To begin any Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme at the University of Auckland, applicants must complete several mandatory requirements set by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. These requirements ensure you are prepared for professional practice and eligible to apply for Provisional Certification as a teacher once you finish your studies.

These requirements apply to the following ITE programmes:

• Bachelor of Education (Teaching)
• Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, and Māori-medium)
• Master of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

It is important to apply early to allow enough time to complete all the requirements. Late applications (submitted after the application deadline) cannot be considered for these programmes.

For questions or help, email education@auckland.ac.nz or visit a Student Hub.

Alongside standard admission requirements, all ITE applicants must complete additional steps required by the Teaching Council and the Children’s Act (2014).

All applicants must complete the following:

• A background check under the Children’s Act (2014), known as the “VCA” check. This includes: 
  • A Child Safety and Application Declaration form
    New Zealand Police vetting
  • Overseas Police Vetting if you have lived overseas within the last 10 years
  • Two character references, provided directly by referees (not by you)
  • A brief work history, supplied within your application responses
• Attend and pass a selection interview, assessing your suitability for ITE and compliance with the Children’s Act (2014)
• Meet the Teaching Council’s Language Competency Requirement, which is separate from the University’s own English language entry requirement
• Meet the Literacy and Numeracy proficiency requirements, assessed via online tests

Applicants to the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) will additionally need to be approved for 1-2 suitable specialised teaching subjects, based on their previous academic record and available New Zealand curriculum subjects. Assessment for subject suitability will be done during the application assessment, based on the same transcript(s) already provided for your application. You won’t need to provide any extra documents in your application, but the approval process may mean your application outcome will take a little longer than other ITE programmes.

The application process can be broken down into a three-stage process:

1. Submit your application
2. Tasks you can completed while you wait for assessment
3. Completing your conditions once you receive and offer

1. Submit your application

You must:

• Provide academic transcripts of all previous study, and completion certificates (if available). If you are a returning student or NZ School leaver, this is not applicable.
• Provide English language test results (if you have completed one)
• Carefully answer all additional questions in the application portal.
• Complete and upload your Application Declaration and Child Safety Form, and promptly provide additional information if required.

Please note, if you are applying close to the application deadline, you should ensure you have all your documents on hand at time of application.

There is a short turn around between applications closing and the programme start, so delays at this stage could critically impact your application.

2. While you wait for the outcome of your application assessment

You should begin the following immediately (you don’t need to wait for your conditional offer):

• Ask your referees to complete and email their reference forms directly to Admissions. References submitted to us by you – the applicant - will not be accepted.
• Submit your NZ Police Vetting form. If you are currently overseas, this can wait until you arrive in NZ — this will not delay assessment.
• Request your Overseas Police Clearance (if required based on your residency history). Follow Teaching Council guidance on how to request this. *If you are applying far in advance, please check the validity period information before completing this step*

3. After receiving your Conditional Offer

Prioritise these urgent tasks immediately:

• Book your Literacy and Numeracy tests via the link in your conditional offer. All applicants must pass these tests.
• Complete your interview. See the interview section for further details.
• You may be asked to provide additional English/te reo Māori proficiency evidence if required for Teaching Council Language Competency. Please check what you need to provide as soon as you can, and get in touch if you need clarifications. If you need to book a test, do this as soon as possible.
• Accept your offer to prevent your offer from expiring. You can still change your mind on this at a later stage.

Complete your conditions

The University may contact you via email, phone, or SMS.
You must:

• Check your email (including spam) regularly
• Respond quickly to any requests

All ITE applicants must complete a background check under the Children’s Act 2014. This includes a Child Safety and Application Declaration, NZ Police vetting (if you live in NZ), and Overseas Police Checks (if you have lived overseas for 12+ months in the last 10 years). Some timing rules and validity rules apply.

What is the VCA condition?

The VCA condition refers to the above overall background check relating to the Children’s Act 2014. This was previously known as the “Vulnerable Children’s Act”, which is where “VCA” comes from.

• This condition will be checked and marked as met last
• This is because meeting the requirements of the Children’s Act includes all of the following background check items, as well as attending and passing a satisfactory interview.
• Because there are many steps that are individually checked throughout the process, this is left to last to ensure a final overall check is completed, and nothing is missing before admission.

Work History

Within your application, you will be asked to provide a chronological work history of the past 5 years. This does not need to be detailed.

