Age
You must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the programme.
Under 20 years of age
If you are under 20 years of age:
- hold UE or a recognised equivalent such as International Baccalaureate or Cambridge International,
OR
- are able to demonstrate that you have the skills and ability to study at a tertiary level.
Additional programme-specific under 20 years of age exemptions:
You may be exempt from some requirements if you can show that:
- You have successfully completed a course of study no less than one semester in duration at level 4 or above
- You have worked in the field of education (i.e. early childhood, teacher aide) for no less than 1 year and can provide at least two referee statements from employers/mentors who have overseen this work. Referee reports should indicate your likelihood of being successful in degree study.
Whether or not you are eligible for the exemptions for under 20-year-olds or how they'll be applied in your case will be decided by the programme committee.
20 years of age
If you are 20 years of age at the commencement of the programme and have relevant life and/or work experience but do not have the minimum academic requirements, you may apply for admission if you meet comparable literacy and numeracy requirements as those entering with UE.
20+ years of age
If you are 20 years of age and over and without UE, you will need to be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to study at a tertiary level.
Application form requirements
If you want to undertake the programme you must submit the completed application form to the School of Education.
The application form includes a declaration of physical and mental health, a declaration of all criminal and pending criminal convictions and consent for a police check. You may be required to provide a health declaration that you are emotionally, mentally and physically capable of undertaking the demands of the teaching programme as required in the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards for the Teaching Profession. Reports may be requested with your consent.
Your application form must be submitted with the following:
- Evidence of educational qualifications
- Evidence of language proficiency (as per Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand policy) as required
As well as;
- Children Act (2014) safety check requirements:
- Two forms of identification – one must be a photo ID. If the name used on the application form differs from the name(s) on the ID you must produce a supporting document that shows evidence of name change.
- Two satisfactory written referee reports, from independent referees, who will provide confidential information about you. Referees will be asked to affirm that you are of good character, likely to be ‘fit to be a teacher', and can communicate well with adults and children. Referees must not be related to you and have known you for at least two years. Referees must send the completed form directly to the enrolment team on behalf of the School of Education.
- A completed New Zealand Police Vetting Service Request and Consent Form and satisfactory result.
- Attend an interview with two School of Education staff.
Language competency requirements
Prior to entry, you must demonstrate language competency by providing one of the Teaching Council’s approved evidence of language competency, as follows:
- New Zealand University Entrance literacy credits at either NCEA level 2 or 3;
- New Zealand University Entrance;
- New Zealand tertiary entrance qualification gained on completing senior secondary school prior to the introduction of the current University Entrance;
- International Baccalaureate full diploma in English medium (24 points minimum).
- Cambridge International Examinations minimum of 120 points on the UCAS Tariff plus meeting the CIE literacy requirements;
- All primary schooling and at least three years secondary schooling completed in the English language and while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America or South Africa [applicants from South Africa must also provide South African Matriculation Certificate Minimum D pass in English (higher grade) OR South African Senior Certificate Minimum D pass in English (higher grade)];
- For more detail on language competency requirements check: https://teachingcouncil.nz/content/language-competency-requirements-0
Other requirements and application details
You must be able to attend teaching practicum at specified times and places.
You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your application.
If your application is successful you will be reminded that while you have been accepted into the programme based on the best judgment of the selection panel, it is the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand that will assess suitability for teacher certification upon successful completion of the programme.
You are required to inform the School of Education Programme Committee of all criminal and pending criminal convictions you receive at any point after acceptance onto the programme.
If your application is unsuccessful you will be informed of the reason and will be provided with information on alternative learning pathways and possible options to enhance future application.
International Students
Test your English level to help you plan.
Take our free online English test to get a basic indication of your English level. This will help you understand what programmes you can apply for and what preparation you may require before you start your programme of study.
If English is not your first language you must have a minimum score of 7.0 in all components of the Academic version of IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
Find out more.