Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Summary

Get the tools and knowledge you need to work in early childhood education services and be part of laying the foundations for children's success.

Enjoy the creativity of working with young children and help them get a successful start in life. You will learn the skills and knowledge you need to be a confident early childhood teacher.

Learn Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum

The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) is a 10-month, full-time programme with 16 weeks based in early childhood centres. The programme is focused on Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will help children transform their complex, diverse, and changing worlds, and empower them to be lifelong learners. Successful graduates will be able to teach in early childhood centres throughout New Zealand and be eligible for provisional teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te reo Māori

New Zealand teachers live the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and use te reo Māori in their teaching practice. During your studies you will strengthen your knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership and practice using te reo Māori in everyday situations.

Practical teaching experience

You will gain valuable experience on three professional practice placements. These are delivered in three practicum blocks. In 2027, the dates are:

• a one-week block starting on 8 March 2027
• a six-week block starting on 3 May 2027
• an eight-week block starting on 23 August 2027.

These placements will develop your skills and enable you to see how theory and practice are interlinked in your development as teacher.

The study experience

Courses are taught over two longer trimesters, between February and November. You can expect to spend 40 to 50 hours studying each week.

The programme is delivered entirely in person. You’ll need to attend two week-long block courses at the University in Wellington. These are held at the beginning and end of the programme. Students will be supported by an academic mentor and a professional learning community—a small group of 10 to 15 peers.

2027 dates

• Trimester 1: Monday 8 February–Friday 25 June 2027
• Trimester 2: Monday 12 July–Thursday 2 December 2027.

This includes compulsory campus attendance at:

• Ngā Mihi: Tuesday 9 February–Thursday 11 February 2027
• Wānanga: Monday 29 November–Thursday 2 December 2027.

Undergraduate preparation for Teacher Education

You may be able to include courses in your undergraduate degree that will help prepare you for a career in teaching, such as courses in te reo Māori, Education, and Educational Psychology.

Read our guidance on preparing to study to become a teacher.

After you graduate

With the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood), you can apply for provisional teacher registration from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ll also be able to apply for teaching positions in New Zealand and overseas.

If your previous academic qualification is from another country, you may need to have it assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority after you complete the GDipTchg(ECE). This review might be needed to help decide your salary.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.

TeachNZ offers a range of scholarships for teachers in training. Go to TeachNZ or phone 0800 832 246 for more information. Apply early as there are limited numbers of scholarships available.

International scholarships

Many scholarships are available for international students at Victoria University of Wellington. They can help with tuition fees and with accommodation costs.

Support for students

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place with great student support. There are all sorts of resources available to help you make the best of your time at university.