- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2026 Semester One – 19 January 2026
- Available locations
- City, Online
- Points
- 150
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
New Zealand secondary schools (normally for students aged 13-18 years old) need secondary (high) school teachers who are passionate about teaching their subjects and who can encourage a love of learning in their students.
This one-year Graduate Diploma programme is the best preparation for teaching. It will qualify you to teach and become a provisionally-certificated teacher in accordance with the requirements of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is taught by experts in education and lecturers who are specialists in their subjects.
Both the online and city campus programmes begin with an in person three-day block course at Auckland campus Wednesday 21 – Friday 23 January 2026. This will provide an invaluable opportunity to build relationships and develop your knowledge of teaching secondary students in Aotearoa New Zealand. All students are strongly encouraged to attend this critical part of the programme. However, for students whose circumstances affect their ability to attend the block course, learning materials will be made available.
Shaped by a commitment to fairness and social justice, the programme is underpinned by principles in the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a determination to ensure equitable learning outcomes for our young people. The programme is highly practical with time spent in schools, lectures or online learning which will show you what and how to teach. You will also form important professional relationships with teachers and prospective employers.
The programme is suitable for those with a Bachelors Degree or higher. Whether you are adding a year to your existing degree or returning to study to change your career, this programme will enable you to 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.
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.
Modes of Delivery
The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) is available both as a face-to-face programme at City Campus and as an online programme.
The teaching subjects available for both the City camous and Online programmes are:
English, Dance, Drama, Music-Sound Arts, Visual Arts, Art History, Health and Physical Education, Languages, ESOL English as a Second Language, Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga, Mathematics and Statistics Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics Social Sciences, History, Geography, Classical Studies, Psychology, Media Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Accounting, Technology: Design for Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, Fabric, Food, Hard Materials, Special Topic (e.g. Religious Education, Environmental Education)
Online Programmes:
The online programme is available to students across New Zealand. Read the FAQ's about the Online programme here.
Students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) Online may be eligible to apply for the Teacher Education in Schools programme. This scholarship programme allows students to undertake their teaching qualification online while being based in a host Secondary School with study fees covered and a $12,500 stipend. Read more about the Teacher Education in Schools Programme.
Still got questions? Email our Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist at pgt@auckland.ac.nz
Programme structure
Students will complete 150 points in this one-year* programme through practical placements in secondary schools as well as taught courses on campus and online.
The programme begins with an in person three-day block course at City Campus on Wednesday 21 - Friday 23 January 2026. This will provide an invaluable opportunity to build relationships and develop your knowledge of teaching secondary students in Aotearoa New Zealand. All students are strongly encouraged to attend this critical part of the programme.
Students will learn about the New Zealand Curriculum and develop basic te reo Māori proficiency in addition to learning how to teach their subject speciality (for example: Science, Mathematics and Statistics, English, Visual Arts).
* Part-time study options are also available (with the approval of the Programme Director).
Professional Experience
Professional Experience (also known as practicum) is a large component of this programme. Students will observe and work alongside teachers in two different secondary schools for a total of 15 full block weeks throughout the year. In addition, a three-day observation in February provides an opportunity to experience a school early in the year.
2026
- Observation: 18 February - 20 February
- Practicum One (School A): Wednesdays in School on 11 and 18 March, 23 March - 2 April (2 weeks) and 20 April - 29 May (6 weeks)
- Practicum Two (School B): Wednesday in School on 22 July, 27 July - 11 September (7 weeks)
Careers Events
Careers Events are a core component of the programme. They provide students with opportunities to learn about job application processes, to hear from principals and first-year teachers about their teaching experiences, to develop their professional identity, and to have mock interviews with secondary school principals. These events help pre-service teachers to prepare for the transition into a teaching career.
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 will also need to meet other requirements, including time limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
1 year 150 points
-
- Code:
- EDPROFST 613
- Name:
- The Adolescent Learner
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDUC 603
- Name:
- Education after Society
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPROFST 614
- Name:
- The Inquiring Professional
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDCURSEC 692
- Name:
- Design for Learning
- Type:
- Compulsory core course which includes learning areas such as: Science, English, Languages, Social Sciences, The Arts, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics and Statistics
- Points:
- 45 pts
-
- Code:
- EDCURSEC 691
- Name:
- Teaching Subject Specialism
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- EDPRAC 612
- Name:
- Professional Practice: Secondary
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 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
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 120 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 300- or 400-level courses in a subject/s appropriate to the New Zealand secondary school curriculum learning areas. You will need 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.
For detailed information about your eligibility to teach in your curriculum area of interest, visit Eligibility to teach your chosen subject.
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.
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 120 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 in any discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution) with advanced level courses in a subject/s appropriate to the New Zealand secondary school curriculum learning areas. You will need 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.
For detailed information about your eligibility to teach in your curriculum area of interest, visit Eligibility to teach your chosen subject.
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 (Secondary) 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 One 2026
- 20 December 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 19 January |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June |
Other important dates
This programme starts earlier than standard university semester dates.
Where could this programme take you?
While many graduates go on to teach in secondary schools in New Zealand, the programme will also provide you with transferable skills that can be applied to a range of careers.
Jobs related to this programme
- Researcher
- Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
- Learning designer
- Education consultant
- School guidance counseller
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
Hannah's story
Hannah completed a Bachelor of Sport, Health, and Physical Education before deciding she wanted to become a teacher.
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