Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching
Course details
| NZQF Level | 8 |
|---|
About the course
If you're due to complete your undergraduate degree or you're seeking a career change and already have a degree, consider this one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching qualification to become a teacher!
Teachers are influential community members, making a difference to young people and their learning, knowledge and skill acquisition. They play a major role in helping their students develop their independence and success in their lives.
As a graduate of the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDipTchg) qualification, you will be among the best-prepared teaching graduates and highly regarded by education employers, within New Zealand and overseas. With separate courses for Early Childhood Education, Primary and Secondary teaching, the PGDipTchg combines Professional Education papers with placements in schools to ensure you get the most out of your time with us.
Entry requirements
To be eligible to gain entry into this programme, candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree, with a B average, at level 7 on the NZ Qualifications Framework or a recognised equivalent.
Please apply early as all applicants must meet the University of Waikato’s admission and English language requirements and complete a selection process. Selection is based on academic results, communication skills, personal qualities, relevant experience, a literacy and numeracy assessment, and the availability of professional experience placements in ECE facilities 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). 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, starting Monday 7 September 2026. Successful international applicants will then be required to pay a deposit on tuition fees 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.
About the provider
The University of Waikato has two campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga, both located in New Zealand's economic heartland. Our close-knit communities help international students settle in quickly, with the support and connections needed to succeed in their studies, and beyond.
What sets the University of Waikato apart is our commitment to real-world learning. The University has over 2,000 placements or industry-led projects per year. Strong partnerships across government, industry and community organisations provide students with wide career options and practical pathways into New Zealand's job market and beyond.
Established in 1964, we've built a reputation for research excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among New Zealand's top universities, our international student services, peer mentoring programmes, and close-knit campus communities ensure students feel at home from day one.
Ready to turn your academic goals into career success? Your journey starts at the University of Waikato.
Top 10 reasons to study at Waikato
- International Recognition: Ranked among the top 3 universities in New Zealand and 235th globally (QS World University Rankings 2025).
- Subject Rankings: 11 subjects ranked in the top 350 globally (QS Subject Rankings 2025); ranked in the 151–175 band globally for Business & Economics (THE Subject Rankings 2025)—the highest for any NZ university.
- Research Excellence: Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for research (QS World University Rankings 2025).
- Triple Crown Accreditation: Waikato Management School is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, placing it in the top 1% of business schools globally.
- Academic Excellence: Learn fromaward-winning lecturers and researchers in a close-knit academic community known for innovative teaching and learning..
- Flexible Degree Structure: Choose from over 100 subjects to shape a qualification and 200 programs including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, diplomas, and certificates —tailored to suit your strengths and career goals.
- Industry Connections: Benefit from over 2,000 industry placements and projects annually through strong partnerships with government, business, and community organisations. Access career and employability services to graduate job-ready.
- Student Support and Campus Life: Vibrant campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga offer modern facilities, easy access to nature, and dedicated student support—including international advisors, tutors, career services, and a buddy programme.
- Scholarships and Bursaries: A range of scholarships available to support both domestic and international students. View our scholarships.
- Inclusive Student Community: Be part of a welcoming, diverse environment with 70+ clubs and 120+ societies covering academics, culture, sports, and more. Waikato is highly recommended by students, with excellent satisfaction ratings in the 2023 Student Barometer Survey. Browse our clubs.
Hamilton is a vibrant, student-friendly city located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Surrounded by stunning nature, students can enjoy scenic parks, hiking trails, and the famous Hobbiton movie set nearby. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, multicultural community, and welcoming vibe making it a perfect place for students to live, study and explore.
Tauranga is a beautiful coastal city in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, offering students a perfect mix of urban living and outdoor adventure. With its stunning beaches, outdoor activities like hiking and water sports and a warm, sunny climate, it’s an ideal place for students looking to explore, learn and live in a welcoming environment.
Check out a range of accommodation options available on our campuses.