Introduction

Considering teaching in New Zealand but you do not know where to start just because you are not Kiwi? You will be surprised how easy it is to be a teacher in New Zealand.  

New Zealand is a great place for you to turn your love of children into your lifetime career. It is a rewarding path because you can shape young minds from their foundational years to the later stages where you can guide them to a bright future. 

When you study in New Zealand, you can pick up essential knowledge in educational fields like curriculum, culture, values and professional education. The impact of this course extends beyond the classroom, transforming your life in meaningful ways. 

We all know there is always a need for teachers wherever we are. The New Zealand government has taken significant steps to adress this pressing demand. You can stay permanently in New Zealand after graduation with the robust training programs. As teaching occupation is on the Green List, which simplifies the immigration process for qualified teachers, making it easier to get residency.  

 It is estimated that if you study a master’s degree in teaching in New Zealand, you can expect to begin your career with a salary of NZD 64,086. With experience, your salary can rise to as much as NZD 99,216 per year. 

Why study Education (Teaching) in New Zealand?

New Zealand is one of the best places for teaching students as this country provides high quality of education including placement (practicum) in kura (state schools where the teaching is conducted in te reo Māori and is based on Māori culture and values). This extortionary experience is something that can only be found in New Zealand. 

New Zealand has emerged as a premier destination for international students, with all educational institutions meeting global standards. The University of Auckland, for instance, has risen up to 65th place in QS World University ranking in 2024. All the New Zealand universities regularly assessed by the government to ensure the highest educational quality across the board. 

For those seeking work opportunities during and after their studies, New Zealand is an ideal destination. During your studies, you can work up to 20 hours per week, with no restrictions during scheduled breaks. After graduation, you will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa for up to three years. This experience can be a crucial step toward securing residency in New Zealand. 

 

Top Universities & Programs

In the teaching sector, New Zealand offers from bachelor to master’s degree for international who wants to gain your teaching qualification. A year of Graduate Diploma is also included in it.  

University of Auckland  

University of Auckland is the only university in New Zealand that rank in the top 50 in the world for Education as a subject. The university offers:  

Auckland University of Technology  

Entry Requirements

English requirement: 

Generally speaking, English requirement is the main corner for the entry requirement. International students need to have IELTS 7 (no band less than 7) or PTE 65 (no band less than 65) to meet the essential requirement.  

Academic requirement:  

To enrol in Bachelor programs, international students are required to have completed High School qualifications in New Zealand or your home country. The minimum grade required will depend on each university. 

To enrol in Taught Maters programs, you need to have completed a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate diploma from New Zealand or an acceptable equivalent oversea qualification. 

Tuition Fee for Education (Teaching)

School tuition can be varying, please contact us at SOL Edu & Migration for confirmation. 

Career Outcomes

After completing your teaching studies, you can officially start your teaching career following registration. Here are the key steps and requirements:

  1. Registration: After completing your teaching program, you need to register with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
  2. Bilingual Advantage: Being a bilingual speaker is highly beneficial, as New Zealand values multicultural teachers to support its diverse student population.
  3. Assessments: To register as a teacher, you will need to complete two short online assessments:
    • Literacy Assessment: Ensures you have the necessary reading and writing skills.
    • Numeracy Assessment: Ensures you have the essential math skills.

These steps are designed to ensure that all teachers are well-prepared to provide high-quality education in New Zealand. By meeting these requirements, you will be ready to make a significant impact in the classroom and contribute to New Zealand’s vibrant educational community.

Migration Pathway

It is necessary to follow several key steps when relocating to New Zealand as a teacher.  

Step 1: Complete Teaching degree in New Zealand 

Having an IELTS score of 7.0 and a high school graduation or a bachelor’s degree makes you eligible for admissions.  

Step 2: Apply for Post-Study Work visa  

You can apply for a Post-Study Work visa after having completed a teaching qualification in NZ. This visa subclass allows you to stay and work in this country for up to 3 years.  

Step 3: Apply for a Residence Visa 

Option 1: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) 

After having completed a Teaching degree, you can also apply for Accredited Employer Work Visa. This visa allows you to stay and work in New Zealand for five years.  

Because Teaching is on the New Zealand Green List, you can apply for a permanent residency after working for 2 years on the AEWV.  

To learn more about the AEWV visa, visit our website https://www.soledu.net/en/nz-accredited-employer-work-visa/.  

Option 2: Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 

You and your family members can stay, work and in New Zealand infinitely if granted this visa.  

To apply for an SMC visa, you must accumulate at least 6 points, which are awarded based on specific criteria such as qualifications, job offers, and income. 

For more information on SMC visa, visit our website https://www.soledu.net/en/nz-skilled-migrant-resident-visa/.  

FAQs

What are the different levels of teaching qualifications in New Zealand?

  • Bachelor of Education (Teaching): The duration of this course is three-year. After completing this course, you can register to become a teacher in NZ.  
  • Graduate Diploma in Teaching: This is a one-year postgraduate qualification, designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in other fields and now wish to become a teacher at the primary, secondary, or early childhood level. 
  • Master of Teaching and Learning: This is a more advanced option, designed for graduates who wish to specialise in teaching. This course normally last 1- 2 years.

What are the requirements to become a teacher in New Zealand?

To become a teacher in New Zealand, you must meet the following criteria:  

  • Recoginised teaching qualifications: Normally, you must have a Bachelor of Education (Teaching), or a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, or a Master of Teaching.  
  • Teacher Registration: After having completed your recognised degree/s, you must be registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Also, there will be two short online literacy and numeracy assessments as part of registration process.  
  • Character and Health requirements: You need to pass the police check and health test to become a teacher in New Zealand.  
  • Language proficiency: You must obtain at least IELTS overall 7.0 with no band score under 7.0. 

What is salary for a qualified teacher in New Zealand?

According to Seek.com, a qualified teacher in New Zealand can earn from NZL 70,000 to NZL 80,000 annually, depending on their experience.  

Can I work while studying teaching in New Zealand?

Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the study period and unlimited hours during the holiday.