Early Childhood Education Courses in New Zealand

Have you ever thought of becoming like “Miss Rachel?”

If Wheels on the Bus (along with other nursery rhymes) is your jam, and if you don’t mind teaching while some kid tries to eat their crayon…congrats! You’d be just fine teaching early childhood education.

Jokes aside, early childhood teachers play a critical role in honing the literacy and socio-emotional skills of children from birth to 8 years. 

And the bonus part: it’s in the green list in New Zealand, meaning it could increase your chances of getting PR here. 

So, how do you get started?

This course guide has everything you need to know, including expert tips for PR, course applications, and scholarship opportunities. 

Is Early Childhood Teacher on the Green List?

Yes. Registered Early Childhood Teacher (ANZSCO 241111) is a Tier 2 occupation on the Green List.

What does this mean?

After becoming a registered ECE teacher, you need to work in your role for two years. After two years of full-time registered employment, you can apply for residency under the Green List Work to Residence visa.

Need help planning this pathway?

Figuring out registration, visa timing, and course selection can feel overwhelming. That’s where IDP comes in:

• We can help you choose the right course (Bachelor or Grad Dip) that meets the Teaching Council and Green List criteria.

• We support your journey from enrolment to registration, job placement help and PR advice.

We know the requirements are specific, and we’re committed to helping you navigate them clearly and confidently.

There are many different courses you can take if you want to become an early childhood teacher in New Zealand. Each will differ according to your educational background and goals. 

Here are the courses you can choose from: 

Certificate in Early Childhood Education 

Finished Year 12 but not sure about diving into a full degree yet? 

A certification can be your pathway to a bachelor's.

Key Facts

• NZQF Level: 4

• A good stepping stone if you’re not quite ready for a bachelor’s

• Does not qualify you to become a registered early childhood teacher

Course Duration

• 6 months to 1 year (full-time)

Delivery Mode

• On-campus or blended

Diploma in Early Childhood Education 

Not sure if a short certificate is enough? The diploma goes deeper than the certificate in both theory and practical training. 

Key Facts

• NZQF Level: 5 or 6

• A deeper dive than the certificate, with more hands-on training

• Still not enough on its own for teacher registration, but a solid path to a degree

Course Duration

• 1 to 2 years (full-time)

Delivery Mode

• On-campus or blended

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Finished Year 13 and ready to go all-in? 

This degree is perfect if you know early childhood teaching is your goal and you want a direct path to registration and work in NZ.

Key Facts

• NZQF Level: 7

• Leads to teacher registration in New Zealand

• Recognised for Green List teaching roles

Course Duration

• 3 years (full-time)

Delivery Mode

• On-campus or online (with placements)

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Already have a bachelor’s degree in another field but want to switch to teaching young children? 

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) can help you become a registered early childhood teacher without starting a full degree from scratch. It's perfect for you if you’ve studied something else but discovered your passion lies in early childhood education.

Key Facts

• NZQF Level: 7

• Designed for those who already have a bachelor’s in another subject

• Leads to teacher registration

Course Duration

• 1 year (full-time)

Delivery Mode

• On-campus or online (with in-person teaching placements)

Master of Education (Early Childhood Education)

If you’re already working in early childhood or have a relevant degree and want to build expertise beyond teaching, this is for you. 

It’s ideal if you want to move into management, research, or influence early childhood education on a wider scale.

Key Facts

• NZQF Level: 9

• Advanced study focused on leadership, research, and policy in early childhood education

• Does not lead to teacher registration but strengthens expertise and career growth

Course Duration

• 1 to 2 years (full-time or part-time)

Delivery Mode

• Often available online or blended (varies by provider)

Wondering where you can study ECE in NZ?

Whatever your goals and preferences are, you have many options!

You can study ECE in top-ranked universities or specialist institutions in NZ.  Most of them offer strong support for international students.

Need more information about an ECE course in any of these institutions?

Why not ask an expert?

Our IDP counsellors work closely with top institutions in New Zealand. Whatever information you need, from course entry requirements to tuition fees, we'll provide you with the latest and credible information.

The cost of studying Early Childhood Education (ECE) in New Zealand can vary depending on the course level and institution. Here’s a quick look at some estimated tuition fees for 2025:

University of Auckland

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies – NZ$38,568

• Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) – NZ$40,209

• Master of Education – NZ$41,594

Massey University

• Bachelor of Arts in Education – NZ$32,280

• Graduate Diploma – NZ$32,280

Victoria University of Wellington

• Bachelor’s Degree (ECE) – NZ$33,400

These rates don’t show the full picture

Each university has its own set of additional charges. 