Example:
2024-current:    Stay at home parent
2022-2024:        Studying BA at UoA
2021-2022:         Job Title, Company

• We don’t need details of your responsibilities or performance in a role
  If you haven’t worked in that time, please just state this with a brief description (as per the example above) – this will not affect your application
• We are not assessing your experience – this is simply part of the background check
• If this is not answered in your application or is in the wrong format, admissions will request this information via email

Child Safety & Application Declaration forms

You must complete the Child Safety and Application Declaration forms as part of your background check. You can find these forms here: Forms for applicants.

These forms check for any child safety or fitness-to-teach concerns, so that these can be addressed as soon as possible. Ideally, you should have completed and submitted forms these as part of your application.

• You must sign and date both forms.
• You must answer all the questions.
• The Application Declaration form has 6 tick-box Yes/No questions.
• The Child Safety form has 3 tick-box Yes/No questions.
• Please provide further detail on any “Yes” answers. For the Application Declaration, this information can be emailed to admissions. For the Child Safety form, there is a text box below each question, where you can add further details.
• In Question 3 of the Child Safety form, we want to know if concerns have been raised, rather than when/where you have looked after children in the past. If no concerns have been raised when you have looked after children, please state this on the form (“No Concerns” is sufficient).

New Zealand Police Check

Applicants currently living in New Zealand must complete a NZ Police Vetting Consent Form and provide two forms of ID.

Submitting your NZ Police Vet

• If you have a New Zealand address, you must complete the Police Vetting Consent Form as soon as possible.
• Email the completed form and two forms of approved ID to admission@auckland.ac.nz
• The list of approved forms of ID can be found on the Police Vetting website
• We are looking for one primary and one secondary form of ID, and at least one of these must be photographic

Processing timeframe

• NZ Police vetting typically takes 3–6 weeks but can take longer in peak periods.
• Once your form is submitted to the Police, Admissions cannot expedite the process.

If you currently live overseas

• The NZ Police vetting requirement is temporarily waived until you enter NZ.
• You will be requested to do this as soon as possible once in NZ, ahead of your practicum placement
• This will not delay your application.

Overseas Police Check

If you are currently overseas OR have lived overseas for 12+ months in the past 10 years, you will need to provide an Overseas Police report. Validity rules and exceptions apply.

You must obtain an Overseas Police Check if:

• You currently live outside New Zealand, or

You have lived outside of New Zealand for more than 12 months in total within the past 10 years (excluding time under age 16).

Important:

• The 12-month period does not need to be consecutive. Two 6-month stays count as 12 months total.

If you have lived in multiple countries, you will need to provide a report from all countries that apply to the above guidance.

Validity period

• If you are still living in the country your report is from, the report will be valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
• Your report must be valid at the time you receive a firm offer (meaning your conditions have been met)
• If it expires before your conditions are completed, you must obtain a new one.

For applicants who have emigrated:

Your Overseas Police Check remains valid indefinitely if:

1. You no longer live in the issuing country, and
2. The report was issued no more than 3 months before you left that country, or was issued after you left, and
3. You have not returned to that country for 12 months or more since it was issued.

This exemption does not apply if you briefly left the country on holiday and returned.

Where to request your report

Follow the Teaching Council’s guidance on how to obtain the correct type of Overseas Police Clearance. Overseas police clearance

What if I cannot obtain a report?

If you have issues obtaining an Overseas Police report due to exceptional circumstances, please get in touch with admissions for advice.

Referees

All applicants must provide two character references, from people who can comment on your suitability for teaching. Their completed forms must be sent directly to Admissions.

Referees must be people who know you well, but they cannot be a family member or a friend. Suitable examples include:

• Teachers
• Careers advisers
• Sports coaches
• Members of organisations you belong to (e.g., clubs, community groups)
• Youth group leaders
• Church members
• Employers or work colleagues
  

How the process works

• When you complete your application, you will be instructed to download the referee form.
• You must then send this form to your two referees and ask them to complete this on your behalf.
• Referees must send the completed form directly to Admissions via email at: admission@auckland.ac.nz. Referees submitting directly ensures the integrity of the process.
• You can also access the referee forms on our website.

Important

• Referee reports submitted by applicants themselves are not accepted.
• Applicants should choose referees who can comment accurately on their character, reliability, communication, and suitability for working with children.
• If a reference provided is not suitable, we will contact you with further instructions.

