Teacher Education in Schools Programme
Learn to teach in a real classroom and receive a $19,930 stipend! Multiple scholarships are available.
The Teacher Education in Schools Programme (TESP) is part of the Ministry of Education's School Onsite Training Programme. TESP is an opportunity to gain a top teaching qualification from Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland in just one year.
Participants spend three days a week embedded in a host school, where they experience day-to-day school life, while simultaneously completing their Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) or Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) Online.
Students complete two practicums over the course of the year; one at the host school and 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.
Benefits
- Learn on the job three days a week in your host school
- Flexible learning
- $19,930 stipend (paid in instalments over 10 months)
- A one-year programme leading to provisional teaching registration
- Graduate with Graduate Diploma in Teaching
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- Have NZ citizenship or NZ permanent residency
- Be living in the Auckland or Northland area
- Be enrolled full time in the Online Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary/Secondary) programme
- Have passed the selection interview with school principals
- Have a GPA of 5.0 (subject to approval)
To be considered for TESP, you must complete all programme admission requirements. Please refer to your conditional offer letter for the list of admission requirements.
How to apply
Those interested in participating in TESP must first apply for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching Primary/Secondary Online.
Should you meet the eligibility requirements and receive an offer of a place, you will be contacted with further instructions about the application process for the TESP scholarship.
Primary
Expressions of Interest for the Teacher Education in Schools (TESP) Scholarship Programme are now closed for 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact the Scholarships Team.
Participating schools in 2026
Hurupaki School
Te Kura o Pātiki Rosebank School
Te Papapa School
Papakura Normal School
Epsom Normal School
Morningside School
Ohaeawai School
Secondary
Expressions of Interest for the Teacher Education in Schools (TESP) Scholarship Programme are now closed for 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact the Scholarships Team.
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)
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.
Participating schools in 2026
Auckland:
Alfriston College
Avondale 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