Reflect, rejuvenate and undertake professional learning with a paid sabbatical
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Last updated 4 June 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 now open
You must have ESL access to apply. Your ESL account must be linked to your current school with “TeachNZ Study Awards” role. Contact your school’s ESL Delegated Authoriser or visit the Applications & Online Systems website for help.
Applications for the 2027 Primary Teachers' Sabbatical are open.
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.