All applicants must complete a selection interview. English-medium programmes use Kira Talent (asynchronous), while Māori-medium applicants complete a live Zoom interview. ID requirements, link expiry rules, scoring processes, and multi-programme application rules apply.

All applicants must complete an interview before acceptance into their programme. The interview helps the faculty understand your motivations, and assess your suitability for teaching.

Applicants are encouraged to visit a school or early childhood centre before their interview if possible. This experience can help you articulate your understanding of teaching, but it is not strictly required and will not disqualify your application if you cannot arrange it.

Before your interview, you should familiarise yourself with some key documents about education in New Zealand. If you are applying for primary or secondary teaching, you should familiarise yourself with the New Zealand Curriculum.

You may also wish to review the University’s Interview Tips for Teacher Education Programmes to prepare effectively.

Kira Talent Interviews — English medium Programmes

Applicants to English-medium programmes complete an online asynchronous interview through Kira Talent. You record your responses within a limited time window after receiving a unique link.

Format

• Interviews for English-medium ITE programmes are conducted using Kira Talent, in an asynchronous format.
• You record your responses to a set of questions at a time that suits you within the link validity period.

Interview invitation and link expiry

• After receiving your conditional offer, you will be sent a Kira Talent invitation with a unique link.
• The link is usually valid for two weeks – but may be reduced to one week closer to the semester start.
• If you cannot complete the interview before the link expires, please let us know.
• You must contact Admissions to request a new link once you are ready to take the interview.

Technical rules

• You must show two forms of ID at the beginning of your interview to meet the Children’s Act 2014 requirements, at least one of which must be photographic.
• Once you start the interview in Kira Talent, you cannot pause or return to edit your answers. All responses must be completed in one session.
• You will have a set number of minutes for each response and cannot rerecord them.
• If you experience technical difficulties while recording your interview, notify Admissions.

How the interview is scored

• Responses are evaluated by two reviewers (e.g., academic staff or sector specialists).
• In some cases, a third reviewer may be required, which may delay scoring.
• This is why completing the interview early is strongly recommended.

Important notes for applicants

• Passing the interview does not guarantee a place — it is one of several required conditions.
• If you have applied for multiple English-medium ITE programmes for the same year intake, you only need to complete the interview once.
  • The result is carried across all applications for the same intake.
  • This includes fail results.

Status updates

• The interview “to-do” item in your application will remain “Initiated” until it has been reviewed and scored.
• If it is marked “Completed”, that means the interview was passed with a sufficient score — this status does not update immediately after submission.
• If this is marked as “Not met”, this means the interview was failed, and your application will be declined.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Māori Medium) — Māori medium Interview

Applicants to the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Māori-medium) complete a live Zoom interview conducted by faculty, in te reo Māori.

Format

• The interview is conducted live over Zoom with a member of faculty.
• The interview is carried out in te reo Māori.
• After your conditional offer is issued, Admissions provides your contact details to the faculty, who will then contact you directly arrange your interview time.

Identification

• You must show two forms of ID during your Zoom interview, as required by the Children’s Act (2014).
  

After the interview

• Faculty will provide the interview outcome to Admissions, who will update your application status.

All ITE applicants must complete two online assessments, one literacy test and one numeracy test, to meet the Teaching Council’s proficiency requirements. There are no waivers or exemptions to this requirement. Test format, platform, passing scores, attempts, and waiting periods vary by programme and NSN status.

To meet Teaching Council requirements, you must complete:

• A literacy test assessing reading comprehension (in English or te reo Māori, depending on programme)
• A numeracy test assessing fundamental mathematical knowledge (fractions, place value, decimals, percentages, etc.)

Applicants to the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Māori-Medium) will complete both tests in te reo Māori. A preparation guide is available on the website.

Booking Your Tests

Book early to allow time for potential re-sits. In peak times, closer to semester start, sessions can be booked up very quickly. All tests are supervised via Zoom. You will need to bring ID, and arrive 30 minutes early to allow for the ID check.

Booking guidance

• Follow the link in your offer letter to book the tests.
• Book your tests as soon as possible after receiving your conditional offer. Delaying may impact application progress.
• Applicants who miss a booked test (no-show with no cancellation/notice) may not be prioritised for another booking. This may impact application progress.

Technical & supervision requirements

• All tests are completed via Zoom, under supervision.
• You must use a laptop/computer with a camera. You cannot take these tests on a tablet or phone.
• You must bring ID to the test session; identity is verified before testing begins. Arrive 30 minutes early for ID checks.

