Graduate Diploma in Teaching

Entry criteria

To be eligible to gain entry into this programme, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree at Level 7 on the NZ Qualifications Framework or a recognised equivalent.

All applicants must meet the University of Waikato's admission and English language requirements and complete a selection process. Selection is based on academic achievement, communication skills, personal qualities, relevant experience, performance in a literacy and numeracy assessment, and the availability of professional experience placements in early childhood education (ECE) centres and schools. Please see our Guide to Applying.

Meeting the entry requirements and completing the selection process does not guarantee an offer of a place.

The number of students we can accept into the programme depends on the availability of professional teaching experience placements. Placement availability is influenced by staffing capacity and workforce needs in early childhood centres, as well as primary and secondary schools. Availability also varies by region, and students must be willing to travel to placement locations.

Applicants seeking entry into a secondary teaching programme must demonstrate sufficient depth and breadth of subject or curriculum knowledge relevant to a secondary school teaching subject, typically through study at Levels 5–7 or higher in their entry qualification. When applying, you will need to submit your academic transcript(s). The programme leader or coordinator will discuss suitable programme options with you if you progress to the interview stage. We may be unable to offer a place if an applicant's subject expertise is not in demand or if a suitable school placement cannot be secured.

Students enrolling into one of our English-medium ITE programmes, specialising in Primary, will need to demonstrate competency in mathematics by achieving a score of at least 690 (generally predictive of success at NCEA Level 2) on the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool (LNAAT). All students must do the LNAAT test even if they already have NCEA Level 2 mathematics.

This requirement is as per the Teaching Council’s mathematics/numeracy requirements. See**:** Mathematics competence (primary ITE programmes) (opens in a new tab). While having NCEA Level 2 is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended.

Applicants who have submitted all required documents and completed the ITE selection process will be considered during Selection Week, commencing on Monday, 7 September 2026. Successful international applicants will then be required to pay a tuition fee deposit to reserve their place in the programme.

Applications that are incomplete by Selection Week, as well as those received after this date, may still be considered if places become available.

If you have any queries, or would like further support, regarding this assessment please reach out to us - teach@waikato.ac.nz.

To be eligible to gain entry into this programme, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree at Level 7 on the NZ Qualifications Framework or a recognised equivalent.

All applicants must meet the University of Waikato's admission and English language requirements and complete a selection process. Selection is based on academic achievement, communication skills, personal qualities, relevant experience, performance in a literacy and numeracy assessment, and the availability of professional experience placements in early childhood education (ECE) centres and schools. Please see our Guide to Applying.

Meeting the entry requirements and completing the selection process does not guarantee an offer of a place.

The number of students we can accept into the programme depends on the availability of professional teaching experience placements. Placement availability is influenced by staffing capacity and workforce needs in early childhood centres, as well as primary and secondary schools. Availability also varies by region, and students must be willing to travel to placement locations.

Applicants seeking entry into a secondary teaching programme must demonstrate sufficient depth and breadth of subject or curriculum knowledge relevant to a secondary school teaching subject, typically through study at Levels 5–7 or higher in their entry qualification. When applying, you will need to submit your academic transcript(s). The programme leader or coordinator will discuss suitable programme options with you if you progress to the interview stage. We may be unable to offer a...