Nick and Paula along with their team are highly organised, knowledgeable and experienced. Keep an open-mind and an open-heart and you can’t go far wrong. You’ll meet incredible people, just like you, looking to make a difference, inspire young people and start the adventure of a lifetime! Take the leap and do it with Search, you won’t regret it!”
— Kate Robins
“The Melbourne Search Associates Job Fair was exceptionally well organised and thoughtfully run. It was clear to see Nick’s family involvement and the genuine care behind the work they do in supporting educators through the transition into international school teaching. The advisors were outstanding—their availability, ability to quickly connect with candidates, understand individual circumstances, and offer tailored, practical advice was truly priceless. The venue itself was inviting, clearly sign-posted, and intentionally designed to encourage meaningful connections between candidates, making the entire experience both professional and welcoming. I would return to a job fair run by Search Associates in a heartbeat!”
— Georgia Clennick
“This was our first job fair, and we are so glad we came to the Melbourne fair! Even though we weren’t sure of our prospects as a couple with quite specific specialities, it was a small fair and everyone was really supportive. We found many recruiters were willing to speak with us and pass on insights and wisdom from their many years teaching internationally even if their school didn’t have current positions available, which was above and beyond what we expected! We came away hopeful and excited. Having those reflective chats about our strengths in the classroom and what we’d love to experience in a school was empowering and energising. The connections we made while networking felt warm and genuine, and I suspect we will cross paths again! If you are debating going to a job fair, the Melbourne one is such a great event!”
— Melanie
“Only having two years experience has meant applying online has been difficult for us. Attending the fair allowed us to meet recruiters in person and show who we are and what we are about. This led to a number of interviews and even second interviews. A great way to be seen and connect outside of the website.”
— Keegan & Grace
“The Melbourne job fair was a truly invaluable experience that exceeded all my expectations. I was quite hesitant about going, as I didn't think I would have much luck getting a job due to my limited years of teaching experience. I am so glad I went, as the incredible schools in attendance made this concern completely irrelevant. They value your enthusiasm, values, and talent as a teacher more than simply years of experience, which speaks volumes about the kind of institutions they are. Unexpectedly, I not only walked away with some amazing job opportunities but also with amazing new friends I'll stay in touch with. The Search Associates staff were consistently going out of their way to make it a positive experience for candidates—Nick was even walking around handing out homemade baking! I couldn't be more appreciative of everyone involved for the valuable experience it was. I will be recommending it to everyone I know who is considering teaching internationally.”
“The fair was outstanding and like a warp-speed few days for getting connected to prospective international jobs. My highlights: 1) The opportunity to sit at a table & get 1:1 advice from people who have decades of experience running some of the top schools in the world, taking time to answer all your questions... wow. And they genuinely cared about your success. 2) Going straight to the interview. Before it I had months of spending long hours crafting excellent applications only to not even hear back. At the fair I could approach a Principal, put my CV in their hand & go straight for an interview. I cannot imagine a CV getting straight to them without other HR & vetting people getting involved beforehand. 3) workshops & school Q&A sessions dispelled myths about certain countries and gave windows into what life is like at their schools. So many people (myself included) opened our thinking and explored schools we never would have before 4) Collegiality and teamwork. The candidates all got along, we were chatty and encouraging and there was no sense of competition or jockeying for position. The drinks evening was a great example- the room was relaxed & the vibe was happy. 5) the Search Associate support staff were always so willing to help & there was always someone available. Their service was good, ensuring things like food and coffee stayed available throughout. Thanks team!”
— Simeon Hawkins
“This fair was incredibly valuable and, in my experience, the most effective way to pursue an international teaching role. Nick and everyone in the Search Associates team were approachable and supportive at every stage of the event. Beyond the professional benefits, the fair was fun, welcoming, and an excellent opportunity to meet fellow like-minded candidates embarking on their international teaching journeys.”
— Aurora
“A fantastic opportunity to get your foot in the door, the advantage to meet recruiters in person, get a first hand feel for the school, team and environment is a huge benefit. Also the drawing experience and advice of the knowledgeable associates is a great support.”
— Michael A
“An overwhelmingly positive experience. So much useful information, wonderful networking opportunities and connections to be made. The organisation ensured it all ran smoothly and I am so glad I attended.”
“A very action packed three days at the Job Fair. It was great to hear from some excellent schools, meet lots of passionate teachers and sharpen up my interviewing skills.”
“Nick & the team at Search Associates were absolutely helpful throughout my entire time at the job fair! From start to finish, I felt comfortable with the entire process & thoroughly enjoyed my time at the job fair.”
“Meeting recruiters and fellow candidates in person was invaluable. As a long standing Search Associates candidate and recruiter it was so encouraging to know that Nick, Paula and Deidre were there for me every step of the way...providing gentle support throughout the process. The venue was spacious and the gorgeous weather enabled us to be outside in the courtyard as well as inside, giving a breathing space and fresh air from time to time. The endless coffee, chocolates and lovely lunches were very welcome too! Thank you.”
“It was a fantastic experience to go to the Melbourne job fair. There is nothing more valuable than meeting with schools face-to-face and speaking to experienced teachers who have been on the circuit. The whole thing was run brilliantly and I came out with a job!”
“The Melbourne fair was an invaluable experience. Many flew in from Sydney, Adelaide or New Zealand and it was a great return on investment. If this is one of your first international experiences you should absolutely attend this fair. It is packed with positive people who love their schools, their students and have all been where you are sitting. Even if they don't have a job for you they are there to help.”
