These programmes are suited to those who want to assist ākonga (students) to succeed and develop a love of learning. Prospective students could be those looking for a career change, returning to work after a career break, or those already working in a school/education environment and wanting to up-skill by becoming a qualified teacher.

Both our postgraduate qualifications are year long full-time programmes leading to New Zealand teaching registration.

There are theoretical components to our programmes. The in-school experience will be complemented by a series of 1-2 day weekly workshops, where trainees from across the TTI network will come together to build their knowledge of effective teaching practice. Throughout the year, students will complete 5 for-credit courses as well as a course in Te Reo Māori.

Our programmes are recognised New Zealand teaching qualifications and are recognised overseas in the same way that other NZ tertiary teaching programmes are e.g. University of Waikato or University of Auckland. You can find more information about about how NZ tertiary qualifications are recognised overseas here: https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/international/nz-quals-overseas/tertiary-quals/

No. Our programmes have been developed by The Teachers' Institute and not linked to another tertiary institution.

These programmes are similar because they are both schools-based and lead to New Zealand Teacher registration.

Yes. We are introducing a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary, School-based) from 2026 subject to NZQA and Teaching Council Approval.

Applications for 2026 close on 15 November, but we recommend allowing ample time for the required police vetting and formal interview before the course start date for 2026.

More information about the eligibility criteria can be found here.

More information about the application process can be found here.

You can expect to hear back from us acknowledging that we’ve received your application within 2-3 working days after submitting it.

No. We do not offer a mid-year intake, but you can submit an application anytime.

Yes. You can apply for subsequent intakes if full-time study in 2026 isn’t suitable for you. However, your application may not be processed until closer to the intake date and we may require you to submit updated documentation closer to the course start date.

You can typically assess this by considering whether you hold a graduate diploma, certificate of proficiency or a major or minor in that subject. You will usually need to have completed papers up to 300 level (or the equivalent final year of study) in that subject. You could also assess yourself by examining your record of learning to see how closely that aligns with the required subject knowledge for teaching the curriculum for that particular subject at a senior level at a secondary school. The expected knowledge level is at or equivalent to Levels 5 - 7 on the NZQCF. If you are not sure whether you are eligible to apply for a subject, please get in touch with us and we will assist you with this. Please note, once you are a qualified teacher, you will be able to teach any subject that your employer/school approves.

Yes. However, you will need to demonstrate competence in one of the official languages of the national curriculum - English or Te Reo Māori. You can find out more about the Teaching Council Language Competency requirements here.

No. Your “home” school will need to be on the list of our TTI Partner Schools. If you have an existing connection to a school that you’d like to have as your “home” school, we recommend talking to that school about becoming a TTI partner school.

Depending on the type of conviction, you may still be eligible to apply. We recommend getting in touch with us directly to discuss your particular circumstances. You can email us at apply@teachersinstitute.org.nz or use the form on the Contact Us page to get in touch.

Yes. TTI teacher trainees will not need to pay any fees and will receive a $12,500 stipend.

We expect many of our students will be employed by their “home” school, following graduation, if an appropriate teaching position is available. Regardless, TTI will offer assistance with finding employment after graduating.

Yes. However, you cannot have a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) while studying.

No. Your “home” school will need to be on the list of our TTI Partner Schools. If you have an existing connection to a school that you’d like to have as your “home” school, we recommend talking to that school about becoming a TTI partner school.

Yes. However, we don’t recommend working more than 20 hours a week due to the full-time study requirements of this programme.