Time zone note

• All test times are based on New Zealand time. Unfortunately, sessions outside NZ working hours are not available.

Multiple programme applications

• If you apply to multiple English-medium programmes, you do not need to take multiple tests. Scores and attempts carry across concurrent applications.

Māori-medium restrictions

• Māori-medium test results cannot be carried into English-medium applications, and vice versa, because the tests are in different languages.

Validity period

• Successful results are valid for two years.
• If you don’t meet requirements for this intake, you may reapply in a future intake.
   

Test Platforms: Canvas vs LNAAT

Your platform for the tests (Canvas or LNAAT) depends on your programme AND your NSN status.

General platform rules

Your offer letter will include a link guiding you to the correct platform. For most applicants, this will be an online form, which will guide you through the process, and determine which Eventbrite page to take you to.

Platform allocation depends on:

• Programme you are applying for
• Whether you have an NSN (National Student Number)

Programme based platform assignments

• GDT Māori-medium: Both tests are completed in Canvas, in te reo Māori.
• English-medium Applicants with an NSN : Both tests are in LNAAT.
• English-medium Applicants without an NSN: Tests are in Canvas.
• If you are an applicant without an NSN, and are admitted into BEDTE or GDTPR, you will be required to retake the Numeracy test via LNAAT after enrolment. This is due to a Ministry of Education requirement, specifying that a test in LNAAT must be taken for Numeracy.

NSN explanation

• If you have ever studied or enrolled at NZ high school or tertiary level, you likely have an NSN.
• International applicants often incorrectly assume they do not have one; many actually do.
• If you are unsure, or think you don’t have one, you must check your NSN status before booking your test. Being directed to the wrong platform will create delays in your application.

You can find your NSN by:

• Using NZQA’s chatbot “Awhina”
• Calling NZQA at 0800 697 296
• Requesting it from your current/previous education provider

You will be asked for your NSN during test booking. Keep it handy.

TEST RULES - Required scores, timing, attempts 

Test rules vary by platform, programme, and assessment type. This section contains all passing scores, time limits, attempts, and resit periods.

Please take note of the number of attempts permitted and wait time required between attempts.

You will not be allowed to re-sit a test before the wait period has expired, which could lead you to missing out on admission if you leave booking your first attempt too late.

English-medium tests (LNAAT or CANVAS):

Māori-medium tests (CANVAS, in te reo Māori):

Literacy:

• Passing score: 15/20
• Time allowed: 45 minutes
• Attempts: 3 (1 initial, 2 resits)
• Resit wait: 2 weeks

Includes a written component that must be manually marked.
This means results are not available on screen immediately upon completion.

Numeracy:

• Passing score: 35/40
• Time allowed: 45 minutes
• Attempts: 3 (1 initial, 2 resits)
• Resit wait: 2 weeks
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I book my tests?

A: Use the link in your conditional offer. If your offer letter does not contain the link, contact Admissions. If the link is taking you to a form, this is correct – please fill out the form, and you will be taken to the correct booking page.

Q: Do I need to stay for the full session?

A: No — many people do not need the full time to complete the assessment. Once you finish your tests, you may leave the Zoom session. However, you should not rush; take your time. The time taken does not impact your score, and rushing could lead to more mistakes.

Q: Is one platform easier than the other?

A: No. Both are aligned to Teaching Council requirements. The two-platform system is due to Ministry of Education preferences.

Q: How long are results valid?

A: Results are valid for 2 years. However, if requirements or regulations from the Teaching Council/Ministry of Education change in that time, the University must follow the updated rules.

Q: When will I know my result?

A: Results are processed manually. Allow 3–5 working days.

• We do not email applicants their scores.
• If passed → your “to-do” item is marked complete
• If a resit is needed → Admissions will email you with instructions and add a resit item to your to-do list.

Q: Can I carry over LNAAT results from another university?

A: No. You must take the test with the University of Auckland, even if you have completed LNAAT elsewhere.

Q: Do I have to wait the full 2 (or 4) weeks before retaking my test, even if it’s close to the admission deadline?

A: Yes.

• The waiting period is strict and non-negotiable.
• You can book your test in advance for a date after the wait period has ended, but if you book your test early, you won’t be allowed to sit it.
• If the enrolment deadline does not allow enough time for a required resit, your application cannot be considered for that intake.

Q: Can I take my GDTSE numeracy test while waiting for the GDTPR 4week period?

