Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) GradDipTchg(ECE)

University of Auckland

New Zealand, Auckland

University RankQS Ranking

Apply Now!

Go to Official Website

Home/New Zealand/Auckland /University of Auckland/Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) GradDipTchg(ECE)

University of Auckland

New Zealand , Auckland

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Credit point

150 Points

Campuses

City

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines19-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

NZD 40,209 / year

Next Intake 19-Jan-2026

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) GradDipTchg(ECE)

About

Enter a profession where the demand for teachers is high in New Zealand and overseas. 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.

Our programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to support young children in their learning and development from birth to the age of five. You will gain hands-on experience working in a range of early childhood settings where building responsive and inclusive relationships is key.

You will undertake three practicum placements adding up to a total of 17 weeks in a range of early childhood centres, supported by experienced teachers and university supervisors. You can read practicum FAQs here.

The diploma is shaped by a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, relational pedagogies, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Content includes learning about Te Āo Māori and basic te reo Māori. You will learn alongside a diverse range of students and be taught basic proficiency in te reo Māori.

The programme will prepare you to become an effective early childhood teacher and support you as you prepare for your transition into the teaching profession. By the end of the programme, you will be familiar with the New Zealand early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki and a range of appropriate pedagogy for teaching within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. You will be eligible to apply for provisional certification as a practising early childhood teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

In 2026, the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) is only available to domestic students and only available online. For more information, including practicum requirements, visit the Online Graduate Diploma Teaching page.

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.

Still got questions? Email our Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist at [email protected].

Disciplines

Education and Social Work

Requirements

Entry Requirements

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 option

Taught 150 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 2.4

Bachelors degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 150 points

You must have completed a bachelors degree or higher in any discipline with 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.

You will also need to provide evidence of meeting the Teaching Council Matatū Aotearoa English Language Competency 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 option

Taught 150 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 2.4

An undergraduate degree
Qualification

IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System

Score required

7.0

No bands less than 7.0.

See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Taught 150 points

You must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in any discipline with 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.

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.

Career

Where could this programme take you?

While many graduates go on to teach in early childhood settings in New Zealand or overseas, the programme will also provide you with transferable skills that can be applied to a range of careers. By already holding a bachelors degree you will be eligible to start on a higher step of the salary scale in services covered by the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) teaching collective agreement for early childhood teachers.

Jobs related to this programme

ECE teacher
Hospital play specialist
Policy adviser for the Ministry of Education
Learning designer
Researcher
Education consultant
Curriculum developer

Further study options

See all study options

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.