Current Status

Due to Covid 19, it has been difficult for students and overseas trained teachers to apply for a student visa and enroll in a teaching programme or apply to the Teaching Council of New Zealand. We will update this page as soon as we have more updates on visa processing start dates.

Teachers (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary) are in the Regional Skill Shortage List (RSSL) in all regions in New Zealand. If a profession is listed in the RSSL, the employer is not required to provide proof that there were no New Zealanders available to fill the position.

Requirements

The required standard for an application are:

  • An NZ registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand; and
  • A provisional practising certificate; and
  • Minimum of two years’ relevant post-qualification work experience.

Note: The NZ registration and practicing certificate can be gained based on successful completion of the teaching degree such as Graduate Diploma in Teaching.

Immigration

Three teaching roles – early childhood, primary and secondary school teachers – have been added to all regions on the Regional Skill Shortage List. Adding these vital education sector positions to the lists will help us support the education sector, which is experiencing a teacher shortage.
Immigration New Zealand

The New Zealand Immigration link below explains the pathway to work in New Zealand for Teachers (Pre-Primary/Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary) in greater detail.

https://skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/early-childhood-pre-primary-school-teacher/

https://skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/primary-school-teacher/

https://skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/secondary-school-teacher/

Teaching Council New Zealand

Information about gaining a provisional practising certificate as well as an overview of teaching in New Zealand can be found via the link below.

https://teachingcouncil.nz/getting-certificated/for-overseas-trained-teachers/moving-to-teach-in-new-zealand/

Qualification and Experience

If you have a Bachelor in Education degree (B.Ed) in India with experience as a teacher or have just completed your B.Ed and aspire to teach in India, you can contact us to discuss a relevant study program for you in teaching. The Graduate Diploma in teaching qualification is a one year program.

How much does a primary school teacher earn in New Zealand?

  • New primary school teachers usually earn between 48000-52000 NZD per year in New Zealand.
  • Primary school teachers with experience between 2-6 years earn between 52000-75000 NZD usually in New Zealand.
  • Teachers with more than 6 years of experience in teaching earn between 71000-80000 NZD per year in New Zealand.
  • Primary school teachers may receive extra pay for managerial responsibilities, or receive other allowances under their collective agreement.

Ref: Careers NZ website

Demand: The demand for primary school teachers is very good in New Zealand.

How much does a secondary school teacher earn in New Zealand?

  • New secondary school teachers usually earn between 52000-57000 NZD per year in New Zealand.
  • Secondary school teachers with experience between 2-5 years earn between 58000-71000 NZD usually in New Zealand.
  • Secondary school teachers with more than 5 years of experience in teaching earn between 71000-80000 NZD per year in New Zealand.
  • Secondary school teachers may receive extra pay for managerial responsibilities, or receive other allowances under their collective agreement.

Ref: Careers NZ website

Demand: The demand for secondary school teachers is very good in New Zealand.

How much does an early childhood teacher earn in New Zealand?

  • Early childhood teachers usually earn between 45000-71000 NZD per year in New Zealand.
  • Senior early childhood teachers running early childhood centre or services earn between 74000-98000 NZD usually in New Zealand.

Ref: Careers NZ website

Demand: The demand for secondary school teachers is very good in New Zealand.

Who should study teaching in New Zealand?

Study Programme:

  • The Graduate Diploma in teaching is a 1 year programme which gets you the skills and knowledge required to start as a primary school teacher in New Zealand.
  • The Graduate Diploma in teaching programme includes 2 teaching experiences in the course for 7 weeks each to gain experience of teaching in schools in New Zealand.
  • The Graduate Diploma in teaching can be done by anyone who has a bachelor’s degree. Subjects in demand are mathematics and statistics, science, art & technology, social science, performing arts, PE and health.
  • The fee for international students is NZD 34,700 approximately and an education loan can be availed in India with HDFC Credila for the programme.
  • Living expenses per year are around NZD 15,000 approximately.
  • Requirements also include Police clearance certificate, 2 professional references and a selection meeting with the University staff.
  • English language ability requirement is 7.5 overall academic.
  • NZQA Assessment of overseas qualification.

It is a good option to study the Grad Dip in teaching in New Zealand if you have a Bachelor or Master’s degree with specialization in 1-2 subjects. Watch the video on how does teaching look like in New Zealand. https://vimeo.com/306204189

Credits: Teach in New Zealand website

Visa options after completion of the programme

Once you have successfully completed your programme as a student visa holder, you may qualify for a post study work visa as Graduate Diploma in teaching is a Level 7 qualification. You may then have potential visa options for essential skills visa or may qualify for a skilled migrant residence visa. To qualify for a residence visa under the skilled migrant category, you need 160 points currently.

Our team

Our team which is led by Aparna Prakash, a secondary school teacher herself, is best suited to assist you with the process of migrating to New Zealand to teach at all levels.
If you are interested, please fill out the inquiry form so one of our team members can contact you.