- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester Two - 21 July; 2026 Semester One - 19 Jan
- Available locations
- City, Online
- Points
- 150
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
Primary school teachers play a key role in inspiring young people and instilling a love of learning. As a primary teacher, you’ll teach a wide range of subject areas, while sharing your passion for specialised subjects such as sport, sciences, the arts and culture.
This practical programme, taught by experts in primary education, will qualify you to become a provisionally-certificated teacher in primary and intermediate schools (Year 1 to Year 8, typically children aged 5–13).
Through placements at primary and intermediate schools, you will establish connections and develop practical skills. You will have the opportunity to apply to complete a practicum in a specialist school. For more information, read our practicum placement FAQ page.
Develop the tools you need to prepare you for 21st century classrooms where digital learning is key. Building strong relationships is vital, and diversity is welcomed. You will learn basic proficiency in te reo Māori and become familiar with the New Zealand curriculum.
Shaped by a commitment to fairness and social justice, the programme is underpinned by principles in the Treaty of Waitangi and a determination to ensure equitable learning outcomes for our young people.
You'll gain an internationally-recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject.
You'll form important relationships with teachers and prospective employers to secure work. You'll also earn a higher starting salary than teachers with employment-based qualifications.
Graduate Diploma in Teaching students are eligible for the external TeachNZ Scholarships. Find out more and apply.
Before you begin your teaching journey, there are a few key steps you need to complete, so we recommend applying early. Read about the process on our Info for applicants page.
Still got questions? Email our Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist at pgt@auckland.ac.nz.
The Graduate Diploma (Teaching) Primary is available online. The online enrolment is now available to students across New Zealand. For more information visit the Graduate Diploma (Teaching) Online page.
Students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) Online may be eligible to participate in our Teacher Education in Schools programme. This programme allows students to complete their teaching qualification online while being based in a host Primary School with study fees covered and $12,500 stipend! Read more about the Teacher Education in Schools Programme here.
Please note: The Semester Two start date only applies to domestic students studying this programme online.
Programme structure
Students will complete 150 points in this one-year programme through a combination of taught courses on campus, online learning and practical placements in primary schools.
Professional experience
Professional experience (also known as practicum) is a large component of this programme. You will work alongside experienced teachers in a range of primary and intermediate schools during practicum placements. You’ll be in schools twice a week in both Semester One and Semester Two, plus you’ll have an additional 16 weeks of block practicum in two different schools.
2025
Semester One intake:
- Practicum One (School A): 3 February – 21 February (3 weeks)
- Practicum Two (School A): Two days in schools from 28 April – 16 May (6 days) (Wed and Thurs for face-to-face students. For online students Days of the week to be negotiated between student and AT/school) then 19 May – 27 June (6 weeks)
- Practicum Three (School B): Two days in schools from 25 August – 19 September (8 days) (Weds and Thurs for face-to-face students. For online students Days of the week to be negotiated between student and AT/school) then 13 October – 28 November (7 weeks)
Semester Two intake:
- EDPRAC 615 Part One: Two days per week in a school from 28 July – 29 August (10 days) (Days to be arranged between the student and AT/school)
- EDPRAC 615 Part Two: 6 weeks from 20 October – 28 November 2025
- EDPRAC 616 Part One: TBA
- EDPRAC 616 Part Two: TBA
2024
Semester Two intake:
- EDPRAC 616 Part One : 15 days from first day of the school term (within 3 Feb to 28 Feb 2025)
- EDPRAC 616 part Two : 19 May to 27 June 2025 (6 weeks)
Capstone task and portfolio
At the end of the year, students present a portfolio, including a capstone task that consolidates theoretical and experiential learning throughout the year.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Year 1 150 points
-
- Code:
- EDPROFST 609
- Name:
- Ako
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDCURRIC 625
- Name:
- Curriculum: Maths & Literacy 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDCURRIC 626
- Name:
- Curriculum: Maths & Literacy 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPRAC 615
- Name:
- Professional Practice 1: Primary
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUC 603
- Name:
- Education after Society
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPROFM 600
- Name:
- Te Ao Māori
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUCM 199
- Name:
- Te Reo Māori
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 0 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUCSW 199
- Name:
- English Language Competency
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 0 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPRAC 616
- Name:
- Professional Practice 2: Primary
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDCURRIC 636
- Name:
- Designing the Wider Curriculum 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDCURRIC 637
- Name:
- Designing the Wider Curriculum 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 160 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 2.4
Bachelors degree
Further programme requirements
Taught 150 points
You must have completed a bachelors degree in any discipline with a GPA of 2.4. Entrance is subject to satisfactory police check/s, safety checks, interview and referees’ reports. You will be required to sit literacy and numeracy tests.
For more information on the safety checks requirements, please see our Children's Act 2014 requirements page.
You will also need to provide evidence of meeting the Teaching Council Matatū Aotearoa English Language Competency requirements by IELTS or an approved alternative. Further information on approved alternatives can be found on the Teaching Council website.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 160 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4
An undergraduate degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required7.0
No bands less than 7.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 150 points
You must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in any discipline with a GPE of 2.4. Entrance is subject to satisfactory police check/s, safety checks, interview and referees’ reports. You will be required to sit literacy and numeracy tests.
You will also need to provide evidence of meeting the Teaching Council Matatū Aotearoa English Language requirements by IELTS or an approved alternative. Further information on approved alternatives can be found on the Teaching Council website.
How much does a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,036*
- International students
- NZ$40,209*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,386.00 for full-time study (150 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Application closing dates
- Semester Two 2025
- 1 July 2025
- Semester One 2026
- 20 December 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
|---|---|
| Ends – 17 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 19 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 20 July |
| Ends – 16 November |
Other important dates
Where could this programme take you?
While many graduates go on to teach in primary schools in New Zealand or overseas, the programme will also provide you with a range of transferable skills that can be applied to a range of careers. By already holding a bachelors degree you will be eligible to start on a higher step of the salary scale in services covered by the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) teaching collective agreement for primary school teachers.
Jobs related to this programme
- Primary school teacher
- Hospital play specialist
- Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
- Learning designer
- Researcher
- Curriculum developer
- Human resource adviser
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Experience the University
Jason's story
Watch Jason share his journey to becoming a teacher.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513