The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) is to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions required to become effective and culturally responsive primary school teachers/kaiako in New Zealand. The qualification aims to develop confident, reflective student teachers who are committed to fostering inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environments for diverse learners. Graduates of this programme will be eligible to apply for teacher registration and the Tōmua Provisional Practicing Certificate.

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) will provide a pathway into teaching for graduates, who already hold a degree qualification. The programme blends theoretical study, practical experience, and critical reflection to equip graduates to meet the needs of New Zealand's curriculum, meet Teaching Council standards, honour the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and contribute positively to the educational success and well-being of tamariki aged 5 to 13. Graduates will be able to implement learning support initiatives that assist learners and families within in diverse communities, and learners who are neurodivergent.

1. Integrate te reo and tikanga Māori into primary teaching practice, supporting Māori learners to achieve educational success as Māori, in accordance with the bicultural aspirations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in recognition of Tangata Whenua status, and the histories and cultures of Te Tiriti partners.
2. Design and implement learning experiences based on an understanding of Te Mātaiaho (NZ Curriculum), content knowledge, and pedagogical strategies appropriate for primary learners.
3. Create inclusive learning environments that respond to the diverse strengths, interests, needs, identities, languages, and cultures of primary students, including neurodiverse needs.
4. Plan and implement teaching strategies that set high expectations, advance learning progress for all primary students, and develop authentic relationships that empower students as active participants in their learning.
5. Establish and continue to build supportive primary classroom environments characterised by respect, inclusion, empathy, and safety, implementing positive behaviour management strategies.
6. Utilise appropriate assessment practices to monitor, analyse, and communicate primary students' learning progress, providing meaningful feedback and identifying the next steps in learning.
7. Engage in ongoing professional inquiry and collaborative learning to continuously improve primary teaching practice, critically reflecting on teaching effectiveness.
8. Establish and continue to build professional relationships with colleagues, parents/whānau, and community partners to support primary students' learning and well-being.

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) may choose to further their higher education studies with Masters or Doctoral study.

Admission Criteria:
Bachelor's degree at Level 7 on the NZQCF, or higher OR
A recognised equivalent international qualification, AND
Literacy & Numeracy competency - applicants must pass a literacy and numeracy assessment with a pass level no lower than the equivalent to UE literacy Step 4 and numeracy Step 5. NZSE administers the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool (LNAAT). The test will be administered at the selection interview.
Evidence of the qualification(s) achieved and/or curriculum vitae and signed attestation(s) of professional work experience are required.

English Language Entry Requirements:
IELTS score 7.0 or higher in all bands - listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Applicants must have sufficient competence in the English language to undertake the Programme which is taught and assessed i English
International learners must meet the NZQA English Proficiency Outcomes for International learners as set out at https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/assets/About-us/Our-rules-fees-and-policies/NZQA-Rules/2026/Programme-Approval-Recognition-and-Accreditation-Rules-2026.pd

Special Admission:
Applicants aged 20 years or above who have not met the Admission Criteria may be eligible for special admission. Special admission may be granted upon evaluation by the Head of School and the Academic Board, or delegate authority, based on evidence supplied. This may include a resume, personal statement, and portfolio. It is expected these documents provide evidence of relevant work experience undertaken by the applicant. Applicants must still meet the Teaching Council English language competency requirements accessed at https://teachingcouncil.nz/getting-certificated/for-beginning-teachers/language-competency-requirements/

Visa and Insurance:
International learners require a valid visa and insurance.

Interview Requirements:
All applicants will be expected to attend a face to face, or online visual interview.

Applicants must arrange for two (2) referees to provide confidential written referee reports to be sent directly to NZSE. Referees cannot be friends or family and must be a person who has known the candidate long enough to be about attest to their suitability and disposition.
The interview will determine:
a. Their disposition to teach through judging their ability to meet the values that underpin 'Our Code Our Standards' (Teaching Council NZ)
b. Their ability to meet the Teaching Council's Code of Professional Responsibility
c. Any other matters of relevance that may be identified in consultation with key partners.

Police Vetting & Criminal Record Check:
The Education Sector requires people to work with young people. This requires a high level of integrity and trust.
NZSE will carry out a Police Vetting check on prospective domestic applicants. Learner entry will be provisional until these checks have been completed. The outcome of the Police Vetting check will be kept on the applicant's files.
International students applying for a visa with New Zealand Immigration are expected to be of good character. "This includes having no criminal history and providing correct and complete information" (New Zealand Immigration, 2024)
If any applicant/student has or acquires a criminal conviction (except for minor traffic convictions) during the programme, they are required to declare it. A conviction or charge may lead to the student being withdrawn from the programme. This will be decided by NZSE's disciplinary process. Those who have declared a criminal conviction need to provide details of:
Two referees who are aware of the criminal conviction; and
The charge/s upon which they were convicted, any mitigating circumstances, the penalty the offence carried, and the actual penalty handed down by the court; and
Any personal information held by the Ministry of Justice about them.

Safety Checks:
NZSE will require the applicant to pass a safety check consistent with the requirements of the Children Act 2014.

Te Reo Māori competency and progression
Applicants selected for entry in this programme will be assessed, as soon as possible after entry, on their te reo Māori competency via the Te Urungi online assessment tool (NZCER). This is intended to provide a baseline assessment of current competency and support the development of individual learning plans to build learner competency to use te reo effectively at a minimum Level 3-4 of Te Aho Arataki Marau (te reo Māori Curriculum for English Medium Settings)
(Reference https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/the-new-zealand-curriculum---learning-languages/5637209128.p.