Study options to become a teacher

Remaining in your community 

You no longer need to leave your community/hapori to study to become a qualified teacher. Initial teacher education providers are located across the country, and some programmes allow you to study entirely by distance. Talk to an initial teacher education provider to understand the flexible study options they offer.

Your learning needs and preferences

Programmes come in various formats so it’s important to explore the options relevant to you. The programme you choose will depend on:

• the type of teacher you want to be
• the programme entry requirements
• the mode of study, such as full-time, part-time, on-campus or distance learning
• whether you need the flexibility to continue earning while you study
• whether you need to study in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme.

Limited Authority to Teach (LAT)

If you are not currently employed by a school or kura but have a specialist skill or a skill in short supply, you may be eligible for a Limited Authority to Teach. Find out more about Limited Authority to Teach on the Teaching Council website.

Limited Authority to Teach – Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Pathways for school staff

If you are employed in a school as a learning assistant, a member of support staff, a teacher aide, or employed as an untrained teacher on a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT), there are programmes that enable you to remain employed in your role and continue earning while you study to become a teacher.

There are also initial teacher education programmes which allow you to work as an untrained teacher as part of your study. Talk to your principal or a senior leader to find out if there is an opportunity to continue working while studying to become qualified. 

Pathways for Pacific teachers

There are initial teacher education programmes options that focus on Pacific languages, cultures and identity. For Pacific learners, having teachers who reflect their own unique Pacific heritage, and can connect with them through their own lived experiences, provides a solid basis for good teaching practice and great learning outcomes.

Pacific teachers are highly sought after, for their language skills and as role models for Pacific learners in New Zealand.

Pathways into Kaupapa Māori/Māori medium

If you are a teacher of te reo Māori, and/or have the ability to teach in Kaupapa Māori or Māori-medium settings, you are in high demand for your language skills, and knowledge of tikanga and mātauranga Māori.  

We need quality te reo Māori teachers across New Zealand to inspire future generations of ākonga and Māori educators.

Pathways into Kura Kaupapa Māori – Education Workforce 

Fees free

Fees free is a fund for first-time tertiary learners. Offered by the Tertiary Education Commission, the fund covers fees for 1 year of study or 2 years of work-based training – up to NZD$12,000.

Fees Free – Tertiary Education Commission

StudyLink

StudyLink is a Ministry of Social Development service which can help New Zealanders afford the cost of study. StudyLink can support you through allowances to help with day-to-day living costs while you study, and student loans to help with programme fees. Find out what you are eligible for on the StudyLink website.

StudyLink – Ministry of Social Development

Scholarships

We also have several scholarship opportunities to financially support you while you study. See more information on our scholarships page.

TeachNZ Scholarships – Education Workforce

University entrance

University entrance is the minimum requirement to study at a New Zealand university. Entry requirements to programmes vary between initial teacher education providers. Check out individual providers’ websites for more information.

Bridging or foundation qualifications

If you are interested in teaching but don’t meet the entry requirements for teaching programmes, you may be able to complete a ‘bridging’ or ‘foundation’ qualification. These programmes allow you to demonstrate your academic ability and prepare you for the expectations of initial teacher education study.  

Get in touch with an initial teacher education provider to discuss your options if you want to know more about bridging or foundation qualifications. The contact details for all initial teacher education providers can be found using the programme-finder tool.  

Flexible entry requirements

There are initial teacher education providers who recognise the body of experience a candidate has as equivalent to an undergraduate level 7 degree, including experience like fluency in te reo Māori, or experience working in technology or a trade.