For example, some courses may include extra fees for materials, software, field trips, or contact workshops. Even student service fees vary depending on how many credits you take.

That’s why speaking with an IDP counsellor is the smartest way to get clarity.

We can break down the full cost of your preferred course and help you compare different universities based on your budget and goals.  

We know that studying in New Zealand may not always be financially easy. But that shouldn’t stop you from achieving your dreams, so we help you figure out the best and cost-efficient solutions based on your budget. 

Talk to an IDP counsellor today and get a transparent course cost breakdown.

Looking for scholarships? We’ll help you find the right one

Aside from finding affordable course options, our education experts can also match you with scholarships! 

Our expert counsellors can help you find scholarships that actually fit your background and goals, not just ones for the top 1% of students.  

You can also browse over 5,000 scholarships from 370+ top institutions, including in New Zealand, in our Find a Scholarship feature.

And if you’re applying for an ECE course, we can even match you with ECE-specific scholarships offered by leading NZ universities, including options that cover full tuition, living costs, or partial funding.

The best part? We’ll guide you through the entire process — from identifying what you qualify for to preparing the documents, applications, and even interviews.

Find a scholarship

To apply for a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in New Zealand, most universities require you to meet the following:

1. Academic Qualifications

• You must meet University Entrance (UE) or an equivalent secondary school qualification.

• Some institutions also require a minimum rank score or GPA if applying from another tertiary institution.

• Certain programmes may ask for subject-specific credits or previous study in related areas.

2. English Language Proficiency

• If English is not your first language, you must show proof of English language ability.

• Most universities accept:

  • IELTS (Academic): Overall 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5 (minimum)

3. Character and Suitability Checks

• You must be of good character and demonstrate the ability to meet the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Code of Professional Responsibility.

• This usually includes:

  • A criminal conviction check

  • A possible interview or referee reports

4. Other Requirements (May Vary by Institution)

• Some programmes may require a portfolio, written statement, or attendance at an interview.

• You may also need to meet fitness to teach or health requirements.

Not all entry requirements are the same for every student

Your entry pathway depends entirely on your background.

Did you finish high school in your home country? Did you study in New Zealand? Are you transferring from a different university?

At IDP, we help students understand exactly what requirements apply to their situation.

• If you finished high school overseas, we can check the entry criteria for your specific country, including grade requirements, accepted qualifications, and whether you need to take a foundation course.

• If you completed NCEA or studied in NZ, we’ll help you navigate things like UE, rank scores, and subject-specific requirements.

• If you’ve done some tertiary study, we can look into your GPA, transfer credits, or whether you need to apply through a different admission route.

Entry requirements aren’t always straightforward. Guessing your entry requirements or submitting the wrong ones can delay your application.

Talk to our IDP counsellors for free.

They will help you figure out the entry requirements for your specific situation. 

Check my entry requirements

After finishing an early childhood education course in New Zealand, you can work as:

• Early Childhood (Kindergarten or Preschool) Teacher

• Home-Based Educator

• Centre Manager or Team Leader

• Education Support Worker

Are ECE graduates eligible for a Post‑Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

Yes. ECE graduates can apply for a PSWV. 

• If you finish a Bachelor’s in ECE, you’re eligible for an open PSWV (up to 3 years) and can work in any field.

• If you finish a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE), you also qualify, but must work in ECE teaching roles.

If you’re planning to build a future in New Zealand, studying Early Childhood Education (ECE) can be a strong step toward permanent residency.

ECE Teachers on the Green List

Early childhood teachers are listed on New Zealand’s Green List, meaning they are in long-term demand across the country. This makes them eligible for fast-tracked residence under the Green List, Work to Residence pathway.

Post-Study Work Visa Options

If you complete a Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree) or higher qualification in ECE from a New Zealand provider, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa. This lets you stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years, giving you time to gain experience and move toward skilled migration.

Skilled Residence Pathways

Once you secure a full-time role as a qualified ECE teacher, you may be able to apply for residency through:

• The Skilled Migrant Category

• Or the Green List Straight to Residence route (if all criteria are met)

Having local qualifications and teaching experience gives you a competitive edge when applying.

Teaching Council Registration

To work as an ECE teacher in New Zealand, you must gain provisional registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Your Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) meets the academic requirements to begin this process.

Need help planning your PR pathway through ECE?

Our migration experts at IDP can guide you through your study and visa options — from choosing the right qualification to understanding how it aligns with future residency. Let’s plan your next step together.