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Melbourne

January 4 - 6, 2026

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!

 

Search Associates Melbourne Job Fair 2026

Venue

Melbourne Business School
200 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia

Key Dates 

  • Registration: Sunday, 4th January | 08:45 – 12:00

  • Departure: Best planned after mid-afternoon, Tuesday 6th January

Candidate Profile

  • Primarily teachers based in Australia & New Zealand

  • Wide range of curricula and subject expertise

Schedule

From Sunday 28th December

Fair Portal opens - candidates can watch school videos & research attending schools.

Day 1: Sunday 4th January

  • 08:45 – 15:30 | Registration, orientation & recruiter/candidate Q&A sessions (25 mins each). Optional, but highly recommended

  • 15:35 – 17:00 | Meet recruiters in person to arrange interviews

Day 2 : Monday 5th January

  • 09:00 – 17:30 | Interviews (as arranged during sign-ups or prior)

  • 18:00 – 20:00 | Networking event with recruiters & candidates – Canapés & drinks provided

Day 3 : Tuesday 6th January

  • 09:00 – 17:00 | Interviews continue

  • 17:00 | Fair concludes

Candidate Benefits

Your Search Associates membership includes one free job fair. At Melbourne you’ll enjoy:

  • Professional development & insights into international schools

  • Free tea, coffee & lunches throughout the event

  • Evening networking reception with canapés & drinks

  • 1:1 career coaching : CV & cover letter review, plus tailored job market advice just for you

  • A valuable experience whether actively job hunting or building your global network

**Please attend only if you are serious about working overseas.

Update your Fair registration anytime via your Search Associates dashboard (please finalise at least 3 weeks prior to the Fair).

For Recruiters

  • Request an invitation via your dashboard, or email Nick: nkendell@searchassociates.com

  • Check the Melbourne Fair page regularly for updates - new info will be added in the lead-up

  • Expect 4–5 important emails with preparation tips & guidance

Contact

We’re here to help if you have any questions.

Nick & Paula Kendell

What Recruiters Say About the Melbourne Fair

“The skill level of candidates, particularly in inquiry pedagogies which is easily transferrable to IB curriculum; personalised service from Nick, Paula & team, who provide constant support to recruiters and informed advice to candidates.”
“Excellent hospitality; Search staff care for their candidates and recruiters; quality candidates; overall, this is always a highlight to our recruiting each year.”
“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

“After sending numerous letters and CV's and completing many of the schools online application processes and not getting anything back except the occasional auto response, it was great to come the fair; the heads of some fantastic schools were there and ready to seriously consider candidates and offer positions.” – Mark
“A whirlwind few days, but professionally run and with a spirit of friendliness and helpfulness that shone through.” – Mathew
“Well organised, everything worked smoothly. Great to have a range of schools from various regions.” – Katherine
“This was my first fair and I really appreciated the opportunity to get an insight into schools from around the world through the individual school presentations.” – Lee
“Without the opportunity to meet recruiters face to face, candidates are often just 'another piece of paper' (cv) so it is invaluable!” – Rebecca
“A fantastic fair. We had no idea what to expect beforehand but would definitely recommend to others!” – Matthew
“Outstanding prior info about the fair and what to expect. Very good communication at all times and exceptionally helpful and friendly staff.” – Clinton
“Well organised, plenty of help from staff when required. Staff were really friendly and made a point to check in with how I was going.” – Pippa
“The atmosphere Nick, Paula and the team bring to the fair is why I come back. It is warm, and supportive with some humor which is perfect match and balance to the intensity of the fair.” – Lauren
“At the start I was incredibly nervous but I was at ease after a few days and meeting with some of the schools and talking to them about their packages and support for teachers new to the school. If I wanted help it was there, that's all I could ever want.” – Royce
“Great organisation, friendliness and helpfulness all around.” – Henriette
“Wonderful atmosphere from recruiters, Search staff, and candidates.” – Kyle
“I thought the backup and continued interest from Search Associates was excellent. You have some awesome people.” – Adrian

New Fair Location!

Melbourne Business School 200 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia. Please watch the video for an overview

 

 

Positioned on the fringe of Melbourne's CBD, the Melbourne Business School, Carlton is a cosmopolitan hub overlooking University Square. The site of the University of Melbourne's graduate school in business and economics, it's the perfect place to bring recruiters and candidates together to meet and connect professionally. This location provides communal areas, dedicated event spaces,  state-of-the-art AV and multimedia equipment – all just four tram stops from the heart of Melbourne. See things to do here

 

ACCOMMODATION (recommended nights: 3–5 January)

Please make your own hotel reservations. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Preferred partner

  • Crowne Plaza — 701 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3053
    4-minute walk to Melbourne Business School
    Booking: Click here for a 15% discount.

Other nearby options

NEARBY PARKING

There is on-street parking near Melbourne Business School, and several car parks nearby:

  • Graduate House Car Park
    Entry via laneway at 21 Malvina Place, Carlton — 1 minute walk.
    Special rates and online booking available — select “MBS Staff (Daily Member)”.

  • University Square Car Park
    Entry via 244 Bouverie Street or 206 Berkley Street, Carlton — 2 minute walk.

  • Lygon Street Car Park
    Entry via 204–218 Lygon Street, Carlton — 10 minute walk.

NEARBY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Trams (routes): 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 19, 58, 59, 64, 67, 72
Buses (routes): 200, 202, 207, 250, 251, 350, 402, 505, 546
Train station: Melbourne Central or Parkville Station — Metro Tunnel opening 2025
More info: www.ptv.vic.gov.au

GETTING THERE (information correct at time of writing)

From the Airport

1. Taxi or Rideshare (Uber, Ola, etc.)

  • Duration: 25–40 minutes (traffic dependent)

  • Cost: ~AUD $60–100

  • Convenience: Direct drop-off; best for comfort with luggage.

2. SkyBus ? Southern Cross Station

  • Route: Airport ? Southern Cross Station

  • Duration: ~20–30 minutes to Southern Cross

  • Cost: ~AUD $19.50 one way

  • Transfer to Carlton: Tram (Route 55) or taxi from Southern Cross (~10–15 minutes)

  • Luggage: SkyBus accommodates luggage; busy times may be cramped.

3. Airport Shuttle

  • Duration: ~60 minutes (depends on stops)

  • Cost: ~AUD $25–40 (generally cheaper than taxis)

  • Luggage: Usually accommodates larger bags — confirm with provider.

4. Public Transport (Train + Tram)

  • Option: SkyBus to Southern Cross ? train to North Melbourne ? tram to Carlton (Routes 57 or 59)

  • Duration: Often exceeds 1 hour

  • Note: Public transport can be crowded and less convenient with large luggage.

Recommendation

  • Best balance of comfort and convenience: Taxi or rideshare (especially with luggage).

  • Best value if you don’t mind extra travel time: SkyBus to Southern Cross + tram/taxi to Carlton.


Did You Know…?

Senior Associate Nick Kendell has worked in Asia, Australia, and Africa as an educator and administrator.

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