A: No. Attempts count across all concurrent applications.
Taking a test after 2 weeks would violate the GDTPR rules and would make you ineligible for GDTPR.

Q: What disability accommodations are available for these assessments?

A: Unfortunately, we cannot offer the use of reader/writer for these tests. However, other accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis. Please get in touch with admissions to discuss options further.

All applicants must meet the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Language Competency requirements (English for English-medium programmes or te reo Māori for Māori medium programmes).

These requirements are in addition to the University of Auckland’s English entry requirements. Some applicants may qualify for an exemption, but only under strict conditions.

Teaching requires strong communication skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. All applicants enrolling in teacher-training programmes or seeking certification must meet Teaching Council language competency standards. This is to ensure success in your journey to becoming a teacher.

These standards are separate from University Entrance English requirements and may be higher. Applicants must meet both. For Māori-medium applicants, te reo Māori competency replaces English competency.

Teaching Council English Competency Requirements

• The Teaching Council recognises multiple types of evidence for demonstrating English language competency.
• The Teaching Council uses an evidence-based framework.
• Multiple forms of acceptable evidence exist, as outlined on their website.
• Admissions staff will determine whether you meet the Teaching Council requirements during application assessment by verifying whether your submitted documents.
• If you have met the requirement already, this will be marked as completed within your offer conditions.
• If it has not yet been verified as met, this will be left as “initiated” on your to-do list when you receive your offer.
• If you are currently studying a qualification that will meet the requirement once completed (for example, a Bachelor’s degree in New Zealand), your English competency condition will be listed as initiated.
  • This will be updated once you provide the documents for your completed study.
  • You won’t need to ask for an exemption or provide further additional evidence.

If you believe you already meet the requirement, but your Conditional Offer does not reflect this, you should contact Admissions — they may require additional documentation from you.

Teaching Council English Exemption Requests

In rare cases, applicants may apply for an exemption if they do not meet the standard English pathways but have strong alternative evidence. Strict criteria apply.

Please note, the following refers only to the Teaching Council English Language Competency requirements. This is a separate requirement to the University’s own Undergraduate and Postgraduate English Language requirements, which have their own separate requirements and waiver request process.

Eligibility conditions

To be eligible for an exemption review, you must meet all of the following:

Meet University Entrance English requirements.

1. Have completed study in the English medium while living in a predominantly English-speaking country.
2. Have completed and passed your interview, which will be used to assess communication ability.
3. Have passed the Literacy assessment (Teaching Council requirement).

Additional evidence required

• Approved English language tests which have expired, or are current but are very close to the requirements.
• Evidence of additional schooling in English medium (e.g., primary or secondary schooling not previously documented)
• Evidence of study/training in English-medium that did not lead to a qualification (e.g., professional certifications, incomplete study transcripts)
• Employer or academic testimonials regarding your English proficiency (To be provided direct from the person testifying for you – a template will be supplied by Admissions if eligible)
• A CV demonstrating work experience in an English-speaking environment (country of origin must be included)
• Any other relevant evidence, which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Important notes

• Not all applicants will be eligible for an exemption. This process is for exceptional cases only.
• Being eligible to request an exemption does not guarantee this will be approved.
• The Teaching Council English requirement is completely separate from:
  • The Teaching Council literacy assessment requirement, from which there is no exemption.
  • The University of Auckland’s own English language requirement for determining University Entrance.

How to Apply for an Exemption

If you meet all eligibility criteria, Admissions can guide you through the exemption application process.

• If you believe you meet all four prerequisites and have additional evidence, contact Admissions for advice.
• Do not attach your evidence in the initial email. Admissions will first make a preliminary assessment.
• If eligible, Admissions will provide you with an online application form where your evidence can be uploaded securely.

Teaching Council — Te Reo Māori Competency

Applicants for Māori-medium ITE programmes must demonstrate te reo Māori competency instead of English competency. Applicable to all applicants seeking certification to teach in full immersion Māori-medium settings. Acceptable evidence includes:

• Achieved Whakamātauria Tō Reo Māori Level 3 (National Māori Language Proficiency Examination)
• Completed all primary schooling + at least three years of secondary schooling in te reo Māori
• Completed five years of secondary schooling in te reo Māori

Applicants without formal documentation
Applicants who do not have the above evidence but can demonstrate strong fluency in te reo Māori may be provided an exemption to the above requirement, and be admitted at the Programme Director’s discretion. This will be assessed during the interview.