Initial teacher education

A teaching qualification at the University of Waikato will set you up to become a skilled and reflective teacher. We produce qualified teachers who are in high demand both in New Zealand and around the world.

Teachers are influential community members, making a difference to young people and their learning, knowledge and skill acquisition. They play a major role in helping their students develop their independence and success in their lives.

Guide to Applying

School leaver

Begin a rewarding career working in Early Childhood or Primary teaching with a Bachelor of Teaching. Complete your studies in Hamilton, Tauranga or online via distance study. Our Māori medium programme, Te Ara Poutama Toitū Te Reo, will be starting in 2024.

Alternatively, if you're interested in becoming a Secondary teacher, study a bachelor's degree and take papers in the subjects you wish to teach, and then complete a one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching, Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching or Master of Teaching and Learning.

View our qualification

Bachelor of Teaching

Career changer or have a degree already?

If you are considering a change of career and already have an undergraduate degree, study a one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching in Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary teaching. The Graduate Diploma in Teaching combines Professional Education papers with placements in schools or ECE centres.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree, you can complete the three-year Bachelor of Teaching in either Early Childhood or Primary to get your teaching career underway.

We offer a two-year Māori medium teaching qualification, Te Ara Hou Te Ahikāroa, which is delivered online with block courses at our Hamilton campus.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching
Master of Teaching and Learning

*Please note that all of our qualifications are subject to enrolment numbers.