Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Degree graduates from any discipline are enabled to gain specialist knowledge in the area of early childhood education with this qualification. Featuring a strong practical component, students benefit from hands-on learning and working alongside study commitments. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for New Zealand teacher registration.

All applicants must:

• Hold a Level 7 Bachelor’s degree (360 credits)*, a Level 8 Bachelor’s degree with Honours (480 credits)*, a Level 9 Master’s degree (240)*, or a Level 7 New Zealand Diploma of Teaching (Primary)

• Demonstrate your ability to meet the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Good Character and Fit to be Teacher Policy (2007) criteria

• Provide written referee report(s)

• Satisfy New Zealand Police clearance conditions

• Declare any physical or learning disability, or diverse needs that may impact on your performance as a student

*Applicants who have gained their qualification outside of New Zealand have to provide an NZQA International Qualifications Assessment confirming the level and credit value of the bachelor’s degree.

Please note:

• There is no special admission provision for this qualification

• Credits for prior formal learning are not awarded towards this qualification

Language Entry Criteria:

All students are required by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand to provide evidence of their English language competency. Details of these requirements can be found HERE

Applicants not able to provide evidence of their English language competency may request an exemption from the Teaching Council. Please contact us for further information.

International students are also required to provide proof of their English language competency by meeting the language criteria defined in Rule 18 of the NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2013 for a Level 7 qualification.

Note: International students must still meet language entry criteria as defined in Rule 18 of the NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2013 even if a Teaching Council exemption is approved.

All students will be required to:

• Attend two Block Courses each year. Block Courses are an opportunity for networking, teaching and learning. They are conducted by NZTC lecturers, and focus on topics relevant to the field of early childhood education

• In addition to Field Practice, students are required to undertake work experience (paid or voluntary) in a licensed early childhood centre for a minimum of 16 hours per week throughout the program

• Engage in online discussions.

International students are also required to attend compulsory tutorials throughout the program

COVID-19 Vaccination
The New Zealand government has mandated Covid-19 vaccination for the education workforce. This mandate applies to all student teachers who undertake Field Practice and/or Field Experience in early childhood centres. Applicants for programs of study that lead to Teacher Registration are required to show evidence of full vaccination as part of the application process.

Domestic Fee (NZD): $8,455 | International Fee (NZD): $31,000


The following fees are also required:

• Student Fee Insurance $50 
  Covers the insurance to protect student fees. The fee is based upon one stage of study.

• Student ID card $30 

  One off payment at beginning of study. Students must submit a photo for a student card to be produced. Replacement cards for lost or stolen cards are $30.

• Police Vetting Fee $25 

  One off payment at beginning of study.

• NZQA Reporting Fee $10

  Covers the cost of reporting qualification to NZQA.

If you are applying for Credit Recognition and Transfer (CRT):

• CRT Assessment Fee $95
  The fee is non-refundable even if no CRT credit is awarded.