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Two women stand in a classroom. They are smiling at the camera.
Becoming a teacher in New Zealand

School Onsite Training Programme - information for students

Learn about the school-based training programme for student teachers
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Last updated 21 August 2026

The School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) supports people training to become teachers through a school-based study and practical teaching experience.  

You will spend three days a week in a host school or kura while completing your Initial Teacher Education (ITE) qualification and receive mentoring and support from an experienced teacher. 

If selected, you will receive a $20,660 tax-free bursary as a contribution towards your study and living costs.

School Onsite Training Programme for 2027

The 2027 intake is now open.

To apply for an SOTP place on an ITE programme, you need to decide which provider you would like to study with and apply through their application process. 

If your place has been approved by your provider, they will arrange a placement for you at a host school. 

2027 SOTP providers

All ITE providers offering SOTP places and their programmes are listed below.

SOTP providers and programmes
Contact details, programmes and useful links
Go to list launch

To take part in the programme, you must meet eligibility requirements.

You must:

  • be a graduate, as this is a one-year graduate or post-graduate training programme
  • be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or holder of a resident visa. International students are not eligible
  • be enrolled in an approved SOTP one-year ITE programme that leads to teacher registration
  • not have accepted a TeachNZ scholarship or another Ministry-funded pathway into teaching.*

* You can apply for apply for other Ministry-funded pathways into teaching. However, you can only accept funding through one programme.

School staff requirements

School staff who meet the student eligibility criteria can train to become a teacher through the programme. However, you cannot be employed to work in your host school on the 3 days that form part of the SOTP placement.

Contact us

Contact your preferred provider directly from the list of providers to be considered for an SOTP place. 

Please get in touch if you have other questions about the information on this page. We're here to help.

Email: info.sotp@education.govt.nz

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