Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching
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!
Please see the Guide to Applying page for application closing dates, the selection process, and selection week details.
This is a teaching qualification and will lead to becoming a registered teacher In New Zealand.
150 points, 1 year
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Trimester H (January) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching?
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.
150 points, 1 year
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Trimester H (January) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
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Plan your study -
Subjects Choose a subject
Browse available subjects and choose one for more information.
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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.
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.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$12,283 per year
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Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$47,680 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
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Graduate outcomes - Early childhood educator
- Primary school teacher
- Secondary school teacher
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.
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.
Estimated fees
$12,283 per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
Estimated fees
$47,680 per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 08 December 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
- Early childhood educator
- Primary school teacher
- Secondary school teacher
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary)
- Entry requirements: Satisfied the requirements of a bachelors degree with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers.
- Location: Hamilton, Tauranga, Online (subject to numbers)
- Start date: January (H Trimester), July (B Trimester)
Prepare yourself for a teaching career in NZ in primary, intermediate and middle schools or kura, working with children from five to 13 years old. You'll gain a solid foundation in all aspects of the New Zealand curriculum, classroom management, the teaching and learning process and educational policies and practices.
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)
- Entry requirements: Satisfied the requirements of a bachelors degree with at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers.
- Location: Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
- Start date: January (H Trimester), July (B Trimester)
Prepare yourself for a teaching career in NZ secondary schools working with young people aged 13-18 years old. You'll learn how to teach your curriculum areas and develop skills in teaching and learning. This programme consists of 11 papers (150 points) at 500 level. These include Professional Experience papers.
Your previous tertiary study
Candidates for the secondary endorsement must have sufficient depth and breadth of relevant subject or curriculum knowledge at Levels 5-7. When you apply for the programme you will need to submit your degree transcript(s). The programme leader/coordinator will discuss and advise the appropriate programme once you reach the interview stage.
Learning Areas:
1. Agribusiness
2. Arts
3. English
4. Health and Physical Education
5. Learning Languages
6. Mathematics and Statistics
7. Science
8. Social Sciences
9. Technology
Subject Areas:
1. Agribusiness
2. Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts
3. English
4. Health and Physical Education
5. Learning Languages
6. Mathematics and Statistics
7. Biology, Chemistry, Physics
8. Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History
9. Technology and Design
Study teaching in Tauranga
The Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching is available in Tauranga, subject to sufficient numbers.
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