NZ Recommend Majors
School of Education
School of Education
School teachers in New Zealand are generally categorized into Primary school teachers and Secondary school teachers, where primary school teachers work in Primary Schools or Intermediate Schools to teach a wide range of general subjects—including English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Technology, and Sports—while playing a crucial role in motivating students toward academic success based on a deep understanding of New Zealand’s diverse cultural landscape. On the other hand, unlike primary teachers who cover a broad spectrum of subjects, secondary school teachers focus intensively on teaching just one or two specific subject areas and are typically employed at colleges (high schools).
Graduation Pathways
Primary School Teacher
You can apply for primary and intermediate school teaching positions after completing a 3-year Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) degree and registering with the Teaching Council. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you can qualify for Teaching Council registration by completing a 1-year Graduate Diploma or Master’s program.
Secondary School Teacher
Unlike primary school teachers, you cannot obtain a secondary teaching qualification with a Bachelor of Teaching degree alone. You must complete a Graduate Diploma or Master’s program after earning your bachelor’s degree. Your undergraduate major must align with the secondary school curriculum. Since specific papers and credits are required for each major, students aiming to become teachers must carefully select their undergraduate courses and maintain good grades.
University of Auckland
AUT
Massey University
University of Canterbury
University of Waikato
Victoria University of Wellington
University of Otago
NZ Education & Graduation Pathways
※ Partner work visa and child tuition benefits are available during the study and PSWV periods.
Bachelor of Teaching – 3 Years
- IELTS overall 7.0 (with no band lower than 7.0)
- 3-year Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
- Teaching Council registration eligibility
- Primary / Secondary school teacher
Graduate Diploma in Teaching – 1Years
- IELTS overall 7.0 (with no band lower than 7.0)
- 1-year PSWV (An additional 2 years granted upon Teaching Council registration, totaling 3 years)
- Teaching Council registration eligibility
- Primary / Secondary school teacher
AUT
University of Canterbury
University of Waikato
Victoria University of Wellington
University of Otago
NZ Education & Graduation Pathways
※ Partner work visa and child tuition benefits are available during the study and PSWV periods.
Master of Teaching – 1Years
- IELTS overall 7.0 (with no band lower than 7.0)
- 3-year Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
- Teaching Council registration eligibility
- Primary / Secondary school teacher
Career Pathways After Graduation
Unlike South Korea, where the teaching profession is highly competitive due to an oversupply of aspiring teachers, New Zealand faces a significant shortage of educators. In particular, there is a critical demand for teachers in STEM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This makes teaching an excellent pathway for those looking to immigrate to New Zealand.
