Secondary (high) school teachers are critical for developing knowledge and inspiring our young people, typically aged between 11 and 18, as they navigate and prepare for the future world of work. 

New Zealand secondary schools need more teachers to inspire a love for learning in our young people, especially those with expertise in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) subjects and te reo Māori. This one-year programme is the best teaching preparation for those with a bachelors degree and a passion for sharing their knowledge and talents. 

Whether you are adding a year to your existing degree or returning to study to change your career, this practical programme, taught by experts in secondary education, will qualify you to become a provisionally-certificated teacher in secondary schools.

Shaped by a commitment to fairness and social justice, the programme is underpinned by principles in the Treaty of Waitangi and a determination to ensure equitable learning outcomes for our young people.

You will 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. You will also form important relationships with teachers and prospective employers to secure employment and start earning a higher starting salary sooner than employment-based qualifications.

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.

View the list of school subjects offered.

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution) with advanced level courses in a subject/s appropriate to the New Zealand secondary school curriculum learning areas. You will need 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.

For detailed information about your eligibility to teach in your curriculum area of interest, visit Eligibility to teach your chosen subject.

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 here.