Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching – GradDipLnTchg

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Massey University entry requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

To enter the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching you will have:

• been awarded or qualified for a bachelor's degree of at least 360 credits, or equivalent
• demonstrated competence in literacy and numeracy as set down by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Institute of Education.
  • Literacy requirements: These can be found on the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand website.
  • Numeracy requirements:
    • For Secondary and ECE applicants, numeracy is assessed via a short maths test, sent to candidates by the Institute of Education once an interview has been scheduled.
    • For applicants in the Primary Endorsement: The Teaching Council of Aotearoa NZ requires applicants to demonstrate competency in mathematics/numeracy by achieving a score of at least 690 (Step 6: generally predictive of success at NCEA Level 2) on the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool (LNAAT), prior to entry to the qualification. More information will be provided as part of the application process.
• achieved an Academic IELTS score of at least 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 or approved equivalent within the preceding 2 years, unless you hold New Zealand University Entrance Level 2 literacy credits or higher, or Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand recognised equivalent qualification(s) and/or schooling
• met the requirements for registration as set down by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, in terms of values, disposition and fitness to teach
• for the secondary endorsement - completed a body of study at New Zealand Qualifications Framework Levels 5 to 7 and/or higher in at least 1 subject that is relevant for teaching a particular Secondary School subject.

• copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
• a copy of your current curriculum vitae
• a supporting statement
• a consent to disclosure of information for a New Zealand Police check. Please provide 2 pieces of verified identification (one of which must be photographic). See more details below about safety checks
• a copy of a police report from every overseas country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years. Please do not supply originals as these will need to be supplied to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand at a later date
• a health and disability declaration
• evidence of English language competency as outlined by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, which may include an Academic IELTS test or recognised equivalent - if English is not your first language (see requirements below)
• contact details of 2 referees - 1 character referee and 1 professional referee.
• Optional; an observation in an education setting relevant to your endorsement – ECE, Primary, or Secondary. We strongly recommended you include an observation report - especially if you have not been in a New Zealand school or centre in the last five years: Please use this Observation Template (PDF).

If the selection committee feel you potentially meet the values, disposition and fitness to teach criteria, you may be invited to an interview. This is the second part of the selection process.

• 2 October 2026: Closing date for international students' applications (including receipt by Massey of all supporting documents)
• 16 November 2026: Closing date for School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) applications (Primary endorsement only. Date to be confirmed.)
• 4 December 2026: Closing date for domestic applications (with the majority of documents received)
• 25 January 2027: Study commences. All students should be fully enrolled and have access to Stream by this date. International students should be in the country and ready to begin study by this date (visa purposes).

There is only 1 intake at the start of each year, but applications are open throughout the year for future intakes.

Referees need to be able to provide informed responses on your personal suitability for the qualifi...