Reflect, rejuvenate and undertake professional learning with a paid sabbatical
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Last updated 1 July 2026
The Primary Teachers' Sabbatical gives you paid leave for 10 school weeks so you can reflect, rejuvenate and undertake professional learning. Each year, we offer 50 sabbaticals to teachers in state or state-integrated primary schools.
Application period closed
Applications for the 2027 Primary Teachers' Sabbatical are now closed.
Key sabbatical information
Primary Teachers' Sabbatical 2027
Number of sabbaticals available
50
Application period opening date
2 June 2026
Application period closing date
30 June 2026
Notification date
31 August 2026
To apply for a Primary Teachers' Sabbatical, you must:
be employed as a primary teacher in a New Zealand state or state-integrated school
have support from your school's principal and school board, or employer
hold a current Tiwhikete Whakaakoranga Tūturu | Full Practising Certificate (Category One)
have completed at least 5 years' service as a teacher, at least three of which must have been spent in New Zealand state or state-integrated schools
be employed under the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement (PTCA) or applicable individual employment agreement (IEA).
We give preference to applicants who have not received a study award or sabbatical in the last 5 years.
Make sure to upload your supporting documents to the online application form or you will be unable to apply.
If you are unable to provide evidence to support your application before the closing date, please email teacher.studyawards@education.govt.nz to be considered for a late application.
Contact us
If you have any questions, we're here to help.
See our Contact us page for more information on how to get in touch.
