Teacher Education in Schools Programme
Fees free study, the ability to learn in a real classroom and a $12,500 stipend! We have multiple scholarships available.
The Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland Teacher Education in Schools Programme (TESP) is part of the Ministry of Education's School Onsite Training Programme.
The programme is an opportunity to gain a top teaching qualification from the University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau in just one year.
Benefits:
- Learn on the job three days a week in your host school
- Flexible learning
- Fees free!
- $12,500 stipend (paid in instalments over 10 months)
- A one-year programme leading to provisional teaching registration
- Graduate with a prestigious Graduate Diploma in Teaching from the University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Primary
Expressions of Interest for the Teacher Education in Schools (TESP) Scholarship Programme are now closed for 2026.
For full details, click here.
Secondary
Expressions of Interest for the Teacher Education in Schools (TESP) Scholarship Programme are now closed for 2026.
We will be emailing applicants later this week regarding the outcome of their Expression of Interest form.
Please note:
- Scholarship interviews will be conducted on Monday, 24 November 2025.
- Interview schedule will be sent to confirmed applicants prior to the interview date.
- Late submissions will not be processed.
If you have any questions, please contact the Scholarships Team at aedscholarships@auckland.ac.nz
Participants will spend three days a week embedded in a host school, where they will experience day-to-day school life, while simultaneously completing their Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) online.
Students will complete two practicums over the year, one of which will be at the host school, with a second placement at another participating school. During Practicum weeks, you will be in schools for five days each week.
The programme offers the flexibility of online learning, as well as the benefit of being part of a school community, learning alongside experienced teachers, involvement in school activities, and building knowledge of effective teaching practices through observation and participation in the classroom.
Beginning in a school straight away meant by the time I went on observation, I was already comfortable in my school, so there was no anxiety around experiencing the first day in a new place.
This programme is for selected students who wish to qualify as a secondary school teacher in the following subjects: English, Te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, Mathematics and Statistics, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Visual Arts, Social Sciences, History, Psychology, Media Studies, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, Technology (Design for Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, Fabric, Food, Hard Materials), Special Topic (e.g. Religious Education, Environmental Education)
To be considered for the Teacher Education in Schools Programme, you must complete ALL programme admission requirements*.
*Please refer to your conditional offer letter for the list of admission requirements.
Participating schools for 2026 are
Auckland:
Alfriston College
Howick College
Kelson Boy’s High School
Kelston Girls’ College
King’s College
Mangere College
Mt Roskill Grammar
Southern Cross Campus
Waitakere College
Western Springs College- Ngā Puna o Waiōrea
Northland:
Otamatea High School
Pompallier Catholic College
Tauraroa Area School
Te Kamo High School
Tikipunga High School
Whangārei Boys’ High School
Whangārei Girls’ High School
How do I apply?
Those interested in participating in the Teacher Education in Schools programme (Secondary) must first apply for the Online Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)
Should you meet the eligibility requirements and receive an offer of a place for the Online Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), you will be contacted with further instructions about the application process for the Teacher Education in Schools scholarship.