Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 7 |
|---|
About the course
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.
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Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent, police check, references and selection meeting.
International entry requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent, police check, references and selection meeting.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.