Teacher education admissions

Teacher education admissions have additional steps you will need to take. You can learn all about what you need to do to apply here.

Admission to teacher education programmes involves:

  • meeting set academic criteria—as listed on the main admission page or as set out below for teaching diplomas
  • having supportive referees
  • making declarations about any criminal convictions
  • making declarations about any health or disability issues
  • taking part in an assessment exercise
  • being proficient in the English Language
  • completing the appropriate forms
  • attaching the appropriate documents and information.

Referees, assessments, and declarations

Referees

  • Two referees are required.
  • They should be people who know you well, but not a family member, partner, or friend.
  • Referees will be contacted by email.

If possible, referees should be:

  • someone who is familiar with your interactions with groups of children
  • a teacher, lecturer, or mentor
  • the principal at your school
  • the minister of your church
  • a coach or your sports team
  • your employer
  • a member of a committee on which you have served
  • an organiser of a charity for which you have worked
  • an organiser of a performing arts event which you have taken part in.

Assessment exercise

This looks at your skills in:

  • listening
  • oral communication
  • working with others.

Personal declaration about criminal convictions

  • Details of any offence against the law must be declared at the time of your application.
  • It is an offence to make a false declaration.
  • Completion of this declaration is part of the application process.

Personal declaration about health and disability

  • Any medical, psychological, or learning problem or disability that could place children in your care at risk or limit participation in teacher education programmes must be declared at the time of your application.
  • It is an offence to make a false declaration.
  • Completion of this declaration is part of the application process.

Admission to teaching diplomas

Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood)

This is a one-year programme appropriate for applicants with an undergraduate degree or primary teaching qualification. For more information, contact Future Students.

Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary and Secondary)

  • A degree or equivalent is required.
  • Primary programme—no specific subject requirements.
  • Secondary programme—two teaching subjects in your degree, one to 200-level and one to 300-level.

International student information

Degrees from overseas universities should be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, prior to applying.

If English is not your first language, you will need to have passed an English language proficiency test. You will need to have an IELTS score of at least 7.0 in all categories.

How to find out more

For more information and advice on admission, contact the Wellington Faculty of Education or Future Students, call 0800 04 04 04, or email future-students@vuw.ac.nz.