Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary)

Bachelor's degree or equivalent, police check, references and selection meeting.

Make a positive difference in children's lives—get the skills and knowledge you need to become a confident and competent primary school teacher.

Teacher education at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Learn the New Zealand curriculum

The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) focuses on The New Zealand Curriculum with 80 days based in the classroom. You will learn the principles and theories of teaching and learning to support learners of all backgrounds and abilities and to be an agent of change for children’s education and wellbeing. You can choose to complete the programme:

• in one year by studying full time
• in up to two years studying part time

If you are a domestic student, you can study either on campus or online. If you are an international student you must meet the study requirements of your visa.

When you graduate, you’ll be able to teach in primary and intermediate schools throughout New Zealand. You’ll also be eligible for provisional teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary)

If you want to study at a higher postgraduate level, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington also offers the Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary). This is a 10-month, full-time programme with 22 weeks based in the classroom.

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 and classroom situations.

Practical teaching experience

You will gain valuable experience on three teaching placements. These placements will develop your skills and enable you to see how theory and practice are interlinked in your development as a teacher.

There are limited teaching placements available for students studying online from outside the Wellington region. You may need to do a teaching placement outside your home region.

The study experience

You can expect to spend 40 to 50 hours studying each week. A blended approach is taken to coursework, through a mix of face-to-face and online activities. Courses are taught over three trimesters, starting in February.

You can study on campus or online. If you choose to study online, you’ll need to attend two, week-long [block] courses at the University in Wellington (held at the beginning and end of the programme). All students will be supported by a Whānau Ako—a professional learning community which includes a group of peers and an academic mentor.

2027 dates

• Trimester 1: Tuesday 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.

Teaching in a Catholic school

You can complete a nationally recognised certificate in Christian Studies, which sits outside the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary). The certificate is offered through Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College, with delivery customised to suit the University’s timetable. It includes a teaching experience in a Catholic school. Graduates with this certificate are able to teach the religious education curriculum in Catholic and other state integrated schools and are highly sought after for employment in those schools.

Find out more on the Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College website.

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, New Zealand history, and statistics. Read our guidance on choosing courses to do in your undergraduate degree.

After you graduate

With the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary), 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(Primary). 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

Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place. There are all sorts of resources and support available to help you make the best of your time at university.